Encinitas STAR Smog & Auto Repair is a STAR-certified smog check station at 310 Encinitas Blvd, open seven days with walk-ins welcome. If your DMV renewal notice requires a STAR station, we can test your car. If it doesn't pass, we can diagnose it, repair it with your approval and retest it here. Book online or call (760) 753-1000.
You leave with a vehicle inspection report showing the results and whether the car passed or failed; it also lists any open safety recalls.
Smog check pricing: see our smog check coupon page for current pricing and offers.
- 4.9★ · 1,948 Google reviews
- ASE-certified technicians
- Written estimate before any work
- Walk-ins welcome
When you need a smog check
- Your DMV renewal notice says a smog certification is required → bring the notice and your vehicle, and we'll perform the inspection.
- Your renewal notice asks for a STAR station → we're STAR certified. Bring the notice and we'll confirm the inspection your vehicle needs.
- You're buying or selling a vehicle → a change of ownership may require a smog certification. Check with the DMV for your situation.
- You're registering a vehicle brought in from another state → California may require a smog check before registration. Check with the DMV for your vehicle.
How a smog check works here
Bring your vehicle and your DMV renewal notice
Walk in during business hours, or book a time online.
Inspection
We perform the inspection steps California requires for your vehicle, which include checking emissions-related components and systems.
If it passes,
you get a printed vehicle inspection report for your records. It also lists any open safety recalls.
If it doesn't pass,
we show you why. Because we're a test-and-repair station, we can diagnose the cause and give you a written estimate. Nothing is repaired without your OK.
Repair and retest
Once the approved repair is done, we retest the vehicle. If it needs another test, the $30 smog retest applies within 30 days of the paid, failed inspection.
Before you come in: things that can cause a failure
- Check engine light on. A lit check engine light can keep a car from passing. If yours is on, it's worth having it diagnosed first.
- Recent repair or battery disconnect. The car's computer runs self-tests during normal driving. After a battery or repair, those tests need to finish before the car can be smog checked. We'll tell you if yours aren't ready.
- Modified or missing emissions parts. Aftermarket parts that affect emissions, or missing emissions components, can cause a failed inspection.
- Visible smoke or a strong exhaust smell. These usually point to a problem worth fixing before the test.
What STAR certification means
STAR is a Bureau of Automotive Repair program. Stations must meet the bureau's performance standards to take part. Some DMV renewal notices direct a vehicle to a STAR station; if yours does, you can bring it here.
Why customers choose us
STAR certified.
BAR licensed station #300634.
Walk-ins welcome, seven days a week.
Monday through Friday 8 AM–5 PM, Saturday 8 AM–4 PM, Sunday 9 AM–4 PM. Or book online.
Test and repair under one roof.
If the car needs work to pass, we can diagnose, repair and retest it here.
Makes we service
- Toyota
- Lexus
- Ford
- Honda
- Jeep
- BMW
- Subaru
- Mercedes-Benz
- Chevrolet
- Nissan
- Mazda
- Volkswagen
- Acura
- Hyundai
- Kia
- Dodge
- Porsche
- GMC
- Audi
- Cadillac
- Volvo
- Mini
- Land Rover
- Infiniti
Recently in our bay: Toyota Prius, Toyota RAV4, Subaru Outback, Jeep Wrangler, Toyota Camry, Honda Civic, Lexus RX 350, Honda Accord, Toyota 4Runner, Volkswagen Passat.
What customers say
5 out of 5 stars
"SMOG CHECK NEEDED? This shop should be your go to place in Coastal North County. I have used them 3 years in a row now. You know the old saying. Keep going where you know the service is excellent, honest, and speedy."
5 out of 5 stars
"Very easy and expedited experience for a smog on my car. They also helped by adding wiper fluid for me! Much appreciated!"
5 out of 5 stars
"I had a great experience at this shop! 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. The price was fair, and my car passed smog with no issues afterward. It’s hard to find a place you can trust, but I’ll definitely be coming back for future repairs. Highly recommend!"
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to bring?
Your vehicle and your DMV renewal notice.
Do I need an appointment?
Walk-ins are welcome. You can also book a time online.
What do I get after the inspection?
You receive the vehicle inspection report, which shows your results, whether the car passed or failed, and any open safety recalls.
What if my car fails?
We show you why it failed. Because we're a test-and-repair station, we can diagnose the problem, give you a written estimate, and retest once it's repaired. Nothing is repaired without your OK.
How much is a smog check?
Current pricing and offers are on our smog check coupon page.
My renewal notice says STAR station. Can I come here?
Yes. We're a STAR-certified station. Bring your notice and we'll confirm the inspection your vehicle needs.
Location and hours
| 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
Our smog customers come from Leucadia, Olivenhain, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Solana Beach and Carlsbad.
Get your smog check
Walk in with your vehicle and DMV renewal notice, or book a time. Pricing is on our coupon page.