How Long Does A Car Inspection Take? - Jiffy Lube

Let’s be honest: no driver looks forward to a car inspection. But as a responsible driver, you appreciate how important these tests are. After all, the typical car is made up of eleven different systems, and each of those systems has many different parts. That’s a lot — too much!— for you to keep track of on your own. Periodic inspections by a qualified Jiffy Lube® technician can help keep you feeling confident behind the wheel … and help keep you in compliance with state and local regulations.

SO HOW LONG DOES A CAR INSPECTION TAKE?

It depends on which type of test you’re talking about: emissions or safety.

EMISSIONS TEST

Sometimes referred to as a smog check, emissions testing measures the level of pollutants present in the exhaust.

• Why are emissions tests important? Through normal wear-and-tear, your car’s emission control systems can become less efficient. Pollutants like hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and oxides of nitrogen can escape into the air and damage the environment.
• Do you need an emissions test? That depends on where you live. More than 30 states require emissions testing on registered vehicles. If you’re not sure what’s currently required where you live, contact your state’s environmental agency for accurate, up-to-date information.
• How long does an emissions test take? Emissions testing typically takes between 15-30 minutes. Since there’s no standard federal test — each state and municipality can set its own requirements — the timing can vary. The longer the list of requirements, the longer the test will take.
• How should you prepare for an emissions test? Call ahead to your local Jiffy Lube® (there are more than 2,000 locations across North America to confirm the hours when emissions tests are performed and to make an appointment, if needed.
• What to bring to an emissions test? Different states have different rules, but this is what is typically required:
  • Certificate of vehicle registration
  • Prior inspection report
  • Letter from the department that oversees the emissions testing program in your state
  • Renewal notice, which you may have received via mail, eNotify, or email

Be sure to check with your state’s environmental agency for a current list of required documents before you go.

• What happens if your vehicle passes the emissions test? There are only two grades for an emissions test: PASS or FAIL. If you PASS, a compliance certificate will be issued.
• What happens if your vehicle fails the emissions test? If your emissions system appears tampered with, or if the pollutants that come from your vehicle exceed the specified limit, you will, unfortunately, receive a FAIL. Repairs will have to be made and the vehicle must be retested (and pass) before you renew your registration.

SAFETY TEST

Usually, when drivers ask, “how long does a car inspection take?”, they are asking about emissions testing. That’s because more states require emissions tests than safety tests. But many states have mandatory safety tests, so we will give these inspections a close look, too.