When we drive a vehicle, we are giving off emissions into the atmosphere that can really add up and cause damage. How much of our emissions we give off, is monitored by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). Why? Because we want to make sure our air is safe to breathe, and that the millions of cars on the road aren’t giving off dangerous levels. That’s why your vehicle will have to pass mandatory emissions tests.

To improve air quality and reduce vehicle emissions, ADEQ administers a mandatory vehicle emissions testing and repair program known as Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program (VEIP).

VEIP emphasizes the importance of maintaining vehicle performance to lower emissions and extend the life of one of your most valuable assets – your car.

How do you get your vehicle emissions-ready?

Thanks to our good friends at Bumper-to-Bumper radio, they have a few important tips to help you prepare your vehicle to pass an emissions test and other maintenance items.

• Gather some information about vehicle test codes. If a code is on your dashboard, there are a few ways to learn what is going on. Check engine lights mean automatic failures!
• You won’t pass if you clear the code and haven’t gone through the drive cycle and end up failing the readiness monitor. This can also happen if you changed your own battery. Not being able to clear the code and going directly to the emissions test keeps people honest.
• Buying a new “used” car? You can actually use the VIN number to check the emissions history of used vehicles to see if there were major issues or repairs.
• The new computer systems in vehicles today are much different than in cars post 1996. It can be harder to find a shop that will work on an older vehicle because the technology and tests have changed so much.
• There are some other less common reasons that you may fail the emissions test, too. Gas caps, check engine lights, O2 sensors, etc … are common reasons, but brakes, bad tires and other safety features are also important before you take it in.

A healthy vehicle is always better off before going in for an emissions test. You want to make sure the vehicle is running smoothly and is safe, then it will have much better odds of passing. No one likes to fail tests – especially when failing that test means investing your time and money to make things better. Before you go get your vehicle emissions tested, remember that our auto repair technicians are here to help you get your vehicle ready. We will check all engine codes, and apprise you of anything that needs repaired in order to pass your emissions test.