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Smog Check & Smog Repair in Carlsbad, CA
Carlsbad Auto Repair & Smog is a STAR-certified smog check station and full repair shop at 2509 Palomar Airport Road. If your car doesn't pass, we diagnose it, repair it with your approval and retest it here. Current smog pricing is on our coupon page. Walk in, book online or call (760) 814-2021.
We are a STAR-certified smog station and a full repair shop in the same building. That matters most when a car does not pass. At a test-only station, a failed car has to go somewhere else to be repaired and then come back. Here, the same shop that tested the car can find the cause, repair it, and test it again. For the current smog price, see our coupon page.
- ASE-certified technicians
- Written estimate before any work
- BAR licensed station #311178
- Walk-ins welcome
Signs your car may need work before smog
- Check engine light on
- The engine computer has stored a fault. Check engine light problems are a common reason cars do not pass.
- Battery recently replaced or disconnected, or codes recently cleared
- The car's self-tests (readiness monitors) need to run again through normal driving before the car is ready.
- Rough idle or misfire
- Unburned fuel raises emissions and can damage the catalytic converter.
- Exhaust leak or loud exhaust
- A leak can affect readings and set codes.
- Smell of fuel
- A leak in the fuel or evaporative system.
- Failed a smog check elsewhere
- Bring the report. We start the diagnosis from what it shows.
How smog testing and smog repair work here
If the car passes, you are done. If it does not, the repair follows the same steps as any job in our shop.
Test
We run the smog inspection on our STAR-certified equipment.
Explain and estimate
If the car does not pass, we explain the failure in plain terms, diagnose the cause, and give you a written estimate for the repair.
You approve
You decide what we repair.
Repair
We repair the cause in our shop: ignition, fuel, sensors, vacuum leaks, evaporative leaks, exhaust, or catalytic converter, depending on what failed.
Retest
Once the repair is done and the car's readiness monitors are complete, we test it again here. Our $30 smog retest covers one retest within 30 days of the paid, failed inspection.
California's Bureau of Automotive Repair requires a written estimate and your authorization before work begins, and if we find something new partway through, we stop and ask before going further.
Smog services
- Smog inspection at a STAR-certified station
- Smog failure diagnosis
- Check engine light diagnosis and repair
- Emissions-related repair: ignition, fuel, sensors, evaporative system, exhaust
- Retest after repair
Why customers choose us
STAR-certified test-and-repair station.
Testing, repair, and retest under one roof. BAR licensed station #311178.
Full repair shop behind the smog bay.
Engine, exhaust, and electrical repairs are done here.
Makes we service
- Toyota
- Honda
- Ford
- Jeep
- Mercedes-Benz
- Mazda
- Subaru
- BMW
- Audi
- Lexus
- Hyundai
- Chevrolet
- Nissan
- Kia
- Volkswagen
- Acura
- GMC
- Porsche
- Cadillac
- Dodge
- Volvo
- Land Rover
- Mini
- Infiniti
- Buick
- Lincoln
- Ram
- Mitsubishi
- Scion
- Chrysler
Recently in our bay: Toyota Prius, Toyota Camry, Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Honda Accord, Honda CR-V, Toyota Tacoma, Jeep Wrangler, Subaru Outback, Ford Fusion.
Not on the list? Call and ask. We service most cars, trucks, and SUVs on the road.
What customers say
5 out of 5 stars
“I stopped by for a smog check. The two gentlemen staffing the shop were very cordial and very professional. … It's good to have them right there in the neighborhood [next to Lowe's and to various eateries].”
5 out of 5 stars
“Wow! Incredible customer service! Called, walked in and car was taken in for smog check quickly. Easy and smooth process. I'll definitely be back! Thank you!”
5 out of 5 stars
“They were courteous and professional. It was a breeze to get the smog check done.”
Frequently asked questions
What does STAR-certified mean for me?
Our station meets the Bureau of Automotive Repair's STAR program standards. If your renewal notice says your vehicle must be tested at a STAR station, we can test it.
What happens if my car fails?
We explain why, diagnose the cause, and give you a written estimate. You decide whether we repair it. After the repair, we retest the car here.
Why should I not clear my check engine codes right before a smog check?
Clearing codes resets the car's readiness monitors. The car then needs normal driving for those self-tests to complete before it can be tested.
How much is a smog check?
See our coupon page for the current price.
Can I walk in for a smog check?
Walk-ins welcome. Booking online holds a time for you.
Location, hours, and service area
| 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
Our smog customers come from Aviara, Bressi Ranch, La Costa Greens, Oceanside and Vista.
Book your smog test
Bring your renewal notice if you have one, and any earlier smog report if the car did not pass elsewhere.