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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 Changes Take Effect
(Sep-06-2000)
VANCOUVER – Effective September 5, 2000, local motorists will notice some changes to the AirCare inspection. It’s all part of AirCare II, the next generation of the AirCare program. These enhancements will ensure that AirCare keeps pace with recent innovations in emissions systems technology and continues to make a clear difference in the air we breathe.
"AirCare II enhancements will be implemented in two phases," said Martin Lay, AirCare CEO. "The first phase, which begins September 5, 2000, includes new equipment, software, test procedures and cut points, and introduces a driving test for all-wheel drive and traction control vehicles."
Following are the changes to the program effective September 5, 2000:
ALL-WHEEL DRIVE TEST
All-Wheel Drive and Traction Control vehicles will now receive a full drive test.
PRESSURIZED GAS CAP TEST
All vehicles will receive a visual inspection of the catalytic converter and a pressurized gas cap test. This gas cap test will ensure that harmful vapours from the fuel tank are prevented from escaping into the atmosphere.
NEW DIESEL-POWERED VEHICLE TEST
All diesel-powered vehicles will now receive an enhanced transient drive test. The diesel test more accurately simulates real-world driving conditions, to give a more accurate picture of the vehicle’s emission performance.
AirCare STANDARDS (CUT-POINT) ADJUSTMENT
The AirCare standards (cut points) have been adjusted closer to federally regulated emissions standards for the make and model year of the vehicle. The new AirCare standard will always remain less stringent than the original design standard for your car. Any vehicle operating correctly and at normal temperature should easily pass the new AirCare standard.
All AirCare Inspection Centres will be able to conduct all-wheel drive and traction control test in Lane 1. The North Vancouver, South Vancouver, Coquitlam and Richmond AirCare Inspection Centres will have secondary lanes to conduct all-wheel drive and traction control test.
Diesel-powered vehicles will be tested in Lane 1 only at all AirCare Inspection Centres. Lane signs at the stations and information on AirCare FM 88.7 will direct motorists with these types of vehicles into the correct lanes.
"We have included all-wheel drive, traction control and diesel testing in one lane at every station and all-wheel drive and traction control testing in two lanes at our higher volume stations to minimze the cost of providing a new, enhanced test procedure," said Ed Theobald, general manager of Envirotest Canada, contractor for the AirCare program. "These lanes are on the left hand side at all inspection centres."
A recent study by the Canadian Institute for Child Health shows that childhood asthma has increased four fold in the last two decades, and that asthma attacks are the leading cause of hospital emergency room visits among children. The main cause for asthma is air pollution. In the Lower Mainland and the Fraser Valley, the AirCare program has led the fight against air pollution. In its first seven years, the AirCare program has contributed to removing 708,582 tonnes of Carbon Monoxide, Hydrocarbons and Oxides of Nitrogen from the air we breathe.
In fact, a study conducted by the Greater Vancouver Regional District estimated that improvements in air quality in the region is expected to save 2,800 lives, prevent 33,000 hospital room vists, prevent $74 million in crop damage and result in a 1.6 billion benefit to the provincial economy between 1985 and 2020.
Phase two, which begins on January 1, 2001, will introduce an enhanced AirCare inspection for newer vehicles (1992 and newer). At that time, these newer vehicles will require an AirCare inspection every two years (biennial), instead of the current annual test.
If you require further information on the changes to the AirCare program, call the AirCare Information line at 433-5633. In Abbotsford, call 820-2226. In Chilliwack, call 795-4546, or visit our website at www.aircare.ca.
Click here to download the "Let’s Clear the Air" ad in PDF format (84k)
Media contact:
Kevin Boothroyd
Manager, Public Relations
Envirotest Canada
Ph:(604) 436-2640 ext. 232
Cel.:(604) 612-0588
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