Smog Coupon San Jose - Differences between a regular smog inspection and a test only inspection - Smog Tech San Jose

What are the differences between the Test Only smog inspections and the regular smog inspections?

Test-Only stations, as the name suggests, can only test vehicles and are not allowed to perform smog related automotive repairs. A Test Only station's main obligation is to insure a non-bias and accurate smog inspection. If your vehicle fails the smog inspection and requires repairs to pass, they must be conducted at a State Certified Test and Repair smog station.

The State of California uses the following three strategies to determine whether a vehicle is Test-Only designated or not:

1. Gross polluters (vehicles which have failed a previous smog inspection with very high emission readings)
2. High Emitter Profile vehicles. These are vehicle types designated by the Bureau of Automotive Repair as having high chances of failing the smog inspection.
3. A random sample of the vehicles on the road.

If your vehicle needs a Test-Only inspection don't be alarmed. Simply locate a convenient test center and proceed with the inspection. The smog technician conducting the test can inform you of any serious issues. There are several Test-Only centers throughout California.

Smog Coupon San Jose - Smog Check Failures - Smog Tech San Jose

I want to modify or replace my vehicle's engine, will it pass the smog test?

If you are deciding to change your vehicle's engine, these guidelines must be observed to ensure that the vehicle will be eligible for smog certification or registration.

Remember, these are guidelines for performing engine changes -- not certification procedures. All exhaust emission controlled vehicles with engine changes must be inspected by an official referee station and must have a Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) Vehicle Identification Label affixed to the doorpost.
Remember also, state and federal anti-tampering laws generally prohibit any modification to the vehicle's original emission control system configuration as certified by the manufacturer. And, Section 3362.1 of the California Code of Regulations prohibits any engine change that degrades the effectiveness of a vehicle's emission control system.

1. California Certification
   A federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certified (federal or 49-state) engine cannot be used in a vehicle that was originally certified for California.
2. Certification Standards
   Make sure the engine and emission control configuration on exhaust - controlled vehicles are certified to the year of the vehicle or newer, and to the same or a more stringent new vehicle certification standard.
3. Classification
   Don't mix engine and vehicle classifications which will degrade the emissions certification standards. For example, a heavy-duty engine cannot be installed in a light-duty exhaust-controlled chassis even if they have the same displacement. Non-emissions controlled power plants such as industrial or off-road-use-only engines may not be placed in any exhaust-controlled vehicle.
4. Computer Controls
   If a computer-controlled engine is installed in a non-computerized vehicle, the "CHECK ENGINE" light, the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) diagnostic link, and all sensors, switches, and wiring harnesses needed to make the system fully functional must also be installed.
5. Emission Control Configuration
   Mixing and matching emission control system components could cause problems and is generally not allowed. Engine and emission control systems must be in an engine-chassis configuration certified by the California Air Resources Board (ARB) or U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The engine must meet or exceed the requirements for the year and class of vehicle in which it is installed.
6. Emission Warranty,br> Voiding the vehicle manufacturer's emission warranty is not allowed.
7. Engine Modifications
   No internal or external engine modifications (cams, pistons, intakes, etc.) may be performed unless the parts are ARB-exempted or EPA-certified for use in the installed engine. Use the database on this site to search for aftermarket parts covered by ARB Executive Orders.
8. Original Equipment
   The installed engine and host chassis must retain all of their original emission control equipment. Diesel-to-gasoline conversions must have all gasoline engine and chassis emission control systems installed (such as fillpipe restrictor, catalytic converter and evaporative emission system).
9. Smog Inspection
   These vehicles must pass a complete smog inspection (visual, functional, and tailpipe).

Smog Coupon San Jose - Smog Questions/Answers Part Two - Clean The Engine - Smog Tech San Jose

Question (a): My check engine light is on and therefore my 1998 Nissan Pathfinder won't pass. The emissions is fine, just the check engine light. Is there a cap on the $'s for repair as it is in the 1000's? Are there other options with this type of problem?

Question (b): I'm planning on getting my 2001 Kia smogged soon, and I've heard that California enacted a law that caps the amount a repair station can charge you for repairs related to a smog check. I was told this was law was enacted because some repair shops took advantage of customers and inflated their repair costs. Is this 'maximum amount' true or is it an 'urban legend'?

Answer: Unfortunately there is no limit on bringing a car to passing emissions. However, California can help you repair your vehicle. You may receive up to $500.00 dollars in FREE smog diagnosis and repairs through the Consumer Assistance Program (CAP). The CAP Repair Assistance program is designed to help consumers bring their vehicles into compliance with California emission standards. Through the CAP program the State will pay the CAP repair shop you choose up to $500.00 dollars for repair work performed on your vehicle. You may contact the BAR at (800) 952-5210 for an application.Economic Hardship Extension: a vehicle owner may be eligible for if they have spent at least $450.00 at a Certified Smog Repair station and their vehicle is still failing OR if the vehicle requires emissions related repairs over $250.00 and the vehicle owner is low-income and can not afford the repair/s. Eligible consumers will receive a two-year extension to complete necessary emissions-related repairs. The State of California will allow Income Eligible applicants the opportunity to register their vehicles through the DMV and receive registration tags/stickers for two consecutive years, WITHOUT passing the smog inspection. This program is designed to allow Income Eligible applicants ample time to repair their failing vehicles. To qualify for the Economic Hardship Extension:

-Your vehicle must have been registered in California for at least the last two years.
-You must have failed a "biennial" Smog Check Inspection.
-Your must not have a tampered emissions-control system.
-You must not be in the process of selling the vehicle or registering it in the State of California for the first time.
-Your vehicle must require emission related repairs in the amount of $250.00 or greater. A written estimate/diagnosis from a certified smog repair shop will be required.

Smog Coupon San Jose - Smog Questions/Answers - Gas Caps - Clean The Engine - Smog Tech San Jose

Question: I have a question about gas caps. I just went to get a smog check on my Ford truck in order to pay my registration. They told me that my gas cap did not pass the test and I had to buy a new gas cap in order of it to pass. And if I didn't purchase the gas cap then it most like fail the test and still had to pay. So I ended up buying the gas cap for $25 plus the $45 for the test. Is this true about a gas cap not passing and failing the smog check. I also need to know if my 2006 Cadillac needs the same gas cap test.

Answer: Your vehicles gas cap and filler neck is inspected during the smog test. They will have to be of proper fit and design. The gas cap must be able to hold pressure at factory specifications and the filler neck must not be altered to accept leaded gases. This test is to insure the vehicle is not polluting fuel tank fumes through the filler neck or using the wrong type of fuel. Most vehicles pass this portion of the test with no problems. If your vehicle's gas cap appears to be lose or broken it may not pass. You will more then likely then have to purchase a new gas cap and smog inspection in order to get your car smog certified. Most local auto parts stores carry gas caps for a variety of vehicles.The state allows a vehicle owner to purchase a new gas cap during the smog test. This allows the smog technician to continue the smog test, without having the fail the vehicle. The vehicle owner has a choice of purchasing a new gas cap at a future date, however this would require the smog technician to fail the vehicle at the time of inspection. After a new cap is purchased a new smog inspection must be performed. As far as your Cadillac... so far it is too new to need a smog check. Once it becomes at least 6 years old, you'll begin smogging it. And yes, it will need a gas cap test as well.

Smog Coupon San Jose - Smog Questions/Answers - Clean The Engine - Smog Tech San Jose

Question (a): I have 1979, 280SE Mercedes MBZ. My car failed in smog test because NO (PPM) measurement was 1933 at 15mph, which exceeded the maximum value of 1277. What I need to do to my car to bring down the NO measurement to an acceptable value?

Question (b): My car (2001 Infinity) failed smog at a test only station. It failed the Nitrogen component. It has 1100 PPM. I think allowable was in the 700-800 range PPM. The car passed on the other smog categories. What part of the smog system should I concentrate on if it failed the Nitrogen component.

Question (b): I have a 94 Geo Prism that has no EGR system and failed emmisions with excessive NOx & no computer codes listed nor check engine light. What are likely causes.

Answer: There are several reasons vehicles encounter NOx failures. The most common is the malfunctioning EGR system (if a vehicle is equipped with this component). EGR stands for exhaust gas recirculation. And that is exactly what this component does. The EGR system recirculates burned up exhaust gases back into the combustion chambers. Since these recycled exhaust gases have already been in the combustion chambers once, they have burned up most of their fuels, means there is now much less real fuel in the chambers to ignite. This keeps the chamber temperatures down and thus reduces NOx emissions. The EGR valve should be inspected to insure its proper operation.

A working valve should be able to open its passage using manifold vacuum. Manifold vacuum is created during the engine's intake cycle. The high demand for air during this cycle creates a vacuum within the engine's intake manifold. This vacuum is then used to control several important functions within the vehicle, including controlling the EGR valve. Some vehicles even rely on this vacuum to control their heating and air-conditioning components. The EGR system is prone to collecting carbon build-up. Some vehicle manufacturers recommend cleaning this component an a regular basis. Another NOx causing problem: Lean fuel mixtures due to vacuum leaks may also cause high NOx. A “lean fuel mixture” is when the engine receives less fuel then is necessary to obtain clean combustion. Vacuum leaks are open passages, normally due to defective gaskets or vacuum lines, between two engine components. These leaks will allow the suction of additional and un-metered air (oxygen) into the combustion mixture or exhaust (depending on where the vacuum leak is located) disturbing pre/post fuel combustion and increasing NOx emissions. Vacuum leaks can be difficult to locate if they are present at locations not easily seen. Bad engine cooling causes high NOx: Engine cooling problems may cause high NOx also.

If your engine's cooling system is not working efficiently, chances are there is an excessive amount of NOx being created. Remember NOx (Nitrous Oxides) is created only when an engine's combustion chamber temperatures reach over 2500F. A bad cooling system will create NOx. For this reason you want to make sure your vehicle's temperature gauge is always normal and that your cooling system is working properly. Got high miles? High compression can cause high NOx too: High amount of carbon build-up within your engine's combustion chambers will cause increased engine temperature and high NOx. Carbon build-up normally develops in an engine's combustion chambers over some period of time. High increase in carbon build-up causes increased cylinder compression, which causes high temperatures, which result in high NOx emissions.

Keep in mind this problem is usually seen in vehicles with over 200,000 miles. The solution to this problem is called an Engine DeCarbonizing. It usually costs around two labor hours at a smog repair station. It will remove a good amount of carbon of your engine's piston heads and valves. This will increase combustion space, lower compression and lower NOx.

Smog Tech San Jose - Prepare Your Car for Going Skiing

The Sierra's got a foot of snow this week. If you are headed to the mountains this winter make sure you are prepared.

1.  Don't let your gas tank drop below half full

There are several good reasons to make sure you are always registering half full in your cars gas tank. First, gas can freeze in your cars gas lines which means your car won't start. Second if you do get stuck or stranded you will want every drop of gas to stay warm.
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2. Make Sure your Car is Winterized

This means replace windshield wiper fluid with an anti-freeze solution.  Make sure your car’s radiator system is working effectively.  Lastly make sure your tires are in good shape and that you are carrying snow chains even if you have a four wheel drive. The state of California Highway patrol can make you put on chains on your 4-wheel drive.

3. Prepare an emergency kit

You should always have an emergency kit in your car whether you are going to the mountains or not. Especially headed to the mountains people can die from severe weather exposures if they are not prepared. 

• A warm blanket or two (the space blankets work well)
• Extra antifreeze and windshield wiper fluid
• A flashlight
• Candles
• High-energy snacks (like granola, peanut butter crackers, energy bars)
• Jumper cables
• A small shovel
• A snow scraper
• A tow chain
• An extra hat, scarf and set of gloves
• Road salt or sand
• Matches and a small can (to melt snow for water)
• A small tool kit (Pliers, Hammer, Wire, Screwdrivers (both phillips and regular)
• Worker gloves for putting on chains
• Tire chains (make sure they are the right size)

4. Make sure you know what NOT to do if your are stranded

Don't run your engine constantly to stay warm. Instead, run your car for 10 minutes every hour. And make sure you get out occasionally to check that your exhaust pipe is not blocked by snow. You don't need to die from carbon monoxide poisoning.  Keep the window cracked to clear fumes. Don't eat snow for hydration. Your body uses precious energy to melt that snow into water, and it also lowers your body temperature. Instead, put the snow in a small cup or container and hold it close to you, giving it time to melt. Then it’s safe to drink.  www.smogtechsj.com

Have any of you ever been stranded in  car during a snow storm? What did you do to get by?

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Smog Tech San Jose - Prepare Your Car for Rainy Weather

It is starting to rain is your car prepared for the wet weather?

What should your car's check list be to insure your families safety on the road?





1. Check your windshield wipers to see if they need replacing. The rubber on the blades could be cracked or the wipers could chatter across the windshield. These are all signs that they should be replaced. You can get replacement blades either at your auto dealer or most auto parts stores.

2. Tires must be in good condition to maximize your safety. Make sure they are properly inflated and if the tread depth is less that 1/16 of an inch, it's time for new tires. Also make sure that your tires are properly balanced.

3. You want to make sure other drivers can see you. Be sure to check your headlights, tail lights, brake lights and turn signals and they are all working. Also make sure you use your bright tail light option which is now standard on most cars when driving in bad weather.  www.smogtechsj.com

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