Smog Check Test & Repair in Modesto

Due for a smog check? Call Walker’s Automotive in Modesto at 209.527.5577

Walker’s Automotive is your one stop shop for all of your state smog inspections.
We have been a licensed smog inspection station since 1978 and are Star Certified and have been since the implementation of the program.

We take smog inspections on a first-come first-serve basis and no appointment is necessary. The hours we are open to take in smog inspections in the Modesto area is from 8:00 to 11:30 AM and 12:00 to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday.

We can perform your state bi-annual inspection for registration, or change of ownership smog inspections. Currently we employ three licensed state smog inspectors with over 35 years combined experience ready to serve you! Walker’s Automotive is also conveniently located one block from the Modesto DMV.

Our ASE certified technicians are more than capable of diagnosing your smog failure on your:
Acura, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Daewoo, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Isuzu, Jeep, Kia, Lexus, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Oldsmobile, Plymouth, Pontiac, Saturn, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, Volkswagen, or Volvo vehicle.
Should your vehicle fail its inspection Walker’s Automotive is certified to repair your vehicle using the states Consumer Assistance Program This program, should you qualify gives you assistance up to $500 towards smog related repairs.

Smog Check Program’s Updated Test Technology
Californians getting Smog Checks today may notice that the traditional tailpipe test used for many years has been replaced by a quicker, computer-based test for gasoline-powered cars model-year 2000 and newer, and for most diesel vehicles that are model-year 1998 and newer.

This updated test uses the diagnostic capabilities of the vehicle’s computer system instead of the traditional tailpipe probe to measure the vehicle’s emissions. This On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) system gathers information and determines if the vehicle’s emission control systems are operating properly. A visual inspection of emission control components is still required as well.

The OBD only method of testing vehicles is the result of 2010 legislation (AB 2289-Eng) which is designed to improve the Smog Check Program and further reduce air pollution. The Smog Check program removes hundreds of tons of smog-forming pollutants from California’s air every day.

Gasoline-powered vehicles model-year 1999 and older will continue to receive Smog Checks using a tailpipe probe as well as the OBD test.

Hybrid Vehicles
Hybrid vehicles have always been subject to Smog Check inspections. However, since their introduction to the California market in 2000, hybrid vehicles could not be properly tested using the traditional tailpipe test. During a traditional Smog Check, emissions are measured at low speeds or idle rates. At these lower speeds, however, hybrids switch to their electric motors, making it impossible to measure the emissions of their gasoline engines. The OBD only test now makes it possible to test these vehicles. It is important to remember that hybrids have internal combustion engines which generate pollution.

Smog Check Requirements
A Smog Check is required every other year for registration renewal of:
1976 and newer model-year gas-powered, hybrid, and flex-fuel vehicles
1998 and newer model-year diesel-powered vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 14,000 pounds and less

Exceptions:
Vehicles that are six model-years old and newer are not subject to the every-other-year Smog Check requirement since newer vehicles are considered cleaner, and less likely to fail a Smog Check.
Vehicles four model-years old and newer do not require a Smog Check upon change of ownership.
Note: These exceptions are not applicable to diesel-powered vehicles.
Should you have any questions about this program or our smog inspection service in Modesto, feel free to give us a call at 209.527.5577 or stop by the shop