In recent years, the rally towards the reduction of carbon footprint and air pollutants have become more intense not only in the Philippines but on a global scale. Electric vehicles have also started to become more advanced and more popular. Gasoline vehicles, on the other hand, have been more strictly regulated, with the additional inspection and emission testing requirements before they can be registered.
In the Philippines, the Land Transportation Office (LTO), has shown its support to the implementation of the Clean Air Act or R.A. 8749 by mandating motor vehicles to undergo emission testing. If you are a vehicle owner, you’re probably already wondering how much it would set you back. In this article, you can learn more about emission testing as well as the emission testing price in the Philippines.
What is Emission Testing in the Philippines
Emission testing refers to the mandatory test required as part of the car’s registration in the Philippines. It is usually done upon the renewal of the car’s registration, and is required at the LTO. This test measures the level of fumes or pollutants like hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), and other emissions released from the exhaust manifold of a vehicle.
The emission test is required by the LTO in a bid to support the campaign to lessen the harmful pollutants in the air. In order to do so, car owners are mandated to get their vehicle tested. Only when the vehicle has been issued a Certificate of Emission Compliance (CEC) for Passed Testing will it be allowed to process a registration renewal.
Emission Testing Centers, Price, and Procedures
Because the LTO requires it, millions of cars in the Philippines are expected to go seek for emission testing services. To address the need, numerous emission testing centers are established nationwide.
It is at these centers where the emission testing process takes place. The process makes use of a cutting-edge digital exhaust-measuring system. The OBD-II scanner, which collects essential data from your car, is handled by a skilled technician.
Procedures
Before you can get your car checked, the first thing to do is contact your preferred private emission testing center (PETC). Once you have an appointment, you can head straight and start the process.
To accurately measure the quality of the car’s exhaust gasses, particularly the levels of Hydrocarbons and CO2 emitted, the technician uses a specialized sensor inserted into the vehicle’s exhaust system. Once the preparations are complete, the technician starts the car and revs it to a predetermined RPM, effectively replicating real-life driving conditions. Once the test machine successfully records the necessary readings, then it means that the evaluation has been completed.
Pricing
Getting your car monitored for the harmful gasses they release does come with a price. The price of emission testing in the Philippines typically ranges from Php 430.00 to Php 600.00, however, some netizens from Bulacan claim to have had the same service at Php 200.00 to Php 250.00 or Php 300.00
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
For your reference, here are some questions and answers related to emission testing and its price:
1. Are PETCs and Motor Vehicle Inspection Centers (MVIC) the same?
No. PETCs or Private Emission Testing Centers are places where emission testing is conducted. On the other hand, MVICs or Motor Vehicle Inspection Centers refer to the place where the entire performance of a vehicle is checked.
2. Is it necessary to get both the emission test and inspection done before renewing your motor vehicle registration?
No. It’s not necessary to do both. However, motorists still need to secure either a CEC from emission testing centers or an MVIR from private motor vehicle inspection centers (PMVICs) as a requirement for vehicle registration renewal.
3. What are the requirements for car emission testing?
If you are coming in to get the emission test done for your motor vehicles, you will need the following:
- Photocopy of your car’s official receipt (OR)
- Photocopy of your car’s certificate of registration (CR)
- Enough money to cover the emission testing price
4. How long does it take to complete a car emission test?
A quick and efficient motor vehicle emission test typically lasts only 10 to 15 minutes. However, sometimes, it does take longer depending on factors like failed emission test due to the following:
- inadequate maintenance
- worn spark plugs
- dirty air filter
- inefficient combustion
- severe engine problem due to gasket leaks
- cracked engine block
- cracked cylinder head
- cracked piston
- cracked camshaft
- alterations that affect the air/fuel mixture
- higher emissions
- un-calibrated emission testing machines
- negligent technicians
5. Do I need to drive around before the emissions test?
Yes. You need to warm your car up before the emission test. After all, warmer engines are more likely to pass the emissions test. Having said that, you need to make sure to drive for a while before you arrive at the testing center. The rule of thumb is to drive around for at least half an hour to a full hour prior to the test. A mix of city and highway driving will give you the best results. The best way to do it is to drive around for about 15 minutes at city speeds (between 30-45 MPH) then to drive for another 15 minutes at highway speeds (55-70 MPH) for the best results. This way, your vehicle’s engine will reach the right operating temperature and will be running efficiently during the test.
Summary
Getting an emission test done on your car is mandatory in the Philippines. Not only does it help control the pollutants in the air caused by your car in accordance with the Clean Air Act, but it also helps get your vehicle inspected for potential damages that causes excessive emission of hazardous substances. The emission limits may vary between car types, but each has its own threshold as mandated by the Clean Air Act. When you go for your vehicle’s mandatory emission testing, make sure that you have not only the necessary requirements but also the necessary funds to pay the emission testing price. After all, if you do not come prepared, you might end up having to come back for it which is even more taxing than going for the emission test itself.