How to Pass a Smog Check First Time
Relax! Most vehicles can pass their smog check! First take care of any maintenance that is due (or overdue) such as an oil change or tune-up before the smog check. If you do mostly city driving, give the car a run on the freeway for 50 miles and fill up with a fresh tank of quality gas. Premium fuel can improve your odds slightly, and make sure your gas cap is intact and fits tightly. A visual inspection of the engine compartment could reveal broken or cracked hoses or components. Do those repairs before the test.
The Test-Only Smog Check, an essential part of the Smog Check II program recently initiated in the Bay area, is considered a more consumer friendly smog check and is no different from the smog performed at any other of the smog stations.
Savvy Consumer Tips
Consumer Advocate
Known as The Savvy Consumer, Chris Bjorklund has been a Consumer Advocate for over 35 years. She has worked with KPIX-TV, KGO, The Better Business Bureau, Consumer Reports, and as an Investigator for the Consumer Fraud Unit of the San Francisco District Attorney's Office. Chris puts her incredible consumer experience to work for you!
