1. Regular Maintenance - The most important thing you can do to help your vehicle pass smog and save fuel is to perform regular maintenance. This includes tune-ups, air cleaners, pcv valves, oil changes, fuel filters, oxygen sensors, etc. Check your vehicle owner's manual for proper maintenance intervals.
2. Warm up your car - Drive your vehicle for at least 5 minutes prior to arriving at the smog station. This will help ensure your vehicle is running at its proper operating temperature.
3. Change Dirty Oil - If your oil change is past due, go ahead and do it before the smog check. The PCV (positive crank case ventilation) system of your vehicle is designed to allow your engine to breath fumes located in oil compartments. Dirty oil may raise your vehicle's emissions.
4. Inflate Low Tires to Proper Pressure - During most smog inspections, we will need to drive your vehicle on a dynamometer as a part of the smog test. Properly inflated tires may improve the overall emissions by reducing engine load. We always check for tires that appear to have low pressure. Properly inflated tires also will save you a lot of money in fuel costs. Check your tires often.
Vehicle Inspection Services at Scotty's Auto Repair
In certain states, routine safety inspections and emissions assessments are mandated for automobiles and trucks. At Scotty's Auto Repair, our team is not only well-equipped but also trained to execute these inspections. Our skilled technicians can also perform comprehensive multi-point inspections on your vehicles as required.
These are some of the inspection services we offer.
Star Certified Smog Check Station
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Emissions and Smog Testing
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CA State Certified Emissions Repair Facility
A state certified emissions repair facility is a privately owned motor vehicle repair facility, licensed to repair emission-related failures. The repair facility must employ a CERT (Certified Emissions Repair Technician) who has passed a state-required training program. Scotty's Auto Repair is a CA state certified emissions repair facility. Contact us at 951-697-7708 or visit us today for emission-related repairs and services.
CA State Certified Emissions Test Facility
Did you know that the Motor Vehicle Commission requires you to take your motor vehicle for an emissions inspection every year? This kind of testing is administered through a network of privately owned (but certified) auto repair shops. The auto repair shops carry their official Test Center number. Scotty's Auto Repair is a CA state certified emissions test facility. At our auto repair shop, we can perform emissions testing on all eligible vehicles regardless of fuel type or model year. Visit our shop or call us at 951-697-7708 to make an appointment.
CA State Inspection Station
CA state inspection stations are privately owned, but government certified, inspection stations throughout CA. Scotty's Auto Repair is a CA state inspection station. For your state inspection needs visit or call our auto shop at 951-697-7708.
Exhaust Related FAQs
What is a rough idle?
A rough idle describes a vehicle's engine with spark plugs that are not firing correctly when the vehicle is in park, with no gas applied. Most vehicles idle between 600 and 1,200 RPM and should hold their idle speed consistently.
Can you put any exhaust on any car?
Not every exhaust will fit every car. Compatibility isn't just about car make and model; engine specs, optional extras, and even trim levels can influence the fit. Make sure you consider not just the make and model, but also engine details, fancy extras, and even trim levels before getting your heart set on a shiny new system.
Why is smoke coming out of my tailpipe?
The most common reason for thick smoke coming out of your car's exhaust pipe is the fuel to air ratio in your engine is too rich. This means that the fuel injectors are either adding too much fuel or that the intake valves aren't letting enough air in. This is caused by a cracked or leaking fuel injector, a failing O2 sensor, or air filter that needs replacing.
Catalytic Converter FAQs
Can I drive with the catalytic converter light on?
A bad catalytic converter can increase your car's exhaust emissions, but it does not prevent you from driving. At Scotty's Auto Repair we know this is true. A clogged catalytic converter will eventually affect the performance of your vehicle in Riverside, Moreno Valley, Canyon Crest and Orange Crest. Exhaust gases will not escape easily and create an increase in exhaust gas pressure. The buildup in pressure can lead to high-cost repair bills in the future.
What can cause a catalytic converter light to come on?
A catalytic converter helps reduce harmful engine emissions from entering the air by breaking down the harmful byproduct of internal combustion into less-harmful compounds. If your catalytic converter isn't working properly the check engine light will come on. The most common causes for a catalytic convert warning light to display are a clogged, cracked or melted converter. Sometimes the problem isn't the catalytic converter at all but an exhaust leak letting gases out of the system before it reaches the converter.
What happens to your car after the catalytic converter gets taken?
Removing the catalytic converter has a dramatic impact on your vehicle's acoustics. A deep, loud roar replaces the engine's usual hum, intensifying as you accelerate. Additionally, expect rough transitions and sputtering sounds when shifting gears, indicating impaired performance and potential engine damage.
To learn more about our Inspection and Emission services, call us at 951-697-7708 or request a quote by clicking below:
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