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Welcome to the AirCare news release archive. The AirCare program regularly sends press releases to keep our stakeholders, the media and the public up-to-date on general AirCare information.
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AirCare Answers Your Questions
(Oct-21-2003)
AirCare is an important initiative that helps to improve local air quality by reducing harmful vehicle emissions.
Despite AirCare’s proven success in reducing harmful vehicle emissions, a number of misconceptions about the program persist. Here are answers to some common statements or questions about AirCare:
Why does AirCare charge $48 to test a 1992 and newer vehicle?
1992-and-newer vehicles receive a new, more comprehensive emissions inspection, known as I/M 240. This test puts a vehicle through a test sequence that simulates real-world driving conditions (accelerations, decelerations, cruise or idle) at speeds of up to 90 km/hr and weighs the emissions in grams per kilometre. The test is similar to the certification test used for all new vehicles.
The $48 biennial test fee is based on the repayment of the $20 million capital cost to provide the new testing equipment and the fact that the test may take up to three times as long to perform as the current test for older vehicles.
AirCare is a Tax Grab.
The AirCare program is designed to operate as a user pay system. AirCare test fees are set to cover the cost of operating the program and do not return any revenue to TransLink or the province.
What is AirCare doing about its surplus?
Due to a higher than anticipated number of inspections, AirCare is currently running a surplus. Options to reduce the surplus, which may include a reduced test fee or further exemptions, are currently being reviewed by TransLink.
My vehicle failed then passed without repairs. The test equipment must be inaccurate.
You have witnessed the effects of engine variability. Although many believe that variation in emission readings is due to faulty test equipment, it is the vehicle emissions output that is varying, not the AirCare analyzers. No vehicle will produce exactly the same emission readings on back-to-back tests. However, if a vehicle is operating as designed, it will consistently produce readings within a narrow range, well under the AirCare ‘maximum allowable’ limits.
Why are trucks and buses not tested?
The AirCare program is currently working with provincial and regional authorities to re-introduce AirCare On-Road (ACOR). ACOR was a program run by ICBC that inspected heavy-duty trucks and buses for excess smoke emissions.
Higher octane gasoline will help my vehicle pass
One possible reason for the belief that higher-octane fuel produces lower emissions is that some brands of premium fuel contain alcohol as an octane enhancer. Ethanol has a higher octane rating than gasoline but it is the oxygen content of ethanol that affects the emissions, not the octane. The emission control system in your vehicle is designed to work effectively with the grade of fuel recommended by the manufacturer.
For more information, contact:
Rashpal Rai
Public Relations
Envirotest Canada, contractor for AirCare
Rashpal.Rai@bc.etest.com
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