Smog season raises technical requirements for the vehicle fleet
Environmental restrictions in the country not only limit traffic but also highlight the lack of maintenance on thousands of vehicles.
There’s just under a month to go before vehicle restrictions return—at least in Santiago. The policy goes into effect on May 1, aiming to reduce the number of cars on the capital’s roads due to the city’s consistently challenging air circulation conditions. Smog arrives in all its glory, but we must not lose sight of the fact that this problem also exists elsewhere, such as in Temuco or Coyhaique, to name a few.
The smog phenomenon reveals a structural problem: the actual state of Chile’s vehicle fleet in terms of emissions. According to figures from the Ministry of the Environment, transportation is responsible for nearly 30% of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions in urban areas. Within this category, private vehicles—especially older ones—play a significant role, due to less efficient combustion systems and irregular maintenance.
Compounding this situation is the fact that Chile has a cultural issue regarding vehicle maintenance. Maintenance is typically performed only when the car exhibits obvious faults. This is reflected in the thousands of drivers who fail their vehicle inspections. And of course, in our country, the aging of the vehicle fleet is increasingly evident, with vehicles averaging over 10 years of use.
All of this creates a critical situation for auto repair shops across the country. Used cars are a more affordable option for those looking to purchase a vehicle, but they present challenges when it comes to keeping emissions in check. For this reason, the professional work of mechanics is vital to ensure this process does not become a problem.
Maintenance and diagnostics become vital, as does access to top-quality products. These key topics will be featured at Motortec Chile 2026, the leading automotive aftermarket trade show in our country.
The trade show aims to increasingly professionalize the work of auto mechanics, prioritizing excellence and moving further away from informality. As such, it seeks to serve as a useful guide for all specialists who want to rise to the challenges presented by today’s vehicle fleet.
In 2025, the event featured more than 150 specialized brands, all eager to showcase the latest innovations in the industry. It will also include talks for industry professionals and activities designed to ensure visitors have the best possible experience.
The event will take place from June 18 to 20, 2026, at Espacio Riesco and is organized by IFEMA MADRID and FISA, part of the GL events group. If you want to see these advancements firsthand, watch live demonstrations, and discover the latest in automotive parts and safety, you can’t miss the industry’s most important event.