Vehicle emissions & safety test... (Philadelphia, Erie: 2015, DMV, calculator)

[drkcloud4u]

So I just moved here from NY, and I've never had a more thorough safety & emissions test ever...3 hours! I have a car from 1999, from NY..so yeah rusty. Anywho, it passed the emissions test, but failed the safety test because it needs a new catalytic converter?? If the converter was so bad then why did it pass the emissions test? Feel like I'm being scammed into further unnecessary repairs, but I'm unfamiliar with PA safety test law...

I didn't go to some chain mechanic either, this is a local (York) mechanic.

[CCG2015]

I would get a 2nd opinion. It will cost the price of another inspection but that shouldnt be more than $20-$30. well worth it if you think you're being scammed which btw can happen as easily at a local mechanic as it can a chain. in fact Id be more leery of them especially if you're not from here and dont know the emissions laws. I'm not mechanically inclined at all but I've never had a 3 hrs inspection. Usually an hour and that would be with an oil change. Not sure what all they were doing but something doesnt sound right there if it took that long just to inspect without doing any repairs.
Im not in York but not far from it. Usually Meineki (sp?) has deals going on and there's probably one in York or close to it. You didnt sound to into the chain shops but I've used them many times and never have a problem.

I thought cars older than a certain year were exempt from the emissions?? I dont know the cut ff year or if it's still valid but I would def. call around and ask another mechanic.

[LibraGirl123]

Originally Posted by CCG2015

I thought cars older than a certain year were exempt from the emissions?? I dont know the cut ff year or if it's still valid but I would def. call around and ask another mechanic.

Emissions info from PennDOT website:

You are required to have your vehicle checked for emissions if the following criteria apply to you:

• You own a gasoline-powered car, van, or light-duty truck (9,000 pounds or less gross vehicle weight), with a model year of 1975 and newer
• You reside in either Allegheny, Beaver, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia, Washington or Westmoreland County

Some vehicles are exempt. Examples are:

• Vehicles driven less than 5,000 miles in the year, regardless of their model year
• Motorcycles for up to 12 months

PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services - FAQ - Inspections

[trackstar13]

LibraGirl123

I am not sure the information posted above is entirely accurate because I live in Erie County and we have emissions testing. I think this website has more updated information: PA DEP I/M - Welcome to Drive Clean PA! - Pennsylvania's Vehicle Emission Testing Program

[F.Jenco]

I don't know about York but in Lackawanna county the emissions test is just a gas cap test so the catalytic converter would have nothing to do with it. Could it be your catalytic converter is just so rusty it's in danger of falling off?

I'm lucky I just take my vehicles to a neighbor's garage so I never have to worry about getting ripped off. I went to a chain place years ago and would never go to one again if I can avoid it.

[trackstar13]

This link is very helpful because if you enter the year of your vehicle, the type of vehicle you have and which county you live in it tells you what types of emission tests are required.

PA DEP I/M - Emission Test Calculator

[drkcloud4u]

Originally Posted by F.Jenco

I don't know about York but in Lackawanna county the emissions test is just a gas cap test so the catalytic converter would have nothing to do with it. Could it be your catalytic converter is just so rusty it's in danger of falling off?

I'm lucky I just take my vehicles to a neighbor's garage so I never have to worry about getting ripped off. I went to a chain place years ago and would never go to one again if I can avoid it.

It has a small rust hole forming, not in danger of falling off. Up in NY if you go to a chain, you're gonna get ripped off, so I figured it be the same down here.