(2)
Drive Clean conditional passes are unlimited
Q: I was told that if a vehicle gets a Drive Clean conditional pass, the next time an emissions test is due, it must get a clear pass and that the repair cost limit doesn't apply. Is this true?
A: Drive Clean program spokesperson Charles Ross replies:
The purpose of the conditional pass is to assist vehicle owners who may not be able to make all required repairs to a vehicle when their vehicle permit must be renewed.
It allows them time to make full repairs over time or to replace the vehicle with one that will pass an emissions test.
Vehicle owners can obtain conditional passes for an unlimited number of renewals.
However, the Repair Cost Limit rules apply each time, requiring the vehicle owner to spend up to $450 on emissions-related repairs at a Drive Clean repair facility for each conditional pass.
If an emissions test failure requires the repair of a single component and a Drive Clean repair facility estimates that the repair will cost more than $450, the repair can be deferred and the vehicle will still qualify for a conditional pass.
Eric Lai adds:
A clear emissions pass is required for transfer of ownership on all motor vehicles of the 1988 model-year or newer; conditional passes and repair cost limits do not apply.
Q: Can the ownership on a Mitsubishi vehicle be transferred from the United States to Canada?
A: Yes, but some equipment modifications may be required.
For a list of vehicle models eligible for import into Canada and information on required modifications, inspections and the necessary paperwork, visit the Registrar of Imported Vehicles at www.riv.ca or call 1-888-848-8240.
Q: Do propane-powered vehicles require any extra maintenance when compared to a gasoline automobile?
A: Peter Pietraszek of All Auto Propane (allautopropane.com) in Mississauga replies:
The only additional maintenance on propane vehicles is more frequent spark plug changes, every 60,000 to 80,000 kilometres, and propane tank recertification every five years (normally $65).
Propane is so clean-burning that users find they can extend the time between oil changes and save significantly on maintenance costs.
Car fact or fiction?
When buying a used car, it's recommended that you get the VIN (vehicle identification number) and purchase a vehicle history report from a company such as carfax.com or carproof.com.
Reputable dealers will often have such reports on hand for you to view, as they purchase these themselves to guard against fraud.
Recently, a CarFax check I conducted revealed that an advertised "private sale vehicle" was actually an auto purchased at auction by a dealer (i.e. curbsider) and had three previous owners in the past two years.
The questionable car-seller also stated that "it'll have no problem passing Drive Clean."
However, a free online check at driveclean.com (click on "emissions history") showed one pass and three subsequent emission test failures over the past three years.
Before finalizing any used-car deal, always have the vehicle inspected by a mechanic you trust for overall fitness, wear, and unreported or recent damage that may not appear in the history report.
Email your non-mechanical questions to Eric Lai at wheels@thestar.ca.
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