Failing the emissions test can feel like a disappointment, but what you might not know is that it happens more often than you think. All vehicles in the U.S are required to go through inspection and emissions testing to make sure they are safe for the environment.
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1. What Is A Car Emission Test?
2. Reasons Your Car Might Fail Emissions
3. Bad EVAP System
4. Can I Avoid Failing An Emissions Test?
5. AAMCO Can Help!
6. More From Our Blog
What Is A Car Emission Test?
Emission tests are aimed to make sure that the level of toxic gases that are produced by automobiles on our roads do not exceed specified limits. The emission test measures the number of tailpipe emissions from your vehicle’s engine, to verify that the car indeed meets the stipulations that resist emissions of specific pollutants.
The test measures the level of nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, non-methane organic gases, particulate matter, and formaldehyde. In case your vehicle fails the emissions test, you will not be able to legally register it on American roads before the issue is resolved.
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Reasons Your Car Might Fail Emissions
If for one reason or another, your car or truck has failed an emissions test, it can be quite devastating. After failing an emissions test, you are required by law to visit a professional mechanic such as one from AAMCO Colorado, to perform the necessary repairs.
Fortunately for you, some of the reasons why your vehicle might fail an emissions test are quite inexpensive to fix.
You Have A Loose Gas Cap
Seems pretty obvious, but it could cause you to fail your emissions test. Before an emissions test, make sure that your gas cap is tightly fitted. If not, tighten it. During an emissions test, your gas cap is one of the things that is often checked to ensure that you don’t fail unnecessarily. You could still fail the test even if it is tightly fitted but leaking. Therefore, if you have a gas leak, replace it with one that seals the tank.
Faulty Oxygen Sensor
In case your oxygen sensor has a malfunction, it could lead to inaccurate readings on your exhaust leading to issues such as losing power, overheating, and poor acceleration. This will lead to an increase of toxicity in your emissions, which will make you fail the emissions test.
Bad EVAP System
The EVAP is also known as the Evaporative Emissions Control System. It works by preventing gasoline from escaping your car, truck, or SUV. This system malfunctions if there is a leak in your vehicle’s fuel line system, cracked or broken gas cap or loose vacuum hoses.
Rich Fuel Mixture
During the emission test, if it is discovered that there are high levels of carbon monoxide, which usually occurs when your vehicle is burning excessive amounts of fuel, it may cause you to fail your emissions test. There are several reasons this might happen, but the most common reason is due to a faulty oxygen sensor, MAF sensor, or leaking fuel injectors.
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Can I Avoid Failing An Emissions Test?
Certainly! Every effort you make towards preparing your car for an emissions test is worthwhile, especially if you want to keep your vehicle road-legal. Since most of these issues arise from maintenance, it’s only safe if you properly maintain your vehicle, performing the essential maintenance tasks regularly.
Regular maintenance service will also give your mechanic the chance to spot potential problems early, keeping your vehicle running smoothly always. Before taking your vehicle for an inspection, our experts at AAMCO Colorado recommend visiting a reputable auto care center such as AAMCO Colorado.
AAMCO Colorado: Helping You Pass Car Emissions With Our Repairs
We also offer other auto care services, including engine tune-up service, regular maintenance service, suspension system service, brake system service, and maintenance, factory recommended service, and many more.
Are you unsure if your car is capable of passing car emissions testing? Call us today or check-in at your local AAMCO Colorado auto care center. Our technicians will inspect your vehicle and advise you on car emission repairs you need.
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