Smog Checks Don't Have To Be Stressful

Smog Checks can often times be a stressful part of owning a vehicle.  The fear of the unknown sometimes makes us procrastinate, but as I see it, the sooner we know what we are up against the better.  You may just find that there was nothing to be stressed about   and your vehicle will pass the smog check without a problem. My point of this blog is to help shed a little light into the obscurity of the dreaded “Smog Check”. 

First let me give you a little insight about the smog check itself.  I get asked all the time by customers, "What do you check for during a smog check?"  The misconception is that all we check are the gases coming out of the tail pipe.  In actuality it is a three part test consisting of visual, functional, and emissions testing.  For the Visual portion of the test, the technician is looking over your vehicle to make sure that it has all the components required for reducing emission, i.e. EGR Valve, PCV Valve, Air Filter Housing, Air Duct Hose (Where applicable in your specific vehicle) etc. The Functional portion of the test requires that the On Board Computer (OBD) of the vehicle communicate with the smog machine what it has observed as it performs self tests on various systems of your vehicle. Lastly the Emissions portion of the smog check is performed by placing a probe in the tail pipe and testing the Nitrogen Oxide (NoX), Hydro Carbons(HC) and Carbon Monoxide(CO) that your vehicle is emitting.  If any one portion of the test fails the vehicle will fail the smog check. 

If your vehicle does happen to fail the smog check it can be inconvenient, but here are a few things to know to alleviate some of the anxiety.  A failed smog check can mean options.  There are state run programs that you can apply for that if you do qualify can help with the diagnosis and repairs of your vehicle or retirement of the vehicle.  You can find out more information about these programs at http://www.smogcheck.ca.gov/ or call 800-952-5210.  The application process for these programs usually takes a couple of weeks and the qualifications are income based.  If you do not qualify for one of these programs the next step would be to diagnose the vehicle.  The Smog Check itself does not let the technician know exactly what needs to be repaired for the vehicle to pass, but it gives the technician a great “starting point” as far as what systems they should focus on to get to the root of the problem.  Once the repairs are done the vehicle is ready to be re-tested.

Golden State Smog is a Test and Repair Shop, so we are able to diagnose the vehicle and do the repairs as well.  If the diagnosis and repairs are done with us we only charge you for the smog check once.  The only time you would have to take it somewhere else to do the Smog Check would be if the DMV was specifically directing you to a "Test Only or Gold Shield Station"(We will address the differences of these types of stations on a later blog).

One last thing I want everyone to know is that you CAN pay for your renewal before the smog check is done.  The DMV sends the renewal notice in the mail so far in advance I always forget when its due until its almost too late, but if you notice that you need a smog check and you just can’t get to a shop before its due, pay the renewal and do the smog check later.  You just will not get your new stickers until the smog check is done, but at least you will not be accruing penalties.

Well, I hope this has been helpful to you.  Please feel free to make any comments or let me know if there is anything I can expand on or other topics you would like more information about.  Check with us periodically for new topics as well.

Thanks to all who read my blog!