State Emissions Testing

No Smoke, No Joke — We’ll Get You Emission-Ready!

The U.S. has been battling greenhouse gas emissions for several decades now. Recently, the government set a target to achieve a 50%-52% reduction of the 2005 emission levels by 2030. Per our experts at Five Points Tire, it aims to achieve it through a whole-of-society approach that enlists cities, states, businesses, and civil groups to achieve an enduring net zero economy. 

Undercarriage of a vehicle, showing exhaust pipes, catalytic converter, and engine components. Metallic colors.

The transport sector is one of the biggest contributors to global warming. Automobiles account for about 28% of the total exhaust emissions. As a result many states aim for emission reduction by enforcing compulsory emissions testing. 


At Five Points Tire, we can assist you in complying with state emissions requirements. Here’s further insight to help you understand what emissions testing entails and common issues that can cause a test failure. 


What Is a State Emissions Check?


An automobile emissions inspection evaluates your vehicle’s exhaust emissions. It helps determine whether you emit the state's legal level of pollutants, enabling compliance with the Clean Air Program. The smog check at Five Points Tire focuses on numerous critical vehicle components, including:


  • The fuel combustion system
  • The engine’s computer
  • The exhaust system 


The engine computer links all of these key parts together. It usually generates an error when there’s any deviation in optimal fuel combustion. Our auto experts at Five Points Tire usually start by exploring if the check engine light is blinking. We can then proceed to evaluate the error codes to determine the state of vital exhaust system components, including:



If the check engine light isn’t illuminated, our pros at Five Points Tire still connect to your vehicle’s computer and evaluate for previously cleared codes. 


What Are the Common Emissions Testing Procedures?


State emissions testing helps determine the level of greenhouse gases emanating from your vehicle. It can evaluate the amount of:


  • Carbon dioxide
  • Carbon monoxide
  • Hydrocarbons 
  • Nitrogen oxides
  • Particulate matter
  • Oxygen
  • Sulfur dioxide


The test duration depends on the inspection method and your state’s guidelines. Some of the most common ways we at Five Points Tire perform the emission inspection include:


On-Board Diagnostic Inspection


This assessment often entails us at  Five Points Tire linking your automobile’s onboard diagnostics port (OBD2 port) to a testing apparatus. It is the ideal emissions testing method for automobiles aged 1996 onwards. This test helps to confirm your vehicle’s internal emission diagnostic system. 


Acceleration Simulation Mode Test


The ASM test helps us at Five Points Tire evaluate emissions in vehicles older than 1995. We use a dynamometer along with a tailpipe sensor for this test. The dynamometer resembles a treadmill and helps us replicate driving conditions to assess your vehicle's emissions. 


Two-Speed Idle Test


This alternative emissions test also enables us to evaluate older automobile engines. Our auto experts at Five Points Tire monitor exhaust GHG levels during engine idling and at high speeds. Your vehicle’s transmission is first put in park or neutral and tested. Afterward, our pros at Five Points Tire increase the engine speed to between 2,200 -2800 revolutions per minute and measure the tailpipe emissions for 30 seconds. 


Which States Require Vehicle Emissions Standards Testing?


Over 34 U.S. states have mandatory automobile exhaust testing. Each has its unique rules. For instance, some, like Colorado and Georgia, only require emission control testing in specific counties and metropolitan areas. Others like Alaska and Maryland require testing every two years. While Connecticut mandates biannual testing for emissions compliance.


California has the strictest air quality standards and equally rigorous biennial emissions testing. You can inquire with us at Five Points Tire or check your local Department of Motor Vehicles office for the exact regulations in your locale. 


Which Vehicles Are Exempt From State Emission Requirements Check?


There’s a select category of automobiles that are exempt from emissions testing. The exact environmental regulations differ depending on the state. Some of these vehicles include:


  • New automobiles that run relatively cleanly and don’t need air quality monitoring
  • Diesel vehicles
  • Non-conforming vehicles like dune buggies, street rods, kit vehicles, and hobby vehicles
  • Farm vehicles like farm trucks and tractors that are strictly for farm use
  • Vehicles over a certain gross vehicle weight rating


How Do You Know You Need an Emissions Test?


Your vehicle’s registration is usually tied into when you require an emissions test. As a result, you can get a timely reminder that you’re due for an emissions check whenever you renew your vehicle registration. The frequency and validation of the test will vary depending on your city, state, or county. 


You can always ask our experts at Five Points Tire or your local DMV to confirm your next mandatory emissions test. 


Emission Impossible? Let Five Points Tire Handle Your Emissions Test

Mechanical problems may cause your vehicle to release excessive pollutants. To avoid failing an emissions test, enroll in our vehicle inspection program. 


Our experts at Five Points Tire will diagnose any problem and correct it before your official vehicle emissions test. Call us at 650-365-0280, or better yet, visit our emissions inspection station at 2115 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94063 to lower your vehicle pollution.