California law requires cars to pass an emissions test. You won’t be permitted to drive your car if it doesn’t pass the smog hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions test. Those gasses are notorious for being bad for the environment, and California is legendary for its smog, especially Southern California. The state’s emissions standards are equal to or stricter than the Federal Clean Air Act 42 USC 7543. As you don’t want your car to fail an emissions test, you’ll want to check on a few symptoms. That’s because if you know what problems to look for, the likelihood of your car passing the test increases dramatically. Here are a few things that you’ll want to look at to prepare for that test.
Tires
Starting from the bottom up, make sure that your tires are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended specifications. Your car will be tested under simulated conditions on a dynamometer. The right air pressure in your tires will result in your engine working less with fewer emissions.
High Octane Gas
Run your gas tank as low as it will go without running out of gas. Then, fill your take with high octane unleaded gas. It’s going to burn hotter than regular unleaded and as a result that reduces hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions.
Plug any Leaks
The technician who tests your car won’t be passing it if there are significant leaks like coolant, oil, brake fluid or even transmission fluid. Check over and under your car for any such leaks. Many of them are inexpensive to repair, and you might even be able to do such repairs on your own.
Engine Operating Temperature
After a tank or two of that high octane gasoline, make sure that your engine is at optimum operating temperature when you get to the testing station. If you don’t have a temperature gauge on your dashboard, run your car for 30 minutes or so before you get there. For example, an engine that has been running at a proper temperature puts out fewer hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide emissions.
Tighter the Gas Cap
A loose gas cap can make that dreaded check engine light go off. If the light continues to be lit after tightening the cap, either try a new cap or take your car to a shop with a code scanner. No emissions technician is going to pass a car with its check engine light on. The code scanner might show something that’s incredibly simple and inexpensive to repair.
Contact a California Personal Injury Lawyer
Now you know a few of the issues that might cause your car to fail the California emissions test. Get ready for it to avoid future headaches. As a law firm that concentrates its practice on personal injury, the safety of you and your family are most important to us. If you or a family member are injured as a result of the carelessness and negligence of somebody else, contact us right away here at Maison Law for a free consultation and case review. After hearing about what happened, we’ll be pleased to answer your questions and advise you of all of your legal options.
