Where Air Team is Located and What They Test

Air Team operates an emissions testing station in Waukegan that handles both gasoline and diesel vehicles. The station is located at 1919 North Grandview Avenue, Waukegan, Illinois 60085. They perform the standard Illinois emissions test, which measures your vehicle's exhaust to confirm it meets state pollution standards.

Air Team tests passenger cars, light trucks, and some heavier vehicles depending on model year and weight. If your vehicle is registered in Illinois and your registration is current or expired less than one year, you can bring it in for testing. The test itself takes about 15 to 20 minutes once you're in the bay.

Key Takeaways

  • Air Team's Waukegan location is at 1919 North Grandview Avenue and performs standard Illinois emissions tests for gasoline and diesel vehicles.
  • The test costs between $25 and $30 depending on your vehicle type, and you pay at the station when you arrive.
  • Your vehicle must have a current or recently expired registration, and the engine should be warmed up before testing begins.
  • You receive your test result when ready on paper, and if you pass, the result is transmitted to the Illinois Secretary of State automatically.
  • If you fail, Air Team can tell you what emissions systems need attention, but they do not perform repairs at this location.

What Documents and Vehicle Condition You Need

Bring your vehicle registration or a photo of it on your phone — the station needs to verify your vehicle information before testing. Your driver's license is also helpful for identification. The registration must be current or expired no more than one year; if it's older than that, you'll need to renew it before testing.

Your vehicle's engine should be warm when you arrive. If you've just driven there, that's fine. If the engine is cold, let it idle for a few minutes before pulling into the testing bay. Air Team staff will guide you through the process, but a warm engine gives you the best chance of passing on the first attempt.

How the Test Works and What Happens to Your Results

The emissions test measures what comes out of your tailpipe. The technician will connect a probe to your vehicle's exhaust system and run the test while your engine is at idle and then at a higher RPM. The whole process takes about 15 to 20 minutes. You'll stay in or near your vehicle during testing.

If you pass, you get a printed receipt showing your results, and Air Team transmits the passing result to the Illinois Secretary of State the same day. Your registration will show as compliant in the state system. If you fail, you receive a printed report showing which emissions systems did not meet standards. You can take this report to a repair shop to help them diagnose the problem, but Air Team does not perform repairs.

Cost and Payment Methods

The test costs $25 for most gasoline vehicles and $30 for diesel vehicles. Some older or specialty vehicles may have different pricing, so ask when you call or arrive. Air Team accepts cash and card payments at the station. You pay when you check in, before the test begins.

If you fail the test, you do not pay again to retest at Air Team. Once you've had repairs done, you can return to any Illinois emissions testing station (not necessarily Air Team) to retest at the standard fee.

Hours and How to Schedule or Walk In

Air Team's Waukegan station operates during standard business hours, typically Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours may vary seasonally. You can walk in without an appointment, but wait times vary depending on how busy the station is. During peak times (late afternoon or mid-month), you may wait 30 minutes to an hour.

To avoid a long wait, call ahead at the station to ask about current wait times. If you're testing near the end of your registration validity period, plan to go earlier in the day or earlier in the week when traffic is lighter.

What to Do If You Fail and Need Repairs

A failing result means your vehicle's emissions systems — typically the catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, or fuel system — are not working correctly. Air Team will give you a printed report listing which systems failed. This report is useful to show a repair shop so they know where to focus.

You do not have to return to Air Team for repairs. Any certified repair shop in Illinois can work on your vehicle. Once repairs are complete, you can retest at Air Team or at any other Illinois emissions testing station. Keep your repair receipts in case you need to show proof of repairs later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I test a vehicle with an out-of-state registration?

No. Your vehicle must be registered in Illinois to test at an Illinois emissions station. If you recently moved to Illinois, you need to register your vehicle with the Illinois Secretary of State first, then schedule your emissions test.

What if my check engine light is on?

You can still test, but you will likely fail. The check engine light indicates a problem with your emissions system. Get the vehicle scanned at a repair shop to identify the issue, have it fixed, and then return for testing.

Do I need an appointment or can I just show up?

Walk-ins are welcome at Air Team's Waukegan location. No appointment is required. However, calling ahead to check wait times is a good idea, especially during busy periods like late afternoon or mid-month.

How long does it take to get my results?

You receive your printed result when ready after the test finishes, usually within 20 minutes of arriving. If you pass, Air Team sends the result to the Illinois Secretary of State the same day, and your registration status updates within 24 hours.

What if I fail — do I have to pay to test again?

No. Once you've paid the initial test fee, you can return to any Illinois emissions station to retest after repairs without paying again. You only pay the standard fee once per registration period.