It’s a sinking feeling – you take your car in for its regular smog check, only to have it fail. Now you’re left wondering what to do next. Don’t worry, you’ve got options! Let’s break down what a failed smog check means and how to get your car back on the road.
Symptoms and causes of a failed smog check
A few key things can cause your car to fail its smog check:
- The “check engine” light is on, indicating an issue with the emissions system;
- There are problems with emissions control components like the catalytic converter, air injection pump, or EGR valve;
- The engine is misfiring or has low compression, leading to incomplete combustion and excess hydrocarbons in the exhaust;
- The engine is running too rich, meaning there’s too much fuel in the air-fuel mixture, causing high carbon monoxide levels.
Essentially, a failed smog check means your car is producing excessive pollutants – things need to be fixed to get emissions back in check.
What’s involved in smog check repairs
To diagnose the issue, a mechanic will need to do a thorough inspection of your car’s engine and emissions systems. This involves things like:
- Checking for any diagnostic trouble codes using a scan tool
- Visually inspecting emissions components for damage
- Testing engine compression and running a “tailpipe” emissions test to measure pollutant levels
Once they’ve pinpointed the problem, repairs can range from simple things like replacing a faulty gas cap or air filter, to more involved fixes like replacing a catalytic converter or repairing engine issues. In complex cases, it may take some trial and error to resolve the problem completely.
The cost of smog check repairs in New Zealand
So what’s this going to cost you? It really depends on what’s causing your car to fail the smog check. Something simple like a new gas cap might only run you $20-$50, while a major repair like a catalytic converter replacement could cost $1000 or more.
On average, Kiwis pay somewhere in the range of $150-$500 for most smog check repairs. Keep in mind you’ll also have to pay for the initial diagnostic testing, which typically runs around $100-$150.
Why choose My Auto Shop for smog check repairs
When it comes to getting your car fixed and back to passing its smog check, you want a mechanic you can trust. That’s where we come in.
At My Auto Shop, we’re New Zealand’s largest mobile mechanic service. That means we come to you, whether you’re at home or at work, to provide top-notch, convenient car repair and servicing. Our expert mechanics have seen it all when it comes to smog check failures and we have the tools and know-how to get your car fixed right.
We pride ourselves on providing upfront, transparent pricing – no surprises or upsells. And with our stellar track record and rave reviews on Google, you can trust you’re in good hands.
So if you’ve failed your smog check, don’t stress. Give us a call or book an appointment online and let My Auto Shop handle the rest. We’ll have you back on the road, passing that smog check with flying colours, in no time.