How strict are the AirCare emission standards?
AirCare’s maximum allowable emission standards are set to identify vehicles that are emitting significantly higher emissions than a normal vehicle of the same age and design. The emission standards shown on the Vehicle Inspection Report are based upon the vehicle’s model year, weight and engine size, plus a significant allowance for normal variations in engine performance. A well-tuned vehicle of any model year with its original emission equipment in place and functioning correctly will easily pass the AirCare standards. An average passing reading represents the average emissions level achieved by vehicles in the same age group, type and engine displacement as your vehicle. These are the types of readings that your vehicle is capable of and should be considered the target for a normal operating vehicle. If your vehicle is operating as designed, your vehicle’s readings should be close to or better than the average passing reading.
