Smog Test Mystery
I have been taking our 2004 Tioga 26Q to the same smog test only shop for a number of years. Each time the Asian technician tells me that it did not pass the test, but that he would get it to pass, (...
Forum Discussion
toedtoes wrote:klutchdust wrote:
" Note: you might actually spend the extra money and have it tested by another shop before you need the smog cert -"
Why? Test only shops are just that. The man is a scammer and should be reported. Just like the jiffy lube type shops, they always say you need a new air cleaner at 3x the cost of an auto parts store then you need a brake flush, engine flush, trans flush which are all unnecessary and damaging to the transmission.
My friend Jerry had a trans shop for 35years. His volume increased once trans flushes became popular. Drop the pan and filter and refill. Or get that "piece of mind" thing and end up having it rebuilt, you choose. And don't forget that extended warranty....:R
First, we don't even know if he was charging for the fix. It may have been something as simple as letting the engine warm up first. Those don't equate to a scammer, just a smart tech who is saving the OP time and money.
Second, my suggestion of having the vehicle tested elsewhere before the test is required is in the case the vehicle is failing the test and the tech was pulling some sort of fraud with the DMV. I'd hate to take it to another shop at registration time and find out it needed a lot of work to pass legally. Doing it early would give me time to budget out any repairs.
The OP wrote...." to the same smog test only shop "'' so, the shop is not permitted, by California law, to do ANY repairs to a vehicle being smogged.
IF your vehicle fails, it goes to another shop then returns for a free re-test. Doubtful that year after it always needs a little bit of $$$ something.
