Requirements for smog testing vary largely by state. In California, most vehicles that are four years old or older are required to get smog check certified every two years at the time of registration renewal. For new California residents, a smog inspection is mandated for initial vehicle registration. Select vehicles are exempt from regular smog checks: diesel vehicles older than 1997 or with a GVW (gross vehicle weight) of more than 14,000 lb; vehicles powered by natural gas and that weigh more than 14,400 lb; electric vehicles; and gasoline-powered models less than four years old. You’ll often receive a renewal notice in the mail that indicates the time frame for when you will need to get your vehicle tested at a licensed smog inspection station. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Introduced as part of the Clean Air Act in the 1970s, smog testing is performed as an effort to reduce the amount of health-threatening pollutants in the air. The components we check during the inspection are directly related to how your vehicle produces emissions and affects air quality. We’ll start with a visual inspection of the emission control parts and system. From there, we’ll examine the check engine light, ignition timing, exhaust system, fuel evaporative system, and the gas cap. A key aspect of managing emissions is the OBD (on-board diagnostic) system, which we’ll thoroughly inspect to ensure it is operating accurately. The last item that we’ll check as part of our smog inspection station checklist is the tailpipe emissions system.

McWilliams & Walden Inc. is a proud partner with San Joaquin Valley Air Control and Valley CAN, as well as a STAR certified smog inspection station. This means we have specialized technicians and equipment to perform smog inspections, diagnose detected issues, and provide repair if necessary. A smog test normally takes about 30 minutes to complete, and you are welcome to wait in our customer lounge with free WiFi. Should your vehicle fail the test, we’ll be able to provide you the reasoning and solution for repair. Because we are a licensed facility, we can take care of all repairs and re-testing in-house. Furthermore, we partner with Valley Clean Air Now (Valley CAN), a charity dedicated to helping emissions control in the area. We are a part of their Tune In & Tune Up program that provides emission-related repairs for vehicles that failed to pass the inspection.

Valley area residents can receive $500 for smog repairs or a free smog certificate.