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Diesel Smog Check in Encinitas, CA
Does your diesel need a smog check? In California, 1998-and-newer diesels with a GVWR of 14,000 lb or less are in the program; 1997 and older diesels, and anything heavier, are exempt. Diesels get no newer-model-year exemption. Have your model year and weight rating handy and call (760) 753-1000 before driving to our Encinitas Blvd station.
Smog rules for diesels depend on the model year and weight rating. Call us before you come in and we'll confirm whether yours needs a check and whether we can test it here.
- 4.9★ · 1,948 Google reviews
- STAR certified
- BAR-licensed station #300634
- ASE-certified technicians
- Walk-ins welcome
Have these handy when you call
- The model year.
- The GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating), usually printed on the driver's door-jamb label.
- Your DMV renewal notice or the documents DMV sent you, if a smog check was requested.
The diesel rules in plain terms
Which diesels are in: 1998 and newer, with a GVWR of 14,000 lb or less.
Which are out: 1997 and older diesels, and any diesel rated over 14,000 lb GVWR.
No grace period for new diesels. Gas and hybrid vehicles get their first eight model years off the renewal check. Diesels don't get a newer-model-year exemption.
After we confirm on the phone that we can test your diesel here, come in or book a time. You approve a written estimate before the inspection begins, as with any smog check.
If a diesel fails
You get the vehicle inspection report with the results and any open safety recalls. If the check engine light is on, the vehicle will not pass.
Our shop does diesel engine repair, so we can diagnose the cause and give you a written estimate. If your car fails and we do the repair here, the smog check fee is credited toward the repair.
$30 smog retest. One discounted retest for the same vehicle at the same station within 30 calendar days of the original paid, failed inspection. The retest is $21.75; if the vehicle passes, the $8.25 state certificate brings the total to $30. If it fails again, the retest is $21.75. A completed inspection that fails because readiness monitors are not ready counts as the retest. An inspection we abort costs nothing and does not use the retest; the 30-day window still applies. Additional retests and returns after 30 days are charged at posted regular prices. Repairs are not included.
Brands we smog check
California's test doesn't care what badge is on the grille. We smog check these makes and more:
| Toyota | Honda | Ford | Nissan | Lexus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mazda | Jeep | Chevrolet | BMW | Subaru |
| Mercedes-Benz | Hyundai | Volkswagen | Kia | Audi |
| Acura | GMC | Dodge | MINI | Porsche |
| Land Rover | Infiniti | Volvo | Cadillac | Chrysler |
| Scion | Lincoln | Fiat | Mitsubishi | Ram |
| Buick | Maserati | Jaguar | Alfa Romeo | Aston Martin |
| Genesis | Bentley | Hummer | Lamborghini | Geely |
Not seeing yours? Give us a call at (760) 753-1000.
What Encinitas drivers say
5 out of 5 stars
“Super happy with the crew here. Great friendly service and they did a great job for a very fair price. Couldn’t ask for better! I’ll bring my truck here for any and all future work …”
Frequently asked questions
Which diesels need a smog check in California?
Diesels from 1998 and newer with a GVWR of 14,000 lb or less.
My diesel is a 1997. Do I need a check?
No. Diesels from 1997 and older are exempt.
Do new diesels get the eight-year exemption?
No. Diesels get no newer-model-year exemption.
Can you test my diesel?
Call (760) 753-1000 first and we'll tell you whether your diesel needs a check and whether it can be tested here.
Do you repair diesels that fail?
Diesel engine repair is part of our shop's work. You approve a written estimate first. If your car fails and we do the repair here, the smog check fee is credited toward the repair.
Visit the shop
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–4 PM |
| Sunday | 9 AM–4 PM |
Encinitas STAR Smog & Auto Repair
310 Encinitas Blvd #B, Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 753-1000
Encinitas STAR Smog & Auto Repair · 310 Encinitas Blvd #B, Encinitas, CA 92024 · BAR license #300634 · (760) 753-1000
For holidays, check our Google Business Profile; that's where our hours are kept current. There's a waiting room with Wi-Fi, and se habla español. Payment: cash, major credit and debit cards, Apple Pay or Google Pay.
We hear from diesel owners in New Encinitas, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Solana Beach and Carlsbad.
Call first, then come in
Model year and GVWR in hand? Give us a ring.