United Tire and Service News

Most people residing in a state where emissions testing is mandatory have a vague idea of an inspection’s purpose. They’re less clear on exactly what happens during an inspection. How is testing managed, and what are the technicians looking for? What can you do if you fail an emissions test, and how can you increase your chances of passing? Here’s a closer look at everything you need to know.

 

In 1966, California became the first state to begin emissions testing as part of a larger effort to cut back on smog and the issues it causes. The vehicles we citizens count on to get us around contribute drastically to global warming, accounting for up to a fifth of all emissions. Some of those emissions come from the fuel extraction and delivery process within the vehicle’s engine, but most of them enter the atmosphere through its tailpipe.

 

Modern emissions inspections consist of two different tests—an OBD (on-board diagnostics) inspection and an exhaust analysis. The OBD test evaluates the function of your car’s catalytic converter, engine, transmission, and fuel system. The exhaust analysis evaluates and measures individual car emissions such as oxygen, nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbon.

 

When you arrive for your state vehicle inspection, a technician hooks your vehicle up to a computer system for an OBD test. He’ll check for evaporative car emissions, as well as basic emissions within the exhaust. He’ll also evaluate how well your car’s engine control module (ECM) meets the going standards for its make and model.

 

Next comes the exhaust gas analysis. The technicians will prepare your vehicle for analysis by fitting its tailpipe with an exhaust line gas analyzer. Some analyzers only test for carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon, carbon dioxide, and oxygen. Others test for all of those plus nitrogen oxide. If you’re having a diesel vehicle tested, a diesel exhaust analyzer will be used to measure soot in addition to gas emissions.

 

Once both tests are complete, your vehicle will either pass or fail the inspection based on the combined results.

 

Currently, 32 different states require each vehicle to pass an emissions inspection before they grant a registration. However, the exact requirements involved can vary drastically from state to state, so be sure to stay current on the regulations where you live. Factors like a vehicle’s age and fuel type can affect requirements as well, so make sure you’re aware of how the rules may apply to your car.

 

Most vehicles are required to undergo and pass an inspection every couple of years as a routine part of the registration renewal process. If you fail an emissions test, you typically have a specific number of days to correct any issues detected and have the vehicle retested. If it still fails at that point, the state will likely refuse to issue a registration. There is no one reason why a specific car might fail. However, possibilities include air injection system issues, problems with the fuel injector, ignition system errors, or a malfunctioning oxygen sensor.

 

Staying on top of recommended routine maintenance and taking good care of your vehicle, in general, to prevent the development of issues in the first place is also a wise idea. To schedule your next maintenance appointment, call your local United Tire or schedule an appointment online.