Emissions Testing and TN State Vehicle Inspection

The Car Doctor Auto Repair is an Emissions Testing and TN State Inspection Station where we offer emissions inspections, as well as full multi-point inspections. We work to ensure vehicle safety for Old Hickory, Madison, Hermitage, and surrounding area residents. Although emissions inspections are mandatory, they don’t have to be painful. We get them done for you thoroughly and quickly.

What is included in the Emissions Inspection?

This quick test takes about 4 minutes should there be no issues. They are offered on a first come first serve basis, so stop by today or please feel free to give us a call at 615-357-0337 to book an inspection. If you would like any other services completed during this visit, just let us know.

Have your inspection done at The Car Doctor Auto Repair since the State does allow vehicle owners to select the inspection station of your choice.

Vehicle Emissions Testing Equipment

Isn’t this sort of testing optional?

Although there may have been mentioned that this program may be phased out in the near future, the program remains in effect as a legal requirement for now. Should this change, we will update our information to keep you informed.

When should you have your vehicle tested for emissions?

The inspection may take place starting up to 90 days prior to the expiration of your registration and it must be completed before the expiration.

How much will an emissions inspection cost me?

The fee for a vehicle emissions inspection is $9.00.

Cash (bills under $20) and credit cards are the payment methods accepted, as per the State guidelines.

What if my vehicle fails the inspection?

If your car happens to fail the inspection, don’t worry! As required by the State, we will provide a report outlining the reasons your car hasn’t passed the inspection. However, we will also perform comprehensive diagnostic services in order to fully understand the issue and then work to resolve it for you so that you can then pass a new inspection. So long as the new inspection is conducted within 90 days of the initial one, the re-inspection after repairs will be free of charge.

If your car happens to be a gasoline vehicle model from 1975 – 1995, or a diesel vehicle, it is required to undergo the full anti-tampering and emissions tests. Newer gasoline vehicles from 1996 onward will only need to be re-inspected for the failed areas.

Emissions and pollution testing

As per, the official [Tennessee Vehicle Inspection Program Website](http://www.tnvip.org/vehicle-failures/what-to-do-next/), “The next re-inspection will cost $9.00 with the following re-inspection (if needed) free. This cycle will continue, pay for an inspection, receive a free inspection until the vehicle passes.”

Why would my car fail the inspection in the first place?

Vehicles can fail the emissions test for many reasons. For gasoline vehicles from 1996 to present, the on-board diagnostics may return a failure message for reasons such as Air/fuel mixture out of control rang or catalytic converter efficiency too low.

For a more comprehensive list of common failure reasons for all vehicles types, please visit the Tennessee  Vehicle Inspection Program Website at http://www.tnvip.org/vehicle-failures/common-reasons-for-failure/.

Are any vehicles exempt from the program?

Yes. They are listed as follows:

  • New motor vehicles being registered for the first time
  • Heavy-duty motor vehicles (more than 10,500 lbs. GVWR)
  • Motorcycles
  • Antique motor vehicles
  • Electric powered light-duty motor vehicles (excluding all hybrid vehicles)
  • Gasoline-powered light-duty motor vehicles with a designated model year prior to 1975

On the other hand, please note that the following vehicles are not exempt from inspection:

  • Hybrid vehicles
  • Salvaged vehicles
  • Rebuilt vehicles
  • Homemade vehicles

*Information adapted from [Envirotest’s the Tennessee Vehicle Inspection Program Website] (http://www.tnvip.org/)

Let The Car Doctor Auto Repair perform your Emissions Testing and TN State Vehicle Inspection today! We will get you in and out in a jiffy and back on the road!