If you search the Internet you’ll find sites with ‘tricks for passing your emissions test.’ You’ll receive suggestions, such:

• “Test a very warm car on a cool day”
• “Use a specialized fuel additive”
• “Inflate ties to the proper (high) level”
• “Perform an oil change”
• “Turn off your ‘Check Engine’ light (if needed)”
• “Find a shop that offers a free retest”

Some of these suggestions will, most likely, help. For instance, it will never hurt to change your oil on schedule. Keeping your tires at proper inflation is always a good idea. The ‘fuel additive’ … well, if your car, truck or SUV are in good operating condition, you shouldn’t need any fuel additives to sneak under the wire at an emissions test.

A retest is a good idea if you fail your test. However, a pre-test may be a better idea. And if the “Check Engine” light is on, the way to turn that off is to have a trusted auto repair shop look into why the light is on and fix the problem.

The real key to passing an emissions test, rather than cramming for the test at the last moment, is to be prepared for the test when the time comes because you’ve properly maintained your car, truck or SUV all along.

Maintaining your vehicle doesn’t just help with emissions tests; it also helps with fuel efficiency and reliability. Maintain your car, truck or SUV and emissions tests are worry free occasions when IDOT discovers what you knew already – your vehicle is in tip-top condition.