"A good name is
rather to be chosen
than great riches!"

Tips for passing smog inspection

  • Make sure the check engine light is off

    A constantly illuminated Check Engine or MIL light is an automatic smog failure. Note: We cannot refuse to test your vehicle based on the fact that we notice an illuminated light. We must perform the smog check and fail your vehicle. This is California State law.

  • Make sure the your vehicle runs properly

    Do not subject your vehicle to a Smog Inspection if it does not run properly. Chances are that it will fail the smog check and you will lose your inspection fee. Seek repair assistance first. This will save you time and money, and insure your vehicle will pass the smog test.

  • Warm up your vehicle

    Drive your vehicle for at least 20 minutes prior to arriving at the smog station. This will ensure your vehicle is properly warmed up and is running at it's optimum level. A sufficient time to warm-up your vehicle can be accomplished through driving for at least 10 to 15 miles.

  • Change the engine oil

    If it's close to your next oil change interval, go ahead and do it before the smog check. Contaminated oils are high in Hydrocarbons (HC) and will present a rich mixture to the engine chambers. Avoiding oil changes not only engine wear but can also cause your vehicle to fail the smog inspection.

  • Do not disconnect the car battery before arrival

    When you disconnect the battery, the car's computer will erase all memory and in order to pass smog you will have to drive at least 50 - 100 miles.

Vehicle safety systems inspection is now REQUIRED for salvage vehicles

For a comprehensive list of what we check, click here to view the manual from BAR

Main items we must check on salvage vehicles as required by the state of California:

We inspect all vehicle lighting systems, including headlights, fog lights, taillights, and reflectors, ensuring they are properly installed, functional, and meet regulatory standards. Additionally, we check for correct headlight alignment and test the bulb failure warning system, if equipped.

  1. Headlights
  2. Taillights
  3. Brake lights
  4. Front & rear turn signals
  5. Front & rear hazard flashers
  6. Driving lights
  1. Front & rear parking lights
  2. Back-up lights
  3. License plate light
  4. Front & rear reflex reflectors
  5. Fog lights
    Reasons for Failure
    • Undone safety recall by dealer as identified by the NHTSA (before test, call your dealer to see if there are any safety recalls for your vehicle that need to be done, should be free of charge)
    • Lights/reflectors are adjusted/installed outside of manufacturer specifications
    • Lights are not functioning: missing, malfunctioning, or inoperative
    • Lights/reflectors are in bad condition: missing, damaged, contaminated, discolored, etc.
    • Light illumination reduced by auxiliary screens, tints, films, covers, etc.
    • Bulb failure warning system is not working or stays on
    • High Beam indicator light is not working
    • All lights/reflectors not installed symmetrically
    • Off-road lighting operates in conjunction to on-road lighting or without on-road lighting
    • Off-road lighting is not operated by a separate switch

We inspect key passenger compartment components, including mirrors, windshield, wipers, seats, seatbelts, and child seat systems, ensuring they function properly and meet safety standards. Additionally, we check the SRS components and warning light for any signs of malfunction.

  • All mirrors are present & properly mounted, have a clear view, and are stable when adjusted
  • Windshield has no cracks
  • Windshield/rear window has no visual impairment from damage, delamination, or objects on window
  • Windshield wipers are present, good condition, work properly & installed properly
  • All seats are securely fastened to the vehicle and remains stable when adjusted
  • All seats have seatbelts that are fully functional, with webbing in good condition
  • Seatbelt warning lights work properly
  • If child seat LATCH system is present, brackets and anchors are present, secure and in good condition
  • Airbag system is installed properly and undamaged/undeployed
  • SRS warning light passes “bulb check”

We inspect tires for damage, proper tread depth, and inflation, while also checking wheels for cracks or bends. Additionally, we verify the Tire Pressure Monitoring System is functioning properly and ensure temporary spare tires meet safety requirements.

  • Tires have DOT identification and are free from visible damage, repairs in improper areas, road hazards, bulges, sidewall cracks, valve stem issues
  • Tires/wheels on the same axle are the same size and tires, if directional, are installed correctly
  • Tread depth: ≥2/32” on light-duty vehicles
  • Tire pressure follows manufacturer specifications
  • Rims are free of cracks, damage, or bends
  • TPMS warning light passes “bulb-check”
  • Spare tire is similarly free from damage and in good condition
  • Spare tire MUST not be installed on a vehicle axle at the time of inspection

    We inspect the entire brake system, including the brake pedal, power braking assistance, friction components, and hydraulic system, ensuring all meet manufacturer specifications. Additionally, we verify the parking brake and brake warning lights.

  • Brake pedal is securely fastened & operates smoothly
  • Vacuum & hydraulic break boosters function properly
  • Electric-assist braking motor’s connectors, sensors, and switches are intact
  • Wheel studs & lug nuts are present and undamaged
  • Disc brake and pads thickness
  • Drum brake and shoes thickness
  • Brake fluid level
  • Master cylinder
  • All electrical components (motors and sensors), hoses and tubes have no visible damage or leaks, and connections are secure and intact
  • Calipers have no leaks, damage, worn guide pins, or cracks, and they slide freely
  • Wheel cylinders have no leaks and are securely fastened
  • Emergency parking brake is present & holds car stationary upon load; parking brake light works properly
  • All dashboard brake-related warnings/messages illuminate/fade properly during “bulb-check”

We ensure the steering and suspension systems are in good condition, checking for secure mounting, proper fluid levels, and no excessive wear or leaks in components like tie rods, shocks, and springs. We also verify that all related sensors and warning systems are functioning properly.

  • Steering column is in good condition and securely fastened
  • Power assistance (hydraulic) system is functioning properly
  • Tie rod ends, wheel bearings, control arm bushings, steering gear/rack & pinion mounts, ball joints, ball-type socket joints are not worn out
  • Power steering system has good fluid level, no leaks
  • Steering gearbox is securely mounted, no damaged frame or excessive play
  • Steering and suspension-related sensors/switches/actuators/wiring are routed properly & not damaged
  • Suspension components (control arms, radius arms, strut rods, sway bar, subframes, trailing arms) are not damaged or excessively worn
  • Bushings are not worn out or damaged, struts/shocks do not have leaks and are not damaged, & springs (air, coil, leaf, and torsion bar) lack wear, damage, or breaks
  • All steering and suspension-related “Traction Control System” warnings/messages pass “bulb-check”

We verify that the vehicle's body structure is intact and securely fastened, ensuring all components such as the hood, doors, trunk, fenders, and bumpers are undamaged. We also assess the functionality of the latches and hinges, examine the frame for collision damage and rust, and confirm the integrity of the fuel system to prevent leaks.

  • Hood, doors, trunk/liftgate, fenders, panels, bumpers are present, securely fastened and UNDAMAGED
  • Hood main latch and secondary safety latch operate as designed by manufacturer
  • Doors open/close using both handles and the two-stage latch mechanism operates correctly
  • Trunk/liftgate/hatchback opens/closes without binding or jamming
  • Fender and wheel coverings are securely fastened and cover wheels adequately
  • Bumpers are present and securely fastened
  • Frame is free of collision damage, improper repairs, and structural rust
  • Body/unibody is free of damage/rust & gaps/holes that would allow engine/exhaust fumes into the cabin
  • Fuel system (fuel tank, fuel lines) has no damage or leaks

We perform a road test to assess the vehicle's essential functions and overall performance. This includes checking the horn's operation, ensuring the instrument cluster is free of warning lights, and evaluating braking effectiveness and stability while driving.

  • Horn activates and can be heard
  • Instrument cluster does not have any illuminated warning lights or safety messages
  • Vehicle must stop within 25ft for light-duty vehicles at 20mph
  • Vehicle has no pulling, drifting, and vibration that make the vehicle difficult to control

If you want more a comprehensive list of what we are required to check, visit this link.