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The 6 Smog Check Passing Tips all lifted truck owners should know before visiting a smog test center:

1. Running Right – Do not subject your big truck to a smog inspection if it does not run right. Chances are that it will fail the smog check and you will lose your inspection fee. Seek repair assistance first. This will save time and money, and insure the vehicle will pass the smog test.

2. Take a Drive – Drive your truck for at least 20 minutes prior to arriving at the smog station. This will ensure your truck or SUV is properly warmed up and is running at it is optimum level. Remember, the engine is a fuel burning machine. To ensure proper combustion it needs to have sufficient time to warm-up and this can be accomplished through driving for at least 10 to 15 miles.

3. Use Additives – The use of fuel additives, such as Blue Sky Clean Air, can be very helpful in lowering emission levels and helping lifted truck or SUV pass the emissions inspection. Their purpose is to clean carbon deposits within the engine’s intake and exhaust paths, allowing for both fuel and air to flow freely within its passages, thus lowering emission levels, improving combustion, increasing overall engine performance, and helping motorists pass the emission test. These types of products offer helpful solutions to various vehicle emission and smog test problems. (Note: Read the fuel additive’s instructions regarding having the vehicle smog tested while using the additive. Fuel system additives and fuel system treatments, such as Blue Sky Clean Air, require using the complete application and refueling with fresh fuel prior to the smog check. BlueSky offers a 100 percent money back guarantee.)

FREE OFFER: Blue Sky Fuel Treatment is offering a few select vehicle owners who have failed the smog check a free bottle of Blue Sky Fuel Treatment and a free smog check inspection in return for participating in quality control testing of their Guaranteed to Pass fuel system treatment product. Call (580) 761-2891 to participate.

4. Inflate Tires – During the smog inspection, the smog technician may need to drive the vehicle on a dynamometer as a part of the smog test process. Making sure your truck’s tire pressures are even and correct will allow the vehicle to be driven with greater stability and accuracy during the smog exam. This will improve the overall emissions output of your truck by allowing the engine to maintain a constant and steady load. Correct and even tire pressure may be the deciding factor between a borderline vehicle failing or passing the smog test.

5. Change Oil – If it is close to the next oil change interval, go ahead and do it before the smog check. The PCV (positive crank ventilation) system of the vehicle is designed to allow the engine to breathe fumes located in oil compartments (oil pan, etc.). The fumes are then burned through the combustion process. If the oil in the engine is contaminated due to inadequate oil changes, it may very well cause your big truck to fail the inspection. Contaminated oils are high in hydrocarbons (HC) and will present a rich mixture to the engine chambers. Avoiding oil changes not only causes pre-mature engine wear, but can also cause the vehicle to fail the smog inspection. Change the engine oil.

6. Check Engine Light Off – Make sure the vehicle’s Check Engine Light or Malfunction Indicator Lamp is not illuminated. A constantly illuminated Check Engine or MIL light is an automatic smog failure. A certified repair shop can diagnose the check engine light condition and offer an evaluation and estimate. The home mechanic may also diagnose a Check Engine light malfunction via special Check Engine codes retrieval tools, available at most auto parts stores. (Note: A smog technician cannot refuse to test a vehicle based on the fact that he or she notices an illuminated light. The smog technician must perform the smog check and fail the vehicle. This is California State law. Be aware. Get a pre-test.)

These seem like intuitive tips, but they’re easy to forget! If you fail a smog test, you won’t be able to register your vehicle. Don’t let your show truck, everyday driver, or pre-runner end up grounded by not passing smog.

Author: Joseph W. is a staff writer for 4 Wheel Parts.