Every once in a while, I really hit a nerve. Although I usually have an idea that it?s something a lot of people care about. I was floored by the response to last week?s column about the Motor Vehicle Administration?s Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program. A number of you wrote to tell me how the process worked, and a number also saw it as part of larger, more philosophical issues.
Frank, along with many others, had the right answer to why no exhaust pipe test was done on my car: “I read your article & perhaps you?re not aware that since 1996 on some models, and from 1997 on all models, autos have a plug-in outlet port located under the dashboard (driver?s side) that allows the emissions computer to download emissions information directly from the cars computer where it is stored.
“I believe the computer evaluates and updates the information every 100 miles or so. This makes the info very accurate and current. It only takes about 5 minutes and doesn?t require any tread mill or exhaust pipe check (pressurized gas cap included). That?s why there?s not much the attendant can do other than plug things in and give you the paper copy.
“If you pass, there?s no need to provide specific emissions data. If you fail, you?ll get information that you can provide to a mechanic who can correct the problem by replacing parts or adjusting timing. Perhaps you can clarify things in a future article.
“What bothers me is that they still charge the same exorbitant fee!”
I would still like to have the information as it relates to emissions outputs so that if my car is close to the limits I can get something done sooner rather than later.
Norma writes: “I read with interest your column on your recent experience with having your car?s emissions tested. I, too, had the same experience this past Friday at the Belair testing facility. My first thought was that it seemed not much was done. But then reality kicked in, and I was so glad to have this done and over so quickly, and I passed. All done for another two years. With your article in hand, I checked my paperwork, and all my testing boxes had an “N/A” or, in the case of the gas tank check, it had ?gauge not available. “My time in and out, according to my paperwork, was under two minutes. So that?s my $14 emissions test. I hope that the State of Maryland got its money worth.”
Then there were those like Carl, who thinks this issue is indicative of a larger problem: “If emissions inspections were about cleaning the air, then there would be no such thing as a $450 pass. Meaning if a vehicle does not pass the inspection then the owner must spend up to $450 in emissions related repairs and will be granted a waiver if at that point the vehicle still does not pass. Steve, it?s about money. Feeding the machine.”
Greg says: “Sure, air quality is good; it?s right up there with clean water, great schools, safe communities, and more recently freedom from terrorism. It?s the ?moral high ground.? After all, who in their right mind would argue against clean air? Unfortunately, the Maryland vehicle emission-testing program appears to me to be nothing more than another governmental farce perpetrated in the name of the moral high ground. After all, what kind of clean air program do we have when the worst offenders are exempt?”
Questions, comments, random musings? Write to [email protected].
