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Automotive

How to Prepare My Engine for the Technical Inspection?

By Bardahl The 2/20/2024 5 min reading

How to Prepare My Engine for the Technical Inspection?
Even if your engine seems to be in good working condition, the measurement of its emissions during the technical inspection could catch you off guard. Fortunately, there are fairly simple solutions to avoid unpleasant surprises...

For many, going through the technical inspection is synonymous with a stressful time. Preparing for this visit with a professional, at least to check the headlight alignment, is never a bad idea. However, it’s important to note that not all automotive maintenance professionals are equipped to test your car’s exhaust emissions. Some testing equipment, such as 5-gas analyzers, soot particle counters, and opacimeters, are only found in technical inspection centers.

The emissions test in the technical inspection

During the emissions test, the levels of various gases are measured and must not exceed a certain tolerance threshold. This threshold is defined based on the equipment of your vehicle. Indeed, particulate filters, EGR valves, and other catalytic converters that help reduce emissions are not always present in older vehicles.

Diesel car: particulate filter maintenance

With diesel cars, inspectors pay close attention to fine particles, especially since July 1, 2022. In Belgium, since that date, vehicles that meet the Euro 5a environmental standard (or newer), and are therefore equipped with a particulate filter, are tested very rigorously. Why? Because these particles are particularly harmful to health and the environment. The problem is that without proper maintenance or with repeated short trips, particulate filters often suffer from defects.

Additives for Maintenance and Passing the Technical Inspection

Fortunately, the particulate filter, like other technical components related to engine depollution, can be maintained using various additives. Bardahl has developed chemical solutions for both diesel and gasoline engines, which can be used preventively or simply before the technical inspection. These additives help clean mechanical parts (particulate filters, EGR valves, catalytic converters, injectors, valves, etc.) and reduce potential pollutant emissions.

Easy to use on your own or through an expert in engine eco-cleaning.

The advantage of these additives that clean your engine components is that they are easy to use. Either they are poured directly into the fuel tank during a fill-up, or they are added to the engine oil sump. Everything is very simply explained on the label of each product. If you prefer, you can ask your mechanic to use Bardahl products—they will know what to do.

And if you want a deep clean of your vehicle's engine, be aware that there are specialized engine depollution centers. By leaving your vehicle with an eco-cleaning expert, the components prone to clogging will be intensively cleaned without disassembly, thanks to a Bardahl cleaning station. The process takes only 30 minutes to 2 hours and should ideally be repeated every 20,000 km. This rejuvenating treatment for your car's mechanics will not only help you avoid replacing costly parts but, more importantly, prevent you from failing the technical inspection!

Pass Emission Control Test

  • Simple and quick to use
  • Prevents excessive oil and fuel consumption
  • Reduces exhaust smoke
  • Limits CO2 emissions;
  • Facilitates passing emission tests

Pass Contrôle Technique diesel Pass Contrôle Technique essence