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What is Smog Check?

November 15, 2011 by

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What is smog check?

Anyone who owns a car should know that a smog check should be done regularly to ensure that the car is functioning properly and that the emissions do not exceed the maximum rate. In fact, this check is so important, that by law, it is a requirement for car owners.

This is beneficial to both the car and the environment because the test checks if the car needs repair and to make sure damage done to the air quality is minimal. Getting a regular smog check if you don’t own a hybrid, electric, or natural gas powered car* is one way to be responsible in managing one’s carbon footprint while avoiding any accidents that come with defective cars.

A smog test is done by a technician who attaches a device to the tail pipe while the car is on neutral gear and when revved up. A measurement is captured by the device which indicates if the car is emitting less than the required maximum. When a car fails a smog check, repairs should be made accordingly until the emissions reach a reasonable rate.
Other tests are done during the smog check. The technician will even make sure that all connections (pipes, computer, muffler, et al) are secure for the car and in order.

Different states have varied requirements when it comes to smog check requirements. Usually annual or biannual checks are done. It is best to find out when exactly to have the smog test done in your state Department of Motor Vehicles.
Although it may be a big hassle to car owners, it is an easy trade off when you have the convenience of owning a car.

Looking to get your smog checks in Lake Forest? Look no further. Go to http://smogchecklakeforest.com. Trust and reliability it’s what US Smog Test Only strives for.

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Why our Smog Station Lake Forest

February 2, 2011 by

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What is California Smog Check?
The Smog Check Program has greatly reduced air pollution created by millions of cars in California. According to the California Air Resources Board, the program removes about 400 tons of smog-forming pollutants from California’s air every day. With no surprise, the California Smog Check Test is known to be among the toughest smog tests in the U.S. Although greatly reducing pollution created from cars, the California Smog Check Program did not meet its expectations. Studies have shown that the program managed to only reduce the two main polluting emissions by only 12.3% and 9.8%. (hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide )This is a great letdown since it was predicted to have lowered the polluting rate by 25%. The program is inevitably quite unsuccessful, but is still actively running in the state of California. In addition, inefficiency in this program is how the people in California only have to have their car smog checked every 2 years, so they only prepare their car before the day of inspection. Since people don’t find the need to be aware of their high use of fuel emissions, they are subconsciously polluting far more than they really have to.
California’s automobile emission standards are among the highest in the world. In 1996, California’s government sought to enforce stricter Smog Check tests because the more populated areas of the state were heavily polluting. The state [by whom?] figured that if they zeroed in on the very populated areas of the state, there would be a significant reduction in car emissions air polluting. The government also decided that since some areas needed more attention than others in relation to smog checks, those areas were to have stricter test/ smog laws then others. While inspecting cars for smog, the state recognized the fact that 10-15% of the states smog was coming from the emissions of large cars with large engines. SUV’s put out 43% more global-warming pollutants. This led to truck owners being closely zeroed in on for their car being checked. What was interesting to the government though was how such a heavily populated region like the Bay Area had a fairly low rate on air pollution.
The terms smog check, smog test, and emission check all refer to the same thing. There are two different ways a smog check is implemented: ASM & TSI. TSI (Two Speed Idle) test is used to inspect all wheel drive (AWD) vehicles. The vehicle is inspected at 2500rpm and idle. This is how all vehicles were inspected prior to 1997. ASM (Acceleration Simulation Mode) test procedures involve operating the vehicle on a dyno at 15 mph and 25 mph under load. Operating an ASM test allows for the measurement of a third emission gas (smog) nitrogen oxide (NOx).
A portion of the smog check fee funds air pollution programs. $6 from the fee goes to the Air Pollution Control Fund which funds air pollution reduction programs such as the Carl Moyer Program.

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Do I need a Smog Check?

December 13, 2010 by

Do I need a Smog Check?

Not all vehicles must get a smog check. Additionally, some vehicles only need a passing smog check when they are being sold or being registered in California after previously being registered in another state. Whether or not a vehicle needs a smog check depends on the type of vehicle, the model-year, and the area in which the vehicle is registered.

Under California vehicle emissions control laws and regulations, you must get a smog check for your car in the following cases. Click the link that fits your case to move to the next step.

1) My Registration Renewal Notice says “Smog Certification Required”

Most vehicles registered in California are required to pass a smog check every two years. Your annual Registration Renewal Notice lets you know when you need to get a smog check.

2) I am selling my car

When you sell a vehicle in California, the seller is responsible for getting a smog certificate prior to completing the sale.

3) I am bringing a car into California to be registered.

When you bring a vehicle into California to be registered, you are required to get a smog certificate prior to registration.

Some vehicles are not required to obtain a smog check inspection for registration purposes.

Vehicles that are six or less model-years old are abated from the biennial smog check inspection requirement. For vehicles with registration renewals due in the 2008 calendar year, the abated years include 2003 through 2008.

Vehicles that are four or less model-years old are abated from the smog check inspection requirement upon change of ownership and transfer of title transactions with the Department of Motor Vehicles. In 2008, the abated years are 2005 through 2008.

As of April 1, 2005, the 30 year rolling exemption was repealed. 1976 and newer vehicles are now required to have smog check inspections for biennial registration renewals, change of ownership transactions and initial registration in California.

Vehicles being initially registered in California that were previously registered in another state are exempt from the biennial smog check inspection requirements if the vehicle is a 1975 or older model. All 1976 to current year vehicles are required to obtain a smog check certificate of compliance prior to initial registration in California.

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Smog Check FAQ

What is a Test Only Station?

Test-Only stations are licensed by the state only to perform tests on vehicles. They are prohibited from performing any repair services. Gross Polluters can also be certified at these stations.

Who requires a Smog Check?

The Department of Motor Vehicles renewal notice will indicate whether a Smog Check is required to re- register your vehicle. Most areas of the state require vehicles to have a Smog Check performed every two years, when being sold, and when being initially registered in California.

Do I really need a Smog Check?

Not all vehicles must get a Smog Check. Smog Check need depends on the type of vehicle, the model-year, and the area in which the vehicle is registered. Additionally, some vehicles only need a Smog Check when they are being sold or being registered in California after previously being registered in another state.

What is a STAR smog check?

If you received the DMV registration renewal paper saying “SMOG Certification Required at a STAR station”, you are at the right place. Premier Star Smog is a Star Certified Smog Check Station. STAR Smog Station means, DMV has chosen your car to be inspected at a smog station which is monitored closely by the BAR (Bureau of Automotive Repair) and must conform to high standards established by the Bureau of Automotive Repairs.

What is the difference between a regular smog station and a STAR smog station?

STAR smog stations will be able to issue a certificate of compliance to a vehicle passing a smog check when a motorist is referred by the DMV to such a station for vehicle registration renewal. A non “star” station may not issue a certificate to the motorist’s vehicle. They may however, test and issue certificates to vehicles not directed by the DMV to a “STAR” smog check station.

How much does a test only smog check cost? Does a test only center charge more?

Smog test only stations are not allowed to profit or perform any auto repairs, whether smog check related or not. In the past smog test only centers typically charged more for their smog inspection in order to cover their expenses. In today’s market however, with competition being so great, and the fact that there are plenty of test only directed vehicles to go around, the cost of the test only smog check has been dramatically reduced.

How can I help my vehicle pass Smog Check?

Proper and regular maintenance according to your Owner’s Manual, and not tampering with the emissions control equipment are keys to passing Smog Check and lowering emissions from your vehicle. Also a good 15 minute drive helps to ensure a proper warm-up of all emission related components which helps out in the emissions part of the smog check.

What do I do if my vehicle fails Smog Check?

First and foremost we’ll help explain to you why you failed and some suggestions as to what to do next. You will also need to get your vehicle repaired so it can pass its Smog Check retest in order to complete your registration. How can I learn if I need smog check and what are the pre and post procedures? Please check California Bureau of Automotive Repair website for step by step procedures.

How can I find my vehicle’s smog check history?

Please refer to California Bureau of Automotive Repair website where you can enter license plate or vehicle identification number (VIN) to check the history.

What should I know about the Consumer Assistance Program (CAP)?

You may qualify for up to $500 in financial assistance to repair your car if it requires a Smog Check at a Test-Only station and failed that test. The Bureau of Automotive Repair Retirement Program is now offering $1000.00 for eligible motorists to voluntarily retire their high-polluting vehicles. If you don’t think it’s worth repairing the Bureau of Automotive Repair may buy your car!

How do I qualify for CAP?

CAP offers two options for consumers whose vehicles fail their biennial Smog Check.

What is a Gross Polluter?

Some vehicles that fail their smog inspections give off such high levels of pollution that a category called “Gross Polluter” was created. BAR identifies these vehicles to encourage their immediate repair. Gross Polluters are some of the worst polluting vehicles on California roadways.