How to Pass A Smoke-Emission Test

How to Pass A Smoke

Emission Test

 Give your precious vehicle a better chance of passing a Smoke Emission (also referred to as smoke test or smoke check) when you apply for registration. A well –maintained car, with all its systems in optimum condition, is more likely to pass the test with flying colors.

Partially due the economy, there is demand for the cheapest fuel –diesel-and with the low cost of such fuel comes very high emission output. Through the clean Air Act, the Philippine Land Transportation Office (LTO) has mandated “smoke emission tests to be passed by vehicles running on diesel engines as part of requirements for the renewal of the yearly vehicle registration.  LTO has in operation motor vehicle inspection centers to large transport groups, while private emission testing centers (PETC) provide testing services to public transport vehicles, including private-owned vehicles It is important to understand that smoke testing is a fundamental process for the alleviation of health-threatening pollutants in the atmosphere. EMISSION test programs verify that the car’s emission system is performing properly.

RUNNING RIGHT

Never subject your vehicle to a smoke inspection if it does not run right. Chances are that it will fall the smoke check. Seek professional assistance first to save you time and money.       

INFLATE TIRES 

The technician may need to drive the vehicle on a dynamometer which positions the car tires on rollers that allow the engine to run of high speed s while it is stationary as a part of the smoke test process. An even and correct tire pressure allows the vehicle to be driven with greater stability and accuracy and the engine to maintain a steady and constant load in torn, the improves the overall emission output.

TAKE   A DRIVE

Drive your vehicles for at least 25 minutes prior to arriving at the smoke inspection station. Experts say that this will ensure that the vehicle is a adequately warmed up and is running at its optimum level. The engine is a fuel burning machine, and a cold engine may be your Achilles heel during the test. To ensure proper combustion it needs to have sufficient time to warm up.

                               CHECK COOLANT AND GAS LEVELS

Make sure to fill your coolant tank properly before the test less or air flows through the radiator to cool the vehicles when it is tested at high speed while stationary or at an angle on a dynamometer. Experts add that low gas level in the tank could expose the fuel pump and put vapor in the fuel line, causing the car to fail the test.

Avoid rainy days-Some say that wet tires can slip on the dynamometer and give a false reading that can cause smoke check failure. Others on the other hand say the warm-up cycle of the test will usually dry off the tires. Furthermore,  extra humidity during rainy days  results in lower emissions of some pollutants.

                   

CLEAR THAT “CHECK ENGINE “LIGHT

If the “check Engine” light is on your car will need immediate engine repair, this means that it is an automatic smoke check failure. Get a pre-test for a diagnosis and fix. Experts say that this is mostly due to a faulty oxygen sensor, or at times before it fails, it does not properly regulate the gas or air mixture.

CHANGE OIL     

 If it is needed or close to your next oil change interval, change it. Every engine is specifically designed to breathe fumes located in the oil compartment. Experts say that if the oil is contaminated due to inadequate oil changes it could release additional pollutants that may very well be your ticket to a failed inspection.

DO A TUNE-UP

Two weeks before the smoke test. Have any required maintenance performed well before the smoke test. Most mechanics disconnect the battery while doing a tune-up and this resets the cars on board computer. The car then needs two weeks of driving to run all the diagnostic tests needed to pass the vehicle test.

Smoke test can be a ceremonial hassle for car owners and yet, there are simple steps they can take to tilt the odds of passing a smoke check in their favor. There are a lot of necessary steps they can accomplish before hand to ensure their precious set of wheels get a clean health bill and registered. Here are the top tips we have gathered from smoke check technicians to prepare your car for a smoke check.

AVOID RAINY DAYS

Some say that wet tires can slip on the dynamometer and give a false reading that can cause smoke check failure. Others on the other hand say the warm-up cycle of the test will usually dry off the tires. Furthermore, extra humidity during rainy days results in lower emissions of some pollutants.

USE ADDITIVES

Fuel additives are normally poured into the gas tank during refueling. It can be very helpful in lowering emission levels, improving combustion, increasing overall engine performance and ultimately in passing the smoke test. The mixture cleans carbon deposits within the engine’s intake and exhaust paths, allowing for both fuel and air to flow freely within its passages.

Some older cars that run poorly may have clogged fuel injectors, say experts, and mixing an additive could clean the small openings and help the cars pass the smoke test.