Everybody wants clean air. Most everybody wants to drive. When you drive a vehicle with a internal combustion engine that engine omits harmful pollutants to the air. Vehicle manufacturers design their power train control systems to lower these harmful emissions and provide good drivability. A smog test verifies the function of these systems.

     All Smog Stations start out as one of two types: Test Only or Test and Repair. A Test Only station can test any vehicles emissions but is not allowed to do any repairs or adjustments. A Test and Repair station can do any needed repairs on any vehicles emission system, and can Smog Test any vehicle as long as that vehicle has not been identified by the state as requiring certification at a "Test Only Center". Which type of station you go to will depend on your particular situation.

    Ok, your DMV renewal says you have to get a smog test.  The first thing you have to determine is if your vehicle can be certified at any smog station or if it must be certified at a "Test Only" smog station.  The renewal notice will have "at Test Only Center" on the "Smog Certification Required" line if your vehicle must be certified at a test only station.

Things to consider are:

If you vehicle fails at a Test Only station it will have to go to a Test and Repair station to be repaired and then go back to a Test Only station to be certified. If you know your "Test Only" vehicle will need repairs or adjustments before passing a Smog test take it to a Test and Repair station first. Have the station give the vehicle a "Pre-Test inspection" and determine what repairs or adjustments are needed. After repairs, If all goes well you only make one trip to a "Test Only" station, not two.

You can have your vehicle tested at any smog station. In my humble opinion, you should have your smog test preformed at the same shop that does your engine maintenance (30K - 60K service, etc). Of course, the shop will have to be a Smog check station. They will be familiar with your particular vehicles emission system and can legally perform any needed repairs or adjustments. Remember, if your non Test Only vehicle fails it's smog test at a Test and Repair station AND it's emissions exceed the Gross Polluter level, a regular Test and Repair station can no longer certify that vehicle. Best way to avoid this is to Pre-Test the vehicle and  see what the emissions are. If there is a problem you can catch it  before the "real" smog test. Every Smog test at Castner's Auto includes a Pre-Test.          

 If you need more information please call the shop (714) 528-1311 or go to:

DCA/BAR's website: http://smogcheck.ca.gov