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Emissions Testing FAQ Is your vehicle required to be emissions tested? All Texas registered vehicles are required to
receive an annual inspection. All inspections include a comprehensive safety
inspection, however some vehicles are required to have an emissions test in
addition to the safety inspection. What happens if my vehicle fails the state inspection? Whether your vehicle passes or fails the state inspection, state law requires that you pay the inspection fee. You will have 15 days from the date of the failure to get your car re-inspected at the same location for no charge. You will receive one free re-inspection only. If your vehicle passes, you will be given the sticker at no charge (be sure to save the rejection receipt you received when your vehicle failed). The vehicle will be completely re-inspected. If the vehicle fails a second time, you will have to pay the state fee the next time you try to get it inspected.
Top Ten Tips to Help Your Car Pass the Next Emissions Test Tip #1Change your oil and filter – Unburned gasoline (hydrocarbons) can accumulate in crankcase oil. The excess gasoline vapors can cause an engine to exceed emissions standards. Tip #2Replace your dirty air filter – If your air filter is dirty and restricting the flow of air, it needs to be replaced or your vehicle may fail the test for excessive Carbon Monoxide. Tip #3Check your tire pressure – The added friction from soft tires places an additional load on the engine and may cause the vehicle to exceed emissions standards. Tip #4Change your gas cap – Most gas caps start leaking after two years, with each cap contributing up to 30 lbs. of excess hydrocarbons a year. Tip #5Check your muffler and exhaust system – If your muffler or exhaust system leaks, outside air will enter the system and dilute emissions levels. While this sounds like a great way to pass the test, the emissions testing equipment checks for Carbon Dioxide to see if the exhaust sample is being diluted. If you can see smoke leaking from your muffler or exhaust pipe, the vehicle will probably fail. Tip #6Check your exhaust pipe for black or white smoke – A smoking vehicle is a sure sign that your vehicle is wasting gas or oil. The engine may be running too rich or there may be excessive engine wear to the engine. In either cause, the vehicle could be failed outright. Tip #7Check your cooling system – If the engine is running hot and overheating, the emissions levels will be elevated. One of the chemical reactions that produces air pollutants is based on engine temperature. If the engine is overheated, there may be an exponential increase in this contaminant—Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx). Tip #8Look for fuel leaks – They are a source of hydrocarbon vapors, and a fire hazard. A fuel leak may cause your vehicle to be rejected prior to testing, or result in an immediate test failure. Tip #9Check your engine light – If your check engine light is on while the engine is running, take your vehicle to a service facility and have it repaired prior to having the vehicle inspected. Tip #10Clean your fuel system – Contaminant deposits in your engine’s fuel distribution, and particularly in the injectors, is one of the primary service problems in today’s high performance engines. These power-robbing deposits are formed during the combustion process and result in lower power; hesitation, rough idle, hard starting, and excessive emissions. There are many fuel system cleaning products and services available. Quality preventative vehicle maintenance and service from certified service technicians is the key to passing an emissions test. If your vehicle is poorly maintained, you are wasting gasoline, increasing your cost of vehicle ownership, and producing excessive emissions.
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