Commonly Requested Smog Testing & Repair Services
Smog testing can be fairly simple in terms of the services that are available. However, local smog testing locations offer a variety of services, testing and repairs. Some of the more commonly requested ones are detailed below.
Car Smog Test and Repair Centers
Vehicle smog test and repair centers are legally allowed to provide both smog testing and repairs for vehicles that don’t pass emissions testing. These may be minor or major repairs to vehicle emissions systems. Smog test and repair centers are usually honest, but experts recommend carefully checking references so you aren’t duped by shops that give false fail readings only to profit from the repairs.
Smog Check History
Every vehicle that has undergone smog testing services in California has its complete smog check history listed online at the Bureau of Automotive Repair Smog Check History Lookup. This will tell you whether a vehicle you’re purchasing or driving has passed or failed previous smog tests.
STAR Smog Check Stations in California
STAR smog checks are provided by specially licensed emissions testing stations that are more closely monitored by the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR). These smog stations are verified to adhere to the standards set up for auto smog shops. If your DMV smog testing notice requires you to visit a STAR station, you must choose among local stations that are designated with the STAR logo. Some are test-only centers while others are test and repair stations.
DMV Emissions Testing Requirements
The Department of Motor Vehicles is the agency that requires smog testing—it sends out smog requirement notices and collects certifications once emissions testing has been performed. Emissions testing requirements may vary depending on the vehicle you drive and past smog testing results. Check the smog testing notice you receive from the DMV to learn if your vehicle is required to be tested at a STAR station or has other requirements placed on it.
Carbon Dioxide Emissions Testing / C02 Emissions Testing
Carbon dioxide, also known as CO2, is a greenhouse gas that’s emitted through gasoline- and diesel-powered engines. Vehicles in the state of California are required to have carbon dioxide testing performed along with a general smog emissions test every other year once they’ve reached the age of four years.
Gross Polluter Emissions Testing
Vehicles listed as gross polluters are a significant source of smog emissions. Gross polluter vehicles have a history of failing emissions testing or are of a make or model that’s known to have high emissions. Gross polluter vehicles must be tested by a test-only station. Those that fail the initial testing must be repaired at an emissions repair center and then return to a test-only station, state referee smog station or CAP repair center for further testing and certification. Gross pollution often occurs in the form of smoke coming from the tailpipe.
CAP Program for Vehicle Emissions System Repairs
Vehicles that fail the biennial smog check may qualify for the Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) for smog system repairs. Financial assistance available includes $1,000 toward retiring a polluting vehicle for those who want to trade in an old vehicle rather than repair it, and up to $500 toward emissions systems repairs. Individuals must qualify for this assistance by being income eligible or test-only eligible. Applications are available at www.smogcheck.ca.gov or (800) 952-5210.
Vehicle Emissions Testing
Vehicle emissions testing is the testing of emissions fumes, vapors, gases, odors and other pollutants that escape from the engine of a gasoline- or diesel-powered vehicle. California requires that all cars older than four years must have their emissions tested every other year.
Smog Certification
Smog certification is required by the DMV for all vehicles in California. This certification verifies that a given vehicle has undergone and passed auto smog testing. A certification is required every other year and must be performed by an official smog testing station.
Car Smog Test-Only Centers
Smog test-only centers are licensed to test auto emissions, but they can’t repair emissions problems. These centers are sometimes trusted by car owners for reliable auto testing results, since the vehicle emissions testing results cannot benefit the test-only center since they don’t provide repairs. Some local car owners are required by the DMV to visit a test-only station.
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