How to Find a Smog Check Test Only Station

When you register a car, you may be required by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to have a smog check performed on your car. Instead of having to find a auto mechanic that also does smog checks on the side, you can instead look for shops that specifically do smog testing on cars and nothing else. Prices for testing are usually cheaper than at full-service testers.

Things You'll Need

• Phonebook
• Computer with web browser

Instructions

1. Look in your phone book. Typically, the phone book has an entire section dedicated to smog test-only stations that you can look up. Call stations you find to make sure that they're nearby and that they can take you in.

2. Consult your state's DMV or Bureau of Automative Repairs. Many of these groups, such as the State of California's BAR, have websites or other resources that will allow you to search for test-only stations online.

3. Ask your dealer for the location of a smog-test station. Many car dealers will know of at least one place where they can send cars in order to be smog checked.

Tips & Warnings

• Shop around. Most states do not regulate the price for a smog check, so some testers may be cheaper than others.

• Smog testing stations cannot legally repair your car if it fails a smog test. If your car needs to be repaired, you must take it to an authorized smog repair station.

Resources

• Bureau of Automotive Repair