VA EMISSIONS CHECK

Is it time for your inspection? Virginia requires motorists in certain high traffic cities and counties to undergo an emissions inspection every two years.  If the combustion chamber is not burning fuel sufficiently, your engine is not operating efficiently and more soot (black smoke) will be released from your tail pipe.  This smoke is hazardous to your health and affects the ozone layer.

The maximum inspection fee is $28. If the vehicle fails the inspection, the vehicle is eligible for ONE free retest at the original emissions inspection station within 14 calendar days of the Initial inspection.

A-One Auto is a certified emissions inspection center in Arlington, VA.

We’re located near the Pentagon and next to the Sheraton Hotel.

Schedule your service today, or drop by during our designated hours.

Most vehicles that are registered or operated primarily in the program area are subject to the vehicle emissions inspection program.

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles notifies vehicle owners whether or not an emissions inspection will be required in order to renew the vehicle’s registration.

DC conducts their own emissions inspections at Half Street SW.  If you get a failed inspection result we can help correct the fault.  Often, the cause of failure is the Check Engine Light.  The report will show you what the fault code is.  If the reason is due to the O2 sensor, then you will need to get it replaced.

This is important not only to pass the emissions test, but a failed O2 sensor can act like a failed catalytic converter.  Your engine may run rich spewing out more emissions.

• What are the symptoms:
• Engine misfires
• Bad fuel economy
• lack of power (especially during acceleration)
• Rotten egg smell from exhaust

Hopefully the issue is not a bad Catalytic Converter (cats).  If this happens you’ll have to get the oxygen sensor replaced also.  Most cats will last the lifetime of the vehicle. If not, they can go bad as early as 100,000 miles.  Cats can also be damaged from physical damage such as pot holes and physical debris, though this is not common.