Common questions about smog checks, car washes, hours, and what to expect. If your question isn't here, just call us — we're happy to help.
Most smog checks at our shop are completed in about 15 minutes from start to finish. Diesel and hybrid tests may take 15–20 minutes. If there's a line ahead of you, we'll let you know the wait time.
No. We're a drive-in shop — just come on by during business hours. Walk-ins are welcome any time.
Smog check pricing varies by vehicle type. Bring our $10 OFF coupon for instant savings. The state-mandated certificate fee ($8.25) is added separately to all smog checks. Call (805) 526-9716 for current pricing on your specific vehicle.
Most California vehicles need a smog check every 2 years for registration renewal. New vehicles are exempt for the first 6 years. The DMV will tell you when one is required on your registration renewal notice.
A California smog certificate is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. Renew your registration within that window and you're set.
Cash, all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), and debit cards.
STAR is California's program for higher-accountability smog stations. STAR-certified stations are monitored more closely by the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) and meet stricter performance standards. We're STAR certified, which means we can perform DMV-directed STAR inspections.
Look at your DMV registration renewal notice. If it specifies "smog certification required at a STAR station," you need a STAR-certified shop like ours. About 5–10% of vehicles are STAR-directed each renewal cycle.
Yes. STAR stations can perform any smog check, whether STAR-directed or not. The price is typically the same as a regular station.
Yes — we smog all diesel vehicles model year 1998 and newer with a GVWR of 14,000 lbs or less. That covers most diesel pickups, SUVs, vans, and light commercial vehicles. Learn more about diesel smog checks.
Yes. Hybrids get the same OBD II inspection as gasoline vehicles. The hybrid systems don't affect the smog test in any way.
You'll need an out-of-state smog test before the DMV will register your vehicle in California. Bring your out-of-state title or registration, your VIN, and a valid driver's license. See our out-of-state smog guide for the full process.
Yes. We perform CARB Clean Truck Check (HD I/M) emissions testing for heavy-duty diesel and alternative fuel vehicles over 14,000 lbs GVWR. Most trucks are subject to semi-annual testing. Read our CARB Clean Truck Check guide.
You can get the test, but you'll fail. The check engine light being on (technically called the MIL — Malfunction Indicator Lamp) is an automatic failure for OBD II vehicles. Get the underlying issue fixed first, drive at least 100 miles to allow the system to "drive cycle," then come in for the test.
You'll get a detailed report showing exactly what failed. We don't perform repairs ourselves (which is intentional — it means we have no incentive to fail your vehicle). Take the report to a smog repair shop or qualified mechanic, get the issue fixed, and bring it back to us.
Yes. If your vehicle fails, get the underlying issue repaired by your mechanic, then bring it back to us for a re-test. Call (805) 526-9716 for current re-test pricing.
Any qualified mechanic or smog repair shop can do the work. Look for shops with "smog repair" specifically. The state's Bureau of Automotive Repair also offers a Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) that provides up to $1,200 toward emissions repairs for income-qualified vehicle owners.
About 3–5 minutes from drive-in to drive-out, including the dry cycle.
Yes. The drive-thru car wash is open around the clock, every day of the year. The smog check side has limited hours (see below) — but the wash is always available.
Yes. We use Soft Touch Plus, which uses cloth strips instead of stiff bristles. It's gentler than older brush systems and is safe for all paint types — we wash everything from daily drivers to exotic cars regularly.
Absolutely. The drive-thru car wash is right next to the smog bay — easy to do both in one stop. Mention it to the smog tech at check-in.
Our drive-thru car wash is open 24/7, every day. Smog check hours are Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Sat 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Sun by appointment only. Call (805) 526-9716 if you have questions.
2405 Sycamore Dr, Simi Valley, CA 93065. Easy access from Highway 118. See full directions and map.
Yes — we welcome customers from Moorpark, Thousand Oaks, Chatsworth, Northridge, and surrounding areas. The convenience and short wait often makes it worth the short drive over.
