When registering a vehicle or renewing its registration in California, smog checks are necessary. These are intended to make sure your vehicle is not emitting more than the allowed amount of any kind of pollutant. Although there are different laws in each U.S. state governing when to have an inspection, they are all under the control of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
If you want to register your car in California, you need to test your emissions every few years to keep your emissions in check, as well as adhere to government rules and regulations. No matter the make or model of your vehicle, the type of engine it has, or whether it is diesel or gasoline, you will require a trustworthy emissions station to not only make sure your vehicle is trying to mitigate its pollutant emissions but also to confirm that it is performing at its best through high-quality service.
Tri-City Smog is a premier test-only center that offers STAR-certified emissions checking at two locations for your convenience. We are a Temecula and Menifee-based family-owned and operated chain of test-only stations that have been offering professional smog inspection services since 1995. We are your reliable and consistent partner in making sure your car is in great shape, legally registered in California, and complies with all rules and regulations.
If you own a vehicle, you have probably heard of how California receives all the attention when it comes to emissions regulations. However, all states in the U.S. require these inspections, with their own laws and regulations. Smog checks in California are comprehensive examinations that cover a car’s exhaust and pollution control systems.
The process typically entails a visual inspection of the system and its parts, a functional check to assess the efficient functioning of the systems’ different parts, a check of the vehicle’s computer and diagnostics systems, and a check to determine the condition of emissions coming from the vehicle’s exhaust pipe.
According to California Car Laws, “Emissions [smog] inspections are required for all vehicles registered in the state of California, with vehicles registered in areas subject to the biennial smog certification program required to undergo testing for every other registration renewal. Vehicles in these areas are exempted for the newest eight registration model years but are required to pay an annual “smog abatement fee” during those years. Diesel vehicles model year 1998 and newer or vehicles with a GVWR of 14,000 lbs or less are required to be tested. Gasoline vehicles are exempt if model 1975 or older.”
In other words, California requires a vehicle maintenance and inspection program to maintain the quality of the air we breathe. Smog checks from certified stations identify vehicles that emit too much pollution so that they can be repaired before being allowed to be on the road. Although it may sound strict, these tests help alert many automobile owners to the condition of their car and how it contributes to the environment. Since the introduction of these vehicle emissions tests, air pollution has been significantly reduced in California.
It’s important to understand the difference between various types of emissions stations so that you can be certain you’re in the proper place. These stations were established to carry out the examination for people nationwide and can test the majority of vehicles.
Depending on the circumstances, you can select from a variety of types:
It’s important to understand the difference between various types of emissions stations so that you can be certain you’re in the proper place. These stations were established to carry out the examination for people nationwide and can test the majority of vehicles.
Depending on the circumstances, you can select from a variety of types:
If your vehicle is required to go to a STAR station, then Tri-City Smog has you covered. We are a test-only station that offers STAR-certified examinations and has been offering these services since 1995. Our ASE-certified mechanics have the equipment and know-how to complete your smog check as soon as possible. The average wait time at our station is under 15 minutes, so you can be on your way quickly.
As a STAR station, we follow the highest performance requirements established by the Bureau of Automotive Repair and our team is well-versed in all car makes and models. We are your best option for ensuring that your car is in tip-top shape. Call us at (951) 587-6471 if you are in Temecula, or (951) 672-1311 if you are in Menifee. No matter what make and model your vehicle is, we have you covered.