| What
is a Smog Check?
A
smog check is a test done on the exhaust
system of a motor vehicle to determine
how many pollutants, and of which
type, the vehicle is emitting.
The
smog check also includes an assessment
of other parts of the vehicle to make
sure that they are in working order,
especially those parts which pertain
to emissions control. In the United
States, most states have smog check
requirements which vary from state
to state in a nationwide effort to
address clean air issues.
Some
states have a biannual smog check
program, while others require testing
every year. Most states exempt certain
vehicles from the smog check, such
as vehicles more than thirty or less
than five years old. Most states require
a successful smog check to sell a
vehicle, and will require a smog certificate
before the title can be transferred.
Consumers should check with their
state's Department of Motor Vehicles
to find out more about the smog requirements
for their area.
All states have emissions limits which
vehicles cannot exceed. During a smog
check, a device is connected to the
tailpipe while the engine is run to
determine the emissions of the car
in idle and while being revved, which
are measured against the state standard
for that type of vehicle. The smog
technician also checks to make sure
that the muffler is in working order,
and usually opens the hood to make
sure that all hoses and pipes are
properly connected, and that the car's
internal computer is working properly.
STAR
Smog Check & Repair, STAR Smog
Test Only or a Regular Smog Check?
Your
annual registration renewal notice
lets you know that if you need a basic
Smog Check, or a Smog Test Only; this
information is on top of your Registration
Renewal Notice.
If
the DMV is asking for "Smog Certificate
Required at a STAR station" you can
visit either of these smog test centers
types. If not you can visit a regular
Smog Check Center to get you vehicle
inspected.
-
STAR Test & Repair Stations (CAP)
are authorized to perform STAR smog
inspections, as well as repair and
certify all vehicles.
-
STAR Test Only Centers are only authorized
to perform smog inspections and are
not allowed to perform smog check
repairs.
-
Regular Smog Check Centers are not
STAR Certified they test your vehicle
to check if it will pass the Regular
Smog Regulation. They can Preform
Check Engine Light Diagnositics and
also fix any smog problem and do automotive
serivces. They are also the cheapest
at Smog Check Certification.
Who
is Responsible for Smog Check When
Selling a Vehicle?
When
you sell a vehicle in California,
the seller is responsible for getting
a smog certificate prior to completing
the sale. When you bring a vehicle
into California, the owner of the
vehicle is required to get a smog
certificate prior to registration.
More
Information Call:
(858) 361-1923
|
