Smog check tips
A few free, simple steps before your visit can be the difference between a pass and a return trip. Here’s what actually helps.
Before you come in
A warm engine and a hot catalytic converter run cleaner. In Bakersfield traffic, a short freeway run is ideal.
A lit check-engine light is an automatic fail on any OBD-II vehicle. Have the code read and repaired first.
Clearing codes or disconnecting the battery resets the readiness monitors, which fails the test until they complete.
Fresh oil, a healthy air filter and regular tune-ups help your engine burn cleaner.
A loose or cracked gas cap can trigger an evaporative-system fault.
It tells us exactly which test the DMV wants, so we get it right the first time.
After a repair
The most common avoidable failure we see is incomplete readiness monitors. After a battery replacement, a jump-start or a repair that cleared codes, your vehicle needs time to re-run its self-tests. Drive normally for several days — a mix of highway and city driving — before you come in.
If your vehicle does fail, see our resources page for the state’s Consumer Assistance Program, which may help with repair costs.
Tips FAQ
Yes. Emissions equipment works best at operating temperature, so a fifteen-minute drive beforehand gives your vehicle its best chance.
If the light is on, an OBD-II vehicle will fail. Have it diagnosed and repaired first, then come in.
Probably not yet. A new battery resets the readiness monitors; drive normally for several days so they can complete.
Fresh oil and up-to-date maintenance help the engine run cleaner and can improve your results.
It can trigger an evaporative-system fault. Make sure it clicks tight and isn’t cracked.
There’s no substitute for a properly running engine. Focus on maintenance and a good warm-up drive.
We’ll explain why and what to fix. After the repair, bring it back for a retest — and check whether you qualify for the Consumer Assistance Program.