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Diesel Smog Check in Carlsbad, CA
Does your diesel need a smog check in California? Diesels from 1998 and newer with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 14,000 lb or less are in the program; 1997 and older diesels, and those over 14,000 lb, are exempt. Call (760) 814-2021 before driving to our Carlsbad station so we can check your truck's details.
Smog rules for diesels depend on the model year and weight rating. Call us before you come in and we'll confirm whether yours needs a check and whether we can test it here.
- STAR certified
- BAR-licensed station #311178
- ASE-certified technicians
- Written estimate before any work
- Walk-ins welcome
What to have ready when you call
- Model year and make.
- GVWR. The label in the driver's door jamb usually lists it.
- Your DMV renewal notice or the documents DMV sent you, if a check was requested.
How diesel smog rules work
- In the program: diesels from 1998 and newer with a GVWR of 14,000 lb or less.
- Exempt: diesels from 1997 and older, and diesels over 14,000 lb GVWR.
- No new-vehicle break. Gasoline and hybrid cars skip the renewal check for their first eight model years. Diesels get no newer-model-year exemption.
Once we've confirmed by phone that we can test your diesel here, book a time or walk in. As with every smog check, you see a written estimate and approve it before the inspection begins.
If a diesel doesn't pass
You get a vehicle inspection report showing what didn't pass, along with any open safety recalls. A lit check engine light means the vehicle will not pass, on a diesel just as on a gas car.
Diesel engine repair is part of what our repair shop does, so we can look at what failed and give you a written estimate. If your car fails and we do the repair here, the smog check fee is credited toward the repair.
$30 smog retest. One discounted retest for the same vehicle at the same station within 30 calendar days of the original paid, failed inspection. The retest is $21.75; if the vehicle passes, the $8.25 state certificate brings the total to $30. If it fails again, the retest is $21.75. A completed inspection that fails because readiness monitors are not ready counts as the retest. An inspection we abort costs nothing and does not use the retest; the 30-day window still applies. Additional retests and returns after 30 days are charged at posted regular prices. Repairs are not included.
Makes we smog test
Every brand gets the same state test. Makes we smog test include:
- Toyota
- Honda
- Ford
- Nissan
- Lexus
- Mazda
- Jeep
- Chevrolet
- BMW
- Subaru
- Mercedes-Benz
- Hyundai
- Volkswagen
- Kia
- Audi
- Acura
- GMC
- Dodge
- MINI
- Porsche
- Land Rover
- Infiniti
- Volvo
- Cadillac
- Chrysler
- Scion
- Lincoln
- Fiat
- Mitsubishi
- Ram
- Buick
- Maserati
- Jaguar
- Alfa Romeo
- Aston Martin
- Genesis
- Bentley
- Hummer
- Lamborghini
- Geely
Driving something rarer? Call (760) 814-2021 and ask before you come.
From our Google reviews
5 out of 5 stars
“I never write reviews; however, we got 2 vehicles serviced … (smog) - both efficient and reasonably priced. Definitely going back again. Great job!”
Frequently asked questions
Does my diesel need a smog check?
If it's a 1998 or newer diesel with a GVWR of 14,000 lb or less, it's in California's smog program. Older diesels and heavier ones are exempt.
My diesel is brand new. Is it exempt for the first few years?
No. Diesels get no newer-model-year exemption.
Can you smog test my diesel?
Call (760) 814-2021 before you come in. We'll confirm whether yours needs a check and whether we can test it here.
Where do I find my truck's GVWR?
It's usually on the label in the driver's door jamb. Have it handy when you call.
What if my diesel fails?
We can diagnose it in our repair shop and give you a written estimate. If your car fails and we do the repair here, the smog check fee is credited toward the repair.
Hours and directions
| 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 |
Carlsbad Auto Repair & Smog
2509 Palomar Airport Road, Carlsbad, CA 92011
(760) 814-2021
Carlsbad Auto Repair & Smog · 2509 Palomar Airport Road, Carlsbad, CA 92011 · BAR license #311178 · (760) 814-2021
Holiday hours follow our Google Business Profile. Waiting room with Wi-Fi. Se habla español. At the counter we accept cash, major credit and debit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay.
We hear from diesel owners in Bressi Ranch, Terramar, Oceanside and Vista.
Call before you bring the diesel
A quick call saves you a wasted trip. Have the model year and GVWR ready.