Updated May 9, 2025
Many people are familiar with the Virginia State Inspection. But did you know that your vehicle may also need an emissions inspection?
Cars emit fumes into the atmosphere. The emission test monitors them and makes sure that too much unburned fuel isn’t being released.
Managed by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Vehicle Emissions Testing is performed every 2 years. In some parts of the state, an emission test isn’t required.
According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website, the inspection must be conducted on vehicles housed in many cities and counties across the region, including Prince William County, Manassas and Manassas Park.
Steve’s Auto Repair and Tire is an emissions testing location.
What we check during the emission test
The emission test isn’t just a chance to make sure your emissions system is functioning properly.
This process also serves as another safety check for your car. Our emissions inspectors look for a few problems.
For example, if the vehicle has bald tires or any major leaks it will be rejected for testing. This includes oil leaks, coolant leaks, and audible exhaust leaks.
We also confirm that the catalytic converter is installed and other components aren’t missing. This includes the gas cap and O2 sensors. The PCV system and exhaust system need to have all of their parts.
Our technicians keep an eye out for smoke, as well.
Check engine light on a Kia Optima
A car can fail the emission test if the check engine light is on, because it means that there’s a code (or multiple) in the system.
So, if this symbol appears on your dashboard, check engine light diagnostics will be needed to pass the inspection.
How we perform emissions inspections
What does an emission test look like?
An emissions test begins with a pre-test, where our automotive technicians perform a visual inspection of the vehicle. We look for bald tires, leaks and other safety concerns.
Then, our inspectors verify information, such as the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), the mileage, and the car’s weight.
We need to make sure the check engine light isn’t on or doesn’t come on during the emission test.
Performing an emission test on a Chevrolet Blazer
An OBD II connection device is used on cars that were manufactured after 1996. For older vehicles, we place a sniffer tool in the tailpipe, and it reads the chemicals being emitted. The chemicals need to be within a certain range that’s based on the make and model.
When using the sniffer tool, our technicians are mainly checking for hydrocarbons and NOx.
We don’t test gasoline powered vehicles that exceed 10,000 pounds and diesel powered vehicles that weigh more than 8,500 pounds.
If you’re not sure whether your car needs an emissions inspection or you still have questions about this service, reach out to a local auto repair shop that performs emissions testing.
Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including BMW and Mercedes. Services include oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.