Make sure the “Check Engine” light is off There are just a couple of things you’ll need to check before heading to the emissions station. You’re in luck if your location only requires an OBD test. There are two basic types of emission test: tailpipe and onboard diagnostics (OBD II).
An outline of the service schedule is located in your owner’s manual. So, before you visit the emissions station, be sure your car is up-to-date on routine service. The schedule includes procedures such as fluid changes, filter replacements, and tune-ups-all of which can affect the results of an emissions test. Make sure your car is up-to-date on routine serviceįollowing the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule helps keep your vehicle running at its best. Doing so will help ensure both the engine and catalytic converter are at the optimum temperature for testing. You should also schedule an appointment with the testing center so that you can be accommodated while your engine is still warm. Warm up your engineīefore getting your car tested, drive for at least 20 minutes to warm it up. While these measures won’t guarantee your car will pass, they will give you a leg up on test day. If a tailpipe test is required where you live, there are a few steps you can take to ensure a favorable outcome. Therefore, each has a distinct set of preventative measures you should take before test day. The requirements for passing a tailpipe test are different from those for passing an OBD test. Tips & Tricks for Passing an Emissions Test Additional items, such as the gas cap, may be inspected as well. During the inspection, the technician checks to be sure the car’s emissions equipment is intact. It’s also worth noting that, in many cases, a visual inspection is part of the emissions test (both tailpipe and OBD). Many locations also check levels of the pollutant oxides of nitrogen (NOx). The analyzer measures the levels of hydrocarbons (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO), both of which are pollutants, as well as harmless carbon dioxide (CO2) and oxygen. OBD tests are only performed on model year 1996 and newer vehicles.Ī tailpipe test, on the other hand, requires inserting an exhaust gas analyzer into the car’s tailpipe. That allows the smemissog technician to communicate with the onboard computer to ensure it isn’t flagging any emissions-related problems. With an OBD test, a scan tool is plugged into the vehicle’s diagnostic port. Which one your car must undergo depends on the requirements in your area, as well as the age of your vehicle. There are two basic types of emissions tests: tailpipe and onboard diagnostics (OBD II). Emission testing, or smog check, ensures your car meets the emission standards set by the EPA and the government.