What to Do If Vehicle Fails Emission Test During Annual Inspection?
2 Answers
If your vehicle fails the emission test during the annual inspection, here are several solutions: 1. Clean the three-way catalytic converter. The catalytic converter is a specialized component that transforms carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons produced during combustion into harmless gases. However, if its performance deteriorates, it can lead to failed emission tests. The solution is to clean or replace it. 2. Remove carbon deposits. This involves cleaning the intake grille located at the throttle valve and fuel injector, including the top parts. 3. Replace the spark plugs. If spark plugs are not replaced for a long time, they may fail to ensure complete combustion of the fuel mixture, resulting in excessive HC levels in the exhaust. For the fuel injector, an overly rich fuel mixture can increase pollutant levels in the exhaust, causing the vehicle to fail the test. Therefore, replacing these components before the inspection can effectively resolve the issue.
Last year during my annual inspection, I ran into the issue of failing the tailpipe emissions test and was really anxious. I first checked the air filter myself and found it completely clogged with dust, so I replaced it with a new one. However, that didn’t help much, so I took it to a reliable repair shop for a proper diagnosis. The mechanic told me the catalytic converter was clogged and cleaned it for a little over 200 yuan. The spark plugs were also worn out, so I replaced the whole set. I have good car maintenance habits, changing the oil and checking filters every 5,000 kilometers, which helps prevent many emissions-related issues. Failing the emissions test not only means you won’t pass the annual inspection but also wastes fuel and pollutes the air unnecessarily. So, it’s best to warm up the engine and drive on the highway a month before the inspection to clean the system. Don’t procrastinate—fixing issues early saves money and hassle, and it also extends your car’s lifespan.
