Auto emissions testing is required every two years for most Fort Washington, MD cars and trucks by the Maryland Vehicle Administration (MVA). At every Wiygul Automotive Clinic, we employ Master Certified Emissions Technicians with extensive training above the average mechanic. Each Clinic also has the approved diagnostic equipment needed to perform the On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) and the Idle Tailpipe and Gas Cap Tests.
The OBD test is required for:
Model years 1996 and newer light-duty trucks and passenger vehicles
Model years 2008 and newer heavy-duty vehicles up to 14,000 pounds
The OBD requires a scan tool to link to the vehicle's On-Board Diagnostic computer. It checks the system to determine if any of the emissions control components are failing. Malfunctioning components can result in a false pass or fail, or even permit the vehicle's emissions to exceed allowable limits.
As a car or truck owner, there are two things you need to be aware of before bringing in your Fort Washington, MD vehicle for emissions testing. First, make certain the amber-colored "check engine," or similar warning light is not on. If it is, the vehicle will fail the OBD test, and you need to check with your dealer or certified repair technician before coming in for testing.
Second, if you had auto repairs that required disconnection of the battery, you should wait a week before bringing your car or truck to us. Driving it normally for that time resets the emissions monitor components to their proper setting. If your vehicle also has either an improperly aligned shift indicator or a driver’s door which does not close properly, the vehicle cannot be tested.
The Idle Tailpipe and Gas Cap Test is required for:
Model years 1977 and newer heavy-duty vehicles 8,501 - 26,000 pounds. Our technicians need to drive vehicles in this category at highway speeds for at least 20 minutes before the test to warm up the exhaust and then take a test sample. A failed test occurs under the following conditions:
If the catalytic converter is damaged or missing
If the exhaust system has leaks or holes that prevent taking a valid exhaust sample
If the gas cap is missing, damaged, or is the wrong cap for the vehicle
If your Fort Washington, MD vehicle fails auto emissions testing, you need to have repairs made and then retest as soon as possible. If the vehicle fails again, you can be issued a waiver from the MVA. Submit the original receipts showing the cost was at least $450.00 for emissions-related repairs only. They had to be accomplished no more than 30 days before the first inspection and no later than 120 days after the last one. The waiver is issued for two years from the original assigned test date.
At Wiygul Automotive, our goal is to help your vehicle the MVA emissions test. If you are due for your next one, contact us at 866-702-8050 for the nearest location and to schedule your test.