Get Emissions Standards Info From An Auto Repair North Center Chicago Garage

By Erika Ferrerat


Illinois is a great place to live, but if you own a car while you live there, you will need to make sure that you understand the strict emissions standards. If your car is not up to snuff with these standards, a Auto Repair North Center Chicago can help get you there.

Illinois Vehicle Emissions inspections

Once you buy and register a car in the state, you must put it through a sanctioned emissions test if it is four years old or more. This test must be repeated every two years to ensure that it has continued to adhere to those standards. If you should fail, you have to re-test after fixing whatever is causing the failure. Certain models and ZIP codes are exempt from tests.

The federal government has an EPA, or Environmental Protection Agency, but the state of Illinois has its own as well. In fact, l it is this government body that determines which cars needs tests and when. This Agency also sets the emissions standards that these vehicles have to pass, so they are your go to place for all information in case your car is not up to snuff.

The Test

There is something called the On-Board-Diagnostic or OBD test. This looks for any kind of malfunctions in your control systems. If any occur, that means your vehicle will not pass muster and must be repaired in order to maintain or improve air quality and fuel economy.

If your vehicle was made in 1996 or later, you likely need to undergo the OBD. There are a few exceptions, such as a brand new car that is not yet four years old. Once your car is four years old, you get inspected and get a sticker on your license plate. This has the expiration date, which is when you must get reinspected.

Failed Inspections

Repairs are necessary should your car fail. After performing the necessary repairs, you can get retested to see if you pass this time. If you do not go get restested, the state will not renew your registration, so your car will no longer be street legal. It is important that you only go to a reputable repair service to ensure you get it fixed right.




About the Author: