What's been buggin me lately:
Recently I had to get WA state license plates for my car, since my tabs were about to expire. So, I attempted to follow some seemingly simple directions from the WA State Department of Licensing. After much confusion I figured it out: pass an emissions test and then get licences plates. Sounds good, right? Ok. So I get an emissions test, and my car fails. Something about a failed sensor...I have no idea. But they're nice at the emissions office and they give me a long list of approved places to take my car. I bring it to a garage nearby where a mechanic "explains" more about this failed sensor...none of it sticks. Regardless, I get it fixed for $230. That weekend I bring it back to the emissions place and once again they stop the test short. This time saying that the mechanic who fixed the sensor problem also erased some data from my car, so they couldn't perform the emissions tests (essentially another fail) . OK, still with me? Now then they tell me that I can have a waiver for my car, so I can still go and get license plates. Hmmm...sounds good to me, the person who's paid a lot more than she thought she would already.
However, I just don't understand why this system of making sure cars on the road today are in a good condition is in place if it is only to be ignored?! Yes, I understand that I went and got work done on my car to solve the problem and fixed that broken sensor. Yes, I understand that if the emissions mechanics don't have the correct data they cannot run my car through these tests. NO, I do not understand why that should allow me to legally drive my car on the street again. Yes, I am happy that it is so, cuz I'm lazy and don't always get up early enough to take the bus to work. Yes, I would like to not spend anymore money on my car. However, yes I would also like to know that every car on the road is a healthy car which doesn't pollute, leak or break down any more than a car should. Just because my car had one problem which I fixed, doesn't ensure it of having any other issues. I would like to drive my car knowing that it is safe; for me, you and the environment.
