The original garage's readings were 9(co emissions) with 3 being the limit. I took it to another garage and it passed with flying colours. Can the readings really be that different or (as I suspect) were the first garage trying to sting me?(they did offer to sell me products to sort the problem out!)
2007-09-14 20:32:18 · 15 answers · asked by returnofkarlos 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Does make you wonder, doesn't it?
It's always possible, of course, that the diagnostic equipment was on the blink - happened to me once, the sniffer showed an alarmingly high CO level, the tester didn't believe it and cleaned and checked his gear. It was fine when he did it again.
However, the fact that they tried to flog you stuff to sort it out is dubious, any worthwhile garage would suggest the first thing to do is take it for a good hard run (drive it like you stole it) to get it thoroughly warmed up and blow the cobwebs out.
2007-09-14 21:05:03 · answer #1 · answered by champer 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you were shown the print out of the test then the first garage was correct, however just driving the car could have cleared the problem. My diesel Peugeot 205 would fail if the car had been standing for a while and as I used to have to leave the car for up to 4 months when away at sea the change after a good hard drive (60 in third) of about 10 miles made the car pass emissions. The alternative is additives that do much the same thing, however I have always been told that a good thrashing fro the engine, revs wise for a few miles, cleared the cylinder of carbon by burning it off.
2007-09-15 03:01:02 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have a full service every year and have used Cataclean too, but just failed the emissions test. Had a new cat put on two years ago, so that hasn't help much either. Took it for the 'burn up' just before the MOT to clear out the cat, but as said, no good. Miss-firing was mentioned on the test, and suggested spark plugs need renewing, but they were replaced in August a few months ago when I had the full service. Am I being taken for a ride here I wonder?
2016-05-20 00:19:38 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The equipment for the emissions test is just as complicated as the emission control stuff on your car, and just as likely to go wrong. In the last 5 years at MOT time my garage's equipment has been out of service twice. Once the diagnostic error light was on, and the other time they only suspected because every car failed that day
2007-09-14 20:40:37 · answer #4 · answered by The original Peter G 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Garages screwing people are always a possibility.
But it is also possible that the conditions have changed. Your catalytic converters work best when hot. If it was not given enough time to warm up you can fail.
In my old 94 civic, last year it first failed. Then on second run it passed (the same garage). I figured that it was middle of the winter and they let the car sit for another outside. On the second run the car was warmer.
Good Luck.
2007-09-14 20:43:54 · answer #5 · answered by Lover not a Fighter 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you have hit the nail on the head
Talk to friends/relatives and find a garage that you can trust and deal with that garage all the time. They get to know you and you them and trust builds
In the last 20 years i have dealt with 2 garages, one was owned by a friend of mine(sold 2 ys ago) Second garage was recommended by my friend
2007-09-14 20:48:47 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a classic scam. Well done on your part to get a second opinion. I would contact your local government official or some organization that monitors such fraudulent activity (if such an organization exists).
You should move to Arkansas (in the US), I don't even have to have my car inspected AT ALL!! I have driven a vehicle with a cracked windshield, bypassed catalytic converter, and missing tail lights for 9 months without problem :-)
2007-09-14 20:45:28 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Did this fail at MOT time? If so, go back to the first garage and present them with the evidence. then tell them you are considering reporting them. Watch their arses tighten. You may get a refund. But if you don't you can always contact VOSA and explain the situation. They are the MOT testers governing body. They are the testers' worst nightmare if someone has been wronged. Go to http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/OwningAVehicle/Mot/DG_4022113 for more info.
2007-09-15 06:07:35 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Either one of the garages could be dodgy, it's hard to tell.
I would make sure I took mine to a reputable garage next time, maybe get a recommendation from someone you trust.
2007-09-14 20:39:28 · answer #9 · answered by ChocLover 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If your having erratic readings that usually means theres a problem,the codes will not always show up,try a 3rd opinion but dont tell them about the first two and see what they come up with,or you could buy your own handheld one and do it yourself,and bring it to the actual dealer.
2007-09-14 20:44:37 · answer #10 · answered by spacey_stacey 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋