Working Class Hero

Application - please read program requirements

Check here to see how you can help.

Social Services Agencies, check here for more info.

This program is designed to aid people with maintaining their vehicle to the Safety Inspection and Emissions standards of Pennsylvania. Participants in this program will have repair work necessary to meet these standards completed at no cost**. The participant is only required to pay the shop inspection fees for both the safety and emission inspections (see details below for restrictions). Also, this is not a once and done procedure. Once you are approved for the program, you are encouraged to come back the following years for your inspection, no need to reapply. We will also be happy to help you with your vehicle maintenance throughout the year within the guidelines of this program.

Work completed under this program will be limited to items required for PA Safety Inspection and Emissions requirements as stated in Publications 45 (Vehicle Equipment and Inspection Regulations). A partial list of items included under this program includes suspension components, steering, braking systems, tires and wheels, lighting and electrical systems, exhaust systems, and the chassis.

Some things that are NOT included are transmission problems, oil changes, charging issues, no start conditions, rough running engine, problems with power windows and heater or AC issues.

**This program is intended to keep up on typical wear items on the car that are needed for inspection. Where an item needs to be replaced due to collision damage, Good Karma Garage will only cover the cost of the part. The labor to install the part is the responsibility of the vehicle owner. The labor will be charged at a reduced rate.

**Parts for luxury brand vehicles may not be fully covered under this program. Due to the cost of the parts and the complexity of the replacement work, the vehicle owner may be asked to pay for a portion of the repair.

To be fair to all participants and to best utilize our resources, any other work items will not be included in this program but may be completed at an additional cost to the participant. Repair of items such as heating and air conditioning system, engine tune-ups, fluid changes, audio systems, and performance enhancements must be specifically requested by the participant and are subject to additional costs at the current garage labor rate.

Qualifications For The Program

  • Applicant must be a legal resident of PA

  • Vehicle must be under a current registration in PA

  • Vehicle must be registered to the program applicant

  • Vehicle must be the primary means of transportation for the applicant

  • Applicant must demonstrate financial need

  • Applicant must provide most recent federal tax return or proof of income

  • Applicant must provide a referral letter from a church, social services organization, veterans affairs, or similar non-profit organization confirming financial need

  • If it is determined that an Emissions Waiver is the most cost effective remedy for the check engine light, you will be required to pay at least $450 towards the repair. PennDOT rule, not ours.

  • The condition of the vehicle must be such that it is economically practical to affect the necessary repairs as determined by the program administrator

  • Note: luxury car brands or damage due to collision may not be fully covered as noted in the program guidelines.

Contact us if you need our services or know someone who would benefit from what we do.

NOTICE: We hate to do this, but due to the number of people needing our services and the increased number of no-shows for appointments, if you do not show up for two appointments, we will have to refer you to a different garage. If something comes up and you can’t make an appointment, please call. Not showing up takes a spot away from someone that needs the work.

How It Works

  • Complete the online application.

  • You will receive an email indicating we received the application and letting you know we need to get your tax information and referral letter.

  • Once we receive that information, Good Karma Garage will call you to schedule an appointment for inspection.

  • On the date of your inspection, please have your insurance and registration available for us.

  • You will be responsible for the cost of the inspection. Within the program guidelines, work needed to meet the inspection standards will be completed by Good Karma Garage at no cost to you.

  • Your vehicle now meets PA Safety and Emission standards for the next 12 months. Remember your maintenance.

  • Once in our assistance program, you should continue to bring your vehicle to us for annual inspections. No need to reapply each year.