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G8 SMOG TEST ONLY

FAQs

Test-Only Directed Vehicles

In order to comply with state law, the California Department of Consumer Affairs/Bureau of Automotive Repair (DCA/BAR) directs a portion of the vehicles registered in Enhanced Smog Check Areas to Test-Only stations. Enhanced Areas are those parts of the state with "serious," "severe," or "extreme" ozone pollution problems.

What is a Test-Only?

Test-Only facilities are licensed Smog Check stations that, by law, are only allowed to test cars; they cannot repair them. Any needed repairs must be performed elsewhere at either a Smog Check station designated as a Test-Repair or Gold Shield station. To learn more about the various station types, and what station best fits your Smog Check needs, click here.

High Emitter Profile -

The majority of vehicles directed to Test-Only stations are selected by application of the High Emitter Profile (HEP), which identifies the vehicles most likely to fail their Smog Checks. The High Emitter Profile (HEP) uses data from several different sources. Some of it comes from the state Vehicle Identification Database (VID), which collects data from each Smog Check performed in California. The VID is used by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), BAR, and other government agencies. In addition, general vehicle data such as make, model-year, vehicle miles traveled, and engine size help define the HEP.
This information is used to determine which vehicles are most likely to fail their Smog Checks, especially at Gross Polluter levels--at least two times the emissions level allowed for a particular vehicle. No single factor identifies a vehicle for a Smog Check to be done at a Test-Only station. The data is weighted and vehicles selected using this computer profiling of vehicles most likely to fail their Smog Check. DCA/BAR has gradually increased the number of vehicles directed to Test-Only stations to meet the air quality improvement goals of the State Implementation Plan (SIP). The SIP is a blueprint outlining the methods California will use to meet federal air quality standards.

Two Percent Randomly Selected -

As required by State law, two percent of the vehicles in the Enhanced Areas are also directed to Test-Only stations for their Smog Checks. These vehicles are selected randomly to evaluate the overall effectiveness of the Smog Check Program.

How Motorists are Notified -

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) notifies owners of vehicles that have been selected to have their Smog Checks performed at Test-Only stations. The registration Renewal Notice sent for these vehicles will say "Smog Certification Required at Test-Only Center".

Consumer Assistance Program -

You may qualify for up to $500 in financial assistance to repair your car if it requires a Smog Check at a Test-Only station and failed that test. Click here for more information on the Consumer Assistance Program or visit our Web site at www.smogcheck.ca.gov

This Information is from the
Bureau of Automotive Repair

Six things you should consider doing before taking your car in for a smog inspection:
Do not subject your vehicle to a Smog Inspection if it does not run right. Chances are that it will fail the inspection and you will lose your inspection fee. Seek repair assistance first. This will save you time and money.
Drive your vehicle for at least 20 minutes prior to arriving at the smog station. This will ensure your vehicle is properly warmed up and is running at it's optimum level. Remember your engine is a fuel burning machine. To ensure proper combustion it needs to have sufficient time to warm-up and this can be accomplished through driving for at least 10 to 15 miles.
The use of fuel additives such as Blue Sky 3 In 1 Fuel Conditioner can be very helpful in lowering emission levels. Fuel additives are generally poured into a vehicle's gas tank during fuel refilling and mixed with ordinary fuel. Their purpose is to clean carbon deposits with in your engine's intake and exhaust systems, allowing for both fuel and air to flow freely within its passages, thus lowering emission levels and improving overall engine performance. These products offer helpful solutions to various vehicle emission problems.
To find out more about Blue Sky 3 In 1 Fuel Conditioner please visit Blue Sky Clean Air, Inc. at www.blueskycleanair.com.

During the smog inspection, the smog technician may need to drive your vehicle on a dynamometer as a part of the smog test process. Making sure your vehicle's tire pressures are even and correct will allow the vehicle to be driven with greater stability and accuracy during the exam. This will improve the overall emissions output of your vehicle by allowing the engine to maintain a constant and steady load.
If it's close to your next oil change interval, go ahead and do it before the smog test. The PCV (positive crank ventilation) system of your vehicle is designed to allow your engine to breath fumes located in oil compartments (oil pan, ect.). The fumes are then burned through the combustion process. If the oil in your engine is contaminated due to inadequate oil changes, it may very well cause your vehicle to fail the inspection. Contaminated oils are high in Hydrocarbons and will present a rich mixture to the engine chambers (too much fuel). So, avoiding oil changes not only causes pre-mature engine wear but can also cause your vehicle to fail the smog inspection. Change the oil.
Make sure the Check Engine light is not illuminated. A constantly illuminated Check Engine light is an automatic smog failure. A certified repair shop can diagnose the check engine light condition and offer you an evaluation and estimate. The home mechanic may also diagnose a Check Engine light malfunction via special Check Engine codes retrieval tools, available at most auto parts stores.
courtesy of smogtips.com