Most of us receive our DMV registration renewal with a bullet point stating that our vehicle needs a smog inspection certificate.  Why do we need to pass this inspection and what does it do???  Well, in the State of California, the Smog Inspection program is part of the State's effort to improve the air we breathe.  These inspections are designed to identify vehicles that have excess emissions according to the standard posted by the State of California.  If your vehicle is performing with excess emissions, it will fail the smog inspection and need to be repaired before a re-test.   Most vehicles six years or older in California will need a smog inspection every two years.  Unless your vehicle is labeled as a high polluting vehicle, then it will need to pass a smog inspection every year.  
So what happens during this inspection?  Here's the break down:

Our licensed technician will attach measuring equipment to your vehicle and perform the following inspections: 

• Emissions test measures the carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons and oxygen, and oxides of nitrogen. This is performed on vehicles 1999 and older.  This is performed by the smog machine.
• Visual inspection ensures your emissions equipment is in place and functioning properly to decrease pollutents from your cars exhaust.
• Functional inspection is hands-on, where the technician ensures proper operation of the engine ignition timing, check engine light, gas cap & filler neck, exhaust recirculation valve (EGR), and Fuel EVAP test.

California requires the smog inspection stations (Us!) to perform the test in the order listed.  Vehicles newer than 2000 are exempt from the emissions test.  Instead they will undergo the visual and functional inspection for OBD II trouble codes and readiness monitors.

If you are in need of a smog inspection, look no further, we can help!!!  Our licensed technicians will perform the test and make repairs if necessary.  Give us a call today 619-562-3933

 










​October is officially here and with it bring National Car Care Month!  Two months out of the year are dedicated to bring attention to the importance of car care and preventative maintenance.  In conjunction with the Car Care Council and the ASE we've put together a list of "to-do's" for you or your trusty mechanic (aka The Dyno Shop!) to complete while the weather is mild.  
In our previous blog post we touched on few areas of your vehicle that should be inspected for proper condition.  We listed tire condition, wipers & washer fluid, and antifreeze.  Below is the rest of the list that we find very important to give attention to:
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Inspection of Hoses & Belts: Make sure that they are not cracked, loose, frayed, brittle, or showing signs of excessive wear.

​Inspect ALL Fluids:  In addition to the condition of antifreeze, the oil, power steering, brake and transmission fluids should all be checked for level and condition.

Inspect Exhaust System:  Visually look for any leaks, damaged or broken supports or hangers.  Exhaust leaks are bit trickier to detect, but that's why you have us!  These can be dangerous and should be addressed immediately.

Check the Battery:  Ensure that the connections are clean, tight and corrosion free.  Check the date to make sure it's not expired.

Brake System Inspection:  This should be done annually.  So if you didn't have it done in April, now is the time.  

Inspect the Steering and Suspension System: This includes shock absorbers, struts, ball joints, tie rod ends and other related components.  

Check the HVAC system:  This is the heating, ventilating and air conditioning system.  Proper heating and cooling performance is critical for interior comfort and safety (hello foggy window!).

Engine Performance Inspection:  We want your vehicle to be performing at it's best.  This includes having the proper balance between power and fuel economy.  

Many of these you will be able to do at home.  The Dyno Shop is here for the rest (or all!).  Give us a call if you would like our trained technicians to inspect 1 or all of the checklist above!