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The Best Directory for Smog Check Stations in Orange County

  • Top 5 Reasons to Read Your Owner’s Manual

    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 often to service your vehicle, it’s also a good idea to know what types of fluids your vehicle requires and when they should be changed. Not following your vehicle’s fluid requirements may cause harm to your vehicle and can void its warranty.

    3. Setup Helpful Reminders

    It can be difficult to remember when your vehicle’s oil needs to be changed or when to rotate the tires. Learn how to take advantage of your vehicle’s reminder system. These easy to use systems are included in many new vehicles and can help you stay up-to-date on important maintenance services.

    4. Interpreting Warning Indicator Lights

    Warning lights vary from vehicle to vehicle and are not always self-explanatory. Refer to your owner’s manual to interpret any warning light that may appear on your vehicle’s control panel. If the light stays illuminated or begins to blink or flash, seek the assistance of a registered repair shop as soon as possible to limit damage to your vehicle and avoid costly repairs.

    5. Warranty Information

    Before agreeing to any repairs on your vehicle, consult your owner’s manual for any parts or repairs that may be covered under your vehicle’s warranty. Also, pay close attention to any products that are not recommended by the manufacturer and any services that may void your warranty if performed.

  • New Smog Check Test

    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 tailpipe test. During a traditional Smog Check, emissions are measured at low speeds or idle rates. At these lower speeds, however, hybrids switch to their electric motors, making it impossible to measure the emissions of their gasoline engines. The OBD only test now makes it possible to test these vehicles. It is important to remember that hybrids have internal combustion engines which generate pollution.

    Registration renewal notices for hybrid vehicles needing a Smog Check will begin going out in the mail starting in April 2015 (for registrations due in July 2015). As with other vehicles, owners selling their hybrid vehicles are required to have a change of ownership Smog Check inspection done before they can sell their vehicles. Smog Checks are also now required for all out-of-state hybrid vehicles registering in California for the first time.

    Smog Check Requirements

    A Smog Check is required every other year for registration renewal of:

    • 1976 and newer model-year gas-powered, hybrid, and flex-fuel vehicles
    • 1998 and newer model-year diesel-powered vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 14,000 pounds and less

    Exceptions:

    • Vehicles that are six model-years old and newer are not subject to the every-other-year Smog Check requirement since newer vehicles are considered cleaner, and less likely to fail a Smog Check.
    • Vehicles four model-years old and newer do not require a Smog Check upon change of ownership.
    • Note: These exceptions are not applicable to diesel-powered vehicles.

    About Smog Check

    The Smog Check Program is administered by the California Department of Consumer Affairs’ Bureau of Automotive Repair and is an important part of the State’s efforts to improve the quality of the air we breathe. The Smog Check Program removes hundreds of tons of smog-forming pollutants from California’s air every day. Smog Check inspections are designed to identify vehicles with excess emissions so they can be properly repaired to meet state and federal emissions standards.