The Drive Clean program requires that Ontario drivers have an emissions test on their vehicle every two years, but how much would it actually help?

The Drive Clean program, mandatory for passenger vehicles across Southern Ontario, is intended to reduce harmful emissions released into the air by poorly maintained vehicles.  The program calls for vehicles older than five years to have their emissions tested.  The emissions test is also mandatory whenever ownership changes on a used car to ensure that consumers do not purchase a car with known emissions problems.  But does the Drive Clean program provide a false sense of security when it comes to our health as well as the environment?

Pollutants Caused By Motor Vehicles

While it is well known that automobiles are one of the major causes of smog in Ontario, many of us don’t know exactly what pollutants our vehicles emit.  According to Drive Clean (this information is proven), motor vehicles emit nitrogen oxide and volatile organic compounds that react with sunlight to create ground-level ozone, which, in areas with high volumes of traffic, results in smog.  Smog has many adverse health effects, especially on children, the elderly and anyone who suffers from asthma.  This is because smog irritates the lungs and can eventually cause long-term respiratory illnesses with repeated or prolonged exposure.

How The Drive Clean Program Works

Personally, I found the program a little difficult to understand, but I will try to break it down as simply as possible.  When your vehicle is approximately five years old you will need to start having the emissions checked every two years.  The Ministry of Transportation will send an emissions test reminder in the mail along with your license plate renewal.  The test is done (for $35 plus applicable taxes) at Ministry-approved locations by placing the vehicle on a moving track (similar to a treadmill), which allows the car to be driven on one spot and, by placing a meter inside the tailpipe, the concentration level of nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons that are emitted from the vehicle are measured.  The vehicle is tested both while moving and while idling and compared with standards for the year and make of the vehicle.  Some natural depreciation is allowed, however, the vehicle must be considered ‘safe’ by Ministry standards in order to pass.

There are, however, certain criteria all vehicles must meet before they are even tested.  For instance, there must be no safety problems with the vehicle and no visible smoke coming from the tailpipe.  Should any vehicle not meet these criteria, the owner will be informed and the test rescheduled.

Failed An Emissions Test?

If your vehicle fails the emissions test you will receive a computer printout outlining the area(s) where your vehicle failed.  After fixing the problem, you can have your vehicle re-tested at a rate of $17.50 plus tax, up to a maximum of two times at the discounted rate.  You will be required to pay the full $35 fee if your vehicle fails more than twice.  There are numerous reasons why a vehicle may fail an emissions test, but some common ones can be as simple as not replacing an air filter or spark plugs or they can be quite costly such as any internal engine repairs that require the engine to be removed.

My Verdict

Most drivers consider having their emissions test a hassle and a waste of time.  Although it is true that all cars are harmful to the environment, we should still do everything we can to reduce the carbon footprint we leave on this earth.  The Drive Clean program was not intended to eradicate pollution from cars, just decrease the amount as much as possible.  What drivers do not realize is that having the emissions test done regularly also helps to keep vehicles running at their best.  It ensures the engine is in good shape and thus helps to minimize fuel consumption.  The province of Ontario is taking a step in the right direction by enforcing this law and Ontarians have to do the same.  Don’t idle your car; 10 seconds of idling uses more gas than re-starting it.  Use public transportation whenever possible and, if it isn’t, carpool.  Having fewer cars on the road means less pollution and it does make a difference.

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