Getting a Car Emissions Test for Your Subaru

Your Subaru has an advanced, powerful, and fuel-efficient engine. Unfortunately, even a Subaru engine can generate pollution as the combustion process produces a range of dangerous, toxic gases. Your car contains systems like the catalytic converter to reduce pollution, and a car emissions test checks that this system is working perfectly. As your LA area Subaru dealership, we want to tell you more about this test in California.

Emissions Testing

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (CA DMV) requires biennial emissions testing, also known as a smog test, in 34 of California’s 58 counties. This is a requirement for every vehicle, although there are certain exemptions. These are a few of the vehicles that don’t require a smog test.

• Gasoline-powered vehicles, including motorcycles and trailers that were built before 1975
• Diesel-powered vehicles that were built after 1997 or that weigh more than 14,000 pounds
• Natural gas-powered vehicles that weigh more than 14,000 pounds
• Gasoline-powered vehicles that are less than eight years old

Smog Abatement Fee

If your vehicle is under eight years old, you pay a smog abatement fee instead of undergoing an emissions test. The abatement fee is determined by several factors, including your vehicle’s age, type, and the county you live in. After eight years, you will be subject to the regular emissions regulations testing.

Booking a Test

When it is time to book a smog test, you will need to visit either a regular smog test facility or a STAR facility. The California Bureau of Automotive Repairs (BAR) has approved certain testing centers as STAR facilities, and these centers offer more advanced emissions testing. Most drivers can choose either facility, but the CA DMV may require you to attend a STAR facility only.

The three main reasons you might need to be required to visit a STAR center only are: your vehicle has previously failed a smog test, your type of vehicle has been identified as likely to fail a smog test, or you’ve been chosen by BAR for random testing. You can book a regular or STAR test online by choosing the appropriate option on the BAR website and choosing the closest testing center to you.

What Do You Need?

On the day of your test, you need to visit the testing center and take your driver’s license, proof of insurance, car title, and registration papers with you. You’ll also need to take an appropriate form of payment. When your car passes the test, the results are uploaded to the CA DMV by the center, and you’ll receive a certificate confirming the test results.

If you’d like to know more about emissions testing, contact us at Puente Hills Subaru.

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