8 Smog Tips You Need to Know Before Passing the Smog Test
1. Running Right – Do not subject your vehicle to a Smog Inspection if it does not run right. Seek repair assistance first so you can save time and money, and insure your vehicle will pass the smog test.
2. Take a Drive – Drive your vehicle for at least 20 minutes prior to arriving at AA Smog Center. This will ensure your vehicle is warmed up and running at its optimum level.
3. Use Additives – The use of fuel additives can be very helpful in lowering emission levels and helping your car, truck, van or SUV pass the emissions inspection. The additives are mixed with your vehicle’s fuel to clean carbon deposits within your engine’s intake and exhaust paths, allowing for both fuel and air to flow freely within its passages, thus lowering emission levels, improving combustion, increasing overall engine performance, and helping you pass the emission test.
4. Inflate Tires – 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 smog exam.
5. Change Oil – If it’s close to your next oil change interval, go ahead and do it before the smog check. If the oil in your engine is contaminated due to inadequate oil changes it may cause your vehicle to fail the inspection.
6. Check Engine Light Off – Make sure your vehicle’s Check Engine Light or Malfunction Indicator Lamp is not on. A constantly illuminated Check Engine or MIL light is an automatic smog failure. Smog technicians cannot refuse to test your and can still perform the smog check and fail your vehicle. This is California State law. Be aware. Get a pre-test.
7. Battery Recently Disconnected? – Make sure your vehicle’s battery has not recently been disconnected. If your vehicle recently needed a jump start or battery replacement we recommend holding off on getting the smog check for at least one week.
8. Avoid Rainy Weather – If your vehicle is model year 1999 or older it will need to be driven on a dynamometer during the smog test. When your car’s tires are wet they can slip and losing traction as the smog technician tries to maintain required test speeds while on the dynamometer. This is not to say you can’t get a passing emissions test on a rainy day. Just be aware!
We would love to hear from you if you have any questions. You can use our website to contact us today or call us directly at (951) 734-1111