Question:My car failed an emissions test. Now what?
Answer:You try to figure out why it failed the test,
get the problem fixed and then try to pass the test again. This
may or may not be an ordeal depending on what's wrong with your
engine, how easily the problem is to diagnose and repair, and
whether or not you flunk a retest.
The worst case scenario is spending a lot of money on repairs
only to find that they didn't solve your emissions problem. You
bounce back and forth between the repair facility and test station,
wasting time and money all the while cursing the incompetent mechanics
who tried to fix your car and the bureaucrats who created the
clean air emissions testing program.
But in states or municipalities where periodic emissions testing
is required, you cannot get your vehicle registration or emissions
compliance sticker unless you either pass the test or meet the
"waiver" requirements.
A "waiver" is a kind of loophole that allows some
vehicles to get past an emissions test even when they can't meet
the applicable emission requirements. Some would argue this isn't
fair to those whose vehicles meet the requirements and pass the
test, but nobody said emissions testing was fair.
Waivers were created by politicians who recognized the fact
that many people (voters) can't afford to pay for all the repairs
that might be required to pass an emissions test. So credit is
given for a good faith effort and for spending a fixed dollar
amount on repairs. Once you've spent up to the limit, you get
an automatic pass.
Waiver limits vary from one state to another, and some vary
by the model year of vehicle. Waiver limits typically range from
up to , but may be as much as on new vehicles in
some states). So if you don't know what the applicable waiver
limit is on your vehicle, ask. Unless you're a real zealot about
clean air, there's no legal reason to spend a dime more than the
waiver limit on emission repairs.
HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR ODDS OF PASSING AN EMISSIONS TEST
The best way to improve the odds of passing an emissions test
is to maintain your vehicle. A well-maintained engine is usually
a clean engine as far as emissions are concerned.
Changing the spark plugs, air filter, fuel filter, PCV valve
and oil regularly (or just before an emissions test), checking
ignition timing and adjusting the carburetor (if you have an older
vehicle) can reduce emissions and greatly improve your chance
of passing.
Also, filling up your fuel tank with gasoline that contains
10% ethanol alcohol (many premium grade fuels use alcohol as an
octane booster) may help lower your emissions even more. Many
areas now have "reformulated" gasoline that contains
alcohol or MBTE that adds oxygen to the fuel to reduce carbon
monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions.
Just before the test, make sure your vehicle is at normal
operating temperature. Take it out for a short spin down the
expressway. This will heat up the oxygen sensor and catalytic
converter to minimize emissions.
