The Life of Schmitt 289

Oversized Vehicles - During your price comparison you may find that smog stations charge different prices for different vehicle sizes. For most business owners the math behind the added fees involve accounting for the cost of wear and tear. Larger vehicles weight more, place more stress on load bearing equipment, and are usually harder to maneuver around a smog station. The time and cost of providing service to larger vehicles may effect how much a smog station chooses to charge for the inspection in additional to the standard inspection fee. Engine Cover Removal - A vehicle may require engine cover and/or panel removal to allow for a thorough smog inspection.
Finally, the report recommended continued use of the Roadside test to evaluate the effectiveness of the Smog Check program. To receive the smog check certification, a vehicle must pass all stages of the check. For more information about smog check compliance, vehicle safety, and the future of fleet management. The Smog Check Program has greatly reduced air pollution created by millions of cars in California.



Performing regular and proper maintenance according to your owner’s manual and not tampering with the emissions-control equipment will help improve your vehicle’s chances of passing a Smog Check. If the “Check Engine” light comes on, take your vehicle to a licensed repair station as soon as you can to have the problem diagnosed-do not wait for the vehicle’s next scheduled Smog Check. A blinking or flashing light indicates a malfunction that should be addressed immediately to avoid serious damage to the engine or emission-control systems. Check your owner’s manual for repairs that may be covered under your vehicle manufacturer’s emissions warranty. Once your vehicle passes the smog check, the smog station will send electronic proof of certification to the DMV. A Vehicle Inspection Report will be provided to you upon completion of the smog test and regardless of whether your vehicle passes or fails the inspection.
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. You are likely to pass the inspection if you do not tamper with the vehicle’s emission-control equipment. Moreover, maintaining your car as per the owner’s manual increases the chances of passing the test. Furthermore, in case the vehicle has an engine problem, ensure it is repaired before visiting the STAR station. More importantly, do not ignore a flash or blink that indicates a malfunction in the vehicle.

© 2023 NeedTags is CA Department of Motor Vehicles delegated provider. NeedTags is NOT owned or operated by any government agency and charges service fees for value-add DMV registration and title services under CVC Section 1685; OL #89953. California has a unique topography which contributes to some of the problems; the warm, sunny climate is ideal for trapping and forming air pollutants. On hot, sunny days, pollutants from vehicles, industry, and many products may chemically react with each other. In the winter, temperature inversions can trap tiny particles of smoke and exhaust from vehicles and anything else that burns fuel. Offers eligible consumers repair assistance and vehicle retirement options.
If the costs of repairing the vehicle outweigh its value, the state may buy it and have it scrapped. The buyback program is part of California's Consumer Assistance Program that also offers consumer assistance for repairs related to smog check. The program is administered by the Bureau of Automotive Repair. 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