What Happens During a Smog Inspection? A Step by Step Guide

What Happens During A Smog Inspection?

Smog checks are a multi-step examination of your vehicle’s emission control system and emissions equipment to ensure your engine meets the required emissions standards for the state where you live. It includes a visual inspection of your exhaust and pollution control systems and a functional check to determine the health of your engines computer diagnostics.

The test will also measure your car’s emissions of carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, hydrocarbons and oxygen, which is often referred to as a “smog check.” These measurements are transmitted to the appropriate state agency.

A smog inspection is usually a one-time event, but you may need to repeat it annually depending on your state’s laws. Smog checks are a requirement in 34 states, and they can help protect your health, your wallet and the environment by keeping your engine running at optimal efficiency.

It’s important to take your car in for a smog inspection as soon as possible before you have any maintenance done on your vehicle. If you don’t, it can cause your car to fail the smog test.

1. Change Your Oil – This is a very basic, yet very important maintenance step that can make the difference between your vehicle passing or failing a smog check. Having your engine’s oil changed at the appropriate interval before you take it in for a smog inspection will give the inspector a better idea of how healthy your engine is.
2. Put at least 200 Miles on Your Vehicle – This will allow your engine’s memory chip to populate itself and be ready for the test.
3. Get Your Vehicle Tuned – The last thing you want is a car that is sluggish or running poorly on the smog test. To avoid this, you can have your car tuned up before you go to the smog inspection shop.
4. Run Errands – Before you go for your smog inspection, you should go on a few errands to keep your engine primed and running smoothly.
5. Change Your Tires – You’ll need to make sure your tires are in good condition before you take your car in for a smog check. If your tires are old, worn or damaged, they won’t perform well on the smog inspection.
6. Take Your Vehicle in for a Repair If It’s Failing the Smog Check – A repair can make your car pass the smog inspection again. This is especially important if your car has a fuel problem or an ignition issue that could cause it to emit smog.
7. Take Your Vehicle to a Licensed Station with STAR Certification and Have It Pass the Smog Test – In California, you’ll need to have your vehicle checked at a STAR certified smog station to pass your smog check. This is because the smog check process in California is highly regulated and requires a license to operate a smog testing facility.

If you’re looking for a reliable, trustworthy, and affordable smog check shop, visit Carfax’s car care app to find a shop near you that offers this service. You can even pay online and be on your way with a clean smog test result!

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