ER Smogs

Posts Tagged ‘Smog Check’

 The smog check coupon is great if you want a price reduction for this check, and especially for the states where this check is mandatory twice a year, it is better to apply this method. This way, you will save some serious money, and you will also be able to take your car to the authorized checkers.

If you drive carefully, you will be able to reduce the fuel consumption. Check the road in front of you, and anticipate the changes, so you would avoid breaking suddenly and strong acceleration. With a reduced consumption of fuel and with the smog check coupon, you will be able to reduce the costs of maintaining your car, and the great results obtained to this test will allow you to sell the car with an increased price. A good result to this test means that you have taken care of your car, and that the buyer should be happy about this care.

Always shift the gears at the right time. Shifting at 2500 rotations per minute is optimal for gasoline, and 2000 rotation per minutes is recommended for diesel. A vehicle driven with 60-70 kilometers per hour in the third shift will use more fuel than the consumption in the fourth shift.

Respect the legal speed limits

Besides avoiding fines, respecting the legal speed allows you to preserve your engine and to consume more fuel. Moreover, the authorized companies will be willing to give you the smog check coupon easier. Try to avoid useless weights, as the consumption is greater when the car is heavy. The air conditioning and the chargers for the laptops and mobile phones consume a large quantity of gas, so it is better to use them only in cases of maximum emergency.

The majority of cars are sold with many variants when it comes to engine, type of gas and consumption. Try to choose a smaller engine that consumes less. If you are a fan of healthy living and unpolluted environment, you might think about buying a hybrid or an electric car. Buy an efficient car from the consumption point of view. The new cars now have labels that help you to know the pollution coefficient. Moreover, those types of cars could bring you smaller taxes, access to the smog check coupon and less money spent on fuel. Even if a car of this kind is more expensive, the investment will be covered after a few years.

The majority of people that consider buying such a car are worried about the big prices of those cars, and they are also unhappy with the reduced technical performances of a car of this kind. However, the most performing cars of this kind have engines of 80 HP, being comparable with the gasoline or diesel cars. There are also the new concepts representing an ensemble of technologies and settings of the car made to diminish the fuel consumption and the emissions. Besides being environmental friendly, those cars need minimum maintenance, and considering the reduced number of tests needed, you might play less for an emission test with the smog check coupon.

As a Smog Station, ER Smogs has seen an increase of more owners of gasoline/electric hybrid vehicles requesting a smog check inspection, as directed by their DMV Registration Renewal notice. Gasoline/electric hybrid vehicles are currently exempt from testing and are not compatible with the current testing platform.

After a careful review, DMV determined that the “mode of power” classification files are erroneous for some gasoline/electric hybrid vehicles. This has caused some vehicle registration renewal notices to incorrectly state that a Smog Check is required.

If a customer requests a smog check for their gasoline/electric hybrid , do not perform the test. Instead inform the customer to contact DMV to correct the mod of power classification from G (gasoline) to Q (gasoline/electric hybrid).

1. Do I need a Smog Check?

Not all vehicles must get a smog check. Additionally, some vehicles only need a passing smog check when they are being sold or being registered in California after previously being registered in another state. Whether or not a vehicle needs a smog check depends on the type of vehicle, the model-year, and the area in which the vehicle is registered.

Under California vehicle emissions control laws and regulations, you must get a Sacramento smog check for your car in the following cases. Click the link that fits your case to move to the next step.

2. My Registration Renewal Notice says “Smog Certification Required“

Most vehicles registered in California are required to pass a smog check every two years. Your annual Registration Renewal Notice lets you know when you need to get a smog check.

Picture of a DMV Renewal Notice.

3. I am selling my car

When you sell a vehicle in California, the seller is responsible for getting a smog certificate prior to completing the sale.

4. I am bringing a car into California to be registered.

When you bring a vehicle into California to be registered, you are required to get a smog certificate prior to registration.

Some vehicles are not required to obtain a smog check inspection for registration purposes.

Vehicles that are six or less model-years old are abated from the biennial smog check inspection requirement. For vehicles with registration renewals due in the 2008 calendar year, the abated years include 2003 through 2008.

Vehicles that are four or less model-years old are abated from the smog check inspection requirement upon change of ownership and transfer of title transactions with the Department of Motor Vehicles. In 2008, the abated years are 2005 through 2008.

As of April 1, 2005, the 30 year rolling exemption was repealed. 1976 and newer vehicles are now required to have smog check inspections for biennial registration renewals, change of ownership transactions and initial registration in California.

Vehicles being initially registered in California that were previously registered in another state are exempt from the biennial smog check inspection requirements if the vehicle is a 1975 or older model. All 1976 to current year vehicles are required to obtain a smog check certificate of compliance prior to initial registration in California.

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1. Has the Visible Smoke Test for gasoline vehicles been modified recently?

Yes, the test procedure was modified in regulation and it takes effect January 1, 2010.

2. What’s changed with the revised Visible Smoke Test for gasoline vehicles?

The revised Visible Smoke Test adds a snap test to the idle and underhood smoke inspection
procedures. The BAR snap test consists of quickly pushing-and-releasing the accelerator pedal from the
idle position to between 2,000 and 3,000 RPM, then immediately allowing the engine to return to idle.

3. What vehicles are subject to the Visible Smoke Test?

All vehicles requiring a Smog Check inspection must receive the Visible Smoke Test. However, diesel
vehicles have a slightly different Visible Smoke Test than gasoline-powered vehicles. For more details on
the Diesel Visible Smoke Test, you can either view BAR’s diesel training video, or review the Smog
Check Inspection Procedures Manual. Both are available at www.smogcheck.ca.gov.
Remember, gasoline and diesel vehicles have different smoke inspection procedures. To make sure that
you are using the proper inspection procedures, please carefully review the Smog Check Inspection
Procedures Manual.

4. Will the Visible Smoke Test be performed statewide?

Yes. The revised test procedures are applicable statewide in all Smog Check Program areas.

5. Why was the test for visible smoke revised for gasoline vehicles?

The test was revised as a result of feedback from the Smog Check inspection and repair industry
indicating that the existing test procedure was not comprehensive enough. As a result of that input and
feedback, BAR conducted additional research and developed the BAR snap test to properly identify
smoking vehicles.
In testing performed by BAR, more smoking vehicles failed when the BAR snap test was used in
conjunction with the existing test procedure where the technician looks for visible smoke from the tailpipe
and the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) system while the engine is idling.

6. What is the purpose of the Visible Smoke Test?

Consistent with Health and Safety Code Section 44012.1, the Visible Smoke Test is designed to identify
vehicles with excessive smoke that might not otherwise fail a smog check inspection. Although smoke is
often associated with the exhaust of diesel vehicles, it is also produced by malfunctioning gasolinepowered
vehicles.

7. How much smoke will cause a vehicle to fail its Smog Check?

For gasoline vehicles, any visible smoke emitted from the tailpipe or Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV)
System is cause for a vehicle to fail the Visible Smoke Test. Steam from condensation does not result in
the vehicle failing the inspection. In addition, smoke that is observed emitting from any area of a vehicle
other than the vehicle’s tailpipe or PCV System, regardless of the cause, does not constitute a failure of
the Visible Smoke Test. Remember, diesel vehicles are tested differently and have a different failure
criteria than gasoline vehicles.

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What is the Consumer Assistance Program?

The Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) provides financial assistance for qualified consumers whose vehicles fail their biennial (every-other-year) Smog Check. The statutory authority for CAP is found in the Health and Safety Code and is implemented through regulations adopted by the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR). Participation in CAP is limited to available funds.

How do I qualify for CAP?

CAP offers two options for consumers whose vehicles fail their biennial Smog Check:

• Repair Assistance: Qualified consumers can receive financial assistance toward emissions-related repairs to help their vehicles pass their Smog Check inspection. Approved applicants must take their vehicles to a Gold Shield repair station for repairs. Gold Shield stations are licensed Smog Check facilities that are independently owned and under contract with the State of California. There are two ways to qualify for repair assistance.
  • Income Eligible – Qualified consumers whose household incomes meet the income guidelines (derived from the federal poverty guidelines) can receive financial assistance toward emissions-related repairs. A copayment is required and will be applied toward diagnosis and emission-related repairs. The CAP application includes an income eligibility table to help consumers determine if they meet the income requirements.
  • Directed Vehicle Eligible – Certain vehicles are directed to Test-Only or Gold Shield stations for their initial smog tests. If your Department of Motor Vehicles registration notice requires a test at a Test-Only or Gold Shield station, and your vehicle fails, you may qualify for financial assistance toward emissions-related repairs at a Gold Shield repair station. Test-Only stations cannot perform repairs. A copayment is required and will be applied toward diagnosis and emissions-related repairs.
• Vehicle Retirement: Eligible consumers can receive payment to retire their high-polluting vehicle. There are no income or Directed Vehicle eligibility requirements. Approved applicants must take their vehicle to an authorized dismantler. The vehicle must pass a visual and operational inspection before it is retired.

How do I apply?

You must first submit an application. Do not have any repairs done to your vehicle until you are notified that your application has been approved. If you applied for repair assistance, you will then receive an approval letter and a list of Gold Shield stations. If you applied for vehicle retirement, you will receive an approval letter and a list of contracted dismantlers.

Where can I get an application?

You can obtain the CAP application (click to download the application) online or by calling the Department of Consumer Affairs Consumer Information Center at 800-952-5210.

 

What is the Diesel Smog Check inspection procedure?

The diesel Smog Check inspection will consist of three parts; a visual check of the emission control equipment, a check of the OBD system and a test for visible smoke.

All of these tests are currently performed on gasoline vehicles. However, there are some differences as indicated below:

• The visual check of diesel vehicles will be performed the same way as the test performed on gasoline powered vehicles except that the emission control components maybe different. The instructions for performing the visual inspection can be found in the Smog Check Inspection Procedures Manual.

• The OBD-II check on diesels will be conducted the same way it is performed on gasoline vehicles. The BAR-97 cannot perform the OBDII check for any vehicles with the newer Controller Area Network (CAN) OBD communication protocol. Some diesel vehicles started using the CAN protocol as early as the 2003 model-year.

• The visible smoke test procedures for diesels is similar to the gasoline procedure. The procedure can be found in the Smog Check Inspection Procedures Manual.

Will diesels be required to have an ASM or TSI test?

No, dynamometer testing will not be part of the diesel Smog Check inspection.

Will Smog Check technicians be required to check for alternative fuels?

No. Although some diesel vehicles owners use alternative diesel fuels, including various mixes of biodiesel, currently, there are no plans to require technicians to collect fuel samples as part of the diesel Smog Check inspection. If a vehicle has equipment that modifies the fuel injection system, then the system must have an ARB approved Executive Order (EO). Extra fuel tanks without evaporative controls are not a cause for a Smog Check failure.

How long will the diesel Smog Check inspection take?

Although many factors affect the length of time it takes to do any type of inspection, the BAR expects most technicians to be able to complete the diesel inspection in approximately 15 minutes.

When will diesel inspections begin?

The DMV will begin mailing notices to motorists who own diesel-powered vehicles subject to the program for registrations due in April 2010. However, change of ownership and out-of-state inspections will be Bureau of Automotive Repair December 24, 2009 Page 1 of 3 required starting on January 1, 2010. Unlike gasoline-powered vehicles, there is no six-year or four-year exemptions on diesels included in the Smog Check Program.

Why was 1998 established as the minimum model-year vehicle subject to the program?

The law, as written, authorizing the inclusion of diesel vehicles into the Smog Check Program, required it.

Will any diesel vehicles be exempt from the program?

Yes, all diesel vehicles over the maximum 14,000 Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) limit will be exempt from the Smog Check Program. The GVWR is indicated on a label located on the chassis or door jamb of the vehicle.

What other states smog check programs are inspecting diesel vehicles?

Diesel vehicle inspection programs are operated in Nevada, New York, and Colorado.

How does the BAR expect failed vehicles to be repaired?

Currently, most diesel vehicle owners have their vehicles repaired at either a dealership or a diesel specialty repair shop.

Will subletting be allowed?

The “Smog Inspection Requirements” regulation package allows for subletting of diesel vehicles with Smog Check related repairs. The same rules for the subletting of catalytic converter repairs will also apply to diesel vehicles.

Will BAR be directing diesel vehicles to Test-Only stations?

No, the BAR will not be directing diesel vehicles to Test-Only or Gold Shield stations for the first few years of the program.

Will Smog Check technicians be expected to identify modified or tampered emission control systems?

Yes, ARB indicates that diesel vehicles subject to this program have been certified to meet strict emission control requirements by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the ARB. As a result, Smog Check technicians will be required to fail vehicles with modified emission control equipment or devices that have not been approved by the ARB. Often approved devices will have a label with a ARB Executive Order (EO) number on it.