Question:
My car
failed an emissions test. Now what?
Answer:
You try
to figure out why it failed the test, get the problem fixed and then
try to pass the test again. This may or may not be an ordeal depending
on what's wrong with your engine, how easily the problem is to diagnose
and repair, and whether or not you flunk a retest.
The
worst case scenario is spending a lot of money on repairs only to
find that they didn't solve your emissions problem. You bounce back
and forth between the repair facility and test station, wasting
time and money all the while cursing the incompetent mechanics who
tried to fix your car and the bureaucrats who created the clean
air emissions testing program.
Your
best bet would be to have your car tested and repaired at a State
Recognized TEST AND REPAIR facility, such as Payne's Automotive,
we are set up and trained to correct the problem with as little
expense and down time as possible.
In
states or municipalities where periodic emissions testing is required,
you cannot get your vehicle registration or emissions compliance
sticker unless you either pass the test or meet the "waiver" requirements.
A
"waiver" is a kind of loophole that allows some vehicles to get
past an emissions test even when they can't meet the applicable
emission requirements.
Waivers
were created by politicians who recognized the fact that many people
(voters) can't afford to pay for all the repairs that might be required
to pass an emissions test. So credit is given for a good faith effort
and for spending a fixed dollar amount on repairs. Once you've spent
up to the limit, you get an automatic pass.
|
