In Ontario, certain vehicles must pass a Drive Clean emissions test before it can legally be driven on the road. By taking the Drive Clean test, you can determine if your vehicle is deemed road worthy by Ontario Emissions standards.
Emissions tests are done to make sure vehicles are not discharging an unacceptable amount of hazardous waste into the environment.
How do you know if an emissions test is required for your automobile?
Most vehicle owners don’t think about servicing their vehicles until an engine light comes on, or a strange sound begins to persist.
There is no specific indicator in your vehicle that will let you know when it is time for an emissions test, but there are some general guidelines to follow.
Older Vehicles
If you have recently purchased a new vehicle, an emissions test will not be required to get that vehicle on the road.
It’s only after a car is about seven years old that emissions tests will start to become mandatory.
Around this time, you will likely receive a notice in the mail or online that an emissions test is required for your vehicle.
After receiving this message, you will not be able to renew your vehicle’s registration until an emissions test has been completed and passed.
Online Tools
There are several tools and features online that can help keep you updated and informed about any upcoming test requirements.
Some of the tools available are:
- Email reminders from Service Ontario
- Vehicle search for mandatory tests
- Vehicle search for Drive Clean history
- Search to see if a used car you are thinking of purchasing is due for a test
- Search to see if you are eligible for a free emissions test
Most of these searches can be done on the Drive Clean website, where you can find the information you are looking for.
Preparing your Vehicle for Emissions Testing
There are certain precautions and preparations that can be made before an emissions test is taken, to increase the chance of favorable results.
Some things you can do in advance are:
- Make sure your car is completely warmed up before taking the test
- Have your brakes checked
- Check front wheels to ensure proper alignment
- Change air filters
- Make sure all coolants and fluids are topped up and clean
- Oil change (if needed)
- Make sure check engine light is not on
Something you should definitely do before an emissions test, is make sure to run your vehicle so it is fully warmed up. Drive it for at least 20 minutes before testing.
It is also recommended to have an overall tune up done before a test, to ensure there are no outstanding issues that you are not aware of.
One thing is certain, if the check engine light comes on in your car during your emissions test, your vehicle will not pass inspection in Ontario.
Emissions Test Brampton
If you live in the Brampton area, and will be needing an emissions test for your vehicle in the near future, Valvoline Express Care Brampton is a perfect choice.
The expert technicians at Valvoline can not only help you get your vehicle ready for inspection, they are also a licensed Drive Clean Test Station.
Valvoline Express Care Brampton
Valvoline Express Care is an ideal selection for your Drive Clean emissions test for many reasons. Some of the benefits of a Valvoline emissions test are:
- Fast and efficient
- Pre-test to make sure your vehicle is ready
- Professional and knowledgeable staff
- Authorized by the Ontario Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change
- Earn reward points that can be used for other services by downloading the app