Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Environment Canada run Vehicle Emission Inspection Clinics?

• To promote public awareness about vehicle emissions and their negative effects on health and the environment.
• To emphasize the importance of proper vehicle maintenance in controlling vehicle emissions.
• To obtain data for use in a national database which can be accessed by the provinces and territories.

What happens at this clinic?

1. Drivers are given general information on the impact of vehicles on the environment. Environment Canada personnel on site will gladly answer any questions.
2. Information is taken on the vehicle (age, type, etc.) for the national database.
3. Your vehicle's gas cap is tested under pressure to determine if it seals properly.
4. Your vehicle's tire pressures are measured and compared to the manufacturer's rated tire pressures.
5. You drive your vehicle under the tent where the actual emissions of the vehicle are measured and compared to existing standards. If the emissions are higher than the standards, an underhood inspection of the vehicle emission control devices is performed to determine whether any tampering has taken place or whether any deterioration over time may have occurred. The results are examined, along with the findings from the underhood inspection, to determine if there is any obvious reason for the high emissions readings. We encourage drivers of these vehicles to have their vehicles checked and serviced by their mechanics.
6. We hope that owners will use the results from the inspection to properly maintain their vehicles and drive responsibly. Remember that a well-tuned vehicle runs more efficiently and will save fuel.

Why should I keep my vehicle running as I wait for my emissions test?

Drivers must keep their vehicle running throughout the line-up and testing procedures. Although this sounds counterproductive to our goal of reducing vehicle emissions, the vehicle needs to be warmed up if the emissions tests are to provide a true indication of how the vehicle is performing.

What is a Mandatory Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) Program?

A Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Program regularly inspects in-use motor vehicles with the purpose of determining whether exhaust emissions are within acceptable limits for that vehicle's particular make, model and year. To be effective, I/M programs must be mandatory, requiring that all vehicles of the type targeted by the program, usually light-duty motor vehicles licensed for roadway operation, be tested at regular intervals. The objective of these programs is to identify vehicles that emit greater-than-acceptable quantities of pollutants and to require that they be repaired by their owners to an acceptable standard of emissions performance.

Will a program like this one become mandatory in my area?

• Vehicle emission inspection programs are under provincial jurisdiction. If you have questions about what is happening in your area, we would encourage you to contact your provincial/territorial government for details. Environment Canada does, however, promote the adoption of such programs in areas with high pollution levels.
• The only mandatory programs in place in Canada at this time are BC AirCare, in operation in the Lower Fraser Valley of British Columbia, and Ontario Drive Clean, in operation in the Ontario portion of the Quebec City / Windsor corridor. These programs also include smoke testing of heavy-duty vehicles (i.e. trucks, buses, etc.).