You may be asking yourself, well, how do I know if I need a smog check? We got you covered on all of those answers.

You should call us for a smog check if…

• Your vehicle seems to be producing an irregular amount of dark smoke from your tailpipe when you drive: Excessive smoke emissions can be a sign of engine problems that may affect your vehicle’s emissions performance. It’s essential to address this issue promptly to ensure your vehicle meets emissions standards.
• Your vehicle is newer than 1975:  If your vehicle is newer than the 1975 model year, you’ll likely be required to get a smog check when you register your vehicle each year with the state you live in. Gasoline-powered vehicles that are model year 1975 and newer must undergo biennial smog checks. Additionally, certain older vehicles may be subject to additional smog check requirements, such as vehicles with high emissions or those designated as Gross Polluters. Keeping up with this requirement ensures that your vehicle remains compliant with emissions regulations and helps reduce air pollution.
• You plan on transferring the ownership of your car anytime soon, you’ll be required to get a smog check: Whether you’re buying or selling a used vehicle, a smog check is often required as part of the ownership transfer process. This ensures that the vehicle meets emissions standards before being driven on the road by its new owner.
• It has been more than two years since you last got your vehicle smog checked, it’s probably time for another one: Regular smog checks are essential to ensure your vehicle remains in compliance with emissions standards. If it’s been more than two years since your last smog check, it’s probably time for another one to ensure your vehicle is still operating within acceptable emission limits.
• You can use your license plate or VIN number to check your vehicle’s smog history on the Bureau of Automotive Repair: Checking your vehicle’s smog history can provide valuable information about its emissions performance over time. This can help you stay proactive about scheduling smog checks and addressing any potential issues that may arise.

How to prepare for your vehicle’s smog check:

• Clear any “check engine” lights you might have on your dash
• Drive at highway speeds for at least two weeks before your smog check (this allows the catalytic converter to burn off residual oil)
• Change your oil if it is needed
• Schedule a tune-up a few weeks before your smog check
• Put some extra air in your tires (the engine will not have to work as hard to conduct revolutions during the test)
• Double-check gasoline (use a fuel additive) and coolant levels
• Opt for a “pre-inspection”
• Don’t drive in the rain if possible

Stop wondering about smog checks. You are now more informed, for the next time someone asks you “How do I know if I need a smog check?” These are all essential tips to ensure your vehicle will pass its smog check when the day comes. You will not be able to register your vehicle unless it passes its smog check, so following as many of these steps as possible is essential to being able to drive your car legally in the state of California. Once you’re all ready for your smog check, give us a call and we’ll be sure to take care of you and your vehicle! Check out our available smog check coupons!