Can Your Car Pass?
Smog check or vehicle emissions testing is required in many states across the United States in order to keep vehicles running efficiently and reduce pollution. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates these smog tests to make sure that drivers are keeping up with necessary maintenance on their cars and not contributing too much pollution to the air. Here are the top five different factors to be considered during a smog inspection:
Vehicle Model
Some newer vehicles don’t require a smog check because they have low emissions. However, if your vehicle was manufactured before 1976, it will need to be tested every year.
Vehicle Location
If you live in an area with high smog levels, you will need to get your vehicle tested more often than someone who lives in an area with lower smog levels.
Emissions Control
All vehicles need to have some type of emissions control device, such as a catalytic converter, to help reduce the amount of pollution they produce. If your vehicle doesn’t have one of these devices, you will need to get it installed before you can have a smog check.
Fuel Type
Vehicles that run on gasoline produce more pollution than vehicles that run on alternative fuels, such as natural gas or electricity. If you own a gasoline-powered vehicle, you will need to get it tested more often than someone who owns a natural gas-powered vehicle.
Odometer Reading
The EPA requires that all vehicles with an odometer reading of 5,000 miles or more be tested for smog every year. If your vehicle has an odometer reading of less than 5,000 miles, you will only need to get it tested every other year.
These are just a few of the many different factors that are considered during a smog inspection. If you need to have your vehicle inspected, don’t hesitate to turn to Winfield Kenny Auto. We are conveniently located in San Jose, CA, so if you’re in the area and you need our help, just visit our shop or call us at (669) 209-7814!