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Tips and Advice
Running Right
If your vehicle doesn't feel like its running its best don't subject it to testing. Seek repairs first. This will save time and money so that your test will go smoothly the first time around!
Warm up
Take your vehicle for a quick warm up for 15-20 minutes to ensure it is operating at optimum temperatures.
Use Additives
The use of fuel additives can be very helpful in lowering emission levels and helping your car, truck, van or SUV pass the emissions inspection. Fuel additives are generally poured into a vehicle's gas tank during fuel refueling. The additive is mixed withyour vehicle's fuel. The purpose is to clean carbon deposits within your engine's intake and exhaust paths, allowing for both fuel and air to flow freely within its passages, thus lowering emission levels, improving combustion, increasing overall engine performance, and helping you pass the emission test. These types of products offer helpful solutions to various vehicle emission and smog test problems.
Note: Read your fuel additive's instructions regarding having your vehicle smog tested while using the additive. Fuel system additives and fuel system treatments require using the complete application and refueling with fresh fuel prior to the smog
Tire Pressure
If your vehicle is model year 1999 or older it will be driven on a dynomometer while a sample of its exhaust is collected by the smog machine. Making sure your vehicle's tire pressures are even and correct will allow the vehicle to be driven with greater stability and accuracy during the smog exam. This will improve the overall emissions output of your vehicle by allowing the engine to maintain a constant and steady load. Correct and even tire pressure may be the deciding factor between a borderline vehicle failing or passing the smog test. This passing tip, as well as tips number 5 and 7 do not necessarily apply to your vehicle if it's 2000 model year or newer; this is not to say your vehicle's tires shouldn't be properly inflated, of course.
Dead or New Batteries
If your vehicle recently needed a jump start or battery replacement we recommend holding off on getting the smog check for at least one week. Whenever a vehicle's computer (engine control unit) losses power, such as when it's battery has been disconnected or charge depleted, its internal self-test monitors are erased. Without these required Emission Monitors your vehicle can not pass the smog test. You will be required to drive between 100-200 miles and over the course of a week, called a Drive Cycle, in order to "complete" the emission monitors and be allowed to pass the smog check.
Deferred Maintanence
Make sure to take care of any maintenance you've been meaning to take care of. This gives you the best chance of passing your inspection the first time to save time and money.