Smog is a general term used to describe a mixture of air pollutants, dominated by ground-level ozone and particulate matter. Ozone is created when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds combine in the presence of sunlight - which is why smog is primarily a summer phenomenon, occuring mostly in southern Ontario. Fine particulate matter is primarily formed from chemical reactions in the atmosphere and through fuel combustion. It can elevate smog levels during all months of the year.

The Ministry of the Environment meteorologists combine real-time information on pollutant levels with data on weather patterns, topographical conditions and emission sources to predict impending smog problems. The data are obtained by a network of 40 air monitoring stations across the province. Over the last four years the ministry has invested more than $6 million in upgrading Ontario's air monitoring network, making it the most modern and best equipped in North America.

The contaminants that create smog are released during the combustion of fossil fuels in our vehicles, power plants, factory boilers and homes. They are also released by industrial processes, the evaporation of liquid fuels and the use of solvents and other volatile products such as oil-based paints. Smog causing contaminants are released during forest fires, and emitted by natural sources such as: trees, bogs, and volcanic activity.

of May 1, 2000, as part of its new Air Quality Ontario initiative, the ministry provided earlier, more effective notification of poor air quality than ever before. When air quality and weather conditions are likely to produce smog, the ministry takes steps to inform the public, and warn those most vulnerable to the health impacts of poor air quality.

The purpose of these alerts is to warn people with breathing difficulties to avoid unnecessary exposure to smog, to warn major pollution sources that they may need to reduce their emissions, and to solicit everyone's help in lessening the problem by curtailing activities that produce smog.

Conserve electricity year-round by adjusting the heat or air conditioner and turning off lights you are not using. Don't use oil-based products such as paints, solvents or cleaners if you can avoid them. They contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which contribute to smog. Avoid or reduce strenuous physical outdoor activities when smog levels are high, especially during the late afternoon. Do not exert yourself outdoors.

For information on smog and associated health impacts, please refer to our Smog and Your Health Fact Sheets, located at http://www.airqualityontario.com/press/publications.cfm.

When smog levels reach critical levels, steps should be taken immediately to protect the most vulnerable members of society and reduce emissions that could worsen local air quality. A smog alert response plan is a written protocol of actions to be taken by an organization, government agency, company or municipality when poor air quality is forecast.

According to the State of California, Test-Only Stations are privately-owned Smog Check stations licensed by the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) to inspect and certify most vehicles, including Gross Polluters. While they can perform oil changes and lubrication services, they are prohibited from providing any repair services.

Test-Only Smog Stations provided non-biased Smog Checks for most vehicles. Since Test-Only Stations are not allowed to conduct emission repairs, there is no incentive to fail vehicles for the purpose of offering fraudulent repairs. The addition of Test-Only Stations to the Smog Check program augments a service previously provided on a temporary basis by state-contracted Referee Centers.

Test-and-Repair Stations are licensed to test, inspect, repair, diagnose, adjust and repair failed vehicles. Vehicles directed to a Test-Only Station may not be tested for certification at a Test-and-Repair Station.

Not all vehicles must get a Smog Check. Additionally, some vehicles only need a Smog Check when they are being sold or being registered in California after previously being registered in another state. Whether or not a vehicle needs a Smog Check depends on the type of vehicle, the model year, and the area in which the vehicle is registered.

Yes. Since smog is closely tied to the weather, it is impossible to be 100 per cent accurate 100 per cent of the time. For example, a weather system could arrive in Ontario before the predicted time, or could change direction. So poor air quality could occur without a smog advisory being called. It is also possible that poor air quality will not materialize even though a smog advisory has been called.

While the two terms are often used interchangeably for general use, smog is more complex. Smog is primarily made up of ground-level ozone combined with other gases and particulate matter.

http://www.smogtips.com, SmogTips visits and inspects all the Smog Stations listed on their site. You can also refer to The California Bureau of Automotive Repair, (BAR) at: http://www.smogcheck.ca.gov/StationList/ *BAR spring 2003 pdf 142K

While meeting emissions has never been an objective of our chip to prevent any compromises in meeting maximum performance objectives, meeting objective 3 of our design philosophy above just happens to produce an emissions compliant exhaust because the air/fuel ratios have not changed to affect a stringent emissions test such as the stringent California 15 and 25 mph rolling dyno test because we are in a low load region of the fuel maps.

The ministry monitors air pollution levels and issues smog advisories when there is strong likelihood that widespread elevated and persistent smog levels are expected.

We offer several fuel additives that lower emissions. If your vehicle's emission components need replacing - we've got you covered. Winchester Auto has an extensive emissions inventory including smog pumps, oxygen sensors, E.G.R. valves, and more. Bosch, AC Delco, and Borg Warner are all in stock, and priced far below what the dealer is asking.

You will need an emissions inspection when you first register your vehicle and every two years when you renew. This applies only in the following Washington counties: Clark, King, Pierce, Snohomish, and Spokane. Hybrid vehicles that get 50 mpg or better mileage are exempt, as are vehicles newer than five years old or older than 25 years.

The Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) is part of the California Department of Consumer Affairs. BAR registers and regulates approximately 34,000 California automotive repair facilities, and licenses smog check, lamp and brake inspection stations.