Many states require you to have your vehicle smog checked routinely in accordance with their state laws and requirements. You want to contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles in order to get specific answers to any questions you have about the time period and other time-related requirements you have. However, many of your other questions specific to smog checks may be answered right here in this article.

How much time should you leave for your smog check?

Smog checks don't take long to complete. In fact, the actual smog check shouldn't take more than a half an hour. You do want to keep in mind that the shop may have other customers ahead of you and this can lead to it taking longer for your car to be smog tested.

What is the purpose of having a pre-test done instead of a true smog test?

You may have the option of having a pretest done before the actual test. Sometimes, these pre-tests are offered for free of charge. They are helpful if you are concerned about the possibility of your car not passing, as they can sometimes catch issues you'll want to tend to before having the actual test done, so the vehicle doesn't fail.

How long will a current smog certification last for?

Once you do get your car smog tested, it passes, and you receive a smog certification, it will be sent and stored in the Motor Vehicle Departments system for 90 days. So, if you had to get the certification for a specific purpose, such as selling the car, then you want to make sure you have it sold before that certification is no longer valid.

What are some of the things you can do to help get your car to pass?

One of the best things you can always do that will keep your car running well and have an increased chance of passing a smog test is to stay on top of its maintenance. Have the oil changed on time, have tune-ups done on time, have the car looked at when the check engine light turns on and always take the car in at the first sign of trouble.

What would be the next step should your car happen to fail the smog test?

One convenient fact is most places where you take your car in to have the smog test done will also be qualified to take care of the necessary repairs to get it to pass. However, should you choose to go somewhere else, they will explain the reasons it failed to you and give you a printout.

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