What is an RV smog check?

By Elaine Knight
Page last updated: 13/04/2021 | Next review date: 13/04/2023
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Elaine Knight
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In this article, we will explain what an RV smog check is. We will explain how smog can affect one’s health and give you a few essential tips to pass the RV smog check.

What is an RV smog check?

The RV smog check is designed to measure the amount and type of pollutants that a vehicle emits. A smog check test may include the following test:

  • Visual inspection of control components, emissions and systems.
  • Functional inspection: Checking the engine, regulating the engine ignition, the emission valve of the ignition system, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), exhaust system, fuel evaporation, and the gas cap.
  • Functional inspection of the diagnostic system of an onboard vehicle (OBD).
  • Exhaust emission test.

The smog check program is a critical part of the clean air strategy of the US. The smog emitted by vehicles contains pollutants that react chemically in the presence of sunlight. 

These contaminants can irritate the respiratory system, reduce lung function, damage your skin and aggravate asthma. By fixing any problems identified during the smog check of your vehicle will help improve the air quality throughout the state.

Why are RV smog checks important

RV smog checks are important for both your health and the environment. Smog is a mixture of air pollutants that contributes to the formation of the brownish haze that we sometimes see on hot days, from May to September. 

Smog is formed when the weather is hot and emissions from vehicles, other industrial sources and human activities mix with contaminants already in the air. Smog can envelop urban, suburban and rural areas, posing a significant health hazard to all residents. 

Composed primarily of ozone and fine particulate matter, smog can have many adverse health effects. Exposure to smog has been well documented to cause conditions such as:

  • difficulty in breathing
  • irritation of the lungs, eyes, nose and throat
  • chest tightness,
  • coughing and wheezing
  • worsening of asthma and existing heart and lung problems.

Although the entire population can be affected by smog, children, the elderly, and people with heart and respiratory problems are particularly vulnerable. To warn people to protect their health, smog alerts are issued by the Ministry of the Environment and when forecast weather conditions and air pollution levels favour smog formation.

To help reduce smog and air pollution:

  • Use your vehicle less often. Emissions from cars, SUVs and light trucks are the biggest contributors to smog formation in the Ottawa area
  • Drive in a greener way:
  • Regularly check your car’s oil level indicator
  • Avoid idling the engine and driving on congested roads
  • Save energy – electricity produced using fossil fuels contributes to smog:
  • Turn off the lights when you leave the room
  • Buy energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs
  • Adjust the level of the air conditioning unit a few degrees warmer when no one is home.

Tips to pass your smog emission test, or “smog check”

In order to register a car with the Department of Motors and Vehicles (DMV), it is necessary to pass an emissions test, better known in the United States as a smog test, to ensure that the vehicle circulates with the standards of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA ).

“Vehicle, engine and fuel tests are an important way for EPA to verify that emissions standards are being met and to ensure that the benefits of our programs are realized,” EPA explains on its website.

So the DMV, or other local agency that regulates cars in the US, must require this test before giving a driver their license plates, although this is not the case for all states: some do not require a smog test.

In California, for example, a smog inspection is required for all vehicles, except 1997 or older diesel vehicles or vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) greater than 14,000 pounds, electric vehicles, natural gas vehicles over 14,000 pounds, motorcycles, trailers and gasoline vehicles model 1975 and older.

New York State, on the other hand, requires that “every vehicle registered in New York State must be inspected at least every 12 months,” according to its website.

What if your vehicle fails the smog test?

If your vehicle consistently fails smog tests, preventing you from registering your vehicle with the Department, it may have to do with a myriad of mechanical reasons.

For example, the air-fuel mixture, worn spark plugs, defects in the evaporative emission control system (EVAP), leaks, a defective light (warning) on ​​the dashboard, dirty air filter and the Damaged catalytic converter maybe some of the causes that cause the emissions test to fail so many times.

If you want your vehicle to pass the required Smog Test, here are some tips from the car publication Edmunds to avoid failing it and register your car as soon as possible with the DMV.

How to pass the RV smog check:

1. Remove the “Check Engine” light or indicator from the dash.

2. Before testing, drive the car at highway speeds for two weeks.

3. Change the oil, but only if you need it.

4. Make an adjustment two weeks before your smog test.

5. Make sure the tires are properly inflated

6. Check the gas and refrigerant levels before testing.

7. Get a pre-inspection

8. Avoid rainy days.

9. Use a fuel additive.

Final thoughts

RVs, just like almost any other type of vehicle, needs to get a smog check. This is essential for both your health and the environment. As we mentioned above, the smog check program is a critical part of the clean air strategy of the US. The smog emitted by vehicles contains pollutants that react chemically in the presence of sunlight. 

These contaminants can irritate the respiratory system, reduce lung function, damage your skin and aggravate asthma. By fixing any problems identified during the smog check of your vehicle will help improve the air quality throughout the state.

Please let us know if you have any comments or questions on the content. 

FAQ on What is an RV smog check?

How much does it cost to smog an RV?

The costs to smog an RV is between  $89.95 to $125.00, plus the state fee. 

How many miles do you have to drive to pass smog?

You have to drive 200 miles to pass a smog check. 

Why would you fail a smog check?

You may fail a smog check if you have a dirty air filter. Other issues may include worn spark plugs, defects in the evaporative emission control system (EVAP), leaks, a defective light (warning) on ​​the dashboard and a Damaged catalytic converter.

Does AAA do smog checks?

Yes, some AAA branches do smog checks. The LA AAA branch is known for performing quick smog checks and repairings if needed.

What happens if my car won’t pass smog in California?

If your car won’t pass a smog test in California, you will have to either fix the issue or stop driving the vehicle. If your vehicle consistently fails smog tests, preventing you from registering your vehicle with the Department, it may have to do with a myriad of mechanical reasons.

References

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