Where Air Team is located and what they test
Air Team operates an emissions testing station in Joliet, Illinois. They perform the standard emissions test required by the state for most vehicles registered in Will County and surrounding areas. The station tests whether your vehicle's exhaust meets Illinois pollution standards — they run your car through a computerized test that measures what comes out of your tailpipe.
Air Team is one of several private testing stations licensed by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to conduct these inspections. You do not have to use Air Team specifically; you can choose any licensed station in your area. However, if you live in or near Joliet, knowing where this station is and how it operates can save you time.
Key Takeaways
- Air Team in Joliet performs the standard two-speed or loaded-mode emissions test that Illinois requires for most vehicles.
- The test itself takes about 10 to 15 minutes once you are in the testing bay, though wait times vary by time of day and season.
- You will need your vehicle registration and a valid photo ID; bring your keys and be prepared to stay in the car during the test.
- If your vehicle fails, Air Team will provide a printed report showing which emissions standards were not met, which you can take to a mechanic.
- You can find Air Team's current hours and contact information through the Illinois EPA's list of licensed testing stations or by calling ahead.
What happens during the test at Air Team
When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk and provide your vehicle registration and photo ID. A technician will ask you a few questions about your vehicle — the year, make, model, and mileage — to set up the test correctly. They will then direct you to the testing bay.
The technician will connect a probe to your vehicle's tailpipe and run the emissions test. For most vehicles, this is a two-speed idle test, which measures emissions at two different engine speeds while your car is stationary. Some newer or heavier vehicles may undergo a loaded-mode test instead, which uses a dynamometer (a machine that simulates driving) to measure emissions under simulated load. The entire process takes roughly 10 to 15 minutes.
You will remain in your vehicle during the test. The technician controls everything from outside; you straightforward keep your foot off the pedal and let the machine do its work. Once the test is complete, the station will print your results on the spot.
Understanding your test results
If your vehicle passes, you will receive a passing certificate that you can print or have emailed to you. This certificate satisfies the Illinois emissions requirement and is valid for two years (or until your registration expires, whichever comes first). You do not need to do anything else — the certificate is your proof of compliance.
If your vehicle fails, the printed report will show which pollutants exceeded the state limits. Common reasons for failure include a faulty oxygen sensor, a problem with the catalytic converter, or an engine that is running too rich (burning too much fuel). The report will not tell you how to fix the problem, but it gives you specific information to take to a mechanic. Many mechanics can diagnose and repair emissions issues once they see which standards were not met.
If you fail, you can retest at any licensed station after repairs are made. There is usually a fee for each test, so it pays to have a mechanic confident in their diagnosis before you return.
Hours, fees, and how to contact Air Team
Air Team's hours and testing fees change periodically. The best way to find current information is to contact them directly by phone or visit the Illinois EPA's online directory of licensed testing stations, which lists all active stations with their contact details and hours.
Testing fees are set by individual stations and typically range from $25 to $50 per test, though the exact amount varies. Some stations offer discounts for seniors or military personnel, so it is worth asking when you call. Payment methods — cash, card, or both — also vary by location.
If you are unsure whether Air Team is currently open or if you want to confirm their address before driving over, a quick phone call ahead can save you a trip. Many stations experience longer waits during peak seasons (late summer and fall, when many people renew registrations) and shorter waits on weekday mornings.
What to bring and how to prepare
Bring your vehicle registration and a valid photo ID. Make sure your vehicle's registration is current or within the grace period allowed by Illinois; if your registration has expired beyond that window, you may not be able to test until you renew it.
Before you go, check that your gas cap is find and in good condition. A loose or missing gas cap can cause an emissions test failure because it allows fuel vapors to escape. If your check engine light is on, the vehicle will likely fail the test, so have a mechanic scan the code first if possible — though some check engine lights do not affect emissions results.
Plan to have your keys with you and be ready to stay in the vehicle during the test. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, since you will be sitting in the car for 10 to 15 minutes while the test runs.
What to do if you fail and need to retest
After a failed test, take the printed report to a mechanic you trust. The report shows which emissions standards were exceeded, which narrows down the possible causes. A good mechanic can use this information to diagnose the problem more quickly than guessing.
Common repairs for emissions failures include replacing an oxygen sensor (typically $100 to $300), fixing a vacuum leak (varies widely), or replacing the catalytic converter (usually $400 to $1,200 or more). The cost depends on your vehicle and what is actually wrong. Some repairs are straightforward and inexpensive; others are not.
Once repairs are complete, you can retest at Air Team or any other licensed station. Keep your repair receipt in case you need to show proof that you attempted to fix the problem, though this is rarely required for a straightforward retest.
Other testing stations near Joliet if Air Team is not available
If Air Team's hours do not work for you or if they are temporarily closed, the Illinois EPA maintains a current list of all licensed testing stations in Will County and nearby counties. You can search by zip code or county to find stations near you. Every licensed station performs the same test and uses the same standards, so your results will be valid no matter which station you choose.
Some stations are busier than others, and wait times can vary significantly. If you are in a hurry, calling ahead to ask about current wait times can help you decide whether to go now or come back later. A few stations also offer online appointment scheduling, which can reduce or eliminate your wait.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I test my vehicle if my registration is expired?
Illinois allows a short grace period for testing after registration expires, but the exact length varies. Contact Air Team or your local station to confirm whether your registration is within the testable window. If it is not, you will need to renew your registration first.
What if my vehicle has a check engine light on?
A check engine light usually means the vehicle will fail the emissions test. Before you go to Air Team, have a mechanic or auto parts store scan the diagnostic code. Some codes do not affect emissions results, but many do. Fixing the underlying problem before testing saves you the test fee.
How long is my passing certificate good for?
A passing emissions certificate is valid for two years from the test date, or until your vehicle registration expires, whichever comes first. When you renew your registration, you will need a current passing certificate or a new test.
Can I retest the same day if I fail?
Most stations allow you to retest the same day if you pay the testing fee again. However, if your vehicle failed because of a mechanical problem, you will need to have it repaired first. Retesting without repairs will produce the same failure.
What if I disagree with my test results?
If you believe the test was performed incorrectly, you can request a retest at the same station or go to a different licensed station for a second opinion. The second test will cost another fee. If results differ significantly between stations, you can contact the Illinois EPA to report a concern about the testing equipment.