In this modern day and age we’ve become aware of the real impact that emissions can have on our environment and as such, emission testing is pretty much part and parcel of owning a vehicle almost everywhere around the world.
So, what is smog testing anyway and why is it so important? Today we’re going to tell you a little more about emission testing so that you’ll have the answer to those questions and we’ll also cover if it’s part of your regular preventative maintenance for your vehicle.
Before we go, we’ll touch on some frequently asked questions and tell you where to get smog testing in the DFW area if you’re driving a German import vehicle and looking to have it serviced by the best folks in the business.
‘Smog testing’ sounds kind of heavy, but you’ve already heard of it before – Just as ‘emission testing’. It simply consists of measuring the amount of pollutants that are coming from your exhaust system in order to determine that they are being handled efficiently by your emissions system.
This isn’t just about pollution, however, as poor emission handling means that you aren’t getting the kind of mileage that your vehicle is designed for. That’s because your emissions system is designed not only for cleaning those emissions, but for also trapping gas vapors and rerouting them to your engine to be burned as fuel.
Basically, it ensures that you won’t waste gas and that the gas is being converted to energy as cleanly as possible. Beyond function, smog testing is important because each state has their own emissions guidelines, and if these aren’t followed then you could be fined or even told that it must be fixed in order to operate your vehicle.
Thankfully, an emissions check is easy to get done and if you’ve been taking care of your vehicle, the odds are that you’re going to pass with flying colors.
Speaking of taking care of your vehicle, regular preventative maintenance as prescribed by your vehicle’s manufacturer is going to include testing your emission system from time to time to make sure that it’s functioning as it’s supposed to.
While the mile-marker for this maintenance will vary based on make and model, emission systems checks are definitely part of regular maintenance, so it’s important to get the checks your manufacturer recommends and to be sure they’re on-schedule.
While you will want to double check the law in your particular state, in most states that require emission testing there is an exemption for vehicles which are over 24 years old. With that said, be sure to double check it – Laws change all the time and you wouldn’t want to get an expensive ticket for a routine check that you should be doing anyway.
No, California is not getting rid of smog checks anytime soon, and are looking to phase-out gasoline powered vehicles by as early as 2035. Currently they are expanding their emission testing requirements for trucks and other large vehicles and if you own a car then it’s safe to say that you’re definitely going to need a smog test if you live in California.
Most states are going to require that you get a smog check, although there are some exceptions. In Alabama, Alaska, and Arkansas a smog check is not required and this is also the case in Florida, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, and Kentucky. Finally, you don’t have to take a smog/emissions test in Michigan or Minnesota, either, although emissions testing is still a good idea.
Aside from the health considerations, when your emissions are excessive, you aren’t getting the mileage that you could be if your emissions system was running in tip-top shape!
Smog checks, preventative maintenance, full-service repair… At Louden Motorcars, we do all this and more. If you happen to live in the DFW area and drive a German import vehicle, then you should pay us a visit.
We can help to make sure that you’re getting the regular preventative maintenance that your vehicle needs on-time, every time, and no one is going to know your emissions system better. That’s because we bring over 40 years of experience to the table when it comes to working with German import vehicles.
Give us a call or come visit and we’ll show you the level of service that it takes to stay in business for 4 decades. You’ll save time and money and never feel like a number at Louden Motorcars – and that’s a guarantee!
Louden Motorcar Services, Inc.
11454 Reeder Road, Dallas, TX 75229
Mon To Fri: 07:30 AM – 05:30 PM
Sat - Sun: Closed
Call today for an appointment: 972-241-6326
Theresa - theresa@loudenmotorcars.com
Jon - jon@loudenmotorcars.com
