Will My Car Pass A Smog Check With Engine Light On In Nevada?

As a Nevada inhabitant, the question “will my car pass a Smog check with Engine light on in Nevada?” may be puzzling you. It is a common problem among drivers especially when it gets to their annual car inspection.

This comprehensive guide will delve into everything you need to know about smog checks in Nevada DMV with an emphasis on illuminated check engine light.

Smog Checks in Nevada

But before we jump into the question, “Will my car pass a smog check with engine light on in Nevada?” let us get to know what exactly is meant by ‘smog check’ and why it is important.

What Is A Smog Check?

A smog check, also referred to as emissions test, is a measure intended for tracking down total quantity of exhaust gases released from your vehicle’s exhaust system which are pollutants. The aim of this test is to ascertain that cars driving around do not create too much air pollution.

Why Are Smog Checks Important?

Several key reasons explain why there should be smog checks:

1. Environment protection,
2. Public health guarding,
3. Meeting state and national requirements,
4. Troubleshooting maintenance issues.

Requirements for Smog Checks in Nevada

Now you might be wondering if your vehicle can pass its smog tests even if its engine light is still lit? However, before we can answer that question let us first look at what exactly the state of Nevada requires for one’s car to undergo such tests.

Most vehicles within Nevada are expected to undergo yearly emission testing; however there are various factors that can change these requirements as follows:

• Age of vehicle,
• Kind of vehicle (gasoline or diesel or hybrid),
• County of residence.

Below are some quick facts about smog check requirement in NV:

Vehicle Type	Clark & Washoe Counties	Other Counties
Gasoline	Annual test required	No test required
Diesel	Annual test required	No test required
Hybrid	Annual test required	No test required

It is important to note that this exam is not applicable for certain vehicles including the following:

• Electric vehicles,
• Classic vehicles (older than 20 years),
• New vehicles (first three years).

Presence of Engine Check Light as a Possible Hurdle

Now, will my car pass a smog check with engine light on in Nevada?

What Does the Check Engine Light Mean?

Check engine light or Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is meant to show the fault within emissions control system of your vehicle. When it is lit up, this usually indicates that onboard diagnostics have identified something wrong which may impact emission output.

Effects on Smog Checks

So will my car pass a smog check with engine light on in Nevada? Not likely.

In many states including Nevada, an illuminated check engine light translates to automatic failure for smog checks. This happens because such lights are indicators that there is something wrong with the vehicle’s emission systems just like what smog checks are aimed at evaluating.

Reasons Why Your Check Engine Light Might Be On

Before you have second thoughts on whether engine light can affect smog check in Nevada, it’s good to know some common causes of your check engine light being on:

1. A loose or failed petrol cap.
2. The need for a new oxygen sensors.
3. Problems with the catalytic converter.
4. Spark plugs and ignition coil issues.
5. Faulty Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor.

Steps to Take When Your Check Engine Light is On

If you are thinking about whether your car will pass smog with the engine light on in Nevada, here are some steps that you can take:

1. Don’t Ignore It

Many drivers make the mistake of ignoring their check engine light, hoping it will go away on its own. This rarely turns out well because more serious and costly issues might arise later.

2. Check Your Gas Cap

At times, a loose gas cap or one that is not functioning well could be at fault for the triggering of the check engine light. You may try tightening your gas cap and see if the light goes off after driving several times.

3. Get a Diagnostic Test

Most auto parts stores offer free diagnostic tests which can help point to what exactly is triggering your check engine light problem.

4. Address the Issue

Take steps to fix whatever is causing this warning signal after understanding why the anomaly occurs in step number three above; change components, maintain your car or visit an automobile mechanic for assistance among other options available for solving such problems instantly as soon as they arise.

5. Clear the Code

After repairing what was wrong with your vehicle, you still need to clear this error code which has been saved into its computer system; some auto part shops do this while others would require disconnection of battery cables for a short time period before reconnecting them again.

Preparing for Your Smog Check

Regardless of whether you are still asking yourself, “will my car pass a smog check with engine light on in Nevada?” get your vehicle ready for the test:

• Make sure that the car is warmed up prior to testing
• Verify that your tires are properly inflated
• Check and add all fluids
• Change air and fuel filters if they seem necessary
• Resolve any known problems with the automobile.

What If Your Car Fails the Smog Check?

Don’t worry if your car doesn’t pass its smog check (which it probably won’t if the check engine light is illuminated). You generally have some time to fix it again and then retest your vehicle.

Importance of Regular Maintenance

Rather than worrying will my car pass a smog check with engine light on in Nevada? It’s essential to keep up with regular maintenance. This means:

• Following your vehicle’s recommended maintenance schedule
• Fixing issues promptly once they arise.
• Using high-quality parts and fluids
• Regular tune-ups

Conclusion

So, will my car pass a Smog check with Engine light on in Nevada? However unlikely this may be, it is more important to attend to whatever issue could be causing this problem. By ensuring proper upkeep and fixing things when they go wrong without delay, you can not only increase the chances of successful completion of a smog test but also guarantee efficient running of your motorcar as well as minimum air pollution.

In other words, it is not only to pass the smog check tests but also to ensure that we all contribute towards our clean air and well-functioning cars. Hence, if you ever ask “Can my vehicle pass a smog test with an engine light on in Nevada?” then take it as time to pay attention and take care of your vehicle.