Smog Check North Highlands

How frequently does my vehicle need to get examined?

Smog Check North Highlandss are required biennially (every other year) on vehicles over six model-years old. Additionally, a Smog Test is required if you market a vehicle that is over just four model-years old and if enrolling an off-road car for the first time in California.

How can I assist my vehicle pass a Smog Check North Highlands?

Performing regular and appropriate maintenance depending on your owner’s manual and not tampering with the emissions-control equipment will help improve your vehicle’s odds of passing a Smog Check North Highlands. If the “Check Engine” light comes on, then take your vehicle to a certified repair station when possible to have the problem diagnosed-do not wait for the vehicle’s next scheduled Smog Test. A blinking or flashing light indicates a malfunction that needs to be addressed promptly to avoid significant damage to the engine or emission-control systems. Check your owner’s manual for repairs that may be covered under your car or truck maker ‘s emissions warranty.

What are the elements of a Smog Check?

Smog Check North Highlandss are intended to measure the quantity and type of pollutants your vehicle is emitting. A Smog Test can contain any of the following evaluations:

• Visual examination of emission control systems and components.
• Functional inspection of the vehicle’s check engine light, ignition timing, exhaust gas recirculation system, fuel evaporative system, and gas cap
• Tailpipe emissions review

What vehicles need a Smog Check?

Gasoline-powered vehicles, hybrids, and alternative-fuel vehicles that are model year 1976 and newer need a Smog Check North Highlands, with the following exceptions:

• Six model-years and newer don’t need a biennial (every other year) inspection.
• Four model-years and newer don’t need a change-of-ownership inspection.

As an example, a 2010 model-year vehicle will initially be subject to a biennial Smog Evaluation in 2016 (2010 6 = 2016) plus a change-of-ownership Smog Test in 2014 (2010 4 = 2014).

Diesel-powered vehicles 1998 and newer having a gross vehicle weight rating of 14,000 lbs and less need a Smog Test.

Motorcycles and electric-powered vehicles are exempt from the Smog Check North Highlands Program.

Is the Smog Check Program biased against older vehicles?

No. Even though California law requires the Smog Test Program to concentrate on high-polluting vehicles, the Smog Check North Highlands Program also does not require older vehicles to satisfy the same emissions standards as newer vehicles. Smog Test emissions standards take into consideration the age, make and model of each vehicle, to ensure a vehicle is never held to a standard that applied if the vehicle was originally manufactured.

I have a vehicle that is six model-years older. My DMV registration renewal note states it must possess a Smog Check North Highlands, but I thought it had been exempt from the biennial Smog Test requirement.

A gas-powered vehicle is excused from Smog Check North Highlands till it’s seven model-years older. Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) computers have been designed to recognize the exemption and process your renewal consequently. Contact DMV in case you believe there is an error. If you are unable to solve the problem with DMV, a country Referee facility may have the ability to provide help.

What is the Enhanced Area?

An improved Area is a metropolitan region designated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rather than being in conjunction with national health standards for ozone. Vehicles registered in an improved Area are subject to a treadmill emissions test on a dynamometer and may require testing in a STAR-certified channel.

Have California auto emissions standards changed?

Yes. BAR periodically corrects some standards to raise their fairness. Because of this, some standards become marginally more strict than they were formerly and a few slightly more lenient. California’s emissions standards consider the model-year, vehicle make and model, and gross weight of the vehicle. Older cars have less rigorous standards than newer ones. No older vehicle is ever held to the same standards as a newer, more technologically innovative car or truck. Allowances are made for ordinary wear and tear in a vehicle’s emissions control system as it ages. Standards are established by means of a regulatory process and are made available for public comment before they are adopted. The previous alteration occurred in 2010.