Test Only Station Smog Check -- AGAIN!

[moribundman]

Originally Posted By: harley145000
Mori,I'am lucky I live in 1 of the 2 counties of my state the does not require a smog test.

You just gave away your location.

 

[harley145000]

It's all good, stop by Mori if do a 3,000 mile road trip to the free state.

 

[harley145000]

Mori, are there counties in Cali.that does not requie a smog test?

 

[oldmaninsc]

Originally Posted By: moribundman
My car never failed a smog test, yet for the second time in a row I had to go to a "test only" station, because, per the DMV, my car fits a "high emitter profile." I don't know based on whose A4 my A4 fits that profile. Supposedly I've been picked randomly. I bet I'll get picked randomly again in two years!

Even with a $30 off coupon the total was still $49. $39.95 for the smog check, $8.75 for the certificate (is that piece of paper custom handmade by virgins?), and #1.75 for the ETF (electronic transmissions fee).




I hear you. I have a 95 Ford van with the 4.0 V6 engine. I bought it in 1997. At least the last 3 smog tests have been "test only" stations. My vehicle has passed with flying colors every time.
I've always thought the 8.75 for the "certificate" was a rip off - since they transmit the results directly to DMV anyhow!
Also, that's about what I pay for smog tests here in San Diego area - 50 bucks or so!

 

[RD400]

Same for me too - $50 each time for my '95 Nissan VG30E that has never come remotely close to failing at test only stations. I always check common EGR/PCV and intake systems before going in though. And use Chevron Supreme for good luck.

I think its only been to a 'regular' smog place once or twice for it's entire life! They say it's based on engines with 'known problems' plus about 10-20% random picks. This profiling is ridiculous since it started at the first test when the truck was 4 years old, and they never actually look at the results to see if in fact my vehicle has ever been a gross polluter.

 

[moribundman]

Originally Posted By: harley145000
Mori, are there counties in Cali that do not require a smog test?


Counties that require a smog check only within some zip codes:
El Dorado
Placer
Riverside
San Bernardino
San Diego
Sonoma



Counties that require a smog check:
Alameda
Butte
Colusa
Contra Costa
Fresno
Glenn
Kern
Kings
Los Angeles
Madera
Marin
Merced
Monterey
Napa
Nevada
Orange
Sacramento
San Benito
San Francisco
San Joaquin
San Luis Obispo
San Mateo
Santa Barbara
Santa Clara
Santa Cruz
Shasta
Solano
Stanislaus
Sutter
Tehama
Tulare
Ventura
Yolo
Yuba

 

[Chris142]

I know that people that live in Baker and Death valley do not have to get their cars smogged.