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
