Learning how to pass a smog test is one of those essential bits of knowledge that every car owner in California should know. There are a lot of pitfalls involved in passing a smog test.
Use the Same Fuel
Some people inadvertently shoot themselves in the foot doing things that they’ll think should help them pass a smog test but in fact cause them to fail. The biggest thing that people do wrong is buying more expensive fuel.
People often have a conception that how to pass a smog test is to use premium 91 octane fuel. It seems to make sense right? More expensive fuel is probably more pure, which means it probably burns cleaner and gives off less emissions right? Wrong. 91 Octane fuel contains higher combustive chemicals, which means it’s formulated to burn longer, in higher performance engines.
If you put it in an engine that’s not meant for high performance, the fuel won’t completely burn up inside the chamber, meaning that every time a piston fires, a little unburnt fuel will be pushed out of the exhaust, causing much MORE emissions to come out of the engine. Buying premium gasoline for your smog test can cause an ordinarily healthy engine to fail miserably. Don’t do it.
No matter how hard you try, some cars will still never pass a smog test. Sorry. Read the tips on how to pass a smog test.
That’s why these tips are so great, because they only help cars that are already clean, not the truly dismal vehicle. So lets get to them! Tips on how to pass a smog test:.
Fuel additives are generally poured into a vehicle’s gas tank during fuel refueling. These types of products offer helpful solutions to various vehicle emission and smog test problems.
Use a Fuel Injection Cleaner a Few Weeks Beforehand is always a good idea for your engine and fuel system to be as clean as possible before you go into a smog station. A few weeks before your trip, pour a bottle of fuel injection cleaner into your gas tank when you go for a fill up at the gas station. This will hopefully take care of some of the gunk and grime clinging to your fuel system.
Use a Fuel Treatment System if you’re really worried about passing your smog test. Buy a fuel treatment system that specializes in lowering emissions.
The MAF sensor stands for mass air flow sensor and helps to determine the amount of air to add into the fuel/air mixture. If your MAF sensor is dirty, it can cause the fuel mixture to be too rich in gasoline, which can lead to excess emissions. If you’re interested, check out my article on MAF Sensor Problems for how to clean your MAF sensor in a quick and cheap way.
Do not subject your vehicle to a Smog Inspection if it does not run right. Chances are that it will fail the smog check and you will lose your inspection fee. Seek repair assistance. This will save you time and money, and insure your vehicle will pass the smog test.
Drive your vehicle for at least 20 minutes prior to arriving at the smog station. Remember your engine is a fuel burning machine.
During the smog inspection, the smog technician may need to drive your vehicle on a dynameter as a part of the smog test process. Making sure your vehicle’s tire pressures are even and correct will allow the vehicle to be driven with greater stability and accuracy during the smog exam. This will improve the overall emissions output of your vehicle by allowing the engine to maintain a constant and steady load. Correct and even tire pressure may be the deciding factor between a borderline vehicle failing or passing the smog test.
Change Your Oil
If it’s close to your next oil change interval, go ahead and do it before the smog check. If the oil in your engine is contaminated due to inadequate oil changes it may very well cause your vehicle to fail the inspection.
Make sure your vehicle’s Check Engine Light or Malfunction Indicator Lamp is not illuminated. A constantly illuminated Check Engine or MIL light is an automatic smog failure. A certified repair shop can diagnose the check engine light condition and offer you an evaluation and estimate. The home mechanic may also diagnose a Check Engine light malfunction via special Check Engine codes retrieval tools, available at most auto parts stores. Note: A smog technician can not refuse to test your vehicle based on the fact that he or she notices an illuminated light. The smog technician must perform the smog check and fail your vehicle. This is California State law. Be aware. Get a pre-test.
Get More Smog Check Tips At A1 Smog.
Car Smog Information 