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You get a reminder in the mail that your vehicle is due for an E-Check with your license plates renewal. This can strike fear in the hearts of many Ohio drivers who don’t have a lot of confidence in their vehicle’s emissions system. The program checks emissions on vehicles that are between 4 and 25 years old and less than or equal to 10,000 pounds (gross vehicle weight rating). Classic vehicles, motorcycles, and RVs are among the vehicles that have permanent exceptions to testing, but all other vehicles are required to test. So, what can you do to ensure that you pass and keep your vehicle on the road? Some things you can do on your own. Some things will require some help from your local automotive repair shop. Let’s take a look at what you can do to pass an E-Check.
1. Pay attention to your check engine light.
If it’s on, you are not passing. Oxygen sensor failure is the most common reason for the check engine light to come on. The oxygen sensor is relatively inexpensive to replace, but if that’s not done, it can impact and/or damage your catalytic converter, which won’t let you off the hook so easily. Make sure you address the light and get it turned off and have all necessary repairs, and monitors run prior to heading to your test.
2. Drive your vehicle on the highway prior to your test.
When you drive fast, the catalytic converter heats up enough to burn oil and gas residue and harmful emissions are converted before they exit through the tailpipe. If you take your vehicle out on the highway regularly for a few weeks prior to the test, you should help reduce emissions to help you pass the smog test portion of the E-Check.
3. Get your oil changed.
So, this one might not impact the test as significantly as some other measures, but it can’t hurt. Dirty oil contains pollutants, so changing the oil should help.
4. Get a tune-up before going for your check.
Have your car care professional change all of your filters, check your spark plugs, and inspect all of your emission hoses to make sure nothing is worn, chipped, cracked or broken prior to your E-Check.
5. Make sure there is air in your tires.
Underinflated tires can cause our engine to suffer fatigue while it is on the rollers for the dynamometer test. Keep them at the proper inflation level to make sure the engine performs optimally.
6. Check the gas cap.
First of all, make sure you have a gas cap! If you do, step two is to make sure that there are no cracks or gaps in the seal. If it is not fitted properly, this can trigger the check engine light. If the cap is damaged, replace it before the test.
7. If all else fails…
If you have done all of these things, and you still fail, then it’s time to come see the pros at Rad Air. The E-Check will give you a printout that will suggest what you need to correct in order to pass the check. Our experts will help you get everything in order so that you can pass the test and get back on the road. Schedule your appointment at the link below.
If you have done all of these things, and you still fail, then it’s time to come see the pros at Rad Air. Currently, our shops in Wickliffe, Downtown Cleveland, and Akron have the ability to handle E-Check services. You don’t even need to go to a state facility afterward: Our team can handle it for you after they service your vehicle! We make passing the E-Check as easy and stress-free as possible. Take advantage of our full-service offerings and book your Medina E-Check today!