Understanding How Engines Work: My Automotive Blog

If you happen to live and drive in a state that requires you to get vehicle emissions tests, also known as smog checks, you will need to get your car ready. These tests inspect the cleanliness of the way that your automobile runs, which goes hand in hand with the maintenance of some of your vehicle's most integral parts. Before you drop your automobile off at the smog check station, consider some of these forms of maintenance and inspection to be sure that your car has no problem passing the test. 

#1: Inspect Your Oil And Get It Changed If Necessary

So much of the cleanliness of your automobile engine relies on the oil that is used. This means that you will not only need the right amount of oil in your engine, but also need to ensure that it is of the highest quality. After several thousand miles of driving, your oil can begin getting gritty and gunky. Pop the hood and inspect your oil yourself, and do not hesitate to get in touch with a fluid specialist who can provide you with the automobile engine oil change. An oil and oil filter change might cost you anywhere between $20 and more than $70 in most cases.

#2: Focus On Transmission Care

Caring for your transmission is an important part of the process to make sure that your vehicle passes a smog check. These smog checks are directly tied to the way that your automobile drives, which makes the transmission so important to inspect. One of the best ways to care for your transmission is to flush the fluid and change it with fresh transmission fluid. You can take your car to a pro-transmission shop and get the transmission fluid changed for prices between $125 and $250.

#3: Tune Up The Engine

Tuning up the engine will allow it to fire on all cylinders and receive the best flow of energy, which is conducive to better emissions. Because of this, you should take it to an auto shop that will be able to do things like change your spark plugs and check or change your sensors. Changing the wires and spark plugs should be done at 60,000 mile intervals and might cost you between $150 and $250. Be sure to get this done from a credible auto shop that specializes in engines.

When you follow these three tips, you will have a great chance of passing your smog inspection.