Smog Check Not Passed? Try This...

What to do if your car was not operated for long time and then you realize it not passing smog check to get back it to the road? Here in this short article we'll explain you what exactly should be your steps to resolve this problem.

First of all, don't panic, everything is fixable at this point. Most of the Smog Check Stations has a free re-inspection included in this test price. Which is good, because you have time to fix the problem and get back to make a second free inspection.

So, at this point, you have to make a Drive Cycle with your car to give your computer and sensors properly reset. Yes, exactly, in most case scenario your emission test results will be ok, but some of your censors are off and Smog Check not passed not because of the smog issue!

Drive Cycle

First of all go to the gas station and fill your gas tank. Gas tank should be more than 1/4 full and less than 3/4 full with factory recommended fuel grade (for example for Mercedeses and BMWs it is most likely the Premium gas). If it's a summer time and the weather is hot, go home, put your vehicle in garage and don't turn the engine on this day. Let it fully cool down. Next day early in the morning, let say at 7:00AM or 8:00AM start your engine and heat it up to half of it's normal working temperature. 1-2 minutes will be enough.

Drive to the public road with no traffic and drive for 10 - 15 miles up to 40-45 MPH, then decelerate without using brakes and stop. Turn your engine off for 5 min, then turn it on and run it on idle for a minute or two. Start driving to the nearest freeway or highway and drive 10 - 15 miles at 65 MPH, then decelerate on exit without using your brakes and stop. Of course, drive safe and you must use your brakes if needed (all advices here are preferred way to drive, but safety first, you can drive as much as possible close to the strategy we describe here). SAFETY FIRST!!!

The Conclusion

If you are not a professional, our advise is to go to the trusted Auto Care Shop. But, if even so, you can manage this issue for no cost using this simple Drive Cycle strategy. Of course, details may vary model to model and year to year, but in common this technique will help you. Here at BMP Autoservice we taking care of luxury European cars for decades and we are ready to help you with any technical issues of your car. Drive safe!

If you do not have any trusted place for your car repair and maitenance, give us a call at (916) 334-7371 and we will be more than happy to HELP YOU with always professional and quality service for your vehicle. We are ready to become your car's "family doctor"!