Getting your vehicle through a smog test has become a biennial rite of passage for Vacaville residents. When you go to renew your registration for your older car, you must have a valid smog certificate on file with the DMV, otherwise your registration will not be renewed. You shouldn’t dread your smog test, it’s quick and easy, but here are a few tips that can increase your older automobile’s chances of passing.
- Pay attention to your “check engine” light. If that light is on, it’s pretty sure that you are going to failure smog test. Take your car to a licensed mechanic for diagnostic to find the problem and fix it.
- Check your oxygen sensor. The oxygen sensor regulates the gas air mixture in your engine, and when it is not working properly, it can not only cause you to fail a test, but can reduce your fuel economy drastically. This means you’re going to be buying a lot more gas. You may also notice that your car does not run smoothly, and this can mean your oxygen sensor needs to be replaced.
- Two weeks before the test, get a tune-up and drive at highway speeds to run your engine clean. It also helps to use a fuel additive in order to clean any clogged fuel injectors on older cars.
Clunker Clinic?
Even if your car fails the inspection at the smog test only station, it’s not the end of the road. California has financial aid up to $500 for low income residents whose automobile has failed the smog check, and also a Cash for Clunkers program that helps to get gross polluting cars off the road. Get down to Vacaville Smog Check Station and start getting your car back on the road the right way.
