Smog Check

Smog Check in Bayview, San Francisco

California requires a smog check every two years for most cars over six model years old, plus any time you sell a vehicle or register one new to the state. We have been doing smog checks in Bayview since 1996 and we know the test, the rules, and what to do if your car fails. Bring your renewal notice or your DMV transfer paperwork and we will take it from there.

What we test

Our test follows the BAR-OIS standard used at every California smog station. We pull live data from your OBD-II port, scan for stored emissions codes, verify your readiness monitors, and check the visual condition of emissions components like the gas cap, catalytic converter heat shielding, and EVAP lines. For older pre-1996 vehicles we run a tailpipe sniff test instead.

  • OBD-II scan for stored and pending emissions codes
  • Readiness monitor verification
  • Visual inspection of emissions hardware
  • Tailpipe analysis for pre-1996 vehicles

If your car fails

A failed smog check is not the end of the road. We diagnose the actual cause, give you a written estimate before any work starts, and re-test for free once the repair is done. Common failures we see in Bayview cars: bad oxygen sensors from short city trips, EVAP leaks from a loose or cracked gas cap, and catalytic converter inefficiency on higher-mileage Hondas, Toyotas, and Subarus.

How long it takes

Most smog checks take 30 to 45 minutes. If we are slammed we will give you an honest wait time when you walk in. If you would rather drop the car off, do that. We will text you when it is ready.

Why pick us

We are CA license #270008, family-owned since 1996, and the Bureau of Automotive Repair has us as a registered station. We do not upsell smog repairs that you do not need. If your car passes clean, you pay for the test and that is it.

Smog Check questions

Real questions, straight answers.

How much does a smog check cost?+
Smog check pricing in California is set by each shop. Call us at (415) 648-2226 for current pricing. Cash and card both accepted. The state also charges a separate certificate fee that is billed regardless of where you go.
Do you do diesel smog checks?+
California now requires smog checks on most diesel vehicles model year 1998 and newer with a GVWR of 14,000 lbs or less. We can perform diesel smog checks on most light-duty trucks and SUVs. Call ahead so we can confirm your specific make and model.
My check engine light is on. Will I fail?+
Yes. Any active check engine light is an automatic fail. Bring it to us first and we will diagnose the cause, fix it, and then run the smog check on the same visit so you only pay for one trip.
Do you do STAR smog checks?+
STAR-certified smog checks are required for vehicles flagged in your DMV renewal notice. Call to confirm whether we can complete a STAR test for your specific vehicle.

Stop By

A & C Auto Clinic

2800 Oakdale Ave

San Francisco, CA 94124

(415) 648-2226

Mon to Fri, 8am to 5pm. Walk-ins welcome. Closed Sat and Sun.