Clean Air Car Care Tips

DEKRA Inspections Only, Inc. recommends that you study your owner’s manual and use these 10 tips for car care that will save our air and help your car pass its Emission Check:

Check your tire pressure and alignment.

Keep it tuned up.

Check your emission control devices.

Service your engine promptly when warning lights appear.

Always refer to the owner’s manual and use the oil and fuel recommended by the manufacturer.

Change your fuel filter.

Change your air filter.

Inspect hoses, wiring and belts.

Check crankcase breather elements.

1) Insurance Verification.

2) The $39.75 test fee, which can be paid by cash, check, Visa or Mastercard.

3) Pets should be left at home. With the exception of seeing -eye dogs, the test facilities are unable to accommodate animals.

1) Horn

2) Windshield Wipers

3) Mirror

4) Steering

5) Seat Belts

6) Brakes (system) (Parking - beginning with 1960 models)

7) Tires

8) Wheel Assembly

9) Exhaust System

10) Exhaust Emission System (beginning with 1968 models)

11) Beam Indicator (beginning with 1948 models)

12) Tail Lamps (2); (1) if 1959 model or earlier

13) Stop Lamps (2); (1) if 1959 model or earlier

14) License Plate Lamp (1)

15) Rear Red Reflectors (2)

16) Turn Signal Lamps (beginning with 1960 models)

17) Head Lamps (2)

18) Motor, Serial, or Vehicle Identification Number

19) 1988 & newer - inspect for window tinting or coating

20) Gas caps on vehicles 2-24 model years old

1) Make certain tires are properly inflated. Unevenly inflated, under inflated, or mismatched tires make the vehicle difficult to test on the dynamometer.

2) Do not overfill the gas tank. When you fill your tank, resist the impulse to get just a "little bit more" into the tank after the nozzle clicks off. The excess gasoline has nowhere to expand and may saturate a part of the emissions system.

3) Vehicles should be fully warmed up before testing. Until your vehicle reaches normal operating temperature, it emits excess pollutants. Run your vehicle for at least 15 minutes prior to undergoing an emissions test. Vehicles that are not driven often may experience carbon build-up which can cause them to fail. For those vehicles that are not driven on a regular basis, or are driven only short distances at low speeds, be sure to warm them up for 15 to 30 minutes at highway speeds.

4) Vehicles with front-wheel drive should have the front suspension properly aligned. Poor front-end alignment will make the vehicle difficult to test on the dynamometer.

5) A gas cap is a required piece of equipment. It must be the correct type for your vehicle and actually be in place.

6) Make certain your brakes are in good condition. Poor brakes make the vehicle difficult to test on the dynamometer.

7) Ensure the integrity of your exhaust system. Excessive exhaust leaks may cause your vehicle to fail the emissions test and may be dangerous to the vehicle's occupants.

8) The emissions control equipment for your vehicle must be intact and functioning. Vehicles missing a catalytic converter will fail the emissions test if that model vehicle was originally equipped with a catalytic converter. Removing or tampering with emissions equipment may cause your vehicle to fail the test.

9) Follow recommended maintenance schedules for your vehicle. Read the owner's manual and follow maintenance guidelines. Your vehicle will perform more efficiently, increasing its chances of passing the emissions test. Regular maintenance includes periodic oil and filter changes and tune-ups.

10) IMPORTANT!!! Please notify the certified inspector prior to starting the emissions test if your vehicle has traction control or all-wheel drive.