Before you can renew your car’s registration, you must take your car to a certified inspection station. There, the technician will complete a safety inspection and in some cases an emissions test. Today, only certain counties in NC require an emissions test. When you need a car emissions test near me, trust Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville.
Basics About Car Emissions
If you live in one of 19 counties in NC, you’ll need an emissions test along with a safety inspection:
- Alamance
- Buncombe
- Cabarrus
- Cumberland
- Davidson
- Durham
- Forsyth
- Franklin
- Gaston
- Guilford
- Iredell
- Johnston
- Lincoln
- Mecklenburg
- New Hanover
- Randolph
- Rowan
- Wake
- Union
However, In the future, you may not need an emissions test anywhere in our state. When Congress enacted the Clean Air Act in 1970, air quality was very poor in many cities. Moreover, much of the pollution came from automobiles.
Once the EPA set national emission standards, automakers needed to meet them. In addition, states began requiring emissions testing to make sure cars were running correctly and not releasing excess pollution. Furthermore, as automakers modified engines, air quality has also improved. Thus, many counties have eliminated this requirement.
Moreover, a few automobiles are exempt from emissions testing. These include light-duty vehicles within the three most recent model years and have less than 70,000 miles. Also exempt are diesel-operated, registered farm vehicles, and automobiles 20 years or older.
The Emissions Testing Process
Modern cars rely on computers to run systems correctly and efficiently. One of these processors is the on-board computer (OB II). This computer is a type of diagnostic equipment that lets you know when you have a problem with your emissions. When the OB II detects a problem, it will trigger your check engine light to illuminate.
Thus, during an emissions test, the technician will connect your OB II to an analyzer. The analyzer reads stored information about your emissions including levels of carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, and other pollutants. If levels exceed the established standard, your car will fail emissions.
Sometimes, your check engine light can fail to illuminate. This may happen if you’ve blown a fuse or lightbulb in your dashboard. Moreover, a battery with low voltage may also cause your check engine light to come on. Whatever the problem, you need to have a technician check your vehicle as soon as possible.
Preventing Emission Problems
Often, car owners believe that skipping or delaying servicing can save themselves a few bucks. Yet, doing so almost always causes more issues. Most of the time, you can avoid emissions problems by performing routine maintenance. Postponing servicing on the following components can cause pollution levels in emissions to increase sharply:
1. Oil Change
Clean engine oil flows through your engine to lubricate, cool components, and collect dirt. Over time, sludge can occur turning your oil into a thick, tar-like substance. Now your oil pump will have to work harder to circulate the oil causing you to use more fuel. Accordingly, burning more fuel leads to an increase in harmful byproducts.
2. Air Filter
A dirty air filter will restrict the flow of air into the combustion chamber. With too little oxygen present, incomplete combustion occurs, and only a portion of the fuel burns. Incomplete combustion releases more pollutants such as carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons into the atmosphere.
3. Worn Spark Plugs
Eventually, spark plugs wear out and can no longer ignite fuel for combustion. Of course, without a spark, there’s no combustion and once again, your exhaust will release pollutants into the air.
4. Dirty Fuel Injectors
All combustion engines have some degree of inefficiency resulting in unburnt fuel. This unspent fuel will harden into carbon deposits clogging injectors. Additionally, contaminants in fuel can also cause clogs. Again, dirty or clogged fuel injectors lead to incomplete combustion and increased pollution.
Car Emissions Test Near Me – FAQs
Do you have some questions about finding a car emissions test near me? Below, we answer a few commonly asked ones.
How Much Does An Emissions Test Cost?
The DMV sets the fees inspection stations can charge for both safety inspections and emission tests. Safety inspections are $13.60 and emissions are $30.00.
What Happens If My Car Fails?
Sometimes, cars fail the emissions portion of the inspection. When that happens, you’ll need to fix the issue. However, if your car continues to fail emissions, you may be able to obtain a waiver. You must meet these 2 conditions before applying for a waiver:
- The vehicle passed the safety inspection
- You have documented repairs totaling a minimum of $200.
Can Havoline® Xpress Lube Of Kernersville Fix Any Emissions Problems?
Absolutely! We’re a full-service auto repair shop handling car emissions test near me and a whole lot more:
- Electrical diagnostics
- Transmissions
- Wheel alignments
- Tires
- A/C repair
- Fuel systems
- Exhausts
- Cooling system
- Brakes
- Oil changes
- And more!
We’ve been serving the Kernersville area for over 25 years and have gained a reputation for fairness and trustworthiness. Here’s what a few customers of ours have to say:
Mac and his team have been maintaining our vehicles for 15 years. …consistently. Tammy Ingold Nichols
Awesome….have been going here for over 15 years….incredible staff that know your very name every time. Highly recommend it!!! Matt Asbury
How Do I Make An Appointment?
It’s easy to make an appointment at Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville. Simply call us at 336-993-7697 or use our easy online form. Of course, we take walk-ins, but we recommend reserving a time slot if you’re in a hurry.
