Tricks to passing a Smog Test

In our day and age, the automobile is one of life's necessities right up there with food and shelter. And with our natiional economy such as it is, everybody is trying to keep their cars longer.

Well when this happens and your car gets older, there are some things about your car's maintenance you are going to have to become aware of.


One of those things is when your car needs a smog check. Until your car hits seven years old, most people don't even think about it.

But be warned, if you do fail the smog check, what was supposed to be a small $50 smog check suddenly turns into a huge auto repair bill.

When you have to have your car pass the smog check so you can renew the registration, follow these bits of advice to ensure your car passes the smog check.

First, make sure your vehicle is running right. If you feel the vehicle is not running right, immediately take it to a auto repair shop and have them find out what is wrong. Then have it fixed before your smog test.

Second, is an easy one but necessary, take your car for a drive. Remember passing the smog test means your car needs to burn fuel efficiently with as little or no smog emmissions a possible. When you don't take the time to warm up the car, these causes the car not to have the correct combustion. If that does happen, you have a high chance of failing. So just drive it for 10-15 miles and it will be running optimally when you take it in.

Third, add fuel additives. This has to be done during the time you fill up your car with gas. You just add it to the gas tank. What this does is it helps lowers emmission levels by cleaning your car's intake and exhaust paths. This gives the fuel and air the ability to flow freely.

Fourth, have your tires inflated to the proper pressure. This little tip will help your vehicle drive with greater stability and accuracy during the smog test. The overall emmissions improves in output because the engine is able to maintain a steady load.

Finallly, change your oil. If your engine oil needs to be changed and is contaminated, this could very well cause you to fail your smog test. Contaminated oils are high in hydrocarbons and that could cause the failed test.

Follow these tips about your car and you stand a good chance of passing with flying colors the smog test.
These tips come courtesy of our San Diego smog check shop.

Where we service all makes and models at San Diego auto repair.