Correlation Between Emissions Testing and Car Fuel Efficiency

Jakarta — In addition to using the right fuel and adopting eco driving, an optimally tuned engine is also a key factor in keeping a car fuel-efficient. One way to ensure the vehicle is in optimal condition is through an emissions test. This can also serve as an indicator of whether a vehicle’s fuel consumption is economical. According to Nur Imansyah Tara, Marketing Division Head at Auto2000, emissions testing is part of the standard service procedure at workshops to determine the extent of the vehicle’s health. “If the content of exhaust gas exceeds the threshold set, that indicates there is a problem with a engine component and solutions must be sought, such as adjusting engine settings or replacing components with new ones to return to optimal,” he said in an official statement, Friday (22 May 2026). By performing emissions testing, it can be determined whether the air–fuel mixture used is in line with the specifications and the engine’s needs so that the engine can operate optimally. If the engine performs optimally, the result is better fuel efficiency because the engine is not wasteful with fuel. When talking about emissions testing, there are written rules that serve as the barometer of pass/fail. This refers to the Regulation of the Minister of Environment No. 05 of 2006 on Emission Limits for Older Motor Vehicles. Gasoline-powered vehicles produced in 2007 and later have an idle test emission threshold with the following parameters: carbon monoxide (CO) maximum 1.5 percent by volume and hydrocarbons (HC) maximum 200 ppm by volume. 1. Fuel Inlet Channel and Air Filter Make sure the fuel intake line and the air filter are clean as this will affect the HC reading. Dirty components can impede the air flowing into the combustion chamber, causing HC readings to rise due to insufficient air supply during combustion. 2. Check the Condition of the Coil and Spark Plugs of the Petrol Engine Don’t forget to ensure the coil and spark plugs are always in prime condition during the emissions test so that the combustion process is not problematic. 3. Ensure the Engine Oil Works Optimally