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Failed Smog Check in Encinitas, CA
Car failed its smog check in Encinitas? Bring the vehicle inspection report to our STAR-certified test-and-repair station on Encinitas Blvd. We diagnose the cause, repair what you approve on a written estimate and retest the car here, with the smog check fee credited if we do the repair. Call (760) 753-1000 or book online.
A car that fails needs an emissions repair and then a retest. Because we're a test-and-repair shop, both can happen right here on Encinitas Blvd.
- 4.9★ · 1,948 Google reviews
- STAR certified
- BAR-licensed station #300634
- ASE-certified technicians
- Walk-ins welcome
What to bring
- Your vehicle inspection report. It lists the results, whether the car passed or failed, and any open safety recalls.
- Your DMV renewal notice or the documents DMV sent you.
- What you've noticed: warning lights, rough running, a recent battery or repair. Tell us; it shortens the hunt.
From failed to fixed
First, the why. We read the report with you and explain which part of the inspection the car didn't pass.
Then, the diagnosis. A failure points to a system. Our technicians find the specific cause.
Then, your decision. You get a written estimate. Nothing is repaired without your OK.
Then, the repair and the wait. After the work, especially if the battery was disconnected or codes were cleared, the car needs a week or two of normal driving for its readiness monitors to reset.
Finally, the $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.
Before you test again
- Check engine light. If it's on, the car won't pass. Get it diagnosed first.
- Warranty. Some emissions repairs may be covered by your manufacturer's warranty. Check your owner's manual.
- Your choice of shop. Emissions repairs can be done at any test-and-repair or repair-only station. We'd like to do yours, and the credit only applies when we do.
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
“I needed to get the PVC hose repaired in order to pass the smog test, and they took care of it quickly and professionally. The staff was friendly, honest, and explained everything clearly. …”
5 out of 5 stars
“Great service. Reliable, quick and honest. Diagnosed some issues in my 4 runner that others missed. Thanks again! Will be back.”
Frequently asked questions
My car failed. What happens next?
It needs an emissions repair, then a retest. We can diagnose and repair it here once you approve a written estimate, then retest it under our $30 smog retest terms: one retest within 30 days of the paid, failed inspection here, $21.75 plus the $8.25 state certificate if it passes.
Is the original smog fee wasted?
Not if we do the repair. If your car fails and we do the repair here, the smog check fee is credited toward the repair.
Will the car pass after the repair?
No shop can promise that ahead of time. We fix what the diagnosis finds and retest it honestly.
What else is on the inspection report?
Besides the results, it lists any open safety recalls on the vehicle.
I just replaced my battery. Can I retest today?
Probably not yet. Drive normally for a week or two so the readiness monitors can reset, then come in.
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.
Cars that didn't pass reach us from Leucadia, Encinitas Ranch, Cardiff-by-the-Sea and Solana Beach.
Let's find out what failed
Bring the report in, or call (760) 753-1000 and tell us what it says.