What are the elements of a Smog Check?
Smog Checks are designed to measure the amount and type of pollutants your vehicle is emitting. A Smog Check may include any of the following tests:
- Visual inspection of emission control components and systems
- Functional inspection of the vehicle’s check engine light, ignition timing, exhaust gas recirculation system, fuel evaporative system, and gas cap
- Functional inspection of the vehicle’s On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) system
- Tailpipe emissions inspection
What is a "pre-test?"
A pre-test or pre-inspection is an unofficial test provided as an option to vehicle owners prior to having an official Smog Check performed on the vehicle. Smog Check stations may charge for this service if authorized by the consumer.
What is a Directed Vehicle?
A Gross Polluter is a vehicle with excess hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide or oxides of nitrogen emissions as established by DCA and ARB. Gross Polluters can only be certified at a STAR station which will confirm the vehicle was repaired and brought into compliance with required emissions standards. BAR identifies these vehicles to encourage their immediate repair.
What happens if my vehicle fails a Smog Check?
Ask the inspector to explain the reason for the failure and then seek a repair technician to correct the problem. Many inspectors are also licensed to perform repairs.