Cars and Test Tips

DEKRA Inspections Only recommends that you study your owner's manual and use these tips for car care that will promote an environmental-friendly driving experience and help your car pass its Emission Check:

Tips for Smooth Testing

• Keep your vehicle tuned up.
• Service your engine promptly when warning lights appear. If your vehicle warning light is on, the car will probably not pass the emission test.
• Always refer to the owner's manual and use the oil and fuel recommended by the manufacturer.
• Inspect hoses, wiring and belts. DEKRA will not test a vehicle with leaking fluids.

Tips for a successful test for 1995 vehicles and older

• Make certain tires are properly inflated. Unevenly inflated, under inflated or mismatched tires make the vehicle difficult to test on the dynamometer.
• Do not overfill the gas tank. When you fill your tank, resist the impulse to get just a "little bit more" into the tank after the nozzle clicks off. The excess gasoline has nowhere to expand and may saturate a part of the emissions system.
• Vehicles should be fully warmed up before testing. Until your vehicle reaches normal operating temperature, it emits excess pollutants. Run your vehicle for at least 15 minutes prior to undergoing an emissions test. Vehicles that are not driven often may experience carbon build-up which can cause them to fail. For those vehicles that are not driven on a regular basis, or are driven only short distances at low speeds, be sure to warm them up for 15 to 30 minutes at highway speeds.
• A gas cap is a required piece of equipment. It must be the correct type for your vehicle and actually be in place.
• Make certain your brakes are in good condition. Poor brakes make the vehicle difficult to test on the dynamometer.
• Ensure the integrity of your exhaust system. Excessive exhaust leaks may cause your vehicle to fail the emissions test and may be dangerous to the vehicle's occupants.
• The emissions control equipment for your vehicle must be intact and functioning. Vehicles missing a catalytic converter will fail the emissions test if that model vehicle was originally equipped with a catalytic converter. Removing or tampering with emissions equipment may cause your vehicle to fail the test.
• Follow recommended maintenance schedules for your vehicle. Read the owner's manual and follow maintenance guidelines. Your vehicle will perform more efficiently, increasing its chances of passing the emissions test. Regular maintenance includes periodic oil and filter changes and tune-ups.

IMPORTANT!!! Please notify the certified inspector prior to starting the emissions test if your vehicle has traction control or all-wheel drive.