Emissions Test Info in "Your" Area/State

[mrnickleye]

Here in Calif every county has its own method of testing, and some counties still don't have testing. Some counties only have testing in the big cities.

Some require a 2 speed / idle test. Others use a dyno test.

A test is required when vehicle ownership changes, and every 2 years.

The 'certificate of compliance' costs $8.25 (by law, and paid to the state).

There is an ETF (electronic transfer fee) charged for sending the info directly into the state's computer. It costs $1.74, but the shop can charge more. (We charge $1.75, I've seen other shops charge $4.75)

The charge for the test is whatever the shop wants. Its an open market, so there is always competition. I've seen as high as $79.95, and as low as $19.99 (our coupon ad price). Our regular price is $49.95, and includes one free retest within 30 days.

Only 2-3 other shops in my area offer free retest. All the rest either don't offer it, or charge 1/2 of the regular price for the retest.

There are Smog & Repair shops (like mine), and Test Only shops. The test only ones can only test the vehicle, not make adjustments or repairs.

Now....about 60% of the 2 year renewal tests must go to the Test Only shops.

The U.S. EPA is heavily invovled (monitors) in a state's program. They will withhold federal $$$ from the state if the state does not comply with their rules.

We (at my shop) have come to realize that without a 2 year inspection program, MOST people would NOT maintain their vehicle.

They just drive the crap out of them, and don't want to spend any $$ on it, and usually whine when they have too.

You just would not believe the poor condition these 5-10 year old cars are in. While they're in, we look over the cars for more work, and to let them know if they are safe on the road.

I've pulled the dip stick on many a car, only to find out they were 4 qts low !!!!!!

Many, many people keep on driving the car for months after the 'check engine light' comes on. Then they come in for a smog test, and it won't pass with the light on.

Usually by then there are major ($$$) problems.

My advice...if the light comes on, find out why. Check your car over at least every month, and better at once a week.

What's the testing like where you live ???