Smog Check Savvy

If you have a high mileage car, or one that's not running well, you may be worried about passing the next scheduled smog check. One bit of advice from Jim Livingston, owner of Pioneer Auto, could save you money, time and trouble. Jim suggests getting a pre-test because you don't want the vehicle to not pass or worse, fail as a "gross polluter." Gross polluters are required to get smog certification at designated shops, which is a hassle for you.

A pre-test is not official and lets you know where you stand. When you're ready to get smogged, call and ask three questions: 1) do you perform pre-tests? 2) how much is it? and 3) can you fix the car if it doesn't pass? A test and repair facility is preferable.