How Can You Prepare Your Car For a Smog Check and How Long Will it Take to Pass?

How can you prepare your car for a smog check and how long will it take to pass?

Millions of American drivers have to go through a smog test at least once a year. These tests are important for the environment, and most drivers are happy to have them done.

But for some drivers, the smog checks can be a pain. The process can be time-consuming and costly. It can even cause your vehicle to lose its registration.

You might want to consider the following tips:

1. Run Right – If your vehicle is running poorly or not at its optimum level, it’s unlikely that it will pass a smog check and you’ll lose your inspection fee. This is why it’s important to seek repair assistance before you have the smog test performed on your vehicle.
2. Clean Oil – The oil in your engine is a key component of how well your car runs. When the oil is dirty, pollutants can enter your exhaust system and contaminate your emissions. You can improve your car’s overall performance by getting fresh oil and changing it frequently.
3. Fill Your Tires – Before a smog test, make sure that your tires are properly inflated. Your mechanic may need to drive your vehicle on a dynamometer during the smog testing process, so it’s best to have your tires inflated at the highest pressure they can be safely pumped to.
4. Remove Junk – If you have items in your trunk that might affect your car’s performance, you should remove them before you bring it to the smog station. Excessive weight makes your car’s catalytic converter work harder, and this can make it difficult to pass a smog test.
5. Don’t Lose a Gas Cap – You might not think about it, but if you accidentally leave the gas cap off of your car during a smog test, this can lead to your engine failing the inspection. It also allows for fuel vapors to escape from your vehicle.
6. Take a Drive – You should take your car for a short drive before going to the smog station. This will warm up your engine, and the hotter your engine is, the less hydrocarbons it will emit during the smog inspection.
7. Get a Tune-up – You should get your car serviced at least two weeks before the smog test to give it a chance to complete all of the diagnostic tests that make up the smog test. Many mechanics disconnect the battery when they do a tune-up, which resets your car’s onboard computer.
8. Inspect Your Engine – The smog technician will inspect your engine before your smog test, including the air filter and fuel system. The mechanic should look for any leaks, worn down hoses, or broken valves. He might also find a cracked or clogged oxygen sensor, which can also make your engine run poorly and fail the inspection.

You should also have your smog technician check your fluid levels. The mechanic might ask if you’ve had a tune-up, and he might recommend an oil change. If he does, it’s important to use only the correct type of oil for your vehicle, and to change it before you bring it to the smog shop.

How Often Do I Need to Get a Smog Check?