Pass smog · If you fail

Didn’t pass? We’ll help you get there.

A failed smog isn’t the end of the road. We’ll explain exactly why in plain language, point you toward the right fix, and retest your vehicle once it’s repaired so you can get certified and registered.

(949) 454-9676 Get directions

If you fail

Here’s what happens next.

Every vehicle that fails leaves with a clear, written explanation — and a straightforward path back to a passing certificate once the repair is done.

We explain the failure

We walk you through why your vehicle failed and which system is at fault, in plain language you can hand straight to a repair shop.

You get it repaired

Have the issue fixed by the shop of your choice. Because we’re test-only and don’t do repairs, our diagnosis is unbiased — we’re not angling for the job.

We retest and certify

Bring it back after the repair and we’ll retest it, then certify and e-file your pass so you can register — often in the same visit.

Common reasons vehicles fail

Most failures trace back to a handful of culprits: a lit check-engine light, a worn or failing catalytic converter, aging oxygen sensors, a loose or cracked gas cap (an EVAP fault), or readiness monitors that haven’t completed after a recent battery change or cleared code. A little prep goes a long way, too — our smog check tips cover the free things you can do before your next attempt.

Consumer Assistance Program

You may qualify for repair help.

If your vehicle failed its biennial Smog Check at a test-only station like ours, California’s Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) may help cover the cost of getting it right.

Up to $500 toward repairs

Eligible motorists whose vehicle fails a Smog Check at a test-only station may qualify for financial assistance toward emissions-related repairs.

Vehicle retirement option

The Bureau of Automotive Repair’s retirement program offers eligible motorists $1,000 to voluntarily retire a high-polluting vehicle instead of repairing it.

How to apply

Eligibility is based on income and other factors. Check the California Bureau of Automotive Repair website to see if you qualify and to apply — and bring us your result if you’d like a hand understanding it.

Retest FAQ

After a failed smog.

What happens at the retest?

Bring the car back once it’s repaired and the readiness monitors have reset. We re-run the same STAR inspection and, when it passes, certify and e-file it so you can register.

What if my vehicle fails?

We’ll explain exactly what needs repair and hand you the results. Fix it, bring it back, and we’ll retest and certify it.

Why do vehicles fail a smog check?

Common causes are a lit check engine light, a worn catalytic converter, a loose or cracked gas cap, or incomplete readiness monitors.

What is a gross polluter?

A vehicle that fails with very high emissions is flagged as a “gross polluter” by the Bureau of Automotive Repair to encourage immediate repair. We can certify gross polluters here.

What is the Consumer Assistance Program?

If your vehicle fails at a test-only station, you may qualify for up to $500 toward repairs, or $1,000 to retire a high-polluting vehicle. Check the Bureau of Automotive Repair website for eligibility.

How soon can I retest after repairs?

As soon as the repair is done and the vehicle has been driven enough for the readiness monitors to reset — usually a short drive cycle.

How do I find my smog history?

The California Bureau of Automotive Repair website lets you look up a vehicle’s smog history by license plate or VIN.

The lowest-price smog check in Lake Forest.

23141 ORANGE AVENUE UNIT E · STAR STATION · TEST-ONLY

(949) 454-9676