Startup Idea: Startup Idea for Emission Test Readiness Information

Startup idea to develop a software solution that helps drivers in areas with mandatory emission testing understand their car's specific 'drive cycle', and how to achieve a 'ready to be tested' status. The aim is to save users the cost of dealership service appointments required to prepare the car for the emission tests.

In the state of Ohio certain countries require the e-check. You have to have an emissions test done on your car every 2 years to renew the plates. If your car has a service engine light you have to get rid of the service engine light before you take the state's e-check. Even if you get rid of the car's service engine light the state's e-check computer often reads "car not ready to be tested." To test the car you go a state testing center and they hook a device into your car's computer.

In 2010 I purchased a used 2009 Toyota Matrix (small crossover). It has been a reliable car (181,000 miles today), but every two years regardless if the car has a service engine light when I take to the state's testing center the car's computer always reads "car not ready to be tested." I drive about 25,000 miles per year between two jobs so the car gets driven. When the car's computer reads "car not ready to be tested" this means that I have to make a service appointment at the Toyota dealer to have then get the car's computer to the point where it can get a reading (apx. $250 total). You may not realize how much these car emissions test hassle people in areas that require them. I'm a teacher so I don't make a lot of money, $250 every two years is a lot for me to have the Toyota dealer get the car's computer ready to be tested.

Is there anyway that you could find an easy way to give driver's information on what part of the drive cycle is not being meet causing the car's computer to read "not ready to be tested." If you could find these drive cycles and publish them and then people would pay to have access. The dealer's know the car's drive cycle to reset the computer, but they won't tell you. If you try to find the drive cycle to reset the computer on line good luck, there is a lot of false information. You may not realize how much money car emissions test/ computer problems cost low income people like me (a teacher). Since buying a used 2009 Toyota Matrix in 2010 I've paid about $250 four times over 7 years to have the Toyota dealer reset the car's computer/drive cycle to take the emissions test in Ohio (e-check) which is required to renew my license plates and keep the car on the road. Other than e-check issues the car has been GREAT (181,000 miles).