What is a Smog Inspection?!

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

---