Emission testing and car damage

Posted: 05/14/2001

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

CHICAGO - The number of drivers who say state-mandated emissions exams damaged their cars has soared since Illinois adopted a tougher smog control test two years ago.

In 1998, the last year the old test was used, 27 people complained that their cars were damaged during the exam. In 1999 and 2000, the numbers ballooned - with 1,367 complaints in 1999 and 1,043 in 2000.

Critics say technicians unfamiliar with the new machinery are blowing engines, ruining brakes and damaging transmissions.

"When I had it tested, it was with an inexperienced kid who I don't think knew what he was doing," said Clarence Close, who claims his car was damaged during a 1999 test.

The old system involved placing a wand in a stationary car's tail pipe. Now, a technician puts a car on a treadmill-like machine and presses the accelerator for up to four minutes to simulate city and highway driving conditions.

Officials for the testing company, Envirotest, say the decrease of about 300 complaints from 1999 to 2000 shows they are fixing things, and drivers now may sit in the passenger seat while the test is taking place.

But they said not all of the problems that occur during testing are the company's fault.

"If a car breaks down on the highway, then people think it's just that car's time to break down," spokesman Jim Woodard said. "But when a car breaks down in one of our stations, then people think it's our fault." State Sen. Adeline Geo-Karis, R-Zion, is unconvinced. She cosponsored a bill with Sen. Kathleen Parker, R-Northbrook, that would make it easier to sue Envirotest, the nation's largest auto emissions testing company, for damages.

Senate Bill 30 would allow drivers to seek triple damages, repair costs and lawyers' fees in Circuit Court.

Now, Envirotest decides whether a damage claim has merit.