Emissions Repair Shop Thornton
Failed Emissions Test, Emission System Repairs
Mountain View Automotive, Thornton Colorado, 80229
Having problems finding a qualified emissions repair shop in Thornton Colorado? Diagnosis of high emissions is an involved process that usually requires special tools and measuring equipment. However, a test report indicating what gases are high can help you determine what systems may not be functional. If the vehicle has failed as a result of high CO and HC, the CO failure should be diagnosed first. If the “Service Engine Soon” or “Check Engine” light is on, it should be diagnosed prior to any emissions diagnosis. CO Failure is the result of an excessively rich air–fuel mixture. The following is a list of the most common causes:
- Defective Oxygen Sensor
- Inoperative Air Injection System (if equipped)
- Leaking or defective Fuel Injectors
- Restricted air filter (especially if high CO is present only at high RPM)
- Vacuum leaks resulting in improper MAP sensor operation
- Defective air mass or air flow sensor
- Malfunctioning fuel evaporation system or purge valve
- Defective Catalytic Converter
- Defective thermostat (cooling system), thermostat stuck open
- Oil contaminated with fuel, excessive miles between oil changes
Keeping your truck or car running smoothly requires more than just standard maintenance. In many parts of the country, your vehicle must also pass an emissions test that measures how much particulate leaves your tailpipe. If your vehicle ends up polluting the air by emitting more than the allowed amount of particulates and gases, you won’t be able to register the vehicle until you fix the problem. Finding a reliable emissions repair shop in Thornton is the key to quickly getting your main vehicle back on the road and within the limits of the law. You need prompt and reliable repairs, so turn to us here at Mountain View Auto.
Why Do Emissions Matter?
You’ve likely seen a car emitting a thick cloud of black smoke from its tailpipe before. While it’s usually a sign of real trouble with the engine, it’s also not good for human health or the environment. Cars today are carefully tuned and adjusted to use as much of their fuel as possible while releasing minimal hazardous gases and particulates. If your car develops a few common issues, the mixture of the exhaust can change and lead you to fail an emissions test. While some areas don’t track or measure emissions at the level of individual vehicles, many counties with high populations do have emissions requirements. This helps improve air quality over time so residents experience fewer long-term health effects like asthma.
What Causes Cars to Fail Emissions Tests?
Brand-new cars directly from the dealership tend to pass their emissions tests just fine. After a few years, wear and tear on the vehicle can interfere with your chances of passing. Most tests will automatically fail any car with a “Check Engine” light on, so have that addressed first. This is often caused by a failing oxygen or mass airflow sensor, two issues that can lead to emissions issues at the tailpipe, too. Issues with the fit of the gas cap can also allow rich fumes to enter the exhaust system and sink the test results. All of these problems are relatively quick to solve and tend to stay resolved after that point.
Other emissions issues are linked to an ongoing lack of maintenance on the vehicle. Avoiding oil changes, forgetting to check and top up the oil level, and leaving the air filters dirty can all interfere with the vehicle’s emissions testing. These issues may require a more comprehensive approach to maintaining and tuning up the car or truck so it meets modern standards. Finally, you may need your fuel injectors cleaned or replaced if multiple attempts to improve your emissions results still lead to failed tests.
How Does an Emissions Repair Shop in Thornton Help?
Not only will getting these kinds of repairs help you meet your local requirements for emissions testing in Thornton, but they also tend to extend the life of your vehicle and may slightly improve gas mileage. You don’t want to waste your hard-earned money on fuel that is going right out into the air. Your local repair shop will determine the potential causes of the failed tests and address them one by one so you can get the results you need without spending too much. Addressing issues in the fuel and exhaust systems can help you get the stamp of approval you need to keep your car on the road.
WHY CHOOSE MOUNTAIN VIEW AS YOUR THORNTON AUTO REPAIR SHOP?
At Mountain View, we don’t just take care of emissions testing and repair, we can handle auto repairs and maintenance on all makes and models. Our business also prides itself on providing fair prices and serving the Thornton community well, and that shows in what we offer our customers. We guarantee that we’ll always communicate clearly with every customer, complete every repair in a timely manner, and even offer a free shuttle service. If your car needs maintenance service or auto repair, visit our Thornton, CO location for anything from a safety inspection to transmission repair.
