Your European automobile must pass an emissions test every year to be registered in the state of Texas. What happens if your vehicle fails the emissions test? You bring it to Lucas Auto Care, that’s what. We can find out why your car or crossover failed the emissions test and fix the problem so it will pass on the retake. Here are common reasons why vehicles fail emissions tests.
Check Engine Light
If your check engine light is on, your vehicle will not pass the test. It doesn’t matter what’s wrong; a check engine warning means a failed emissions test. We will need to determine why your check engine light is on and fix the problem in order to get it to turn off. Once it’s turned off, your automobile should pass the emissions test.
Dirty Air Filter
One reason why the check engine light could be on is a dirty air filter. If the air filter is clogged, it will inhibit the airflow into the combustion chamber and you’ll end up with a rich fuel mixture, i.e., one with too much diesel fuel or gasoline in it. When this happens, the engine burns away the fuel and you end up with excess hydrocarbons in your exhaust.
Dirty Motor Oil
Another thing that causes excess hydrocarbons in your vehicle’s exhaust is dirty motor oil. If you haven’t been good about getting your oil changed every 3,000 miles or when your vehicle’s manufacturer recommends it, you will not only fail the emissions test but you could also be damaging your engine. Clean motor oil is your engine’s lifeblood.
Loose Gas Cap
One minor problem that can cause an emissions test failure is a loose gas cap. If you filled up before you went to get your vehicle’s emissions tested, it’s possible that you didn’t screw on the gas cap tight enough and fuel is evaporating from the tank. Tightening the gas cap solves the problem.
Misfiring Spark Plugs
If your spark plugs or wires are worn, your engine will misfire and this will cause an emissions test failure. Replacing the spark plugs will restore your engine’s performance and, barring any other problem, your vehicle should pass the emissions test after that.
Rich Fuel Mixture
Finally, as discussed above, a rich fuel mixture produces excess hydrocarbons. These hydrocarbons are released in your vehicle’s exhaust, and, consequently, your automobile will fail the emissions test until the problem that is causing the rich fuel mixture is resolved.
Bring your European automobile to Lucas Auto Care in Cypress, TX, so we can find out why it failed the emissions test. Call us today to set up an appointment.
