How to Pass Your Next Smog Test
Jun 30, 2015
- Check engine light – if you go to get a smog test and your check engine light is on, you will automatically fail. Make sure to get your engine checked out before you head in for your test.
- Trouble code test – a trouble code test is only applicable to vehicles that were manufactured after 1995.
- No gas – when you get a smog check, they will run your car to check for the emissions of five different gases. When you head in for your test, make sure that your gas tank is at least ½ full so that they can complete the test.
- Hidden issues – if you have not driven your car for a while make sure to drive it around at least three separate times. Drive it locally, on the highway, and right in the morning before the temperatures heat up. Make sure to turn your car on and off each time you drive it around.
- Readiness flag tests – if your car was made in 1996 or after, it will automatically fail smog if the readiness flags are not set. If you have recently disconnected your battery for any reason, it will disconnect the readiness flags, requiring you to reset them.
Three Article Comments
I hadn’t thought about how a car sitting for a long time might change the readings on the smog test. I have an old Mustang that I can’t drive around in the winter and I’m sure it’ll need a drive around to get warmed up. I’ll have to make sure I get it ready before I take it in for testing!
This article was really awesome for me to read. The first tip mentioned the check engine light needing to be fixed before going. That is such a helpful tip that I didn’t know. My car needs to pass the emissions test but I am not sure how to make sure it will pass. After reading this article I feel more confident about what I need to do to get my car ready for the inspection.
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Charles Kemp
I never thought about the car having problems because of smog. It would make sense why the check engine light would come on. This is why we get our cars inspected all the time. To reduce the smog and to keep our cars from putting out a lot of dangerous gasses.