HOW WE TEST

Depending on the model year of your vehicle, Automotive Solutions uses different types of emissions tests. All vehicles receive a Gas Cap Pressure Check, which tests to see if a vehicle's gas cap is effectively keeping fuel vapor from escaping. Fuel evaporation is a major cause of ground level smog and a properly functioning gas cap improves gas mileage by preventing fuel waste.

The Second Generation On-Board Diagnostics (OBD II) Test is the most common test procedure and is used to test model year 1996 or newer vehicles. During this simple test, data is downloaded from the vehicle's on-board computer to check for emissions equipment malfunctions. An OBD scanner is attached to a connector typically located under the vehicle's dashboard.

The Inspection and Maintenance (I/M 93) Test is used to test model year 1981 through 1995 or newer vehicles. During this test, an inspector drives the vehicle on a treadmill device called a dynamometer. The test simulates driving on a road. While driving, the vehicle's tailpipe emissions are captured and analyzed to evaluate the effectiveness of the vehicle's emissions control equipment. It is important that a vehicle subject to this type of test has an exhaust system that is intact and leak free. The vehicle also needs properly functioning brakes and should not have any major fluid leaks.

The Single Idle Speed (BAR 90) Test is used to test 1976 to 1980 model year vehicles. A metal probe is inserted into the vehicle's tailpipe while the vehicle idles to sample the exhaust stream. At the same time, a sensor is placed on the hood of the vehicle to measure the engine speed. The probe measures the vehicle's emissions and they are analyzed to determine whether or not the vehicle's emission control equipment is working properly. The vehicle's exhaust system must be intact and leak free.

WHY WE TEST

Motor vehicle manufacturers are required to meet increasingly stringent pollution control standards. Vehicles that are not properly maintained or that have malfunctioning emission control systems often exceed these standards. Vehicle emissions testing is designed to identify such vehicles in order to make necessary repairs to reduce emissions below the applicable pollution control standards. Just over 17% of the vehicles tested fail the initial vehicle emissions inspection. Identifying and repairing these vehicles has reduced ozone precursor emissions by more than 4,000 pounds per summer day. These repairs also improve the vehicle's performance and fuel economy.

The vehicle inspection and maintenance program is a requirement of the 1990 federal Clean Air Act Amendments, and is part of the overall plan to improve air quality by reducing hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides in Lake and Porter counties. Emission testing improves air quality by ensuring emission controls are working properly. 

TESTING TIPS

Model years 1976 – 1995

Fully warm up your vehicle before testing.  If possible, drive your vehicle at highway speeds for at least 15 minutes prior to visiting an inspection station.

Make sure your brakes are in good condition.  Poor brakes are not only a safety hazard, but also make the vehicle very difficult to test on the equipment and may cause the vehicle to be rejected from testing.  If your vehicle is rear wheel drive, you must have functioning rear brakes.

Make sure your front wheel drive vehicle is properly aligned.  Poor front end alignment will make the vehicle difficult to test and may cause the vehicle to be rejected.



Model years 1996 and newer

Address service engine lights promptly. Addressing issues during your warranty period can save you money in the long run. Read your owners manual for specific warranty information.

Don’t clear your codes. Clearing your codes or disconnecting your battery may cause you considerable grief and gas money trying to reset your monitors.

An OBD system is made up of monitors that test different components in the vehicle. Some monitors run all the time (continuous monitors). Others only run at certain times or if special conditions are present (non-continuous monitors). If you clear your codes or disconnect your battery, your non-continuous monitors will no longer be ready and will require a variety of driving to get them to set again. Manufacturers have different drive cycles for their vehicles, and some monitors are more difficult than others to set, particularly some 1996 and 1997 model year vehicles. Monitors that are not ready may cause your vehicle to be rejected from the inspection.

In order to avoid rejection for an inspection-don't clear your codes! If your check engine light is on, find out what Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is causing the light to turn on, fix the problem and drive the vehicle until the light goes off. When the light goes off, you know the problem is fixed. If you are taking your vehicle to a professional repair technician, have the repair technician return your vehicle with the light on. After you take the vehicle through its drive cycle the light should go off and you will know the problem is fixed.

Automotive Solutions in London, Ontario offers full-service emissions testing.  Click here to find out more.