If you’ve been wondering about emissions testing, this is the post for you. Keep reading for answers to the most common questions brought to you by AMSOIL: Ace Hi Oil in Southlake, TX. 

What Does It Mean to Test Your Car’s Emissions?

Getting emissions testing is a way of telling how many exhaust emissions your car is currently sending into the atmosphere. This test is also known as a smog check, and it’s intended to help cities reduce the number of vehicles emitting harmful gasses. Emissions tests are designed to check for oxygen, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide, which make up smog. When you take in your car for a smog check, the testing facility will hook it up to a machine that does an On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) to measure how efficiently your car’s Engine Control Module is working and if it’s meeting smog standards.

One way to ensure your vehicle will pass its emissions test is by having a regular maintenance routine. Call the oil pros at Ace Hi Oil at (817) 431-6664 today for advice on what products would work best for your engine. Once you’re ready to place an order, visit their online store.

How Often Should I Get My Vehicle Tested?

Vehicles in Texas require an annual inspection that includes emissions testing and a safety inspection for your vehicle. This includes every gas-powered vehicle between two and 24 years of age. If your car is new, you’ll get a sticker making it exempt for two years, and if your vehicle is over 24, it will be tested under different parameters.

Does My Vehicle Need to Get Emissions Tested?

While vehicles in North Tarrant County don’t require an emissions test, but if your car is registered in any of the following counties, you will need to get an emissions test for it:

• Brazoria
• Collin
• Dallas
• Denton
• El Paso
• Ellis
• Fort Bend
• Galveston
• Harris
• Johnson
• Kaufman
• Montgomery
• Parker
• Rockwall
• Tarrant
• Travis
• Williamson

Diesel-powered vehicles and motorcycles are exempt from emissions testing but should still go through the yearly safety inspection.

Where Can I Take My Car?

To emissions test your vehicle, you’ll need to find a DMV-regulated business certified to perform the test. These businesses are usually vehicle repair shops, dealerships, and inspection stations. You can also visit your trusted mechanic’s garage to complete the test, but you’ll need to check if they’re certified by the DMV before taking your vehicle.

Having a regular maintenance routine is an excellent way to have your vehicle pass its emissions test without a hitch. Use only the best products like AMSOIL’s Signature Series 0W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil for a better running engine. Give Ace Hi Oil a call at (817) 431-6664 for more information on their full range of products, and once you’re ready to place an order, visit their online store to do so!

How Long Does Emissions Testing Take?

Taking your vehicle in for an emissions test shouldn’t take more than 15 to 30 minutes. It might be different for different testing facilities as there isn’t a standard federal test in place. Also, as the appointment will most likely include a safety inspection, the whole process may take a bit longer. If you need a more accurate timeframe, call your testing site, and they’ll be able to tell you how long it takes in their facilities. Also, ask if they accept walk-ins or if you need to set up an appointment to get your vehicle tested. Once your vehicle has passed the smog check, you’ll get a VIR or Vehicle Inspection Report which is the document you’ll need to present when you’re getting your vehicle’s registration renewal. If you can’t find your VIR, you can get a replacement up to 13 months after its last inspection.

What if My Car Fails its Emissions Test?

If your car has had a regular maintenance routine and is in good condition, it should pass the emissions test without a hitch. If your vehicle fails to pass the test, you won’t be able to renew its registration until you get a passing emissions test. If your car doesn’t pass, take it to your trusted mechanic and ask them to do an evaluation to see what repairs it needs in order to pass the test.

Ace Hi Oil has excellent products for all your vehicle's needs. Give them a call today at (817) 431-6664 for advice on what products to use on your engine, and one of their oil pros will be happy to help you out. If you’re ready to place an order, visit their online store anytime.