Aiming for a cleaner environment is a team sport. The more people involved, the better! That’s why a lot of states now require a vehicle emissions test to decrease air pollution. Heaths Auto is here to help you.
Answers to the top 3 questions regarding emissions testing
What is an emissions test?
Often called a smog check, emissions testing gauges the level of pollutants — comprising hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, oxygen, and nitrogen oxides— present in vehicle exhaust.
Does my vehicle need an emissions test?
Most likely yes. Thirty-plus states now require some degree of testing on vehicles that are registered. If you’re unsure of what’s presently required where you live, get a hold of your state’s environmental bureau for accurate, current information.
How long is an emissions test going to take?
Emissions usually take between fifteen to thirty minutes. Because there is no customary federal test — each state and jurisdiction can establish their own requirements — the timing can differ. Ultimately, more requirements are going to take more time.
Now that “What is an emissions test?” has been answered, you can start to prepare.
Go online or call ahead to verify the hours that emissions testing is carried out and make an appointment if you need to.
Bring the appropriate paperwork with you when you leave for your emissions test. Whereas different states are going to have different requirements, the following is what you usually need:
Your vehicle registration
Your renewal notice, which you might have received through mail, or by email
Make sure to verify with your state’s environmental bureau for a present list of required documents prior to you going.
Emissions Testing
A lot of vehicles (model year 1996 and newer) come with an OBD port, typically found near or under the steering column. A trained technician is going to attach a diagnostic device to the OBD port to establish if there are any DTCs.
When your vehicle is older, or if for some reason the OBD is not ready for a test, a tailpipe emissions test is going to be carried out.
Your vehicle’s emission system is going to be visually checked, also. Intended to oversee exhaust and pollutants, the emission system can decrease the noxious gases that escape into the air. However, to carry out this vital function, it has to be operating correctly. Like other vehicle systems — like the brakes and the battery— the emission system takes on wear-and-tear with each mile you drive. Therefore, beyond its duty in the emissions test, this visual glance can help keep you operating efficiently and cleanly by spotting small problems before they become major ones. This is why the answer to “Do I need an emissions test?” is most likely always will be “yes.”
Pass Or Fail
Those are the only two results of emissions tests. If you pass, perfect! You are going to receive a certification — typically good for 90 days — that you can present when renewing your vehicle’s registration.
However, what if your vehicle fails? Obviously, that’s not what anyone wants to hear. Therefore, if your vehicle fails, you can depend on an ASE certified technician to explain what the issue is and how to rectify it. When you have questions regarding the test results, you are urged to ask. Don’t worry, no work is going to be carried out on your vehicle without your consent.
Heath’s Auto Service In Prescott, AZ
At Heath’s Auto Service, we take pride in being your one-stop destination for full-service auto and truck repair in Prescott, AZ. Our team of skilled technicians possesses a wealth of experience and knowledge, allowing us to confidently handle domestic, Asian, and European vehicles with precision and expertise. Contact our team today!