How to Test Exhaust Emission

Exhaust emissions contribute to a large amount of the pollution that now exists in the atmosphere. To reduce the emissions that are released by cars, state laws require that many vehicles be tested in order to determine whether the car meets emission standards.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Visit your state's inspection center. A routine part of each inspection is to test your vehicle's emissions. The inspection sticker on your mirror will let you know when you are due to have your exhaust emissions and car inspected.

2. Wait for your car to be placed on the machine used by the inspection station for the test. An on-board diagnostic test and idle test are the tests used to inspect emission systems. The system is going to check how well your emissions system works and if it's up to state standards.

3. Find out if your exhaust emissions have passed the test. The inspection station is going to let you know immediately whether your car meets the standards or not.

4. Take your car in for repairs if you fail. If your car fails the test, you need to go to an emissions repairman to fix the problem. Once the repair has been done, you can return to the inspection station to test the exhaust emissions again.

Tips & Warnings

• Each state has its own emissions testing program. Visit your state government website to find out the regulations that are now in place.
• Exhaust emissions can include any of the following substances: hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide.