Nearly all cars and trucks older than eight years in California are required to pass a smog test. You cannot register your vehicle until it passes. To find out how to pass California's smog test, see our tips below. When it’s time for a smog check, visit    Auto Repair Specialist  in San Rafael; we are a licensed smog check station in the state of California. 

Plan Ahead

Californian vehicles have to pass a smog test every two years. We recommend scheduling maintenance as soon as you receive your notification of vehicle renewal in case something unexpected occurs.

Depending on how many miles your vehicle has, make sure to get regular oil changes and preventive maintenance. Take your car to a certified mechanic if your check engine light illuminates. Even if the issue is small, it is better to have it resolved before your emissions test. A thorough fuel system cleaning can also get rid of carbon buildup on the engine components.

On Test Day

Make sure that the fuel and coolant tanks are both filled. This will help prevent a test failure since a low gas tank could expose the fuel pump, which lets vapor into the fuel line. Drive your car for 20 to 30 minutes at highway speeds the day of your test to warm it up and activate the catalytic converter. To reduce weight and possibly cause an emissions failure, take out anything that is not necessary from your car.

Emissions Testing in San Rafael

Auto Repair Specialist is a State of California licensed smog check station in San Rafael. Our emissions testing and emissions repair experts can ensure that your vehicle is legal to drive on California roads. Remember, if your check engine light is on, your car won't pass its smog test. Once your car passes its smog check, we can handle registration on-site as well, meaning you can smog and register your vehicle all in one place, for a minimal convenience fee. We offer a discounted smog check for year 2000 vehicles of $41.75, plus state fees! Give us a call at (415) 612-3933 today.