Smog checks are generally required for vehicle registration or when transferring ownership of a vehicle. Here in Santa Rosa, CA a smog check is required on most vehicles every two years, a.k.a. biennial inspection. Registered vehicle owners in Sonoma County will receive an annual Registration Renewal notice from the DMV. Near the top, you may see “SMOG Certificate Required” – indicating a smog check will need to be performed before you can obtain a current vehicle registration.

As part of an ongoing effort to comply with state laws, California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) in cooperation with the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) directs certain vehicles registered in Enhanced Smog Check Areas to Test-Only smog check stations in Santa Rosa and Certified STAR Smog Check centers. If your vehicle has been “Directed” as result of a random selection process or because it matches High Emissions Profile (HEP) criteria, Test-Only or STAR Station will be indicated on your vehicle’s registration renewal notice.

Some of the car and truck repair services we offer at Tristar Automotive:

• Factory Scheduled Maintenance
  
• Tune Ups
  
• Transmission Service & Repair
  
• Brake & Lamp Safety Inspections
  
• Emissions Inspections
  
• Brake Repair & Service
  
• Suspension & Steering Repair & Service
  
• Heating & AC System Repair & Service
  

Be sure to read more about how our Factory Scheduled Maintenance services can save you money. And, be sure to view our complete line-up of Automotive Repair and Services available at Tristar Automotive in Santa Rosa, CA!

Smog Checks – What to Expect

During a smog check at our Santa Rosa STAR Certified center, a certified technician will attach diagnostic equipment to your vehicle to measure emissions output. This data is transmitted to the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR). The results of the smog check are referred to as Vehicle Inspection Report or VIR. If your vehicle passes the smog test, the BAR will transmit the Certificate directly to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

A smog check at Tristar Automotive, means you won’t have to worry about being referred out for repairs – we are a Certified STAR Smog Check station! This means we have worked diligently to maintain an impeccable record with the State of California and have met rigid requirements, which allows us to perform any necessary repairs to your vehicle in our full-service automotive repair shop.

When you arrive at Tristar Automotive in Santa Rosa for your smog inspection, you won’t be treated like a widget in a production line. Instead, you will be greeted by friendly professionals that genuinely care about your automotive needs. An ASE Certified technician will assess your smog check requirements, perform your smog check and have you out the door in a timely manner!

If your vehicle is not capable of meeting smog test standards, the technician will be able to determine which component(s) are in need of repair or replacement. If you meet certain income eligibility requirements, you may choose to utilize the Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) and receive up to $500 toward the cost of emission-related repairs. For additional details, please see our Smog Inspection FAQ page.

Smog checks are not required under certain circumstances (e.g. depending upon the age of your vehicle, type and physical location, etc.). Is your vehicle smog exempt? Refer to the Vehicle Exemptions pdf chart at the BAR website.