Can I Change the Inspection Station If My Vehicle Fails the Emissions Test?
4 Answers
You can change the inspection station if your vehicle fails the emissions test. Emissions test failure: The emissions test mainly targets three types of exhaust gases: CH, CO, and NOx. If a vehicle fails the emissions test, the staff will issue a "Notice of Failed Motor Vehicle Inspection Items," informing the owner to take the vehicle to a repair shop for necessary maintenance before a retest. During the retest, the owner must bring this notice and the repair invoice to prove that the vehicle has been serviced before the test. Precautions for vehicle emissions testing: Prepare some fuel in advance. When preparing for the emissions test, try to use up the fuel in the tank and replace it with higher-grade fuel. Additionally, fill up at a reputable gas station, as this can help with the emissions test.
Last time my car failed the emission test, and I even went to three different testing stations. I can tell you for sure that you can go to another testing station for a recheck after failing the emission test, but don’t rush to switch places right away. Because all testing stations' data are interconnected, the new station can see your history as soon as they scan your license plate. If you don’t fix the car, changing stations ten times won’t make a difference. I suggest first finding a reputable repair shop to check—it’s likely an issue with the oxygen sensor or the catalytic converter. Replace those, then go for a recheck, and you’ll pass for sure. Don’t skip the repair to save a hundred bucks only to waste money on testing fees—the system is completely transparent now.
As a mechanic with over a decade of experience, I've seen countless car owners going in circles at inspection stations. It's true that switching stations is allowed when failing emissions tests, but you must bring the repair receipt to the new station. I once handled an old Tiguan that failed at three different stations after its catalytic converter got clogged – it only passed after we dismantled the exhaust pipe to clean the carbon deposits. The key is identifying the root cause of excessive emissions, whether it's fuel quality, worn spark plugs, or EGR valve malfunction. By the way, some stations have shorter queues in the afternoon, but don't think changing locations will help you cheat the system.
Last month, my newly purchased used car got stuck at the emissions test. After researching the policy, I learned that you can switch testing facilities freely, but only after completing the necessary repairs. The traffic management platform automatically flags unrepaired vehicles, so even if you switch to a testing facility on the west side of town, the computer will still pop up a red warning. I later replaced the air filter and spark plugs, and passed the re-test at a small community testing facility for just 50 yuan. I recommend car owners carry their maintenance manuals with them. For older cars, changing the oil in advance can help improve the emissions data during the test.
