What type of inspection is often performed alongside emissions tests?

The correct choice indicates that a safety inspection is often performed alongside emissions tests. This is important because both inspections aim to ensure that vehicles operate safely and meet environmental regulations. Safety inspections focus on the vehicle’s crucial functioning components—such as brakes, lights, tires, and steering—that are vital for safe operation on public roads.

Conducting a safety inspection in conjunction with emissions testing has practical benefits; it allows a comprehensive evaluation of a vehicle's overall condition. If a vehicle fails an emissions test, the owner is often required to repair issues which may also enhance its safety at the same time, making the process more efficient.

The other types of inspections listed do not typically account for the combined need as emissions and safety tests. For example, while performance inspections could assess a vehicle's operational capabilities, they do not directly relate to emissions standards. Similarly, cosmetic inspections focus on the vehicle's appearance, which is not connected to either safety or emissions concerns. An engine inspection, while relevant to emissions, does not cover the broader safety aspects that are imperative for roadworthiness.