Georgia’s Clean Air Force Explains Emissions Testing and Helps You Prepare for a Test
It’s important to have your cars emissions tested. Source: AVTC
The State of Georgia takes the quality of its air very seriously. One of the largest sources of air pollutants are the vehicles we drive to work every day. On average, we each breathe more than 3,000 gallons of air per day. One look at the numbers, and it is clear why emissions testing is important.
Emissions testing guidelines in Georgia are only in effect on vehicles produced less than 25 years ago but more than three, and you live in one of the following counties:
- Cherokee
- Clayton
- Cobb
- Coweta
- Dekalb
- Douglas
- Fayette
- Forsyth
- Fulton
- Gwinnett
- Henry
- Paulding
- Rockdale
So what is involved in getting an emissions test? It must be done once a year, just before your registration is due for renewal. Currently, all 1996 and newer vehicles receive a visual inspection of the catalytic converter to check for tampering or removal, a fuel cap inspection to ensure proper seal, and an on-board diagnostic (OBD) test that checks your vehicle’s emission performance. For vehicles 1995 and older, a Two-Speed Idle (TSI) test or an Acceleration Simulation Mode (ASM) test is performed instead of the OBD test.
There are a number of reasons a vehicle may fail a test, such as:
- Malfunction of components designed to regulate your vehicles fuel/air mix
- Faulty fuel caps
- Underinflated tires
- Transmission issues that can cause a “Check Engine” light to trigger
- Misfiring spark plugs
- Dirty air filter
- Vacuum system leaks
To help your foreign car meet the emissions testing guidelines in Georgia, either before your next test or after a failed one, consult the professionals at Munich West. Their experience with foreign vehicles will ensure yours gets the proper treatment from experts who know what makes your car different from all the rest.
