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As the U.S. leans more towards eliminating pollutants in production and manufacturing industries, the government has had to take a serious look at which areas contribute the most to pollution. Towards the top of the list of pollutants is also one of the most important possessions that humans can own: a vehicle.
Personal cars, company fleets, truck drivers, and public transportation vehicles are all vital to everyday life for many Americans. Unfortunately, vehicles that are not regulated can emit a whole lot of harmful gasses and contaminants into the air.
State governments have tried several methods to reduce toxic release, one of which being to require vehicle owners to bring their vehicle in for an emissions test. An emissions test is a series of inspections that determines whether or not your vehicle is releasing an excessive amount of pollutants into the atmosphere.
The DMV requires that almost all vehicles pass an emissions test in order to be registered, meaning if your vehicle doesn't pass, you can't get or renew the license plate. Some states don’t require emissions testing for vehicles made before a certain date while some counties don’t require a test at all.
Before you can register your vehicle, you will need to make any repairs on your vehicle that may have led to the failed test. What usually happens is an inspector will give your vehicle a point-by-point test of the emissions system. After the test is completed, the inspector will let you know if your vehicle passed or if it failed and a general explanation of which repairs will allow it to pass.
Whether you question the accuracy of the test or just want to save time by avoiding a failure in the first place, you will want to read on to learn some of the most common reasons for an emissions test failure.
The EPA and other regulatory bodies support the accuracy of emissions testing as an effective way to manage the pollutants that are released into the atmosphere from the exhaust system of vehicles. There are two common emissions tests that are currently used: the OBD (On-Board Diagnostic) check and the I/M240 dynamometer test.
The I/M240 test is only used on vehicles that were manufactured between 1981 and 1995 and uses some very thorough testing dynamics. Through the use of a dynamometer that simulates driving on road conditions, the exhaust gasses are captured from the vehicle and then analyzed to determine whether the car passes or fails.
The OBD check is only used on vehicles from 1996 to the current date. This test draws data directly from the vehicle's OBD system to measure all emissions equipment for proper working condition.
Trying to diagnose and correct your vehicle on your own could end up nickel-and-diming you as you try to get your vehicle to pass the test. You can save yourself a lot of time and potentially a lot of money if you get your vehicle into a respected shop from the get-go.
Huron Automotive, serving the Green Bay, WI area, will inspect your car and be completely honest and transparent of our findings. We believe car care should be hassle-free and always affordable. Contact us today to schedule an appointment to speak with our staff.
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