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.
Your battery is dead and the cable isn’t long enough to reach. Even your check engine light is not illuminated.
Unfortunately, some common problems can make it impossible for vehicles to pass the emissions test. Don’t ignore the warning signs. When your car fails a smog check, get it to Valvoline Express Care Brampton as soon as possible. Our trusted technicians can diagnose and repair the problem so that you pass emissions testing with flying colors.
What exactly is the Ontario drive clean test?
Drive Clean is Ontario’s mandatory vehicle emissions inspection and maintenance program that seeks to reduce smog-causing pollutants and its harmful effects on the air we breathe. Your car, truck and SUV must meet current emissions standards, before it can be licensed to drive on Ontario roads. Vehicles that fail the test must be repaired and retested. We offer Brampton Emission testing services to residents all over the GTA.
When do I need my car tested?
Once your vehicle is seven years old it will require the emissions test every two years. Larger vehicles, also referred to as “heavy-duty,” require the test every year once the vehicle becomes seven years old. Keep in mind, your vehicle will need to pass the emissions test before you can get your new license plate sticker.
Emissions testing Brampton can offer you:
The Pre-Test Process for Emissions Testing
A visual check will make sure there will be no issues to staff or testing equipment. This process includes: searching for missing catalytic converter and gas caps, defects in fuel filler pipe and other emission testing areas, on-board computer errors that would prevent the vehicle from being tested, visible smoke from the tailpipe and other key areas of the vehicle, and any additional problems that are visible and could affect the test. Tail pipe testing
Depending on the vehicle you own, a clean air check requires different types of emissions tests. At emissions testing Brampton, we measure the carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions released out of the tailpipe. Heavy duty vehicles testing
Some older vehicles may have the on-board system. Otherwise, we have other options for emissions testing. Emissions testing Brampton can test these vehicles by conducting a two-speed idle test (for gasoline vehicles), conducting an opacity test (depending if your vehicle is diesel), and scanning your OBD computer. Opacity tests for diesel fueled vehicles
Required for heavy duty or diesel fuel vehicle, this test measures the smoke density by inspecting the vehicle’s exhaust.
At emissions testing Brampton, we make sure all systems on your car are healthy and working as they should. A computerized diagnostic test will help us monitor the vehicle’s emission system and engine. We then use this data to satisfy your vehicles exact needs.
With regular maintenance at emissions testing Brampton, you’re off to a good start in passing the emissions test! It’s crucial that you pass this mandated inspection if you want to continue driving your car. Failing or dodging emission testing can result in your being denied registration of your vehicle. What’s worse? You may rack up some hefty fines and legal penalties in Ontario.
Why choose emissions testing Brampton?
We provide a faster, more accurate emissions test that helps keep your car in better running condition (improve safety and even gas mileage).
We identify emissions systems problems for more effective repairs.
We reduce more harmful smog from vehicle emissions.
Getting your vehicle’s emission tested earns you points and discounts on other services (just download our Valvoline app).
Do what’s best for your vehicle and the environment by stopping at emissions testing Brampton – and we’ll set up you with a drive clean test. Our team is certified and authorized to perform Ontario emissions testing. We can pass your vehicle or help you repair your emission system if your vehicle fails. Keep your vehicle and the air you breathe clean.
