What to Do If the Vehicle Fails the Exhaust Emission Test?
2 Answers
Solutions for failing the vehicle exhaust emission test include: 1. Replace the spark plugs; 2. Adjust the ignition timing; 3. Clean the throttle body with a cleaning agent; 4. Switch to 97-octane gasoline or 97-octane ethanol gasoline; 5. Clean the distributor contacts and the rotor contacts; 6. Clean the air filter; 7. Clean the catalytic converter and oxygen sensor. Other solutions for failing the exhaust emission test are: 1. Drive slowly to warm up the engine and reduce wear; 2. Turn off the engine if idling for more than one minute; 3. Close the windows when driving over 60 km/h; 4. Turn off electrical appliances after exiting the vehicle; 5. Maintain proper tire pressure; 6. Accelerate gently.
Last year, my car also failed the emissions test, which really gave me a scare. This is usually due to an aging catalytic converter or a faulty oxygen sensor, causing excessive emissions. I quickly checked the trouble codes and found it was an oxygen sensor issue. I suggest you first visit a repair shop to read the trouble codes and confirm the specific cause. Don’t rush to replace parts—it might be a minor issue like excessive carbon buildup, which can be resolved with a simple cleaning. If parts must be replaced, keep in mind that catalytic converters are quite expensive, but don’t skimp—low-quality parts are even less durable. Regularly changing the engine oil and cleaning the air filter can help prevent emission issues. Address this promptly, or you might face fines if caught on the road. After repairs, remember to retest to ensure compliance. Safety comes first when driving—delaying repairs can worsen the car’s condition and end up costing more in the long run.
