How to Pass a Car Smog Check

Many states and counties require cars to pass a smog check when you buy them and yearly to make sure that they are up to the environmental air quality standards per the government. These smog checks are done at a building run by the government agency. The cars are put on a platform where the front or back wheels drop down on a spinning tube so that the car can be accelerated without moving. A sensor is placed inside the exhaust pipe, which is hooked up to a computer to measure the exhaust omitted from the car. All cars must pass within the government's standards to be driven and licensed for road driving. Learn how to pass a car smog check so you can drive you car on the road.

Things You'll Need

• Distributor and wires

Instructions

1. Buy a new distributor cap and wires. Swap out the old distributor and wires with the new ones. At this time, you can check the hoses, air filters and oil. If anything needs replacing, do it before you go for a smog check.

2. Check the exhaust system to make sure that you have no holes or leaks. If the sensor does not record enough exhaust, your car can fail the test. If the muffler or any of the pipes have damage or holes, replace them right away.

3. Take the car for a ride before going to the emission check center. A warm engine is more apt to pass than a cold engine. Take a ride for about 20 minutes before having the car tested.

4. Review any information the office gives you if you passed or did not pass. If your car failed the test, there will be instructions for what you can do to the car to see if you can get it to pass another test. These directions vary from state to state and for each car's performance on the emission test.

Tips & Warnings

• If you fail the test, most states have a dollar amount that you have to spend to get the car to pass. If it still does not pass, you are given a free pass. For instance, Wisconsin says that if you have spent $250 on your car and it still does not pass, you are given a waiver and the car can be licensed and driven.

• If your car is running poorly or has bad exhaust, do not even try to have a smog check done.