First Time Drivers: What You Need To Do To Pass Your Smog Test

If you just got your driver's license and your first vehicle, you are going to need to take your vehicle in for a smog test. A smog test ensures that your vehicle's fumes are within the allowable limits. Here are a few things you need to know and do in order to pass your fog test.

Address Your Check Engine Light

If your check engine light is currently on, do not take your vehicle for a smog test just yet. First, you need to take your vehicle to your mechanic and figure out why the check engine light is on and you need to address the issues behind the check engine light.

If your check engine light is on, you will fail your smog test based on that fact alone. Additionally, if your check engine light is on, that means something is wrong under the engine. Whatever issue the engine is flagging may be enough to cause you to fail your smog test if it is not addressed. 

Change Your Oil

If it has been a while since you had your oil changed, and you are due for an oil change anyways, get one before you go and get your smog test.  When your oil becomes contaminated and old, it becomes high in hydrocarbons, which will cause your vehicle to fail its smog test. 

Be sure and ask the mechanic to clean out your oil pan when they change your oil. This will help ensure that your fumes meet the emissions standards of your state. 

Check The Tire Pressure 

When you take your vehicle in to have the oil changed, ask the technicians to check your tire pressure. Your tire pressure should be even on all sides. Having the tire pressure correct on your vehicle will provide your vehicle with increased stability and accuracy when your vehicle is driven over the dynamometer during your smog test. This will help keep your engine stable and the emissions from your vehicle consistent. 

Checking and correcting your tire pressure may be what allows a borderline vehicle to pass the smog test. 

Avoid Getting Tested On A Rainy Day

If you can help it, avoid going in for a smog test when it is rainy outside. When it is rainy outside, your car's tires will get wet. Wet tires increase the chance that your tires will lose traction while on the dynamometer for the smog test. This could compromise your test. The chance is low that a rainy day will cause you to fail your smog test, but if you can help it, going on a dry day increases the chances that everything will go right during your smog test.

Warm Up Your Vehicle

Finally, make sure that you warm up your vehicle before you take it in for a smog test. Drive around for at least half an hour before you head over to the smog testing facility. Driving around will ensure that your engine has had enough time to warm up so that it is running at its most optimum levels. 

Follow these tips and you'll be prepared to pass your smog test. Contact local smog testing centers, such as West Coast Smog, for more information.