Safety & Emissions Testing

What Is Safety & Emissions Testing?

While every state has slightly different regulations for vehicle testing, each requires the same level of evaluation. When you bring your vehicle in for inspection, you need to provide identification, vehicle registration and proof of insurance. Having everything in order will keep your visit brief. What is Inspected? When you come in, a certified technician will inspect the entire vehicle including:

• Steering System
• Horn
• Seatbelts
• Wheel assembly
• Tires
• Brake System
• Mirrors
• Window tinting
• Windshield wipers
• Gas cap
• Lights
• Vehicle Identification Number

There may be some variations from state to state but this is because every state sets its individual standards.

What is Inspected During Emissions Testing?

The goal of emissions testing is to make sure that a vehicle’s emission controls are functioning correctly. Basically, a qualified technicians is making sure that your vehicle isn’t emitting too much pollution.
At the service center during an emission inspection, the following items generally happen:

• Single Idle Speed Test: This test is for older vehicles produced between 1976-1980. It measures emissions from the vehicle while it is idling.
• Tailpipe emissions: This straightforward test checks the amount of pollution from the tailpipe and evaluates the emissions control system.
• Gas Cap Pressure: The gas cap needs to seal tightly to keep fuel vapors from escaping. Technicians will check this.
• Second Generation On-Board Diagnostics: During this check, technicians will verify that the on-board computer is functioning correctly. This is for vehicles produced pre-1996.

While car emissions and safety tests vary, the goal is the same: make sure that you are safe on the road and that your vehicle isn’t polluting the atmosphere. This is why states require them for every vehicle.