Decades ago, California became known as the nation's "smog capital" because of the poor air quality in the Los Angeles basin area. Los Angeles County sits in a "bowl" topped by a layer of air that won't permit heavy particles to break up in the atmosphere.

In the early 1960s, people began to worry about the bad air outside. In 1963, California became the first state to institute emission controls on new vehicles sold in the state.

Since then, California has led the nation in concern for the environment and controlling vehicle emissions. The California Department of Motor Vehicles requires the owners of most cars to adhere to strict emissions regulations in order to register them.

 

 

At Star Smog Check we will be honest with you upfront. Here are something’s that you can do to help prevent future smog test failures.

 

  • 1.Regular Maintenance-The most important thing you can do to help your vehicle pass smog and save fuel is to perform regular maintenance. This includes tune-ups, air cleaners, pcv valves,oil changes, fuel filters, oxygen sensors, etc. Check your vehicle owner's manual for proper maintenance intervals.

 

  • 2. Warm up your car – This is probably one of the most important and easy things you can do before a smog check. Drive your vehicle for at least 5 minutes prior to arriving at the smog station. This will help ensure your vehicle is running at its proper operating temperature. 

 

  • 3. Change Dirty Oil - If your oil change is past due, go ahead and do it before the smog check. The PCV (positive crank case ventilation) system of your vehicle is designed to allow your engine to breath fumes located in oil compartments. Dirty oil may raise your vehicle's emissions.

 

  • 4. Inflate Low Tires to Proper Pressure - During most smog inspections, we will need to drive your vehicle on a dynamometer as a part of the smog test. Properly inflated tires may improve the overall emissions by reducing engine load. We always check for tires that appear to have low pressure. Properly inflated tires also will save you alot of money in fuel costs. Check your tires often.

 

 

To insure most of your maintenance is done right the first time. Take your car to a certified ASE mechanic. If it’s time for your car to have a oil change please bring your car to us. And for your convenience we have a ASE certified tech on board who can answer your questions and specializes in oil and filter changing. We have special deals to help keep all your car fluids topped off.

 


If  for whatever reason your car fails the smog test there are options we suggest.


 The first option that we advise is to get your car fixed by a licensed auto technician. Please note that we are a test only facility which means we cannot perform any repairs to your vehicle. Not any mechanic can fix emissions related repairs and if the mechanic does not have a smog machine on site than he cannot guarantee your smog will pass again. So we may recommend you a list of smog and repair stations in the area that are allowed to make repairs and can guarantee you a passing smog after your repairs have been certified as opposed to going back and forth.


 Second, if you’re having financial hardship and can’t afford repairs at the moment you can ask the Department of Motor Vehicles for a extension on your next smog check. Up to 30 days is allowed. Check with DMV for details.




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Next if all has failed you, and the repairs exceed the value of the car we may advise you to apply for the CAP program. Also known as The Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) is administered by the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) and is designed to help improve California's air quality. Through CAP, a consumer can retire a qualified vehicle at any time and for any reason. In addition, CAP provides qualified consumers who own a vehicle that cannot pass its biennial (every other year) Smog Check inspection up to $500 in financial assistance toward emissions-related repairs.

 






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