Smog Check & Repair in San Luis Obispo
California smog requirements catch a lot of people out, especially when a car fails and nobody explains why. We handle the check, and the repair when a car doesn’t pass.
How we handle it
A failed smog test is almost always a symptom of something specific: a misfire, a tired oxygen sensor, a leaking EVAP system, a catalytic converter that’s given up, or simply a check engine light that hasn’t been dealt with. Any illuminated check engine light is an automatic failure in California, regardless of how well the car runs.
As a California Bureau of Automotive Repair licensed shop, we diagnose emissions failures properly and repair them to pass instead of clearing the code and hoping. We’ll also tell you if a repair is worth doing on the car, and whether you may qualify for state assistance.
Common questions
My car failed. What now?
Bring us the failure report. It lists what the car failed on, which gives us a starting point. From there we diagnose, repair, and get you back for the retest.
Will clearing the check engine light let me pass?
No. The test also checks that the car’s readiness monitors have completed, and clearing codes resets them. The car then fails for incomplete monitors. The underlying fault has to be fixed.
Which cars need a smog check in California?
Most gasoline vehicles from 1976 onward, generally every two years at renewal and on change of ownership. Vehicles eight model years old and newer are usually exempt at renewal.
Do you do diesel?
Call us with your year and vehicle and we’ll tell you straight whether we can handle it.
We're at 304 Higuera Street in downtown San Luis Obispo, and customers come to us from Arroyo Grande, Pismo Beach, Grover Beach and Atascadero as well. Local shuttle service is available while your vehicle is with us.
Ready when you are
Call and talk it through with us, or book a time online and we'll confirm by phone.