What is Smog?
The atmospheric pollutants or gases that form smog are released in the air when fuels are burnt. When sunlight and its heat react with these gases and fine particles in the atmosphere, smog is formed. It is purely caused by air pollution.
Overall, smog is harmful to both the respiratory (lungs) and cardiovascular (heart) systems. It aggravates heart problems, bronchitis, asthma, and other lung problems.Smog reduces lung function even in healthy people. Even at low levels, ground level ozone and fine particulate matter are harmful.
Smog Check
In an effort to improve air quality, California requires vehicles to undergo periodic or annual emissions testing. These programs are designed to identify cars releasing excessive emissions, and have them repaired according to local regulations.
Failing a smog check typically means you can't register the vehicle, therefore making it illegal to drive the car. Instead, you'll receive a list of needed repairs from the mechanic or inspection attendant.
Clean Air is Everyone's Job
The Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) is established within the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) with enactment of the Automotive Repair Act. The Act provides BAR with licensing and regulating authority over automotive repair dealers.
More info about California Smog Checks
Enhanced Smog Check
In parts of California where smog pollution is higher, vehicle owners are now required to complete an "Enhanced" version of California's smog test. The "Enhanced" smog test requires your vehicle to be driven on a dynamometer while the smog machine collects emissions samples from the tailpipe. The "Enhanced" smog test has been proven to retrieve a more accurate sample of a vehicle's emissions output, then it's predecessor, the "Basic" smog test. The "Basic" smog test requires vehicles to be tested, only at idle and 2500 rpms. "Basic" smog test vehicles do not need to be driven on a dynomometer.
What Happens in a Smog Check?
During a smog check, a licensed technician will attach measuring equipment to your vehicle. The smog check test consists of Emissions Inspection, Visual Inspection and Functional Inspection--all of which ensure your emissions equipment is in place, functioning, and doing its job of weeding out pollutants from your car's exhaust.
Emissions measured include carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrocarbons (HC) and oxygen (O2). In some of the nation’s most polluted urban areas, the emissions test also measures levels of oxides of nitrogen (NOx).
The Vehicle Test History
Question: How do you get the smog check history of a car that I want to buy? Answer: Visit the Sacramento office of the California Bureau of Automotive Repair.
The smog check data will include:
- Make and year of vehicle
- Date and time of inspection
- Pass or Fail results
- Smog certificate number (if vehicle passed)
