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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets and enforces standards that limit pollution from vehicles to protect human health and the environment. In many states, including Connecticut, vehicles must pass emissions tests on a regular basis to be registered and driven. Emissions tests measure the levels of several pollutants emitted from a car’s tailpipe.

The type of emissions test used on a particular vehicle depends on its age.

If your car failed an emissions test, don’t panic. With some repairs, it will likely be able to pass the test the second time around. The problem that caused it to fail may be expensive to repair, or a fix may be simple and cheap.

Possible Reasons Why Your Car Failed an Emissions Test

-       Worn-out spark plugs can increase emissions.

-       A rich air-fuel mixture can cause damage to a catalytic converter, which can make it unable to convert toxic gases to ones that are not harmful and can cause a vehicle to fail an emissions test. A rich air-fuel mixture could be caused by malfunctioning injectors or a broken oxygen sensor.

-       If a vehicle’s evaporative emission control system (EVAP) is malfunctioning because of a leaking hose or vent, gasoline vapor can leak out of the tank and cause pollution.

-       A dirty air filter can cause a car to emit higher levels of hydrocarbons than it should.

-       A leaky gas cap can cause a vehicle to fail an emissions test. This is a simple issue that you can fix yourself.

-       A malfunctioning check engine light can cause a vehicle to fail an emissions test, even if everything else is working properly.

How to Make Sure Your Vehicle Will Pass an Emissions Test

Routine maintenance can prevent many problems that could result in high levels of pollution and cause a car to fail an emissions test. Changing the oil and filters regularly, having your vehicle inspected by a mechanic, and getting any necessary repairs done can help you be confident that your car will pass a routine emissions test.

Where to Have Your Emissions Tested

Tire Country in Enfield, Connecticut, is a certified emissions inspection and repair facility. If you have received a postcard indicating that your car is due for an emissions test, you don’t need an appointment at Tire Country. Simply bring in your vehicle for a test. If your car doesn’t pass, we will identify and fix the problem. Once the repairs have been completed, the car can undergo a second emissions test.