Year: 2019

Emissions Testing has been in existence since the state of California initiated the process in 1966. Subsequently, other states followed suit and required testing. There are 32 states that conduct inspections that have varying factors that influence an emissions inspection. Failure to pass an emissions test means making adjustments and repairs with follow up retesting.

Varying Factors Influencing Emissions Testing

There are varying factors that influence emissions testing through the states that currently conduct inspections. Those factors include:

• The age of the vehicle
• The type and weight of the vehicle
• The kind of fuel or power that a vehicle utilizes
• The kind of use the vehicle engages in, which require yearly inspections
• The local area as whether urban or in a particular zip code
• The registration of a vehicle whether in or outside of a state

Emissions Testing Specifications

States involved in vehicle emissions testing determine their own terms and conditions. Testing usually consists of detecting for levels of:

• carbon dioxide
• carbon monoxide
• hydrocarbons
• nitrogen oxide
• emissions concerning evaporation

Differences in Emissions Testing and Vehicle Safety Inspection

These two operations are usually separate in nature, but various state emission and vehicle safety inspection locations may have available equipment to perform both procedures.

Cost of Emission Testing

Again, the cost for emissions testing differs from state to state. Most costs can be anywhere from $15-$25. Vehicles that require yearly testing pay lower fees.

Emissions Test Failures

There are states that offer free retesting if a an initial test is failed. With states that do require emission testing, a vehicle has to go through a repair process in order to fulfill emission requirements. Assistance with repairs for lower-income individuals is made available, in some states and under certain instances, and waivers may also be given under certain circumstances.

Testing Failure Causes

• Fuel Mixtures – There are any number of mechanically related problems that can cause the release of pollutants. Mechanical issues can cause a vehicle to release excess pollutants. As an example, rich fuel mixtures can heighten the release of higher levels of carbon dioxide.
• Air Injection – A faulty air injection system can also lead to the release of higher levels of hydrocarbons and even carbon monoxide.
• Spark plugs – Worn spark plugs can cause increased gas emissions. They should be inspected and replaced when necessary.
• Gas cap leakage – A leaking gas cap seems trivial but it can cause emission test failure If leaks are emanating from yours, replace it with a sealed one that has a secure seal.
• Check Engine light – A malfunctioning check engine light can cause an emissions test failure, even when every other test has been successfully passed. The check engine light is an indication that the OBD-II device has found a failure or flaw in a the emissions control of a vehicle.
• Unclean air filter – A dirty air filter can contain elevated hydrocarbons that can cause it to be clogged. An air filter is another part that requires cleaning and replacing if necessary.
• Catalytic Converter – A catalytic converter should be inspected before any emissions testing is performed. If it is damaged, toxic gases will not be converted from harmful to those that are not dangerous to the environment and public health.
• EVAP or Evaporative Emission Control System – If this system is malfunctioning, vapors from the gas tank will pollute the environment. The cause of this is usually attributed to hoses or vents that are leaking.

Other Problems Concerning Emission Testing Failures

• oxygen sensor impairment
• ignition system flaws
• vacuum system leaks

Repair Costs for Emissions Problems

Any repair costs that involve remedying emission problems are going to depend on the actual vehicle make and issues with the vehicle. Transmission related repairs could run in the hundreds of dollars, or even into the thousands, while a single replacement, such as an oxygen sensor could run around $100.

Diagnostic Testing

Diagnostic testing can be performed by a qualified mechanic, which should reveal what failures were noted in previous emissions testing. A mechanic will have to have the necessary tools and expertise to determine whether the problems lie. Also, an individual vehicle owner can also use a diagnostic program tool but most of these monitoring devices are only set up to identify a problem, not completely solve it.

Maintenance is a critical issue when it comes to emissions testing. If you take care of and maintain your vehicle before any testing is performed, you should be able to pass the various emissions testing monitors. It is important to have a professional mechanic take a look at your vehicle to determine if repairs or replacements are needed before any emissions or safety inspections are completed. If you are uneasy about an upcoming emissions test or inspection and need answers to your questions about the process, complete the online contact form, and an expert will get back to you as soon as possible with those answers.

You hear the term “preventative maintenance” thrown around with machinery – especially vehicles – a lot. You’ve probably never questioned the validity of this idea, after all, it makes sense that regular maintenance to prevent problems before they can happen, would be wise.

But, has a mechanic or “gearhead” ever told you that your preventative maintenance is lacking, despite your being sure that you check all the boxes on that. You keep your tires inflated properly, you keep your oil and fluids topped off, you get regularly-scheduled diagnostics and tune ups done. What else is there, aside from general upkeep?

Well, on a microscopic level, that’s mostly what you need, if you follow it all within the right parameters. However, on a more macroscopic level, that’s only scratching the surface. Today, we’d like to go over some FAQs about preventative maintenance. Some of this you can do yourself easily, but a lot of it should be handled by trained professionals – you can’t take chances with your vehicle, now can you?

What’s Involved in Preventative Maintenance?

First, let’s go over the various things that should be done, and a brief look at why.

• Safety Inspection – Brakes can wear down, steering can break down, and airbags can sort of “expire” from disuse in some cases. Frequent checks to be sure these are all in working order is crucial. This includes brake lining, hydraulic lines, calipers and wheel cylinders.
• Fluid Flushing/Change – Fluids in your vehicle are something you’re probably somewhat used to having to tend to. Oil depletes and becomes dirty. Antifreeze breaks down and becomes dirty and viscous, and so on. But, you should also flush/top off power steering fluid, brake fluid and other hydraulic fluids as they break down/deplete as well.
• Other Oils – Motor oil isn’t the only oil your car has. You should also have differential gear oil changes, as well as trans-axle oil changes done.
• Filters – Your filters become dirty over time, and while some filter designs can be washed our hosed out, it’s better to just replace them. These include air filters, (cabin and engine), as well as oil filters.
• Belts and Gaskets – Belts become loose and worn out, and gaskets break down over time as well. These should be replaced or at least inspected regularly.
• Hoses – Hoses can wear out due to heat or contaminants building up, and these are critical for delivering fluids where they need to be, like veins in a body. They need checked and/or replaced often.
• Additional – Regular tune ups, windshield wiper service, spark plugs, electrical checks, and battery services should be done frequently – you probably already see to this kind of regular servicing, right?

When to Do These

So, now you know what goes into this, but when should these all be done?

• Via Owner’s Manual – The following should be done per owner’s manual specifications: Valves, oxygen sensors.
• Belts – Your drive and timing belts should be replaced every 4 years or 60,000mi.
• Oil /Filter – Your oil filter and a complete lube change should be done every 3,000-5,000mi.
• Air Conditioning – Every spring.
• Tire Rotation – Every 5,000mi.
• Yearly Services – These should be done yearly and/or as needed: Fuel filter, Battery Service, brake system and clutch system flushing, PCV valve inspection/replacement.
• Every 2 Years – These should be done every 2 years and/or as needed: Radiator coolant, engine oil flushing, automatic transmission flushing, power steering flushing, EGR system service, carbon cleaning, throttle-body service, radiator coolant.

These aren’t all of the services that should be handled, as an entire car diagnostic, computer code scan, and other systems can very widely, but should be tended to often. To learn more, fill out our contact form today or give us a call!

Let’s be honest with ourselves – our cars are like our home away from home. We’re in the things an awful lot, commuting to and from work, running errands, taking our family out on their business. We spend most of our lives anywhere but our actual homes, but it’s only our actual homes that we seem able to keep in pristine condition. Perhaps these go hand in hand and make sense really.

But we all hate it when our cars begin to smell unpleasant, seem worn down and dirty, and downright not in new condition. This is why when we have to travel, we actually don’t mind luxuriating in a rental car – they always smell and feel like new, just like good hotel rooms do.

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could make our own cars feel like new? Well, of course, a good body shop and detailer can actually do this, albeit for a hefty price. Well, most of us can’t afford that sort of thing, not with the ongoing costs of living, regardless the economic climate of any given time.

Thankfully, there are various things that can be done to achieve a more like-new look, feel and experience for your vehicle. A lot of them are very affordable, though we’ll be looking at a range of cheap to costly solutions, all of which are still cheaper than having restoration services done, by a landslide.

Cheap Fixes

• Cleaning and Organizing – This is the most obvious solution, but you’d be amazed at the improvement simple cleaning and organizing can do. You’ll feel like your car is so much roomier, and in such better condition by simply getting all the trash, clutter and dirt out. Vacuum, dust, and of course, any leather-like surfaces should get a fresh coat of Armorall or something similar. Complete this with a nice air freshener – new car smell is an obvious but great choice to achieve the desired effect.
• New Floor Mats – Floor mats get worn out and cultivate stains over time, and a lot of smells tend to breed in them. New floor mats can go a long way towards a newer-feeling environment.
• New Windshield Wipers and Clean Windows – Your windshield is contributing to your car’s aged, worn down vibe, even if you don’t realize it. You can think you have pristine visibility until you actually experience the pristine visibility fresh blades and wipers can provide. Further this with properly-cleaned windows – inside and out – with good glass cleaner and a non-abrasive chamois.
• Dent and Scratch Repair – You can DIY some of this, but it’s best to have dents and scratches dealt with by a proper body shop. Dents, where the paint isn’t damaged, can be fixed with paintless dent removal, too.
• Maintenance – Maintain a newer feel and handling by regularly changing your oil, topping off your fluids, and having a skilled mechanic do regular tune-ups and conditioning!

Slightly Costlier

• Seat and Carpet Shampooing – Having your seats and carpets regularly shampooed can keep them feeling and looking new. It’s not that expensive, but it’s not cheap either.
• Upgrade Your Systems – Modernizing your car’s systems, such as adding dash displays and mobile interfaces, new sound systems and so on, while frills, do make for a modern, newer-feeling vehicle.

Expensive

• Replacing Beat Up Components – Replacing beat up panels, fenders, bumpers, hub caps and other components obviously makes for a newer feel.
• New Paint Job – A new paint job will make your car look new – there’s a reason classic cars, restored, look so cherry.
• New Wheels – A smoother ride, which is like visibility in you noticing it only when you get it back – can be achieved with new wheels.

To learn more ways to get more life and a better experience from your vehicle, call us or fill out our contact form today!

One of the most common “accidents” we encounter with our vehicles, aside from perhaps the errant shopping cart in parking lots, is the flat tire. Tires are, for better or worse, designed to have some give to them. There’s a reason for this – flexibility allows tires to actually last longer, and handle rougher surfaces and terrain, as well as provide smoother rides. Wheels aren’t solid masses for very good reason, in other words.

Well, this can result in unfortunate incidents like tires rupturing suddenly (which at high velocities can result in a scary moment or two), or simply develop leaks or be punctured by something hard to see, like nails or, well, you name it. On top of this, they do just wear out over time, and bald tires are actually more dangerous than flats due to the lack of control and traction that results.

This means that sooner or later, you’re going to find yourself in a situation where you need to change a tire, because you’re stuck on the road, and can’t get to a mechanic. It’s understandable that a lot of people don’t know how to handle automotive things, especially people who live in suburban or metropolitan areas where affordable mechanic service is easily accessed under nominal circumstances. But, take heart, changing a tire is easy, and a skill you’ll be glad to have.

What You Need

To physically change the tire, all you actually need is a jack and a tire iron or heavy-gauge socket wrench of appropriate size. However, for safety purposes, you should also have a flash light, safety flares and probably a rain coat or poncho.

Getting to Safety

First, if you have a flat on the road, which is often the case (it happens where it’s the least convenient nine out of ten times), first, pull safely off to the shoulder, or into a parking lot or driveway if no shoulder or level ground is accessible.

Put your hazard lights on immediately, and if it’s night, light your flares for ten to twenty feet in a row behind the vehicle. This ensures that other traffic has plenty of time to avoid being dangerously close.

If it’s raining, you’ll be glad you packed the poncho or raincoat.

Using the Jack

First thing’s first – you need to get the weight off the tire, and get clearance to remove it. There are a couple kinds of jacks, but most of them simply use a pump action to lift the top part. There will probably be a lip underneath your car on each side, but if not, simply find a good, wide flat surface under there to brace it against. Obviously, lift it on the side where your flat is, and try to get it at least six inches if not more like ten, off the ground.

Removing the Flat

Next, you’ll want to remove the flat tire. First, the hub cap needs to come off. With some wheel designs, this just pops off. If it’s bolted by the lug nuts, which occasionally is the case, it’ll come off with the tire. Simple elbow grease (remember, lefty loosey, righty tightey), the tire iron will remove the lug nuts. If the hub cap came off first, place them in the concave bowl of the cap. If not, put them on the car seat. Do not lie them on the ground.

The tire will slide off at this point with relative ease, but be aware it’ll be heavy.

Adding the Spare/New Tire

The new tire will slide back in the way the previous one went on. Replace the lug nuts, tightening them as much as they can possibly go. If the hub cap snaps on, simply place it back.

The jack will lower either by turning the pump handle, or by removing it. It should lower fairly gently, but make sure you’re clear of the car before doing so.

Make sure you extinguish any flares before leaving.

Congratulations, you’ve changed a tire, and aside from a little physical strength being involved, it’s really quite easy, isn’t it? Consider having your new tire rotated once you get to civilization.

To learn more tips and tricks to save a world of grief, fill out our contact form today!

Ah, the road trip. Is there anything more iconic in western culture? While this was once a uniquely American tradition born of the post-war infrastructure and economic boom, today, all over the developed world, this has become a popular way to spend holidays, and among many young adults, a rite of passage and discovery.

Road trips can be a lot of fun, and you can still carry a piece of home in the form of your car. Unlike flying or trains, you can stop where and when you want, and choose your own path anywhere. With friends or family, it can be even more fun (or a nightmare if you have small children).

But, before you get out your road atlas (or should I say your GPS these days), and start packing coolers and luggage for your trip across the country, you need to stop and ask yourself a very important question: is your car road trip ready?

You may feel a bit dismissive of this question – your car runs just fine as you drive daily to work, on errands, and everything else. You put hundreds of miles on your car in a month’s time if you commute, and you take good care of it. It can handle a road trip surely.

It probably can. But do you really want to take that chance? After all, the mileage you put on your car normally is in short spurts of back and forth from home to other places. A road trip involves hours of constantly running the engine, stressing the systems, and wear on the tires. You can probably run pretty fast for ten feet, and easily run a mile in a week’s time in these short bursts. Could you run a mile in one go? Most of us would hang our heads and say no.

On top of this, if your car breaks down in your home region, while you may need a tow, civilization and your bed aren’t far away. When you’re states away, possibly in the middle of nowhere, well.

#1 – Fluids

First thing’s first, let’s make sure our fluids are all in proper order. Oil should be fresh and topped off, wiper fluid, transmission, and power steering fluids, coolant and antifreeze should all be fresh and full. Spare fluids should also be packed in the trunk or somewhere if your voyage is a particularly long one.

#2 – Wiper Blades

Unless you just replaced your wiper blades recently, or they really check out in a smear test, you will want to put fresh ones on. Who knows what kind of varied weather you will cross on your trip? You want visibility in all weather.

#3 – Tires

This one can be tricky because it depends on the season and your destination. If you’re going to a snowy place, such as up in the mountains, but it’s warm and sunny for most of the trip, you may need snow-ready all-season tires, which do exist. Carrying four extra tires is kind of impractical. Make sure your tires are new and ready for a long trip as well.

#4 – Brakes and Shocks

Test your breaks and shocks, to be sure everything rides smooth, and that your brakes are responsive but also not oversensitive. You will cross varied terrain and varied traffic conditions if your trip is long and varied. You will want your brakes and shocks/suspension to be optimized and ready for smooth and safe driving no matter what.

#5 – Battery

How old is your battery? If it’s a couple of years old, you should flat-out replace it. You should make sure it’s reliably holding a charge, and proper voltage from the alternator is sustaining a charge. Nothing is more horrifying than getting back in your car at a rest stop in the wilderness at night, and your car won’t turn over.

#6 – Tune-Up

A tune-up is always a good idea if you’re traveling far. This will address belts, timing, gaskets and other things that, while working fine for now, maybe ready to fail when the car is run hard for extensive distances.

#7 – Indicator Lights

Sometimes called “dummy lights” or “idiot lights”, these are various dash lights that say things like “service engine soon”, tire pressure indicators, and various fluid readouts. If you know nothing is wrong, but these lights are still going off, sensors may be out of whack, or bigger issues in need of a mechanic’s diagnosis may be present.

Safety and reliability are key to a safe and memorable road trip. These simple preventative measures take little time, little money, and can save you a world of grief. To learn more tips like this, fill out our contact form today!