What to Do If the Vehicle Fails the Environmental Inspection?
2 Answers
If a car fails the annual environmental inspection, the main solutions are: 1. Check the catalytic converter and oxygen sensor. If the engine's air-fuel mixture does not burn completely, a large amount of carbon deposits will form. These deposits will be emitted through the exhaust pipe and adhere to the inside of the catalytic converter and the surface of the oxygen sensor. Therefore, cleaning the catalytic converter and oxygen sensor can solve many issues related to unqualified vehicle emissions. 2. Clean or replace the spark plugs. Faults in the ignition system, such as spark plugs or ignition coils, can also cause excessive vehicle emissions. Spark plugs are wear-prone parts and are most likely to develop issues. Poor spark plug conditions can worsen emission pollution. Spark plugs are also prone to carbon buildup, which can be cleaned with sandpaper or cleaning agents to restore their activity, and the ignition gap can be adjusted. 3. Perform a deep engine cleaning. Cleaning the throttle body, fuel system, intake manifold, fuel injectors, etc., and removing carbon deposits inside the engine can significantly improve the engine's condition. This will help avoid the problem of increased emission pollution caused by incomplete combustion of the air-fuel mixture under poor engine conditions.
My car failed the last emissions test, but don't panic—this might be related to the engine's operating condition. Check if the catalytic converter is clogged or aged, as this part is crucial for filtering exhaust gases. Also, if the oxygen sensor is faulty, it can cause emissions to exceed standards; using a diagnostic tool to read the fault codes is the most accurate method. Then, clean the fuel system and add a bottle of cleaner, driving for a few days to see if it helps. Regular maintenance should include changing the engine oil and air filter, as excessive carbon buildup increases emissions. If all else fails, take it to a professional repair shop for a comprehensive inspection of the emissions control system. Once fixed, a retest should pass—after all, failing emissions tests harms the environment and can result in fines.
