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.

Inspections for Vehicle Emissions

If you register a car in Illinois, it has to pass an emissions test every two years, starting when the car turns four years old. However, some vehicles and certain zip codes are exempt. If your vehicle fails an emissions inspection, it has to be re-tested unless you are granted a waiver. New residents still have to register their vehicles, then wait for the state to send a testing notice.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for the emissions testing. The EPA decides which vehicles require inspection, how to complete an emissions inspection, and how to handle failed tests, which will require auto services to repair any defects.

Taking the Test

When you get to the testing site, they will conduct what is known as an OBD, or Onboard Diagnostic. This determines whether there are any malfunctions in the emission control system in your vehicle.

The emissions test applies to most 1996 and newer cars. Once they turn four years old, the inspections begin. The inspection month corresponds to the expiate date on your vehicle license plate. Then, even model-years are inspected in even years, leaving odd model-year vehicles to be inspected in odd years.

A Failed Inspection

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.




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