PA Emissions Inspector Certification Practice Exam

Since what year have PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valves been installed in vehicles?

1. 1950

2. 1960

3. 1970

4. 1980

The correct answer is: 1960

The correct answer indicates that PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valves have been installed in vehicles since the 1960s. This system was introduced as a method to reduce harmful emissions from internal combustion engines while improving efficiency. The implementation of PCV systems was part of a broader movement to meet stringent emissions regulations that began taking shape during that decade, particularly with the advent of the Clean Air Act in the United States. The design of PCV valves serves to recirculate gases that would otherwise escape into the atmosphere, thereby decreasing the overall impact of vehicle emissions. This makes the 1960s a significant period in automotive engineering regarding environmental concerns and regulatory compliance. The other decades listed represent times when vehicle emissions technology was evolving, but the adoption of the PCV valve specifically began in the 1960s.