It’s that time of year when your registration arrives in the mail. This means you need to schedule your annual trip to your mechanic for inspection. When you need a car emissions test near you, stop by Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville.
Registration Renewals Require Car Inspections
In North Carolina, you must get your car inspected before you can renew your registration. All counties require a safety inspection, and if you live in one of these counties, an emissions test as well:
- Alamance
- Buncombe
- Cabarrus
- Cumberland
- Davidson
- Durham
- Forsyth
- Franklin
- Gaston
- Guilford
- Iredell
- Johnston
- Lincoln
- Mecklenburg
- New Hanover
- Randolph
- Rowan
- Wake
- Union
Exceptions To The Emission Testing Rules
Some scenarios exist that exempt you from a car emissions test near you:
- Gas-powered vehicles weighing less than 8,500 lbs., less than 3 years old, with fewer than 70,000
- Diesel-powered automobiles
- Vehicles 20 years or older
- Farm vehicles
Emissions Testing Process
Automakers equip vehicles with on-board computers (OBII). The OBII manages and monitors many systems in your car to decide if they’re operating correctly. This includes fuel delivery, as well as safety features such as airbags, anti-locking brakes, and stability control.
Another primary function of the OBII is the monitoring of a car’s emission system. During an emissions test, a technician will hook your vehicle up to a scan tool. This machine reads stored codes to determine if there are any irregularities. If there’s an issue, the scan tool will pull error codes, and your car will fail the test.
Common Reasons For Failing An Emissions Test
Several issues may cause a failed test. Sometimes, you can prevent emissions issues by keeping up with regular maintenance. Below are the most common reasons for not passing your emissions:
1. Dirty Air Filter
A dirt-filled air filter restricts the amount of air that enters the combustion chamber. Without enough oxygen, only a portion of the gas burns. This incomplete combustion process releases more pollutants into the air than a properly running engine.
2. Damaged Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter’s job is to convert a vehicle’s exhaust into less harmful byproducts before it exits the tailpipe. If it becomes damaged and begins to fail, your check engine light will illuminate.
3. Worn Spark Plugs
Generally, you should change your spark plugs every 30,000 to 100,000 miles. The interval depends on factors like part type and driving habits. When plugs wear out, they can no longer ignite the fuel/air mixture. This leads to unburnt gases escaping through the exhaust.
4. Loose Gas Cap/ EVAP Issues
Gasoline is volatile and becomes vaporous at room temperature. These vapors contain hydrocarbons that pollute the air. The EVAP system contains these vapors and prevents them from entering the atmosphere. Any system breach, including a loose gas cap, will prevent you from passing your test.
5. Faulty Oxygen Sensor
Sensors measure the oxygen levels in the exhaust. It sends this data back to the engine control module (ECM), which keeps the fuel/oxygen ratio at optimal levels. When this part fails, the ratio will be off, potentially releasing harmful pollutants.
6. Old Engine Oil
Old motor oil loses its lubricating properties, and becomes thick and sludgy. This causes the engine to work harder, consuming more fuel. Ultimately, the more fuel you burn, the greater the pollution.
7. Clogged Fuel Injectors
No matter how optimally your engine runs, there is always some degree of inefficiency. Without 100% complete combustion, some unspent fuel will harden into carbon deposits on the fuel injectors. These carbon deposits will begin to clog fuel injectors, disrupting combustion and increasing pollution.
FAQs About Emissions Testing
Do you have more questions about the NC emissions testing process? Below, we answer a few commonly asked questions.
How Much Does An Emissions Test Cost?
The state legislature sets the fees. A safety inspection costs $12.75, while the emissions test is $23.75.
Where Can I Find A Car Emissions Test Near Me?
Xpress Lube is a full-service auto repair shop offering safety inspections and emissions tests. Our location at 725 Highway 66 is convenient to many towns near Kernersville:
- Walkertown
- Oak Ridge
- Colfax
- Jamestown
- Greensboro
- Winston Salem
- Stokesdale
- Walnut Cove
- High Point
Why Is Xpress Lube A Recommended Inspection Station?
When searching for a car emissions test near me, many people trust Xpress Lube. Some of our customers have been with us for years. Here’s what a few of them say about our services:
They have done all sorts of work for me, but they do a great job. Xpress Lube takes care of you, they look after you, whether it’s your brakes, or whether it’s your fluid levels, or they will tell you if you have got something that you need to take care of. They do all of my inspections, they take care of all of my work vehicles as well. – Randy H
This is a good place to take your car for major or minor services. – JM C
They did a great job. It was fast and easy. No hassles. Very straight forward. In and out. They did it very quickly. – Mary C
Do You Need An Emissions Test?
Bringing your car to an inspection station doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. At Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville, we treat every customer with kindness and respect. Moreover, our highly trained mechanics will service your car quickly and efficiently. Call us today at 336-904-6319 to make an appointment.
