You may have heard about the mandatory Drive Clean emissions test being cancelled in Ontario as of April 1st, 2019.
This doesn’t mean that drivers are no longer responsible for the emissions they are releasing into the environment from their automobiles.
The Drive Clean emissions test was basically cancelled due to inefficiency and tremendous expenses covered by Ontario tax payers.
Even though there will no longer be mandatory emissions tests after April 1st, drivers will still be held accountable for noxious substances emitted through their exhaust systems.
Instead of compulsory tests, random road-side inspections will be implemented to assess compliance.
This means that drivers will be expected to “drive clean” at all times, not jut when it is time to take an emissions test.
What is the purpose of an emissions test?
Emissions tests are performed on vehicles to determine the levels of hazardous substances being released into the atmosphere.
How is an emissions test performed?
An emissions test is routine check done to make sure your car is not discharging too many pollutants,further compromising the condition of our already tainted air supply.
The test is carried out by examining:
The catalytic converter on your automobile
Missing or faulty gas caps
On-board computer errors that may compromise test results
Defects in the fuel system
Excess smoke emitting from the exhaust or other components of the car
Any noticeable problems that lead to excessive polluting
Where can you get an emissions test done?
Emissions Test Brampton
An excellent option for a certified emissions test can be found at Valvoline Express Care in Brampton.
Valvoline Express Care has been authorized by the Ontario Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change to perform official emissions tests in Ontario.
Some good reasons to choose Valvoline for your emissions test are:
Fast and efficient process
Thorough inspection
Discounts for other services
Speed and Convenience
The emissions test at Valvoline Express Care is quick and easy. The expert automotive technicians at Valvoline have performed the test hundreds of times, streamlining the process to get you back on the road as soon as possible.
Thorough Inspection
A comprehensive examination will be done on your vehicle to make sure there are no existing problems that would result in your vehicle being unsafe to drive.
Valvoline technicians will carry out a thorough inspection of:
The tailpipe – to get a reading of carbon dioxide and hydrocarbon emissions
On-board diagnostic system
Diesel testing for diesel fueled vehicles
Specialized testing for heavy-duty vehicles
Benefits of an Emissions Test in Brampton
There are a variety of great benefits for you and your vehicle when getting an emissions test performed at Valvoline Express Care Brampton.
Some of the advantages are:
Environmental Responsibility
Improved Performance
Legal Coverage
Environmental Responsibility
With all the air and water pollution on our planet today, each person has the responsibility to limit their carbon footprint as much as possible.
By limiting the pollution emanating from your car, you are benefitting the people around you, as well as the plants and wildlife in your area.
Global warming can only be controlled if everyone does their part.
Improved Performance
An emissions test can point out deficiencies in the performance of your vehicle. This is a good way to recognize big problems before they have a chance to develop.
An efficiently running vehicle also means better fuel economy and fewer repair bills.
Legal Coverage
Even after the Drive Clean emissions test no longer exists after April 1st, 2019, you still have a legal responsibility to make sure your car is up to standard.
If you are stopped by a road-side inspection testing for fuel emissions, and you fail, you will not be able to legally operate that vehicle until the problem is resolved.
An emissions test can be beneficial to provide more information on the overall state of your vehicle. In some cases, an emissions test is a mandatory legal requirement to operate your vehicle on the road.
What does an emissions test measure?
An emissions test is performed to assess the amount of hazardous materials your car is releasing into the air.
Emissions tests are a provincial requirement that help to limit the levels of pollution that are being emitted by vehicles. This helps to improve the air quality for everyone in the province.
Reduce your Carbon Footprint
Controlling the emissions produced by your vehicle is a responsible way to limit your contribution to air pollution.
Making sure your car is not producing excess pollutants also helps to improve the efficiency of your vehicle’s performance.
Passing an emissions test is not only good for the environment, but also your automobile.
Where can I get an official emissions test in Ontario?
If you are looking to have a certified emissions test done in Ontario, an excellent choice is Valvoline Express Care Brampton.
Emissions Test Brampton
Car owners in Brampton, and throughout the GTA, can get an authorized emissions test at Valvoline Express Care.
Valvoline Express Care offers an authorized Ontario emissions test that has been certified by the Ontario Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.
The quick and convenient emissions test at Valvoline Express Care is a stream-lined process to get your car tested and you back on the road in a timely manner.
What does the emissions test consist of?
When you bring your car in for an emissions test at Valvoline, you can expect a thorough and efficient inspection of your vehicle.
The process includes:
Visual inspection of the vehicle
Examining the catalytic converter to ensure there are no issues (and that one exists on your vehicle)
Making sure there are no missing gas caps or other components
Checking for defects in the fuel system
Looking for smoke emitting from the tail pipe or other places on your car
Inspection of the onboard computer
Any visually obvious issues that would contribute to hazardous emissions
What should you know about harmful emissions?
It seems that there are no imminent changes coming to prevent the use of gasoline to operate motor vehicles. This means that automobiles will continue to emit pollutants for the foreseeable future.
There are two main types of emissions:
Exhaust emissions
Evaporative emissions
Exhaust Emissions
These emissions occur when the engine is running, and exhaust is being emitted from burned fuel. This includes the release of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds).
VOCs include harmful waste products like:
Hydrocarbons
Carbon dioxide
Nitrogen oxides
Excessive amounts of these by-products being released into the air can lead to the increased production of green house gases.
Evaporative Emissions
These types of emissions occur when the car is stationary or not in operation. These typically include vapors that escape into the air from the fuel system.
Benefits of an Emissions Test Brampton
There are many good reasons to have an emissions test done on your vehicle to make sure you are not discharging excess pollution.
The main advantages include:
Environmental responsibility
Driving legally
Vehicle care
Environmental Responsibility
Pollutants emitting from your exhaust can cause numerous problems for your surrounding environment.
Harmful exhaust emissions can be detrimental for:
People around you
Wildlife
Damaged soil
Polluted lakes and streams
Contamination of the local water supply
Driving Legally
Find out if you meet the emission requirements to legally operate your vehicle in Ontario. Vehicles that produce excess intoxicants are deemed to be unroadworthy.
Vehicle Care
Aside from being good for the environment, an emissions test can also be good for your vehicle. Keeping your vehicle operating at an optimal level will preserve the value, increase performance, and keep you and your passengers safe.
As the air in our environment becomes increasingly polluted, we all must do our part to reduce pollution to show respect and consideration for the people around us. A good place to start is vehicle emissions. Even car manufacturers are looking for new and improved ways to make vehicles more environmentally friendly. Keeping your car running clean is not just a demonstration of good faith and concern for your neighbors, it is also a legal obligation in the province of Ontario. If you are a car owner, I am sure you aware that most vehicles must pass an emissions test at some point in order to be deemed road worthy. Depending on the type of vehicle, this test typically becomes mandatory after about 7 years. At this point, the vehicle must pass a standard emissions test, or it will not be allowed back on the road.
Environmental Impact
Climate change is happening all over the globe, and Canada is no exception. In order to curtail these unwelcome and potentially calamitous changes, we should all take time to consider the impact we are having on our immediate surroundings. Vehicle emissions are one the biggest causes of air pollution. The detrimental effects of these harmful emissions are being felt in cities all over the world in the form of smog. Car owners can be responsible by reducing the emissions they are expelling into the air.
Emissions Test Ontario
The purpose of an emissions test is to see how well your vehicle scores when measured by the standards set out by the province of Ontario. It is also known as the Drive Clean test. By law, certain vehicles must pass this Drive Clean test in order to be given license to drive on the road.
How to Prepare for the Drive Clean Emissions Test
The are several things you can do as a vehicle owner to get your car in optimal condition to pass the emissions tests. Some things you can do are:
Pay attention to the weather on the day of your test – cold days will require longer warm up time
Do a battery test
Change your oil
Use premium gas
Use a cleaner fuel source – such as biodiesel or ethanol
Change filters
General tune up
Emissions Testing Brampton
Are you looking to have a Drive Clean emissions test done in the Brampton area? If so, Valvoline Express Care is a wise selection. First of all, Valvoline Express Care is a certified emissions testing location, authorized by the Ontario Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. Secondly, the experts at Valvoline Express Care can help you prepare for the emissions test, put you in a prime position to pass with flying colors.
Valvoline Express Care Brampton
The Valvoline Express Care Centre in Brampton is an ideal choice for emissions testing for a variety of reasons. Some of the benefits include:
Fast and efficient
Earn points
Pre-test process
Safe choice
Fast and Efficient
The qualified and experienced team at Valvoline having been doing emissions tests for years, knowing what to expect and what to look for. The refined testing process will have you back on the road in no time.
Earn Points
Earn points and discounts on other services when you download the Valvoline app.
Pre-Test
A Valvoline technician will do a walk around your vehicle to do a visual check before administering the actual test. This is done to ensure your vehicle is ready to go and there are no outstanding issues.
Safe Choice
Having your Drive Clean emissions test done at Valvoline Express Care ensures you are making a safe choice. Safe for your car, safe for license, and safe for the environment.
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
Drivers in Ontario must, by law, have their vehicles pass a regulated emissions test in order to operate that vehicle legally.
Pollution is a growing concern world wide, and the noxious emissions expelled by motor vehicles are a large contributor.
Emission laws in Ontario have been put in place to inhibit and reduce pollution on a global scale. Provincial emissions laws are based on national and international regulations and standards of a similar nature.
Car and engine manufacturers are also subject to certain restrictions at the design stage, to reduce the harmful emissions their vehicles will produce. However, not all manufacturers adhere to these specifications inspiring the need for regular emissions tests.
Emissions that Contribute to Air Pollution
All vehicles that run on gasoline will be contributing to air pollution. There are two main types of pollution produced by motor vehicles:
Primary – pollution that is expelled straight into the environment
Secondary – pollution that is formed from the chemical reactions of primary pollutants
There are many pollutants that fall under thesetwo categories, causing air pollution from automobile waste.
Hydrocarbons
Hydrocarbons combine with nitrogen oxide to form smog. These pollutants can cause respiratory issues and decreased lung capacity.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon Monoxide is produced when fossil fuels like gasoline are burned for fuel. This poisonous gas has no color or smell, making it even more dangerous. It can prevent oxygen from getting to the brain and other organs.
Sulphur Dioxide
This is a pollutant typically derived from the burning of sulphur-based fuels like diesel. It can be especially harmful to those with fragile lungs like people with asthma and small children.
Nitrogen Oxides
Nitrogen oxides are a by-product of engine combustion. They are lung irritants, diminishing the body’s capacity to fight respiratory infection.
Types of Automobile Emissions
There are couple different types of emissions produced by motor vehicles that are categorized by when and how hey are produced. Exhaust emissions are caused directly by engine operation and fuel combustion. They produce Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). These are emitted in the form of gases like carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides. Evaporative Emissionscan be released when your vehicle is stationary an not even in operation. Evaporative emissions also involve the release of harmful VOCs into the atmosphere.
Emissions Test Exemptions
Some vehicles are exempt from emissions testing. They can be driven with impunity, with no Drive Clean test required. A few examples are:
Electric and (the majority of) hybrid-electric cars
Vehicles classed as “light-duty” with a model year before 1988
Vehicles that are considered to be “Historic” under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act
Motorcycles
Kit cars
Emissions Test Brampton
If you are in need of an emissions test for your vehicle in the Brampton area, Valvoline Express Care is certified by the Ontario Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change to perform official emissions tests.
The professional automotive technicians at Valvoline Express Care have been performing emissions tests for years, refining the process to be as efficient as possible. Get your drive clean test done quickly and effectively, while earning rewards points for discounts on other Valvoline services.
An emissions test is an examination of the level of hazardous materials that are produced and discharged into the environment by a motor vehicle with a combustible engine.
In Ontario, some cars, trucks, vans, buses, and other motor vehicles need to pass something called a Drive Clean test in order to be officially licensed to drive on the roads.
The results of a Drive Clean test will establish if your vehicle meets the Ontario emissions standards. If your vehicle does not pass the test, it is not legal to drive in on the road.
Where can you have a Drive Clean Test done on your vehicle?
Emission Test Brampton
If you are looking to have an emission test done on your vehicle in the Brampton area, you will need to go to a Drive Clean test station that has been authorized by the Ontario Ministry of Transport as well as the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.
Valvoline Express Care Brampton
The Valvoline Express Care Center in Brampton offers a fully certified Emissions Testing Center authorized by Ontario standards. Why Choose Valvoline Express Care?
The Valvoline Express Care Centre is an excellent choice for you emissions test for many reasons, including:
• Speed and efficiency
• Earn points
• Pre-test executed
• Top of the line service and equipment Speed and Efficiency
Valvoline Express Care Brampton is made up of a team of professionals dedicated to excellent customer service with a customer first mentality. With over 20 years experience in the automotive industry, they have cultivated and polished the emissions test process to make it as quick and easy for the customer as possible. Earn Points
When you have an emissions test performed at the Express Care centre, you will earn points and discounts off other services simply by downloading the app. Pre-test
Before the emissions test even gets underway, the professionals at Valvoline will perform and pre-test to make sure there are no issues that would result in a test failure.
In order to prevent your vehicle from failing the emissions test, a visual test will be done by a Valvoline staff member. This test is done to look for problems like:
• Smoke coming from the tailpipe or anywhere else on the vehicle
• Issues with the onboard computer that could prevent effective testing
• Problems with the fuel filler pipe
• Missing catalytic converter or gas cap
• Any other noticeable issues that may affect the outcome of the test Top of the line Service and Equipment
Not only are the staff at the Express Care centre highly trained and experienced, the equipment they use for testing and other services is first-rate. Emissions Test Process
After the pre-test has been completed, and there are no observable issues with your vehicle, the emissions test can begin.
The first step is to examine your vehicle’s on-board computer diagnostic system. This system is in charge of tracking the engine and emission system of your vehicle. This information is analyzed to determine if Ontario emissions standards are being met.
If no on-board diagnostic system is available, a tailpipe test will be carried out. This test will assess the levels of carbon-monoxide and hydrocarbons that are being produced. This is also known as a two-speed idle test. How Often Should Emissions Tests Be Performed?
When you get your vehicle’s registration renewal forms sent to you, you will be informed at that time if an emissions test is needed.
You can also do an online search using your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) here.
If your vehicle is 7 years old or more, the general rule is to have an emissions test performed every two years.
