Top 5 Common Title Issues and Ways to Avoid Them

Transferring the title of a car title isn’t supposed to be a challenging process. However, for several reasons the transaction doesn’t always seem to go according to plan.  Initially, you need to check the car’s proof of ownership. Now, whether you wish to change the name on your title or find a mistake somewhere on it, this article has identified solutions to the most common title issues that have been encountered. 

This article refers to all sorts of vehicles. But if you get entangled in any legal hassle, say related to any smog service in Rancho Cucamonga, consult an attorney as the DMV guidelines vary for every state.  

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2. 1. Damaged Car Titles are Generally Useless 

You may void your vehicle’s title because of a simple accident. While trying to sell off your vehicle, you cannot turn over a damaged title. There could be water damage, incorrect markings, or rips and tears. You need a flawless certificate to ensure that the transaction and further car registration services go as smoothly as possible. 

Fix all problems before selling. Seek a duplicate title before trying to sell the vehicle. 

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3. 2. You Can't Cross Out Mistakes on a Car Title 

It’s advisable to leave mistakes alone. Even if you attempt erasing something or applying correction fluid, then it will automatically void the title of your vehicle. Rather, take your title to the DMV to get the error rectified. Fortunately, enough for you, you can easily fix this on your own. While submitting for a fresh title, ensure that you provide the incorrect one with your documentation.  

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4. 3. Correcting the Mileage on a Title 

Certain odometer discrepancies hardly make any difference as much as you might be bothered by. However, if you need to get one rectified, just visit the DMV and allow them to correct the issue. But if the issue stems from the time you bought the vehicle, maybe due to a broken odometer, then the seller will have to fill out an amended odometer statement. You need to check your state’s DMV website for more info. You can check your vehicle’s odometer from any of the leading smog test centers in California. 

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5. 4. The Consequence of Losing Your Car Title 

Being one of the most common title issues, you shouldn’t feel bad if it happens to you. Luckily, it is a simple fix that only mandates you to register for a fresh one with your local DMV. There are even options to skip the line and the hassle. 

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6. 5. Duplicate Title Voids the Original Title 

Once you receive your duplicate title, your original title becomes void. Maybe that title was destroyed, stolen, or lost, you can’t use the original title again. The duplicate title will be marked in the system so the DMV knows it isn’t the original. 

Destroy the original title if you find it later on. Avoid unnecessary headaches. 

Conclusion 

As your car is an important asset you should everything in your capacity to ensure that it remains safe physically as well as document-wise. Preserving or transferring the title is as easy as the free check engine light diagnosis of your car.  

Top 6 Reasons Why your Car Failed the Smog Check

You need to know that in California, there is no way that you can register your car if it doesn’t clear a smog check in Rancho Cucamonga and other locations every two years. Unless your car does not need a smog check, it’s your responsibility to get a passing grade.  

From a smog test center, you not only can figure out why your car didn’t clear a smog check; but they can also fix it and retest it. In this article, we’ve identified the common reasons why cars fail smog checks. 

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2. Untidy Air Filter 

When your air filter is dirty, the combustion chamber cannot get sufficient air. So, you will have an excessive amount of carbon discharged in your exhaust. This will lead to a situation where your automobile will fail the smog check in any of the authorized smog test centers in California. Generally, replacing the air filter will solve the problem.  

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3. Poor Spark Plugs 

Poor and worn spark plugs will cause your engine to misfire. This misfiring may compel your vehicle to fail the smog check miserably. You must have a fully operating ignition system in order so that your car can pass the test. If the spark plugs are of inferior quality, then you may end up with a failing grade.  

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4. Poor O2 Sensor 

Whenever your oxygen sensor is poor, your vehicle may not clear the smog test as it is discharging excessive carbon in the exhaust. The O2 sensor reports the oxygen levels in the exhaust. When the data is inaccurate, the engine control module may put excessive fuel in the combustion chamber. 

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5. Damaged Catalytic Converter 

You won’t clear a smog check when the catalytic converter turns out to be a faulty one. Other symptoms that the catalytic converter is going haywire include rotten egg odors and an overheating engine. You must get the catalytic converter replaced right away during smog service in Rancho Cucamonga or elsewhere because this will be the exhaust part that is dealing with carbon monoxide. 

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6. Rich Fuel Mixture 

It has been observed that a malfunctioning O2 sensor, malfunctioning fuel pump, malfunctioning mass airflow sensor, or leaking fuel injectors can form a rich fuel mixture inside the combustion chamber. So, excess gas is being burned away and as a result, there are surplus carbons inside your exhaust. The unwanted carbons will lead to the failure of your vehicle during the smog check. 

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7. Faulty EVAP 

The evaporated emission control system or EVAP stores your gasoline vapors inside the tank. When there is any issue with this system, or with the vacuum hoses, purge valves, or vents, you will fail the smog check. A loose gas cap may also lead to your vehicle’s failure of the smog check. 

Conclusion 

If possible, avail yourself of the free check engine light diagnosis, so that your car never fails the smog test. If there’s any problem, then fix the problem, and retest it.