Has an E-Test spoiled your Birthday?
It’s that time of year again, it’s your birthday! Well guess what, you can’t enjoy it just yet, you need to get an E-Test! Also known as the Ontario Drive Clean Test. So unless you are the owner of a classic car, you better hope that your check engine light isn’t on, or you can be in big trouble. Ever see, or better yet, hear those cars driving around sounding like they are a tank and wonder how did they pass their e-test? Well, it just so happens to be that the Ontario government changed the guidelines as to what determines whether your car will pass or not. These days you can be completely missing your exhaust, it’s all computer tested. That means if your check engine light is on, then you are not going to pass the test. Where before you could simply bolt on a new exhaust and a few hundred bucks later you would be passing. These days it could require sensors, purge valves, EGR valves and/or many other computer controlled sensors to be replaced. The fun part is guessing which one is the faulty one. Most check engine lights will give you a rough idea of what’s wrong, but even then you could be looking at $1000. It’s not a happy birthday anymore is it? This is why it is best to be prepared. Once that notice to get your sticker renewed comes in the mail, get your E-Test done. You never know when that light will come on if it isn’t already on, so why wait? And if it is on, come in to Top Gear where we can evaluate the situation and give you an analysis of what to be prepared for. Here’s the bright side, even if it costs you a bit to get the car repaired, it’s still a lot more affordable than to go out and buy a new car. You don’t just go out and buy a new house when you need a roof do you? So as much as it sucks to have to spend money on your car, think about all the good it does for you when it works. It takes us places we would normally not be able to go. The E-Test simply takes something that you would normally hold off on and get it done, that can’t be a bad thing can it? I guess it’s just not the best time of year being your birthday and all, right? The other bright side is that it’s only every other year, so that means that your next birthday is all yours, so better make those plans now.
Top Gear is not an accredited E-Test facility, but we are great mechanics. We work closely with our friends over at “For Wheel” and they do the E-Tests for us, so at least come in and let us do an assessment for you. If you are better off just going to “For Wheel” then we will let you know. Once you get the E-Test, it’s valid for one year. For more info on the regulations to do with E-Tests, please visit the Ministry of Transportations website HERE.
Once again, Drive safe and don’t be a stranger! Come see the pros at Top Gear. We are an excellent alternative to the dealer for all your import and domestic needs such as BMW, Audi, Mercedes, VW, Toyota, Honda, GM and Ford.