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Smog Check Consumer Tips
- Read your DMV insert carefully
and follow the directions.
Smog
check regulations have changed. The DMV explains how these changes
might effect you. - Check
to see if your vehicle is
exempt.
1973 model vehicles and
older are exempt from Smog Check requirements, while 1995 model
vehicles and newer will be
exempt for their first five years. - Get your smog check early.
- Don’t assume your old smog station still does
Smog Checks.
Many smog stations have opted not
to upgrade to new smog check equipment required. But
there are nearly 2,000 smog check stations in these areas of California.
- The new test may take a little
longer and cost a little more.
The
new dynamometer test is more comprehensive and may take longer to
perform. As a result,
you may be charged a little more for the technician’s time and the use
of the new
equipment. - Fix it before
you smog it.
You can make sure your vehicle
will
pass by asking for a pre-inspection -- an unofficial, "off-line" test.
If it
fails, you can get it repaired before the actual test, when the results
are automatically
transmitted to the state by computer. - Look for the Gold Shield.
These stations guarantee they’ll
fix it right the first time or they’ll make further repairs at no
additional cost to
you. - For best
performance -- and
healthier air -- keep your vehicle
running up to smog check standards year-round.
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