Why you should do a SMOG check for your vehicle regularly?
What is a SMOG check?
“A smog check is a multi-part inspection that covers a vehicle’s exhaust and pollution control
systems. In most cases, the process includes a visual inspection of the system and its
components, a functional check to evaluate proper operation of the systems’ various parts, a
check of the vehicle’s computer and diagnostics (on-board diagnostics, or OBD) systems, and a
check to find out the level of emissions leaving a vehicle’s tailpipe.” (Teague, 2020), a smog
check ensures that your vehicle is following the government regulations; moreover it ensures that
the SMOG from your vehicles do not become a health hazard to yourself and to the environment.
Here are a few reasons why you should do a regular smog check of your vehicle,
Government Regulations:
“Passenger cars and trucks are regulated by EPA under "light-duty" vehicle programs. EPA
regulates passenger vehicles to reduce the amount of harmful emissions. There are regulations
for multiple aspects of passenger vehicles, including; standards for exhaust and evaporative
emissions, control of hazardous air pollutants and air toxics, national Low Emission Vehicle
Program, CAP 2000 (Compliance Assurance Program), onboard refueling vapor recovery; and
inspection and maintenance.” (Agency, Regulations for Emissions from Vehicles and Engines,
n.d.)
Effects of SMOG:
“Air pollution emitted from transportation contributes to smog, and to poor air quality, which has
negative impacts on the health and welfare of U.S. citizens. Pollutants that contribute to poor air
quality include particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and volatile organic compounds
(VOCs). The transportation sector is responsible for over 55% of NOx total emissions inventory
in the U.S, less than 10% of VOCs emissions in the U.S, less than 10% of PM2.5 and
PM10 emissions in the U.S.” (Agency, About Smog, Soot, and Other Air Pollution from
Transportation, n.d.)
Bibliography
Agency, U. S. (n.d.). About Smog, Soot, and Other Air Pollution from Transportation. Retrieved
from United States Environmental Protection Agency:
https://www.epa.gov/transportation-air-pollution-and-climate-change/smog-soot-and-
other-air-pollution-transportation
Agency, U. S. (n.d.). Regulations for Emissions from Vehicles and Engines. Retrieved from
Environmental Protection Agency: https://www.epa.gov/regulations-emissions-vehicles-
and-engines/regulations-smog-soot-and-other-air-pollution-passenger
Teague, C. (2020, 12 1). What Is a Smog Check? Retrieved from The Drive:
https://www.thedrive.com/maintenance-repair/36833/smog-check
