Where Air Team is located and what they test
Air Team operates an emissions testing station in Markham, Ontario. They perform the standard emissions test required by the province — the same test you need to pass before you can renew your vehicle registration if your car is subject to Ontario's emissions testing program.
The station is located at 9350 Markham Road, Markham, ON L6E 1A1. Air Team tests gasoline vehicles, diesel vehicles, and motorcycles. They are one of several private testing stations across Ontario licensed to perform these inspections on behalf of the Ministry of Transportation.
The test itself checks your vehicle's exhaust for pollutants — nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and other compounds — to confirm it meets Ontario's standards. The test takes about 10 to 15 minutes once you arrive.
Key Takeaways
- Air Team in Markham performs the standard Ontario emissions test required for vehicle registration renewal on most cars over a certain age.
- You will need your vehicle's registration documents and proof of ownership when you arrive for your test.
- The test costs money — contact Air Team directly for current pricing, as fees vary by station and vehicle type.
- If your vehicle fails the emissions test, you have the right to a retest at most stations, and you can take your vehicle elsewhere for a second opinion.
- Book an appointment ahead of time rather than showing up without one, as wait times vary by season and day of week.
Who needs to get tested at Air Team or another station
Not every vehicle in Ontario requires an emissions test. The requirement depends on your vehicle's age, type, and when you last passed a test.
Generally, gasoline vehicles must be tested every two years once they reach a certain age — check your registration notice or contact ServiceOntario to confirm whether your specific vehicle is subject to testing. Diesel vehicles and vehicles registered in certain weight classes have different schedules. If your registration notice does not mention an emissions test requirement, you do not need one to renew.
You can have your test done at any licensed emissions testing station in Ontario, not just Air Team. If Air Team's appointment availability does not work for you, other stations across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond perform the same test.
What to bring and how to book your appointment
Bring your vehicle registration document and proof of ownership — your driver's license or vehicle ownership papers work for this. Air Team will need these to match your vehicle to your test record.
Contact Air Team directly to book an appointment. You can call them or check their website for available times. Booking ahead is important because walk-ins may face long waits, especially during peak renewal periods (typically late fall and winter).
Arrive with a full or nearly full fuel tank. Some testing stations require this, and it ensures your vehicle is in normal operating condition for the test. Do not arrive with a vehicle that has obvious mechanical problems — if your check engine light is on or your vehicle is running rough, have it serviced first, as it will likely fail the test.
What happens during and after your test
When you arrive, Air Team staff will inspect your vehicle visually to confirm it matches your registration and check that your emissions equipment (catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, and related systems) is present and intact. They will then connect your vehicle to a dynamometer — a machine that simulates driving conditions — and measure your exhaust output.
The test itself takes 10 to 15 minutes. You will receive a pass or fail result on the spot. If you pass, Air Team will provide you with a test certificate that you can use to renew your registration with ServiceOntario online, by mail, or in person.
If you fail, you have options. You can request a retest at Air Team, usually for a reduced fee, after you have had your vehicle repaired. You also have the right to take your vehicle to another licensed testing station for a second test if you believe the result was incorrect. Keep your failed test certificate — it documents the specific pollutants that were out of range, which can help a mechanic diagnose the problem.
Common reasons vehicles fail the emissions test
The most common cause of failure is a faulty oxygen sensor or a problem with the catalytic converter. Both are emissions control components that wear out over time. A check engine light usually indicates one of these issues, though not always.
Other frequent causes include a loose or missing gas cap (which triggers a fuel vapor leak), a malfunctioning EGR valve, or carbon buildup in the engine. Many of these problems also affect fuel economy or engine performance, so you may notice other symptoms before the test.
If your vehicle fails, a mechanic can read your vehicle's diagnostic codes using a scanner — this tells you exactly which system is causing the problem. Some repairs are inexpensive (a gas cap costs a few dollars), while others (a catalytic converter replacement) can be costly. Get a repair estimate before you commit to fixing the vehicle, especially if it is older and the repair cost is high relative to the vehicle's value.
Emissions testing fees and what they cover
Air Team charges a fee for each test. The exact amount varies by vehicle type and may change over time, so contact them directly for current pricing. Most stations charge between $40 and $80 for a standard passenger vehicle test, though diesel vehicles and motorcycles may have different rates.
The fee covers the test itself and the certificate if you pass. If you fail and request a retest, most stations charge a reduced retest fee (often $20 to $40) within a certain time window — typically 30 days. After that window, you pay the full test fee again.
The test fee is separate from your vehicle registration renewal fee, which you pay to ServiceOntario. You will need both the emissions test certificate and the registration renewal fee to complete your renewal.
What to do if you disagree with your test result
If you believe your vehicle failed unfairly, you have the right to a retest. Some stations offer a retest at a reduced price within a set timeframe. You can also take your vehicle to another licensed emissions testing station in Ontario and have them perform the test — the result from any licensed station is valid for registration renewal.
Before you pay for a retest or repairs, consider having a mechanic scan your vehicle's diagnostic codes. This tells you what systems are actually malfunctioning and whether the test result makes sense. A mechanic's diagnosis costs $50 to $100 but can save you money by pinpointing the real problem instead of guessing.
If you believe a testing station made an error in administering the test itself (not just the result), you can file a complaint with the Ministry of Transportation. Contact ServiceOntario for the complaint process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my registration without an emissions test?
Only if your vehicle is not subject to testing. Check your registration renewal notice — it will say whether a test is required. If it does not mention emissions testing, you do not need one. Vehicles under a certain age and some vehicle types are exempt.
How long does the emissions test certificate last?
Your test certificate is valid for your vehicle registration renewal and remains valid as long as your registration is current. Once you renew your registration using the certificate, you do not need the physical certificate anymore — your registration record shows you passed.
What if my vehicle has a check engine light on?
Your vehicle will almost certainly fail the emissions test if the check engine light is on. Have a mechanic diagnose the problem first. Once the issue is fixed and the light is off, you can take the test. Do not waste the test fee by going in with the light on.
Can I use an emissions test from another station to renew my registration?
Yes. Any emissions test certificate from a licensed Ontario testing station is valid for registration renewal. If Air Team's wait time is too long, you can use another station instead.
What happens if I fail the test twice?
You can keep retesting until you pass. There is no limit on the number of attempts. However, if your vehicle has a serious emissions problem, repairs may be expensive. At some point, you may need to decide whether fixing the vehicle is worth the cost compared to its value.