How to pass your Drive Clean test

Here is a bullet form list of tips I have collected that may help you pass your drive clean (emissions) test.

• Don't take the test on a very full or nearly empty gas tank
• Drive your car for at least 40 minutes before taking the test - get the rpms up a bit during that time
• Fill the tank with the ultra premium high octane stuff at least 3 times before going in for your test
• Get an oil change a week before taking the test
• Remove your air filter just before taking the test (replace immediately after)
• Maintain your vehicle well even when you aren't due for an emissions test
• BUT if you haven't done much maintenance on your vehicle, don't get a tune up in advance to pass the test. If you get a tune up ($400ish, depending on where you go) and you still fail - you are on the hook for more repair costs to meet the requirements of the Drive Clean program. If you skip the tune up, take the test and fail - the money you spend on the tune up AFTER the test goes towards the legislated spend limit for emissions issues.
• A new catalytic converter will cut your emissions significantly, so if you fail your test, get a universal one and have it installed. Genuine branded (Honda, Toyota, GM, Ford, etc) catalytic converters are expensive. You should be able to get a universal for $100 or less and get it installed for around $50. I've added a link at the bottom of this post for AutoBarn - it's where I go when I need parts. You can also go to a local auto-parts warehouse.
• My most recent Drive Clean report said it was good for 12 months. So, since you know you will need the test on your birthday of the year your sticker expires - try to get your test done as early as possible in that 12 month period (way before your get the notice from the government). This way you can select the ideal weather for the test (see next point)
• Take the test on a nice day. Extreme cold temps are bad for engine efficiency and if your car is on the hairy edge of the limits - you will fail on a cold day.
• Check out my latest drive clean report (PDF link below). My 1998 Honda Odyssey van drives as clean as new!
  drivecleanreport.pdf
• If you decide to buy a new vehicle - or think you might need to: Know How Much The Dealer Paid - CarCostCanada.com
• Here's that link to AutoBarn - where you can get catalytic converters (and anything else you might need):

Ottawa Senators videos (mostly fights)

If Stuntman Stu can do it, so can I. Here is my collection of Ottawa Senators videos I've found on YouTube and posted to my blog.

#1 a compilation entitled "Sacrifice". Not the best, but better than I can do.



Fights!

Ottawa - Los Angeles Brawl 2001


Ottawa Fight compilation.. Tie Domi's face in slow motion... excellent.


Ottawa - Boston brawl (includes goalie fight)


The Philly fight... Everybody watched it live expect me. Sens were losing and I changed the channel... Thank goodness for YouTube.