The following tips will help your car pass its inspection, and at the same time help the environment!
Regular maintenance
Change your oil and filters as recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer (usually every 3 months or 3,000 miles) to help your vehicle operate efficiently and increase its odds of passing the emission test. It is also important to use the type of oil and fuel recommended by the manufacturer for best performance.
Watch for leaks
Low fluid levels can affect the efficiency and performance of your vehicle, which can cause a test failure.
Gas cap required
State regulations require that your gas cap is in place and is of the correct type for your vehicle to avoid excess evaporative emissions. This is important, as not only can a properly fitting cap save you money at the pump, but too much evaporative emissions can trigger your vehicle’s check engine light and produce a test failure.
Watch for warning lights
For vehicles model year 1996 and newer, the same “On Board Diagnostics” system in your vehicle that triggers the warning light is the same system that reports its information to our inspection station’s computer determining if your vehicle meets state requirements, so if your vehicle’s computer is triggering a “Check Engine” light, it may not pass the inspection.
New or disconnected battery?
If your battery is disconnected, or if it died and needed a jump start, your vehicle’s computer system resets itself and would fail due to a lack of data even if your vehicle is operating properly. Driving between 100 – 150 miles (consult your vehicle’s manual for an exact number) before coming in for your inspection will make sure your vehicle has gathered enough information for its test
Take notice of warning signs
Road-weary vehicles can start to show signs of a faulty emissions system, including difficulty starting or staying running at idle, jumping or shaking at higher speeds, and misfires. Taking your vehicle to a certified repair shop as soon as you notice a worsening trend can catch problems before they escalate into a more major repair or test failure.
Recent Comments