Repair Industry Resources
Registered Emissions Repair Facilities and Technicians may find the following links helpful in diagnosing vehicles and assisting motorists. The Massachusetts Vehicle Check Program is not responsible for the content on any of these external web pages.
We hope you find these interactive online resources beneficial and enjoy the convenience of having one place to go to for the exchange of information with industry peers!
Inspection Update Newsletter
The Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) and their contractor, Opus Inspection Technologies, Inc., recognize the need to keep vehicle inspection and repair professionals up-to-date with changes to the Massachusetts Vehicle Check Program, technical lessons learned and other related information. A newsletter, Inspection Update, is published quarterly with useful program information for licensed inspectors and registered repair technicians and facilities.
Because MassDEP, RMV and Opus are committed to conserving natural resources, the newsletter is now distributed exclusively by email to stations/inspectors and Registered Techs. In addition, an electronic version is posted on the Program website.
Repair Tech Forum
Having trouble with an emissions-related repair? Use the MA Vehicle Check forums to interact with your fellow repair technicians or to search for previous threads. You can also upload and view documents and images (e.g., waveforms, scan data, component photos) related to discussion posts.
Other Forum Resources
General Resources
California Air Resources Board (CARB) On-Board Diagnostics (OBD)
CARB-Certified Aftermarket Catalytic Converter Search Engine
National OBD Clearinghouse at Center for Automotive Science and Technology, Weber State University
Emissions Warranties for 1995 and Newer Light-duty Cars and Trucks under 8,500 Pounds GVWR·
The "8/80" emission warranty covers major emission control items beyond the manufacturer’s standard vehicle warranty for a total of eight years or 80,000 miles, whichever criteria is met first. Additionally, manufacturers of low-emission vehicles often offer specified emission warranties that may exceed federal emission warranty periods. Warranty coverage can vary by manufacturer or model. A list of the emission control components covered can be found in the owner’s warranty guide for the specific vehicle. For more information about federal emissions control warranties
California Vehicle and Engine Emission Warranty Periods (also applicable to Massachusetts-registered vehicles)