6 FAQs about emission test in the Philippines

As we face the technological advancement today, we also face the increasing number of motor vehicles. These vehicles emit smokes through in the atmosphere that cause air pollution which can be harmful to the environment and to the people living on it.

One good example of this scenario is happening in the Philippines. With this, it becomes a requirement for a car to be admitted for an emission testing first before it can be registered. This whole article from Philkotse.com will tackle the main points of this emission test. 

1. What is the Emission Test?

It is a mandatory test in the Philippines as part of the car’s registration. It is also done during the renewal of the car’s registration. This test measures the level of fumes or pollutant released from the exhaust manifold of a vehicle.

The emission test is a mandatory test in the Philippines as part of the car’s registration.

2. What is the purpose of the Emission test Philippines?

The main goal of the emission test is to lessen the air pollutants that are harmful to the environment. It detects the level of hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, and other air pollutants.

In general, the emission test aims to ensure that a vehicle is in compliance with the set of emission standards. It is also the requirement of a car to have a CEC or Certificate of Emission Compliance which is needed for the renewal of the car’s registration.

The main goal of the emission test is to lessen the air pollutants that are harmful to the environment.

3. Where can I bring my car to have an Emission Test in the Philippines?

You can bring your car for emission testing to an accredited Private Emission Testing Center (PETC) only. Some of the accredited PETC in the Philippines are the following:

• ABG Motor Vehicle Emission Testing Center
• DZJianne Motor Vehicle Emission Testing Center
• Baliuag Motor Vehicle Emission Testing and Car Care Center, Co.
• Green Ecology Emission Testing Center
• R3 Motor Vehicle Emission Testing and Car Care Center, Co.

ABG Motor Vehicle Emission Testing Center

Also Read: Emission Testing Centers: Everything you need to know

4. What is PETC?

PETC or Private Emission Testing Center is a private facility that measures the content of gas emissions of a motor vehicle. It decides whether the vehicle is in compliance with the emission standards of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

To operate as an accredited PETC, one must pass the qualifications of Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) specifically under the Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS) and get approval from the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

PETC is a private facility that measures the content of gas emissions of a motor vehicle

5. What are the procedures of the Emission Test?

The procedure for the emission test below is applicable for spark-ignition engine’s motor vehicles. The test will be done while running the engine at idle speed.

Testing Equipment

Tachometer: It is an instrument used to measure the engine speed (RPM) of a motor vehicle.

Carbon Monoxide Analyzer: A device used to analyze the content of carbon monoxide.

Hydrocarbon Analyzer: An instrument used to monitor the presence of hydrocarbon. 

Preparation

• Put the vehicle transmission into neutral while the hand-brake is engaged.
• Make sure that the engine rpm or idling speed and the accelerator in its rest position are in line with the manufacturer’s recommendation of the vehicle. 
• Turn off all the vehicle’s accessories such as air conditioning system, air fan, rear window heating, and any other accessories required for the idle operation of the vehicle.
• Check the engine temperature. If the temperature is below 70 Celcius degree, start the engine and drive the vehicle on the road for about 15 minutes before the test.
• Confirm the exhaust system of the vehicle is leak proof but will permit the entrance of the sampling probe from the outlet of tailpipe by around 30 cm. Apply the applicable correction factor if the above statement is not possible.  

Put the vehicle transmission into neutral while the hand-brake is engaged

>>> Read more: 7 tips & tricks to pass a smog check in the Philippines

Measurement

• Accelerate the engine speed to 2500 rpm with the use of tachometer. Keep this speed for about 10 to 15 seconds, then let go of the pedal for the engine to return to idle speed.
• Put the sampling probe in the vehicle’s exhaust pipe while the engine is at idle speed. Insert the probe as deeply as possible approximately 30 cm or above. Measure the carbon monoxide or hydrocarbon after 20 seconds.
• If the vehicle is equipped with multiple exhaust pipes, the final result of the reading for the CO/HC will be the arithmetic average.

How to Get Your Car to Pass the Emissions Test (Life Hack)

Calibration and Adjustments of Instrument

• Consult the operation manual of the instrument for the proper preparation and usage to maintain the analyzer in good condition. To ensure accuracy, perform maintenance to the instrument depending on the given intervals of the manufacturer.
• If the instrument will be transferred or moved to a new place, make it a habit to perform a zero and span calibration 4 hours before the transfer. Ensure that the calibration will be done away from the exhaust pipe of a running engine of motor vehicles. Moreover, use a calibration gas for scale calibration if the instrument doesn’t have manual control for the compensation of the system.
• Make sure that the gas sampling system is free from any leakage. Inspect the filters and make sure it is clean. Confirm also that the filter holders are intact with gaskets and all are in good condition.
• Check the probe and sample handling line. This should be both free from any contaminants.

Check the probe and sample handling line

6. What are the emission standards for motor vehicles?

The emission standards differ depending on the type of motor vehicle. The table below refers to the standards for a vehicle with a spark ignition engine.

>>> Must read: 6 ways to reduce your driving emissions

The environment today is not as good as what it was before. We can easily agree with that because of what we are experiencing today. From the standards given above, we can also conclude that the limits are decreasing as time passes by.

We should all do our part in order to save our mother earth. The government should strictly implement the rules and regulation regarding clean air. You, being a good citizen of the Philippines should follow these rules and regulation.

The PETC, on the other hand, should renew their application on time and do their job properly in order to minimize air pollution. If we don’t care about our environment, who else will take care of it?

>>> Click here for more useful tips and advice for smart driving.