Emissions

Vehicles model year 1996 and above, with the exception of vehicles less than three model years old and with less than 70,000 miles, require a Safety & Emissions test, which is $30 ($40 with window tint) and cannot have sales tax applied to it. Safety & Emissions have all aspects of the Safety Only tests, as well as common emissions checks such as checking to make sure OBDII functions are not impaired, that vehicles have not had emission components tampered with, and that the vehicle does not have the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light or CEL for short) in the “on” position.

Common Fail Methods:

• CEL on, Non-functioning CEL, tampered emissions components.
• Removing emissions components, like “Straight piping” a car (removing the catalytic converter for a mean, deep rumble) are immediate fails.
• When the car’s key is in the “on” or sometimes the “acc” position, most dash lights come on – they do this so you can check to see if the bulbs are still good. If the CEL does not illuminate here, the vehicle fails.
• Check Engine Lights on vehicles that qualify for emissions tests cannot be on for any reason and still pass said emissions tests. Any vehicle with a CEL fails, even if just for a loose gas cap. Have it checked first!

If you have any questions regarding a state inspection don’t hesitate to contact Ken at 704-545-4597 or stop by Manchester Auto and Tire of Mint Hill and have us take a look.