How Do You Fix a Failed Smog Check?
The state of California has long been a leader in putting into place new rules for vehicle emissions to support environmentally friendly policies. With its densely populated cities and congested highways, California government representatives want to make sure that drivers’ vehicles are meeting or exceeding emissions standards. This way, all drivers on the road produce lower carbon emission levels so there’s less smog and pollution as a result.
To help keep everyone driving green, the smog laws enforced by the California DMV requires that drivers get their smog emissions tested every few years. Older vehicles generally need these tests annually while newer models need them less frequently. Requirements for diesel vehicles may differ as well.
Smog Test Tips
When Do I Need To Get a Smog Test?
When it’s time to get your vehicle tested, you will generally be notified by mail with your registration. You will have to take your vehicle to an auto repair shop in San Diego that performs smog tests. This may also need to be a “Star Certified” smog shop depending on your cars year make and model. The technician will use various instruments to test and measure the level of pollutants produced by the vehicle. The testing itself varies depending on the age and type of the vehicle. Electric, gas and diesel vehicles all require their own testing.
If your vehicle does not pass emissions, you then have to take it to an auto repair shop to figure out why it is producing more pollutants than is legally allowed in the state. Repairs will have to be performed so that the vehicle will successfully pass the second round of testing. You will not be able to register or legally drive until it passes.
Luckily there is a chance that the car repair could be an extremely easy endeavor. Sometimes it is just a leaky gas cap, a check engine light from a necessary oil change, and oxygen sensor or a headlight that burnt out and needs replacing. Some of the more intensive repairs may require the replacement of the catalytic converter or identifying internal engine leaks that cause inefficiencies. The good news is that once these repairs are finished, you will improve gas mileage and your car will run much smoother!
If You Fail the Emissions Test, Repairs Will Be Required
The auto repair shop may have to perform a number of diagnostics on your vehicle to determine why it isn’t passing the smog test. For older model vehicles, it could be defective oxygen sensors or tears or leaks in the emissions systems. Any wide range of auto repairs might be needed to solve the problem.
Regular car repairs and maintenance, however, should better position your car so that you don’t have to worry about passing the smog test. That being said, if you know your car, truck or SUV is in need of an oil change, filter replacement or some other auto repair, you should get this work done before you bring your vehicle in for a smog check.
Routine Maintenance and Car Repair Can Help Pass Emissions
Otherwise you might have to pay for the smog test twice as well as paying for the auto repair anyhow. Is there a light flashing on your dashboard that you’ve been ignoring? A funny sound coming from under the hood that you’ve been pretending you don’t hear? Get these auto repair issues addressed before going in for the smog emissions test.
In addition, if your older model vehicle has been sitting in your garage un-driven for several weeks, you want to drive it around for a while before you bring it in for an emissions test. This will warm up the vehicle and will let you know in advance if it has any issues.
German Auto Repair and Passing Smog Tests
If you are concerned that your older model Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz or BMW vehicle won’t pass emissions, you can bring it in to an auto repair shop for a pre-emissions screening. This will allow for any tune-ups or auto repairs to be done ahead of time before your car has to pass the real test. (If you fail the test twice, you will have to go down to the DVW and apply for a special waiver. You also run the risk of having your vehicle being deemed as “non-operational.”) Experienced VW or BMW auto repair shops will know what common problems to look for — and fix if needed – so that you are most likely to pass the test.
Of course if you drive a diesel VW that was impacted by the emissions scandal a few years ago, you should have received notification from Volkswagen regarding what steps to take next. VW has offered affected vehicle owners’ buyouts as well as payments that can be used to fix the emissions error so that vehicles will pass. (These fixes have been problematic and are still very much a work in progress.)
Some Cars Make Smog Check’s Tricky
If you drive an older model BMW and are concerned it won’t pass the smog test due to lights flashing on your dash, bring it into a BMW auto repair shop. Here they can test the vehicle itself as well as the electronic diagnostic system. Sometimes it is the diagnostic system itself that wears out and incorrectly signals a problem when there really isn’t one. An independent BMW auto shop should be able to tell the difference and perform the correct auto repair if needed so your vehicle can best pass emissions.
