What can a vehicle owner do to improve their car’s chances of passing an emissions test?

A vehicle owner can significantly improve their car's chances of passing an emissions test by performing regular maintenance, such as conducting oil changes and replacing air filters. This approach ensures that the vehicle's engine operates efficiently and maintains optimal air and fuel mixtures for combustion. Regular maintenance helps in reducing harmful emissions and keeps the vehicle's systems functioning as intended.

For instance, clean oil ensures that the engine runs smoothly, while a clean air filter allows the engine to breathe properly, promoting efficient fuel combustion. When these maintenance tasks are performed regularly, they enhance the vehicle's overall performance, which is crucial for complying with emissions standards.

Other options, such as driving the vehicle only short distances, can lead to increased emissions due to a lack of proper engine heat and condensation build-up in the exhaust system. Using lower quality fuel can negatively affect engine performance and increase emissions due to higher levels of impurities. Ignoring warning lights on the dashboard can signal problems that, if left unaddressed, may lead to higher emissions and potential failure of the test. Thus, regular maintenance is the most effective way to ensure that a vehicle is in good condition for an emissions test.