TORONTO -

The Used Car Dealers Association of Ontario is alerting Ontario’s used-car dealers to the changes in the Drive Clean Program set to go into effect in the new year.

In the latest UCDA Front Line newsletter, the association highlights the changes which deal mostly with the On-Board Diagnostics test procedures, among other areas.

And the association said that “dealers in areas where emissions testing is required will be the first to be effected.”

Specifically, the changes are listed below, according to the UCDA:

—Only older, pre-OBD vehicles will receive a tailpipe exhaust gas inspection.
—Pre-OBD passenger cars and light trucks (1988–1997) will be tests for tailpipe emissions by the Two Speed Idle (gasoline) or visual smoke (diesel) tests.
—Heavy SUVs and pickup trucks (1988–2006) over 3,856 kg will be treated like pre-OBD vehicles.
—Heavy SUVs and pickup trucks (2007 and newer) between 3,856 kg and 4,500 kg will be tested by OBD.

The organization also offered a few tips for dealers to ensure they are following the policy changes in full.

“When considering a vehicle to purchase or takes as a trade, dealers need to be aware of whether the engine light stays on, or does not come on at all. In both cases, it will probably fail a test,” the newsletter reads.

UCDA officials also suggest that dealers invest in an OBD scanner to increase efficiency.

“To reduce problems dealers have in assessing vehicles, we recommend that you consider buying a hand held OBD scanner. Prices can range from as low as $60 to a few hundred dollars, depending on the functions of the scanner, and will be able to confirm ‘readiness’ and, in some cases, identify what’s wrong with a vehicle’s emission system and what monitors or codes are related,” officials further explained.

For more information on regulation updates for the new year, and to view the whole newsletter, see www.ucda .org.