Emissions Testing
Emissions Testing in Cedar Park, Texas
Find Out More About the Texas Emissions Test—Dave’s Ultimate Automotive
Overview of Vehicle Emissions
If you drive a gasoline-powered car, SUV, or light-duty truck, your vehicle emits both greenhouse gases and smog-forming pollutants. The major greenhouse gas that cars produce is carbon dioxide, followed by gases like methane and nitrous oxide; though less in terms of production, they are still impactful. Some greenhouse gases can stay in the atmosphere for over 100 years, for instance! In doing so, energy is trapped, resulting in a warmer temperature. Smog-forming emissions include nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, non-methane organic gases, and particulate matter. These are typically trapped closer to the ground and can form a haze that pollutes the air. Smog makes it harder for some people to breathe, triggering diseases such as chronic bronchitis, asthma, and emphysema. Here at Dave’s Ultimate Automotive in Cedar Park, Texas, we are committed to keeping the environment as clean as possible. One way we do that is by performing emissions testing to ensure your vehicle isn’t producing excess emissions.
What Does Emissions Testing Mean?
More than half of all states require routine emissions testing, put into place in the early 1990s as part of the Federal Clean Air Act. Its mission? To reduce air pollution by setting emissions standards for vehicles. Emissions testing essentially checks that your car is within EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) standards, ultimately limiting the impact your vehicle can have on the environment. Only gasoline-powered vehicles require an emissions test; diesel-powered vehicles and motorcycles are exempt. Additional exemptions may apply—feel free to reach out for more information. The emissions test consists of the on-board diagnostic (OBD-II) test, which confirms the proper function of the devices that control emissions levels, and requires advanced code-scanning technology. If there is a problem, your vehicle will not pass and will need to be retested after repair. Common problems that can occur and cause your vehicle to fail to include a defective catalytic converter, incorrect ignition timing, misrouted vacuum lines, a faulty gas cap, or a faulty exhaust gas recirculation system—among many others. If your vehicle does fail, rest assured that we can provide the right fix the first time!
Visit Our Auto Shop Today!
In Texas, emissions testing is often due in conjunction with the annual safety inspection. While all Texas-registered vehicles require an annual inspection, it’s important to note that the emissions test is only required for vehicles registered in these 17 counties: Brazoria, Collin, Dallas, Denton, El Paso, Ellis, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Johnson, Kaufman, Montgomery, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant, Travis, and Williamson. If you want to have your vehicle checked before your next emissions test, we invite you to stop by! We can confirm the function of all components to ensure your car can pass. If you would like more information on emissions testing, please feel free to give us a call at 512-335-3955. Our auto technicians are well-versed in the Texas emissions test guidelines and rules and are always happy to assist. To do your part when it comes to climate change and ozone pollution, turn to us at Dave’s Ultimate Automotive when you would like your emissions system tested! We are located at 1403 W. Whitestone Blvd, Cedar Park, TX 78613 and look forward to serving you soon.