In Bellevue and in King County, you must go through an emissions test every two years. If you have not yet had taken your vehicle through emission testing, but your "check engine" light is on, you SHOULD NOT bring your vehicle to any shop (including ours) just yet. Why? Well, it's part of a process that will allow you to gain a "waiver", in case the repairs you would need are too expensive, or do not allow you to pass the test clearly.If you have a "check engine" light that is currently on in your car, what you should do is go ahead and put your vehicle through testing and expect it to fail. Then, you're next step is to call and schedule your service with us (especially if you live in the Bellevue WA area, but ANY certified emissions repair shop will do) to have the vehicle's issue diagnosed and corrected right after.Ali's Bellevue Auto Repair is approved by the State of Washington to repair your vehicle after a failed emission test. If you have failed your emission testing, please, call us and schedule an appointment right away! Preferably before your tabs have expired.So, the main reason you should go in this particular order and have your vehicle tested first is because any repairs made BEFORE the first test cannot be applied toward the waiver amount ($150). After an initial fail, if you pay that waiver amount (or more) to an approved auto repair company, you are "waived" through (essentially a "pass"), even if you still have a check engine light showing. Ultimately going in this order gives YOU more options for handling your vehicle.It is probably best to go ahead and get the car fixed and fully address the issue that is causing your engine light to come on. But, we don't live in a perfect world, so if you need more time to consider options, or if the problem isn't immediately detrimental to your car, this will get you through the test. Then you can get your tabs and at least avoid being pulled over. We'd love to have you come into our shop and allow us to be your advisor on the subject. Call and schedule your car for an appointment if you have recently failed your emissions test in Bellevue WA. For this and any other automobile need, Ali's Bellevue Auto Repair is the place for you! 425-450-9713
