I recently drove my vehicle to the Marysville emissions testing station to get it tested because it was required in order to renew my vehicle tabs. Upon arriving, there was only one bay out of five open and three cars already in line ahead of me. So, I shut off my vehicle to read the newspaper while I waited for my turn. I figured I would conserve some gasoline, unnecessary damage to the ozone layer, and a little less air pollution. That is, after all, why we go through emissions testing exercises in the first place, right? Mistake number one.
Once it was my turn, I started up my vehicle and pulled into the test bay. I revved up my engine as directed by the inspector and waited for my test report. Much to my surprise, I failed. I was surprised because my vehicle had just undergone a complete tune-up the weekend before – mistake number two.
I chose the Marysville site because it is only a four to five minute drive from my office. The other site at 112th Street SE in south Everett is a good 15 to 20 minute drive and would have used up more gas and a lot more time – mistake number three.
What frustrates me is that upon failing the test, the inspector asks me if my vehicle had been warmed up for at least 10 minutes prior to testing, as it barely failed. Then I’m handed a pamphlet along with my failed test report which says that I must spend at least $150 at an authorized shop for repairs on the vehicle attempting to make it pass. Unfortunately, the tune-up costs from the previous weekend do not count as it was done prior to the testing. If it were done after the testing, it would be counted toward the required $150 repair bill. Finally, the pamphlet also includes “emission check tips” before testing to avoid unnecessary failure such as: Bring your vehicle to normal operating temperature. A 10 mile drive, especially at freeway speed, should accomplish this. And my personal favorite: while in line, keep the engine at normal operating temperature, do not shut off the engine.
Oops, too late. Thanks for the tips. I don’t mean to sound critical of the emissions testing system, as it is supposed to be providing us all with cleaner air. I’m just wondering if it could be improved upon a bit. Say, for instance, providing the tips for getting your vehicle up to normal operating temperature thus making it possible to pass the test, instead of getting that information after it has failed. And how about an advance notice not to spend any money on tuning up the vehicle prior to testing as it will only be a waste? It seems like this information could easily be printed on the same vehicle renewal notice that is mailed out informing us that the vehicle’s tabs are expiring and that an emissions test is required.
Well, guess I better make some calls to a repair shop so I can take my vehicle in and spend another $150. I just don’t know what to take it in for, perhaps a re-tune-up, after all it has been almost a week, or maybe a wax job because then I could go faster and make it down to the south Everett location in less time.
Everett
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