Every car owner knows the annual inconvenience of getting an emissions test. When that dreaded ‘fail’ score comes back, what should be a short trip in and out can become a prolonged process with multiple visits. What makes a car fail an emissions test? Here are 5 reasons.

5 Reasons Your Car Can Fail An Emissions Test

1. Catalytic converter issues

Your catalytic converter is an important part of your exhaust system, converting harmful, sulfurous-smelling gases into odorless gases that are safer for your health and the environment. Whether there’s damage to your catalytic converter or it’s gone bad or faulty, issues with your catalytic converter can make your car fail an emissions test.

2. Your EVAP system isn’t working properly

Your Evaporative Emission Control System (EVAP) is an intricate system of vents, hoses, and programs responsible for making sure that harmful gasoline vapors stay inside of your fuel system. This can cause your car to fail an emissions test if this system is faulty in any way, including cracks, leaks, and other damage.

3. Your oxygen sensor is faulty

Your vehicle’s oxygen sensor is responsible for measuring the amount of oxygen present in your exhaust fumes, which in turn tells your onboard computer if your car is performing normally. When your oxygen sensor is faulty, it can do more than give your car a ‘fail’ on its emissions test. A problem with this sensor can lead to other problems such as rough idling, decreased engine performance, engine overheating, and higher emissions.

4. Your vehicle is running a fuel-rich system

More is better, right? Well, not when it comes to your engine’s fuel mixture. A fuel-rich system means that your car is burning more fuel than it should. This can happen for many reasons, including faulty fuel injectors, fuel injectors that are clogged or leaking, a faulty mass air flow sensor, or a faulty oxygen sensor.

5. Your gas cap is loose or leaking

Your gas cap has an important role, keeping gasoline inside your gas tank and contaminants such as dirt, water, and other debris outside of it. With any luck, your problem is as simple as a loose gas cap that you can tighten at the emissions shop.

If your gas cap has a worn seal or is leaking, you’ll need to get a replacement. Fortunately, this is an easy DIY project: you can easily pick up a new gas cap at your local auto parts shop and replace it yourself.

Prevent Failed Emissions Tests With T3 Atlanta

Whether you’re preparing to get your vehicle’s emissions test done or you need to try again, T3 Atlanta can help. We’ll inspect your vehicle and make sure it’s ready for inspection, helping save you the time, hassle, and headaches of repeat visits to the local emissions testing center. Give us a call today at one of our two convenient metro Atlanta locations!