Northridge Auto Repair Technicians
What is the Difference between Emissions Testing and a Smog Check?
Emissions Testing vs. Smog Check
State and local mandated emissions testing meets the EPA Tier 2 standard, while smog testing meets California's higher standard for EPA Tier 3.
How Do I Know If I Need a Smog Test?
Your DMV registration renewal notice will indicate "Smog Check Required" if your vehicle needs a smog check.
When Is a Smog Check Required?
- If you are selling a car or truck that is more than four years old
- When you register an out-of-state vehicle for the first time in California, you will need a smog check
- Every other year for vehicles that are more than six years old
When Is a Smog Check Not Required?
- 100% electric-powered vehicles do not need a smog check
- Motorcycles do not need a smog check
- Got a classic car? Vehicles that are model-year 1975 and older do not require a smog check
- Vehicles six model years and newer do not require a biennial Smog check
- Selling your car? Cars that are four model years and newer do not require a change-of-ownership Smog check
- Diesel-powered trucks that are model year 1997 and older
- Diesel-powered trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 14,000 pounds
Discover More About Exhaust Repair Services At Northridge Auto Repair Technicians in Northridge
Emissions And Smog Testing
Discover more about Smog Check, Testing & Repair
Inspections & Emissions
OUR REVIEWS
Northridge, CA
Shirley Lomeli, 07/08/2026Art is your go-to trusted expert and a rare, extraordinary genius, kind and funny mechanic!! Very lucky to have met Art and have his outstanding help to resolve all my issues on my older vehicle that had several serious electrical problems (parasitic drain, instrument clusters on dash no longer working, and my driver seat button no longer worked) that no one else could help me solve!! Art is so smart and hardworking! Art is also very quick to get the work done especially considering older vehicle parts are very difficult to find, and yet Art kindly charges a very reasonable price. Art also replaced my badly leaking radiator thanks to him for carefully noticing this before I had an issue! Art was well worth the further distance I had to drive to but worth every mile! Art is very much loved and appreciated! Thank you so very much Art and for taking such amazing care of me!! :) You are the Best!
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