Does it matter where I go for Drive Clean?

[Gigi]

I know this is probably a silly question, but does it matter which shop I go to for my emissions test? I had previously gone to my dealership, but now they just send my car out to a private garage. I could do that, but if there is a problem, I would then have to take my car to this private garage to have it fixed. In other words, two trips to the garage for me (the first time to my dealership, the second time to the private garage).

Should I just bring my car to Canadian Tire, etc.? Any specific suggestion in the North York, Thornhill area? Thanks.

[PrinceMS]

The machines, procedure etc all is controlled by government. Doesn't matter where you go. Small shops will be cheaper when there is an issue ... so might as well go there.

[eelfliw]

Suggest you take it to a place that doesn't do car repairs (such as a oil change place). This way, they don't have an incentive to find problems on your car and offer you "discount" repairs.

Also, if they do find a problem with the car, it may not imply $$$ repairs. Sometimes, a new set of spark plugs or wires or a new air filter is all you need.

[Gigi]

Thanks, guys. Excellent advice.

Any suggestions on a good shop in the North York/Thornhill area?

[DragonZealot]

I always go to the place on Warden just south of 401. THis is a emission only place.

[Pete_Coach]

Suggest you take it to a place that doesn't do car repairs (such as a oil change place). This way, they don't have an incentive to find problems on your car and offer you "discount" repairs.

Also, if they do find a problem with the car, it may not imply $$$ repairs. Sometimes, a new set of spark plugs or wires or a new air filter is all you need.

I believe the first part of the comment to be wrong. Having the car tested and if failed, you then have to go somewhere where the mechanic has to guess at the fault and fix what "may" be the problem then, you take the car back to the place where it was tested, and hope it passes will cost you not only money but time. If you get the car tested at a shop that can fix it, at least you can discuss the problem and potential solution with the guy doing the tesing and repair. Remember, there is a limit that you have to pay for repairs if needed.
The second part of the comment is very accurate. So many people take thier car in withpout knowing the state of repair of ther vehicle. A month before testing, change oil, filter, air filter and run a few tanks of premium (and a few highway drives) and your chances of passing have increased a lot.

[Gigi]

... Remember, there is a limit that you have to pay for repairs if needed.


What is this limit? Do you mean that regardless of where I end up going, I wouldn't have to pay more than X dollars for a specific type of repair?

[B0000rt]

What is this limit? Do you mean that regardless of where I end up going, I wouldn't have to pay more than X dollars for a specific type of repair?

All information can be found here:
http://www.driveclean.com/

[JAGpilot]

On Guardsmen off of Green Lane (at Green Lane/Bayview) there are a ton of garages. I think one is called A1+ Auto.

[jason9945]

I've heard bad things about crappy tire doing e-tests and screwing things up so the results are worse than they should be.

[Gigi]

I've heard bad things about crappy tire doing e-tests and screwing things up so the results are worse than they should be.

Yeah, I'm a bit worried about going to CT too...

Anyway, I did a search and found a list of alternatives:

http://statsproxy.protectair.com/wdc/cart1/STATION_listing.ph_ld_report?pn_sort_by=4

I will also check out the other places already suggested.

[Pete_Coach]

I've heard bad things about crappy tire doing e-tests and screwing things up so the results are worse than they should be.

I think that that is an insult to the company, particularily unfounded and unsubstantiated comments.
I am not a CT lover (or hater) and I really believe that they have some very good stores and mechanics, just like any Mom and Pop service station, any repair shop or, a dealers facility. Some are good and some are not so good. For an e-test and repair, CT is as good as any. If there is proven evidence that CT (dealer, repair shop etc) did crappy work or screwed things up (and did not fix them) state them. Don't make "I heard this" or "I heard that" statements. It's like saying "Oh _____, I heard you stopped beating your ____". Accused without recourse.
The folks who feel most strongly about getting "ripped off" at either CT or any other place are generally those that do not fully understand the problem they have, their car, the business or, the effort that is required to fix the problem. If you have issues with the way the work is done, the way you are being treated etc, your chances of resolution are far more likely at a large chain store than at a little operation. A big outfit can abrorb losses, not like a smaller one.

[green blue]

Based on several years of getting my repair work done at Canadian Tire, I would highly recomend that you avoid them like the plague.

Also, I have heard that premium gas can do more harm than good to cars not designed to use it.

[jason9945]

I think that that is an insult to the company, particularily unfounded and unsubstantiated comments.
I am not a CT lover (or hater) and I really believe that they have some very good stores and mechanics, just like any Mom and Pop service station, any repair shop or, a dealers facility. Some are good and some are not so good. For an e-test and repair, CT is as good as any. If there is proven evidence that CT (dealer, repair shop etc) did crappy work or screwed things up (and did not fix them) state them. Don't make "I heard this" or "I heard that" statements. It's like saying "Oh _____, I heard you stopped beating your ____". Accused without recourse.
The folks who feel most strongly about getting "ripped off" at either CT or any other place are generally those that do not fully understand the problem they have, their car, the business or, the effort that is required to fix the problem. If you have issues with the way the work is done, the way you are being treated etc, your chances of resolution are far more likely at a large chain store than at a little operation. A big outfit can abrorb losses, not like a smaller one.

Well, I've known two people who have taken their car to CT for a drive clean test, had it "fail" and been given a big repair estimate... Both people drove their cars to another garage offering drive clean tests and both passed. Nothing changed between tests. Now these are people I know, good friends.

Now I could list off a lot of horror stories about crappy tire auto service. I know that CT would try to find things to 'fix' on drive clean tests. I could probably get my friend to scan in the test results for his van if he still has them.

I've never heard any positive stories from CT auto service. When I worked at a CT store the auto service dept was taken over by the corporation (they sent out a manager to run it, taking control away from the owner) due to all the complaints they were getting. I find the busier CT garages will do a half assed job and get onto the next work order, and the slower ones will look for something else that needs to be fixed.

YMMV as always.

[patriot]

Based on several years of getting my repair work done at Canadian Tire, I would highly recomend that you avoid them like the plague.

It all depends on what's getting done, and what kind of car you have. I've have brakes and muffler done in the past with no problem, but I wouldn't have them do any "engine" or electrical. As for their Drive Clean, I've always had no problem with CT, I guess service by location varies....

[radeonboy]

Never ever go to CT for anything other than buying some off the store products. NEVER get your car fixed there...ever.

Only have heard about negatives from them.

[Sonbuster]

does anyone know where theres a drive clean where they pass you for a "fee"?

drive clean is a gov't scam. everyone knows theres no such thing as global warming

[jason9945]

drive clean is a gov't scam. everyone knows theres no such thing as global warming

:lol: :lol:

[Supershyguy]

does anyone know where theres a drive clean where they pass you for a "fee"?

drive clean is a gov't scam. everyone knows theres no such thing as global warming


lol :lol:

[jdmkidd]

Drive your car on the highway for an hour get all those carbons out. Then take your test.

[green blue]

Drive your car on the highway for an hour get all those carbons out. Then take your test.

I've heard many variatoins of this advice and other folklore, but does anyone have a link to any verified expert advise on what really makes a diference?

[B0000rt]

does anyone know where theres a drive clean where they pass you for a "fee"?

drive clean is a gov't scam. everyone knows theres no such thing as global warming
Smart comment, it shows that you're very educated in the topic of automotive emissions.

FYI Carbon Dioxide is not the only thing they test for.

[Menace]

Emission Check (http://www.emissioncheck.ca)


I always go to the place on Warden just south of 401. THis is a emission only place.

[Pete_Coach]

Well, I've known two people who have taken their car to CT for a drive clean test, had it "fail" and been given a big repair estimate... Both people drove their cars to another garage offering drive clean tests and both passed. Nothing changed between tests. Now these are people I know, good friends.

Now I could list off a lot of horror stories about crappy tire auto service. I know that CT would try to find things to 'fix' on drive clean tests. I could probably get my friend to scan in the test results for his van if he still has them.

I've never heard any positive stories from CT auto service. When I worked at a CT store the auto service dept was taken over by the corporation (they sent out a manager to run it, taking control away from the owner) due to all the complaints they were getting. I find the busier CT garages will do a half assed job and get onto the next work order, and the slower ones will look for something else that needs to be fixed.

YMMV as always.
I cannot believe that your "friends" failed a test and then went to another garage, paid for another test and the car passed.
Firstly, what failed? You get a readout of the test. What part failed? Did they compare the readout with the next test? Did they take this test result to the CT store and request refund?
Secondly, if there was significant difference then the testing device at CT would be out of caliubration (highly unlikely because of the self diagnostics the test unit must perform prior to testing) and the CT store would be in violation of the law.
Thirdly, all tests done there would be declared null and void and CT would have to pay for all the cars to be retested using a broken machine and, if any owner was charged for work based on a faulty machine, they would be reimbursed. I suspect your "freinds" are begining an urban legend.
Yes, I agree with you, there are hundreds (even thousands) of horror stories about CT. Considering they potentially work on millions of vehicles, that is not a big deal. Joe's repair shop who does hundreds of repairs and gets 25 or 30 complaints is more of an issue than CT.
All CT (and dealers and most other shops) work on a flat rate system, meaning, the more cars you push out, the more the mechanic (and by osmosis the shop) put through in a day the more money they make. I know many mechanics who regularily get paid for 10 to 12 hours for each 8 hour day. This is not a CT phenomenon. Keep things in perspective, bad service and poor work can be found anywhere, on any given day, including where you work

[Sonbuster]

Smart comment, it shows that you're very educated in the topic of automotive emissions.

FYI Carbon Dioxide is not the only thing they test for.

are you a mechanic who sees $$ when a car fails its emissions test or just an environmental nut?