What Air Team offers and where to find them

Air Team operates an emissions testing station in Bedford Park that performs the standard vehicle emissions inspection required in Illinois. They test whether your vehicle's exhaust meets state pollution standards and issue the certificate you need to register or renew your registration.

The station is located at 7850 South Cicero Avenue, Bedford Park, Illinois 60638. Air Team is one of several hundred licensed testing stations across Illinois, so if this location doesn't work for your schedule, you can find others through the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency's station locator on their website.

Key Takeaways

  • Air Team in Bedford Park performs the standard Illinois emissions test required for vehicle registration, testing your exhaust for pollutants and issuing a passing or failing certificate.
  • You can bring your vehicle without an appointment at most times, though calling ahead (the station's phone number is available through the EPA locator) can confirm current wait times.
  • The test takes 10 to 15 minutes and costs around $30 to $35, though the exact fee may vary — confirm the current price when you call or arrive.
  • Your vehicle must be in reasonable running condition to pass; common failures include check engine lights, faulty oxygen sensors, and catalytic converter problems.
  • If your vehicle fails, you have 60 days to repair it and return for a retest at the same station without paying the full fee again.

When you need an emissions test at Air Team

Illinois requires an emissions test every two years for most vehicles, timed to your registration renewal. Your registration notice will tell you whether your vehicle is due. Vehicles older than model year 1996 are exempt, as are diesel vehicles and some hybrids, but the registration notice will clarify whether yours needs testing.

If you buy a used vehicle in Illinois, you must have it tested before you can register it in your name — this is a one-time requirement at the point of purchase, separate from the regular two-year cycle. Some counties have different rules, so check your county's requirements if you're unsure.

How to prepare your vehicle for testing

Your vehicle should be in normal operating condition before you arrive. The test measures emissions from your exhaust system, so any warning lights on your dashboard — especially the check engine light — will likely cause a failure. If your check engine light is on, have the vehicle scanned for trouble codes before you go; fixing the underlying problem is usually cheaper than paying for a failed test and then a retest.

Make sure your gas cap is tight and in good condition. A loose or missing cap can trigger a check engine light and cause a test failure. If your vehicle has been sitting for a long time or hasn't been driven recently, take it for a 15-minute highway drive before your test to warm up the engine and clear out any temporary codes.

What happens during the test

When you arrive at Air Team, bring your vehicle registration and photo ID. The technician will connect a probe to your vehicle's tailpipe and measure the levels of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter in your exhaust. The whole process takes 10 to 15 minutes.

The test is pass or fail based on whether your emissions fall within Illinois limits for your vehicle's model year and engine type. You'll receive a certificate when ready — either a passing certificate to take to your Secretary of State office or a failing notice that explains what needs repair.

If your vehicle fails the test

A failure doesn't mean you can't register your vehicle, but it does mean you need to repair the problem and retest. You have 60 days from the test date to bring the vehicle back for a retest. The retest fee is typically lower than the initial test fee, though confirm the exact amount when you schedule or arrive.

Common reasons for failure include a faulty oxygen sensor, a failing catalytic converter, a misfire in the engine, or a fuel system leak. A mechanic can diagnose the specific problem using the trouble codes from your vehicle's computer. Once repaired, return to Air Team or any other licensed station for the retest.

Getting your certificate and completing registration

If you pass, Air Team will give you a passing emissions certificate on the spot. Take this certificate to your local Secretary of State office to complete your vehicle registration renewal, or mail it with your registration renewal form if you're renewing by mail. The certificate is valid for 30 days, so don't wait too long to complete registration.

If you're registering a newly purchased vehicle, the emissions certificate must be dated after you bought the car. Some dealers handle the emissions test as part of the sale, but if you're buying from a private seller, you'll need to get the test done yourself before you can register it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an emissions test without an appointment?

Most Air Team locations accept walk-ins, but wait times vary by time of day and season. Calling ahead to ask about current wait times is worth the few minutes it takes. You can find the station's phone number through the Illinois EPA station locator.

What if I fail the test but can't afford to fix my vehicle right away?

You have 60 days to repair and retest. If you can't complete repairs within that window, you won't be able to register your vehicle legally. Some repair shops offer payment plans, and some nonprofits offer vehicle repair information — check with your local community action agency to see what's available in your area.

Do I need to bring anything besides my vehicle?

Bring your vehicle registration and a photo ID. If you're testing a newly purchased vehicle, bring the bill of sale or title transfer documents to prove the purchase date, though the station may not require this if your registration paperwork is in order.

How much does the test cost?

The fee is typically $30 to $35, though prices can vary slightly between stations and may change. Call Air Team directly to confirm the current price, or expect to pay in that range when you arrive.

What if my vehicle is too old to test?

Vehicles from model year 1995 and earlier are exempt from emissions testing in Illinois. Your registration notice will tell you whether your vehicle is due for testing — if it doesn't mention emissions, your vehicle is exempt.