Many drivers dread renewing their vehicle registration, especially if their car or truck must pass an emissions test. In all fairness to the Illinois Department of Motor Vehicles, a polluting car or truck can be very dangerous. Not only do the emissions add to an already overabundance of greenhouse gasses, they also affect the quality of the air everyone breathes. Did your car fail its last emission test? If so, keep reading these tips from Pit Shop Auto Repair to find out what you can do about it.
Get the Full Report
Once your vehicle has failed the smog test, ask the inspector who performed it for a full report. Bear in mind the inspector may give it to you then or may have to mail it to you later. Hopefully, you’ll receive it right away, as this report explains why your automobile failed the emissions test and what needs to be repaired so it will pass it on the second go-round. Take the report with you to an auto mechanic, which leads to the second step.
Don’t Keep it on the Road
You will not be able to register your vehicle if it fails its emissions test. Driving an unregistered vehicle is a moving violation, so see about getting an extension and drive your vehicle directly to a mechanic if your registration has already expired. Your car, SUV or truck failed the smog test for a reason, and a professional mechanic will confirm the report’s diagnosis and confirm and/or recommend additional repairs to get your vehicle’s emissions system back on track.
Retest Once Repairs Are Complete
Your best bet is to take your vehicle to a mechanic who can retest your vehicle emissions after the repairs are complete. Provided your vehicle passes, you will receive the certificate you need to send to the DMV for your registration. If your vehicle fails a second time and the mechanic doesn’t believe it will ever pass, it might be time to cut your losses and buy a new car. Your other option is to apply for an Illinois smog check waiver.
How Do I Get the Waiver
Subject to change, the current requirements for a smog certification waiver are as follows: Your vehicle must be equipped with an emissions control system and, aside from failing the smog check, otherwise operational. The vehicle must have failed the test twice, and you must have spent a minimum of $450 for the tests and repairs. Avoid this hassle altogether by keeping your vehicle properly maintained by the trusted mechanics at Pit Shop Auto Repair in Libertyville.
