The new STAR smog check program is almost here. 2013 will bring a new game to the table for smog shop owners and technicians as well. The BAR (Bureau of Automotive Repair) is now grading all technicians and shops. If you do not meet the minimum requirements you will not be able to participate in the new STAR Smog Check Program. What does this mean? Well, they have decided that 2000 and newer vehicles will not have to be tested on the dynomometer. To test these vehicles you will need a laptop connected straight to the DMV database and a CAN system compatible OBD II connector cable. Those who are not STAR certified will only be able to inspect and certify vehicles 2000 and newer. Those who are STAR certified will be able to certify almost any vehicle that passes the inspection.
Those smog check stations that are involved with illegal smog inspections or simply don't have enough experience are going to be very limited in what they can do. The market will also drive down the cost for the 2000 and newer vehicles because it will require much less work and less equipment.
One change that does bring hope to the business is that Hybrid vehicles will also need a smog check inspection starting 2013. With no 6 year exemption on diesel and hybrid vehicles, the number of vehicles required to smog test will definitely increase.
One example of a STAR qualified honest station is Quicky Smog. With two locations, one in Upland and one in Glendora, they have performed over 15,000 smog inspections since 2007. Check out their website for a smog check coupon here at http://www.QuickySmog.com/glendora for Glendora and http://fqsmog.com for Upland
