Question

My car failed its emissions test – what do I need to do?

Answer

Let’s get this out of the way: a leak in your exhaust system could be deadly. If you smell exhaust in the passenger cabin or hear an unusual exhaust sound, get your exhaust system checked and repaired. This is important: Carbon monoxide in your exhaust is odorless, colorless and tasteless can be fatal to you and your passengers so don’t delay if you suspect and exhaust leak.

There could be several reasons for a failed emissions test, so some diagnostic work is in order. A common reason is that the catalytic converter has failed. The catalytic converter removes some of the harmful elements in exhaust.

When a catalytic converter fails it must be replaced, which isn’t cheap. Many people stop there – but the converter failed for a reason. There may be any number of engine run conditions that led to the failure. It would certainly be smart to have your technician diagnose the cause so that you don’t end up with another catalytic converter replacement down the road.

Oh, and that Check Engine Light that so many ignore: It might just be illuminated for a condition that could lead to catalytic converter damage. Have a service professional get to the bottom of any check engine light situation.