In California, almost all cars and trucks that are more than eight years old must pass a smog test. Your car cannot be registered until it passes. Read our advice below to learn how to pass the smog test in California. When it’s time for a smog check, visit Auto Repair Specialist in San Rafael for quick and reliable service. 

Plan Ahead

Every two years, Californian vehicles must pass a smog test. In case something unforeseen happens, it is recommended to make an appointment for maintenance as soon as you receive your car renewal notification.

Make sure to get routine oil changes and preventive maintenance, depending on how many miles your car has. If your check engine light comes on, take your vehicle to a licensed mechanic. It is best to have the problem fixed before your emission test, even if it is a minor one. Carbon buildup on the engine parts can also be removed with a high-quality fuel system cleaning.

On Test Day

Ensure that the coolant and gas tanks are both full. Because a low gas tank could expose the fuel pump, which allows vapor into the fuel line, doing this will help prevent a test failure. On the day of your test, drive your vehicle for 20 to 30 minutes at highway speeds to warm it up and get the catalytic converter working. Remove any nonessential items from your vehicle to minimize weight, as this may result in an emissions failure.

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 registration service fee with repairs of $31.75, that's $10.00 off the regular price! Give us a call at (415) 612-3933 today.