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What is the Difference between Emissions Testing and a Smog Check?

Emissions Testing vs. Smog Check

State and local mandated emissions testing meets the EPA Tier 2 standard, while smog testing meets California's higher standard for EPA Tier 3.

How Do I Know If I Need a Smog Test?

Your DMV registration renewal notice will indicate "Smog Check Required" if your vehicle needs a smog check.

When Is a Smog Check Required?

  • If you are selling a car or truck that is more than four years old
  • When you register an out-of-state vehicle for the first time in California, you will need a smog check
  • Every other year for vehicles that are more than six years old

When Is a Smog Check Not Required?

  • 100% electric-powered vehicles do not need a smog check
  • Motorcycles do not need a smog check
  • Got a classic car? Vehicles that are model-year 1975 and older do not require a smog check
  • Vehicles six model years and newer do not require a biennial Smog check
  • Selling your car? Cars that are four model years and newer do not require a change-of-ownership Smog check
  • Diesel-powered trucks that are model year 1997 and older
  • Diesel-powered trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 14,000 pounds

Discover More About Exhaust Repair Services At De Anza Auto Repair in Sunnyvale

Emissions And Smog Testing
Discover more about Smog Check, Testing & Repair
Inspections & Emissions

Contact Us Today!

Got questions? We've got answers! Drop us a line, give us a call, or even stop by. Our team is eager to help you with any auto repair needs you have. Let's get you back on the road safely and swiftly!

What Our Customers Are Saying

John and April and the Staff . Where very Pleasant to Do Business with. I Came in there in a Emergency . Because of my right Window wouldn't Roll Up. And they Took me in Right away. Being Iam from Out of Town. That's The Best Service I could have Got on short Notice. And They Also fixed My Head Lamp. I Couldn't be Happier. They Deserve a 10 star Rating. I will definitely let all my Friends and family know about this Place. My Son and Grand Kids. Live in the Area. And I will definitely. Go there for all my Auto Repair Needs. Thank you and God Bless.

Went here to fix my Turo car. April had been very helpful through and through! She helped with the insurance process and has made it seem less for me. Would recommend and come back again!

April was very helpful to my daughter and her Porsche, Boxster. So, when my Prius had problems, I knew who to turn to. It turned out to be a serious problem (head gasket) and both April and Mo's brother John were sensitive to the many issues a retired older person on a fixed income has. They still provided excellent service, treated me with respect and worked with me to find a mix of what I could afford, without compromising the necessary repairs. I felt like I had gained family by the time I got my car back. So, when our Lexus had problems and left me stranded in Auburn, California, I knew who to call -- April worked with me to get the engine codes, run them through her mechanics, determine where I could go locally to find out if it was safe to drive it home and April kept checking up on me -- her last call was well after their closing hours when I had been cleared and was driving it back to their shop. I feel like they really care about people they are not just fixing cars. I am a customer here for life.

I recently had my car serviced at De Anza Auto Repair and I was extremely impressed with their honesty and fair pricing. The customer service was phenomenal, with the staff being friendly and knowledgeable. They explained everything to me in detail and even gave me some tips on how to better maintain my car. Overall, I highly recommend De Anza Auto Repair for their exceptional service and great prices.

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