How to Get a Smog Check
The government has tightened automobile emissions standards because of increasing smog and air pollution. Check with your auto-repair shop or state Department of Motor Vehicles for local requirements.
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- Easy
Instructions
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Contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles or auto-repair shop for smog check requirements in your state.
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If your state requires certification by a mechanic, take your car to an approved shop. You can't do a smog test yourself.
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If your car passes, be sure to get a copy of your car's emissions test results signed by your mechanic. Take this with you to the DMV, or mail it as required in your state.
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If your car fails, your mechanic must diagnose what repairs will be necessary to get your car into test-passable condition. Make sure to get a copy of your mechanic's assessment.
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Take that assessment to the DMV. If you have failed, the DMV will issue you a temporary registration and assign you a date by which the car must be repaired and pass the test.
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Tips & Warnings
Older cars are usually allowed more emissions than newer cars.
Get everything in writing.
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Comments
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Aug 08, 2006
Use Seafoam. Put some in the gas tank, engine (a day before you change oil) and through the intake. It helps clean out carbon build up and clean out your exhaust. Also, don't go into smog with your check light on. Check light = automatic failure. Last but not least, get your engine timed right. If your engine isn't timed to spec with OEM standard, you will fail. Also, having improper timing will either cause your motor to be lean or rich, which will result in having higher readings in the gases. -
Nov 22, 2005
You may be able to get passed with a new set of spark plugs. A lot of older engines tend to foul spark plugs. I put a brand new plug in my old Vette right before going through and that was just enough to get me through.
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Nov 22, 2005
The most common things are, spark plugs, spark plug wires, distributor cap and rotor, and of course the gas cap. Replace these and 99 percent of the time you're in good shape.
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Nov 22, 2005
A catalytic converter only works properly when it's hot. As such, drive your car for at least 15 minutes before having it smogged, and don't turn the car off before the smog test.
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Nov 22, 2005
Making sure your car is warm before going through the test is extremely important. If you fail, certain types of gasses increase when your car gets too hot, so going through when your engine is slightly colder may help.
