STAR Certified Versus Regular Smog Station
One of the most common questions we are asked is if we are STAR certified. A portion of the vehicles that need smog checks are directed by the DMV to obtain their smog certificate from a STAR certified smog station. STAR certified stations are authorized by the Bureau of Auto Repair (BAR) to smog both directed and non-directed vehicles. Regular smog stations are authorized to smog only non-directed vehicles.
In regards to the testing process, it is the exact same procedure utilized by both STAR certified and regular smog stations. If your DMV registration renewal notice specifies that you need a smog check from a STAR certified smog station, you must get your smog certificate from a STAR station for the certificate to be accepted by the DMV. If your DMV registration renewal notice does not specify a STAR station requirement, you may get your smog certificate from any smog station, STAR certified or not.
In regards to the testing process, it is the exact same procedure utilized by both STAR certified and regular smog stations. If your DMV registration renewal notice specifies that you need a smog check from a STAR certified smog station, you must get your smog certificate from a STAR station for the certificate to be accepted by the DMV. If your DMV registration renewal notice does not specify a STAR station requirement, you may get your smog certificate from any smog station, STAR certified or not.
Yes, all our smog stations are STAR certified!
Test & Repair Station Versus Test Only Station
A Test & Repair Station makes more money by doing repairs. Hence there is a conflict of interest whereby a Test & Repair Station is motivated to fail the smog check so it can charge higher by doing repairs.
Test Only Stations like ours provide free retest in case a car fails its smog test. Such Test Only Stations do not make money when your car fails a smog test, since they have to run a second test for free.
The incentives of Test Only Stations are more aligned with those of a smog check customer.
Test Only Stations like ours provide free retest in case a car fails its smog test. Such Test Only Stations do not make money when your car fails a smog test, since they have to run a second test for free.
The incentives of Test Only Stations are more aligned with those of a smog check customer.
Yes, all our shops are Test Only Stations, and we want your car to pass!
Smog Inspector's Experience Matters!
Similar to any trade, smog inspectors build their skill and speed over time. Even though smog testing procedures are standardized, each vehicle year, make and model is built unique. Hence inspectors have to go through thousands of cars in order to build their accuracy and speed of smog tests.
Your time is precious! A smog shop that charges 50 dollars per smog and has little-to-no wait time is still costing you less than a shop that charges 30 dollars per smog but has a two hour wait time.
Your time is precious! A smog shop that charges 50 dollars per smog and has little-to-no wait time is still costing you less than a shop that charges 30 dollars per smog but has a two hour wait time.
With a collective experience of over 40,000 cars per year, yes, all our smog inspectors are familiar with smog testing your car!
Smog Check Station Reviews
Have you ever visited a retail establishment where you felt unwelcome? Rude and impolite employees, dark and dirty shops, too busy to respond to the customers' questions, no waiting area with customers expected to stand under blistering heat...we all have experienced this at some point in life. How clear is the smog check pricing and the perks like free retest - most shops intentionally make it difficult for the consumer to understand so they can charge "extras". Is it worth saving five dollars with the cheapest smog check coupon? Make sure to check out smog station's reviews as one of the first steps to doing your diligence.
Yes, all our smog check stations provide a family friendly, welcoming experience, and provide a 100% satisfaction guarantee!
Smog Center Layout & Procedures Matter For Fast Smog Check
Certain smog centers are designed for easy in-n-out wherein consumer may be able to pull their car directly in to the smog testing bay. Some other smog centers have a poorly designed layout where a consumer has to first find parking, then walk over to the bay, then come back to their car, etc etc.
Certain smog centers use software application that speeds up paperwork; most smog centers don't.
When you couple the above two, more time is spent in non-productive things than the actual smog test. While you are getting this errand done before heading to work, or during a limited lunch break you have, or after a long day of work, it is the smog center's responsibility to get your smog check done as fast as possible.
Certain smog centers use software application that speeds up paperwork; most smog centers don't.
When you couple the above two, more time is spent in non-productive things than the actual smog test. While you are getting this errand done before heading to work, or during a limited lunch break you have, or after a long day of work, it is the smog center's responsibility to get your smog check done as fast as possible.
Yes, all our smog centers are designed for a super fast smog check!
What If Your Vehicle Is Damaged At The Smog Shop
Other than your home, your vehicle(s) is generally the most expensive asset you own (or lease). Life is not perfect, accidents happen. If the smog inspector were to run your vehicle off the dyno OR scratch the mirror while pulling your car in a tight spot OR scrape the sides while backing out your car - who's responsible and able to pay for the repairs?
This is where the insurance a smog shop carries comes in to play. If you receive a vague answer like "I don't know" or "let me check" from the smog shop...you may want to avoid handing your car keys to such a shop.
This is where the insurance a smog shop carries comes in to play. If you receive a vague answer like "I don't know" or "let me check" from the smog shop...you may want to avoid handing your car keys to such a shop.
Yes, we carry all necessary insurance policies, and provide a 100% work guarantee!
We hope our guide provided helpful information to you.