Minor Problems That Can Lead To Emission Test Failure

Your car doesn't have to have a serious malfunction to fail the emission test. There are relatively minor problems that can cause an emission test failure. That is why you should not be confident of your car passing the test if you haven't serviced it in while. Below are a few examples of such problems.

Dirty Air Filter

The air filter traps particles, such as dust particles, in the air so that they don't get into the engine. Over time, the trapped particles accumulate and restrict airflow through the filter. As a result, the engine doesn't get adequate air, the combustion process suffers, and the dangerous emissions increase.

Dirty Oil

Your car can also fail its emission test if the engine oil is dirty. Contaminated engine oil means that the engine will produce some fumes as the engine heats up, and some of the fumes might recirculate back into the engine. This might be the case if you have not replaced the car's engine for a long time.

Worn or Dirty Spark Plugs

The spark plugs provide the sparks that ignite the air-fuel mixture to kick start the combustion process. The spark plug won't do its job properly if it is dirty (oil or fuel can foul it up) or if it is worn-out. For example, the engine might misfire if the spark plug is dirty or damaged, and incomplete combustion might ensue, leading to emissions of dangerous gases.

Bad Oxygen Sensor

The oxygen sensor is part of the exhaust system. The sensor monitors the volume of oxygen in the exhaust fumes. Too much oxygen means a lean air-fuel mixture, while too little oxygen signals a rich air-fuel mixture. Both of these conditions are bad for the car. Unfortunately, a malfunctioning sensor might mislead you as to the composition of your car's emissions. You might think the exhaust is healthy while, in the real sense, the emissions are too high.

Improper Fuel Injection

The fuel injection system delivers a precise volume of fuel into the combustion chamber. Too much fuel into the injection system means more emissions of unburnt fuel and associated compounds of incomplete combustion. Thus, your car can fail the emission test if the fuel injection system is malfunctioning.

Strive to service your car regularly, and it will be less likely to fail the emission test. In case your car does fail the test, don't fret too much because the problem may be relatively simple. Just take your car to an auto mechanic for a diagnosis and repair. Consult an auto inspection service to learn more.