When it comes to maintaining your vehicle, there are things you can do and things you can ignore. Of course, you want to maintain your vehicle as best you can so it runs effectively and efficiently or longer. But there are also things on the vehicle maintenance list that you cannot ignore—by law. Everyone has to get a Philadelphia smog check, for example, in order to drive in a legal manner around the state.
Why Get a Smog Check?
Number one, it’s the law. That in and of itself is enough reason to get the check you’re supposed to have. Pennsylvania requires these state vehicle safety inspections and emissions tests for a reason. They want to ensure that every vehicle on the road is under safe operation. The inspections can help prevent vehicle failures that lead to serious crashes and injuries. The smog test portion of the test will help ensure that no vehicle is putting out more into the environment than it absolutely has to in order to operate. The state inspection and smog check are often performed at the same time so they can all be done at once.
You want to get a smog test for your own good, as well. Not only will you ensure that you are doing your part for the environment, but you will also know that your vehicle is running efficiently and nothing is out of sync. When your car emits too much smog, something is wrong and you will want to look into that further later.
What Happens Upon Failure?
With any luck, your car will pass the smog check each and every time, but sometimes, that might not happen. When you have an inspection, you’ll get a printed report with the results. If you fail the smog test, you will have to make the related repairs within 30 days and get the car re-inspected. If you take longer than 30 days, the shop can charge you to perform the tests all over again. Otherwise, the re-testing is free and incorporated under what you were already charged.
What do Smog Tests Cost?
Car ownership isn’t cheap and you have to pay for things like regular maintenance and smog checks over the years. The price varies from shop to shop and some will charge as much as $100. You can, however, find shops that will do it for $60-70. Just make sure they are state certified shops and you are good to go.
When you need a Philadelphia , PA smog check or state inspection, contact Schafer’s Auto Center at 215-755-1270. We have the certified technicians who can do the job for you quickly and efficiently at a price you can afford. We want your vehicle to be safe and we want you to be a legal driver. Call with any questions you have or to set up an appointment. We’re located at 1924 S Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19148 and we’d love to help you out any time!
