Yes, it's time for the annual rip-off known as emissions testing so I can register my vehicle again. Every September I find myself having to go sit in line and pay the state $10 so they can say my car is okay to drive without polluting the environment.
Does anybody actually fail this test anymore? Isn't it time to mothball this annual cattle prod?
Or is this just another petty example of the government doing something in perpetuity because it can? Gimme a break.
John T. Johnston
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Plenty of people fail the emissions test, Mr. Johnston. All it takes to fail is for the "check engine" light to be on.
This results in an automatic fail without even testing the emissions--proof positive that this racket, err, I mean program, is not about emissions at all.
It's just another pathetic, shameless way for the local government to nickel and dime us to death.
Dallas Cole
Hixson
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I just moved to Tennessee last year and I have had the opportunity to have two emissions tests. I don't know how the testing became law. I'm not an auto mechanic or emissions expert.
If you have a "check engine light" refer to your owners manual and chances are you will find instructions on how to perform a simple test. Depending on the results of your test, you will see that the manual recommends that you need to have your emissions system checked. You can check the owners manual before the light comes on if you just want some information on why
that particular dash light might be related to emissions.
You can have a 'friend' turn off the check engine light for 48 hours with one of those plug-in car diagnostic units. Go have your emissions test and see if you pass it just by having the light turned off. Will you pass the test? I don't know, I'm not an auto mechanic or emissions expert. Good luck.
Ted Ladd
East Ridge