subject: Why You Need To Get The Emissions Checked [print this page] Everyone has gotten stuck behind the car going down the road with a plume of blue or black smoke coming from the tailpipe. Not only does this not look safe or pretty, but it probably smells really bad too. That blue or black smoke is the visible proof that too many emissions are being released from the car and it needs to be serviced. A car in some states will be pulled over when it looks to be spewing out chemicals or bad air and ticket until the people can properly have it serviced to go back out on the road again.
What are the Emissions from a Car?
The emissions are released from the exhaust system. The old mufflers on cars from year's past didn't really have a filter system on them, so they spewed out all kinds of chemicals and stinky exhaust fumes that people were caught up in. Then the catalytic converter was created and mandated for use in all cars. This device within the exhaust system contains most of the chemicals from being released out in to the atmosphere and causing problems with the air we breathe. However, older cars and ones in need of repair might still send out toxic levels of emissions, so that is why they require testing.
How to Check Emissions on a Car
Checking the emissions from a car can't be done by anyone besides a certified shop. They have equipment that will hook up to the vehicle while it is running and test the air as it moves through and out of the exhaust system. If there are too many parts per million that are harmful as they come out, you will be marked down. Depending on how many emissions your car releases might determine if you can even drive it on the road! Cars that fail in a big way could even be impounded if there has been failed and repeated attempts at getting it up to snuff with the code. Mostly that only happens in extreme cases or if a person has been given numerous tickets and warnings to get the car fixed and have not.
Problems with too Many Emissions Being Released
There are some states, most notably New Jersey and California, that have strict limits on what the output of emissions from the exhaust system can be. If a vehicle going through an emissions test does not pass, then it will not be given a sticker of approval and it will not be legal to drive on the road until it does pass. Getting caught without a sticker can result in a ticket and a fine, just like many other offenses you can get from driving down the road and being pulled over.
To fix the emissions output, simply take the report the tester gives you and head to a service station. They will be able to look at the report and then your car and give you guidance. They can provide an estimate of what needs to be done, how long it will take and what the expense will be. Then you can decide on how to proceed so you are legally driving down the road.
