All About Smoke Emission Testing

Passing a smoke emission test is mandatory to be able to renew a vehicle's registration in some countries. It is imperative that the carbon dioxide levels do not go above the standard limit. This will prove that your vehicle is still safe for the environment and to you as well. Sometimes, these exhaust gases sneak inside the vehicle and it can be lethal at high levels, especially if you have a closed or air-conditioned vehicle.

It is also important that you go to an accredited smoke emission testing center. Here in the Philippines, there are third party emission testing centers that are accredited by the Land Transportation Office (LTO). If you go to an unaccredited emission testing center and if you pass, they will not acknowledge the results and you'll be asked to do it again at an accredited emission testing center. Usually, accredited testing centers are located near the transportation office. Do not forget to tell them if your vehicle runs on gasoline or diesel. They have different standards for each.

What happens during emission testing? A device will be placed at the end of the exhaust pipe of your vehicle. Your vehicle should be running throughout the test and the machine will monitor the exhaust gas. It usually lasts for about 5 to 10 minutes and the results will be instantly released. And then, a form/certificate will be given to you showing the carbon monoxide levels of your car.

If your car passes the test, you will be asked to pay a small testing fee and then the clearance report will be given to you showing that your car officially passed. You can then proceed to your government's transportation department to renew your car's registration. Show them the report/certificate and then you may proceed with the renewal process.

Old vehicles are susceptible to failure in smoke emission testing. But with proper maintenance and non-abusive usage, your vehicle can still pass the test. The best thing to do is to tune-up your car. Change the engine oil and the oil filter, clean or replace the air filters, replace the spark plugs and check your exhaust system (muffler, catalytic converter, and the pipe) for holes or damage.

Before I forget, do not deal with fixers. Even at emission testing centers, they will try to convince you to take their offer to help you with the testing process as well as the renewal process if you're going to renew your car's registration. Who knows what will happen to your paperwork?

They can get information from you. Your paperwork may not be recorded properly and you'll most likely have problems if traffic enforcers or police officers inspect your registration and official receipt. They are susceptible to mistakes such as wrong information printed on the documents. You'll then have to do it again and pay them another service fee. It's always better to do things yourself and deal with the official staff of the transportation office. You'll be more secure and you know that your paperwork is in good hands.

Smoke emission testing will make sure that our vehicles stay clean and green for the environment. So make sure that you do your part by doing proper and regular maintenance of your vehicle. It will be safer not just for you and your car but also for everyone else.

Source:
Land Transporatation Office - Motor Vehicle Transactions
http://www.lto.gov.ph/mvrsreq.html#mv2