ABOUT SMOG CHECK:
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STAR Program Fact Sheet
On January 1, 2013, the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) implemented an important change to the Smog Check Program. The STAR Program is the result of state legislation (AB 2289, Statutes of 2010) and years of planning to improve the Smog Check Program. One of the AB 2289 reforms establishes performance standards for Smog Check stations and inspectors. BAR certifies stations meeting program eligibility requirements.
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STAR Program
What is a STAR station? STAR stations are Smog Check stations that meet higher performance standards established by the Bureau of Automotive Repair. Some STAR stations are licensed to perform only tests, while others are licensed to perform both tests and repairs. The station is required to post a sign on the services it performs.
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California Smog Check Program
The California Smog Check Program requires vehicles that were manufactured in 1976 or later to participate in the biennial (every two years) smog check program in participating counties. The program’s stated aim is to reduce air pollution from vehicles by ensuring that cars with excessive emissions are repaired in accordance with federal and state guidelines. With some exceptions, gas-powered vehicles that are six years old or newer are not required to participate; instead, these vehicles pay a smog abatement fee for the first 6 years in place of being required to pass a smog check. The six-year exception does not apply to nonresident (previously registered out-of-state) vehicles being registered in California for the first time, diesel vehicles 1998 model or newer and weighing 14,000 lbs or less, or specially constructed vehicles 1976 and newer.[3] The program is a joint effort between the California Air Resources Board, the California Bureau of […]
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Smog Check Inspection
Smog Checks are required biennially (every other year) on vehicles more than six model-years old. Additionally, a Smog Check is required if you sell a vehicle that is more than four model-years old and when registering an out-of-state vehicle for the first time in California.
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Smog check impact evaluation
According to the California Air Resources Board, the California Smog Check program removes about 400 tons of smog-forming pollutants from California’s air every day. On March 12, 2009, the Bureau of Automotive Repair and the Air Resource Board hired Sierra Research, Inc. to analyze the data collected in the BAR’s Roadside Inspection Program to evaluate the effectiveness of the Smog Check Program from data collected in 2003–2006. Under the Roadside Inspection Program vehicles are randomly inspected at checkpoints set up by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). One objective of the evaluation was to compare the post smog check performance of pre-1996 (1974–1995) vehicles to the post smog check performance determined from a previous evaluation collected in 2000–2002.The report made several recommendations to reduce the number of vehicles failing the Roadside test. One was to develop a method for evaluating station performance. The other was to perform inspections immediately following certifications […]
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What vehicles require a Smog Check?
Gasoline-powered vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and alternative-fuel vehicles that are model year 1976 and newer require a Smog Check
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What are the elements of a Smog Check?
Smog Checks are designed to measure the amount and type of pollutants your vehicle is emitting.
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History of the Smog Check Program
The first “Smog Check” program was implemented in March 1984. It came about as a result of “SB 33” which was passed in 1982
MEMBER SMOG CHECK STATIONS
Seal Beach Chevron
4000 Lampson Avenue, Seal Beach, CA 90740
We can Smog Check all cars, SUV s and trucks We offer QUICK smog check inspections No appointment necessary All DMV Smog Check
Complete Auto Repair & Smog Check Station is Seal Beach, CA. We are ASE Certified and cheapest smog check Center. Smog Station offer,
A1 AUTO REPAIR
26081 Avenida Aeropuerto Unit A San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
SMOG CHECK SERVICES Auto Repair Smog smog check Smog Check Tips Smog FAQ Smog Resources smog test STAR smog
Our Certified expert technicians use the latest diagnostic equipment and the highest quality parts and fluids to service and repair your vehicle.
CYPRESS UNION
4002 Ball Rd Cypress, CA 90630
Corner of Bloomfield St & Ball Rd We offer: Smog Check Certification, Smog Check Coupon, DMV Smog Checks
STAR Station offering all DMV Smog Test, smog inspection, Smog Test only, smog check Out of state vehicle registration, Diesel smog check, smog check, Registration renewal smog check, Gross polluter certification
JJ STAR complete Auto Repair
441 E Imperial Hwy Unit B La Habra, CA 90631
Here at La habra Auto Service we provide complete auto repair for our customers
We are a one stop shop and we stand tall behind our work. Our technicians are ASE certified and our business is BBB accredited. We provide professional services at affordable and discounted prices.
LAMBERT SMOG ONLY CENTER
2031 E Lambert Rd La Habra, CA 90631
Lambert Smog Only Center is STAR Station and can smog check all vehicles from cars, trucks, SUVs, motorhomes, and even diesels!
We certify all DMV smog inspection, STAR smog check, Smog test, smog checks, smog inspection, smog certification, smog testing, Test only smog check, Out of state vehicle registration.
AIDA SMOG TEST ONLY
345 West Whittier Blvd, La Habra, CA 90631
Aida SMOG TEST ONLY in La habra, California is a licensed smog check station offering all DMV smog tests
Aida SMOG TEST ONLY in La habra, California is a licensed smog check station offering all DMV smog tests including the smog checks, smog test only, out of state smog test, smog check for vehicle registration, diesel smog check, registration renewal smog test, gross polluter certification and change of ownership smog test. We smog check all vehicles.
OUR LATEST BLOG
Top 5 Reasons to Read Your Owner’s Manual
Your vehicle owner’s manual may not sound like interesting reading material, but taking some time to review this information can potentially save you time and money. These manuals, which are commonly stored in glove compartments and are often available on manufacturers’ websites, contain important information and instructions regarding your vehicle’s maintenance and service needs. Following these maintenance and service guidelines will help to ensure the longevity and reliability of your vehicle. Here are the top 5 reasons you should read your owner’s manual: 1. Maintenance Schedule Maintaining your vehicle is important. Educate yourself on what services your vehicle needs and when they are recommended (e.g., at 30,000 miles, 60,000 miles, etc.). If your mechanic recommends that your vehicle be serviced, ask why the service is needed and if it is recommended by the manufacturer. If you are still unsure why a service is required or how it will benefit your vehicle, don’t feel pressured to agree to the service until you can do some research. Additionally, be sure to keep good records of all services done on your vehicle. Many manuals include helpful logs to record your service history and repair information. 2. Fluid Requirements In addition to knowing how […]
What is a Gross Polluter?
Some vehicles that fail their smog inspections emit such high levels of pollution that a special category, called Gross Polluter, was created in law to identify these vehicles and encourage their repair. Gross Polluters are some of the worst polluting vehicles on California roadways. Half of the smog in the state is said to be produced by motor vehicles. Although Gross Polluters represent only approximately 10 to 15 percent of all these vehicles, they are estimated to be responsible for more than half of all vehicle produced smog. Gross Polluters pollute much more than a typical vehicle that fails a Smog Check inspection. The emission level at which a vehicle fails as a Gross Polluter varies according the vehicle type and year. Additionally, older vehicles are not held to the same emissions standards as newer vehicles because older vehicles were built to a less stringent standard when originally manufactured. By law, a Gross Polluter, once it has been repaired, must be certified at a STAR station. The Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) is available at STAR stations. The program provides up to $500 in financial assistance for qualified motorists when their vehicle fails a biennial (every other year) Smog Check. Gross […]
Winter Car Care Tips
Winter can be hard on cars and challenging for drivers. Whether you’re planning a weekend trip to the mountains or a road trip to visit relatives, the following tips are crucial to keeping you and your family safe and your vehicle running at maximum performance. Check your owner’s manual and make sure your vehicle is up to date on its recommended maintenance schedule including changing the engine oil and filter, and checking the coolant, brake, automatic transmission, windshield wiper, and steering fluid levels. Carry tire chains if you’re driving in the mountains or foothills with the possibility of encountering snow. Check your vehicle’s antifreeze/coolant level if traveling in freezing weather to make sure it will provide adequate freeze protection. A quality repair shop has a tool that can check the antifreeze/coolant. Pack a winter safety kit and keep it in the trunk of your car. Items should include:- Battery jumper cables – Large flashlight and extra batteries – Basic first aid supplies – Extra blanket and warm clothing – Battery-powered radio with spare batteries – Tool kit (screwdriver, pliers, adjustable wrench) – Bottled water and non-perishable food – Highway safety flares in good condition – Windshield ice scraper Check your […]
New Smog Check Test
Smog Check Program’s Updated Test Technology Californians getting Smog Checks today may notice that the traditional tailpipe test used for many years has been replaced by a quicker, computer-based test for gasoline-powered cars model-year 2000 and newer, and for most diesel vehicles that are model-year 1998 and newer. This updated test uses the diagnostic capabilities of the vehicle’s computer system instead of the traditional tailpipe probe to measure the vehicle’s emissions. This On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) system gathers information and determines if the vehicle’s emission control systems are operating properly. A visual inspection of emission control components is still required as well. The OBD only method of testing vehicles is the result of 2010 legislation (AB 2289-Eng) which is designed to improve the Smog Check Program and further reduce air pollution. The Smog Check program removes hundreds of tons of smog-forming pollutants from California’s air every day. Gasoline-powered vehicles model-year 1999 and older will continue to receive Smog Checks using a tailpipe probe as well as the OBD test. Hybrid Vehicles Hybrid vehicles have always been subject to Smog Check inspections. However, since their introduction to the California market in 2000, hybrid vehicles could not be properly tested using the traditional […]