Bakersfield Smog Check Tips 6-9
Bakersfield Smog Check Tips
6. Check coolant and gas levels before the test. Since the test runs the car at high speed while it is stationary, less air flows through the radiator to cool it. So make sure to fill your coolant tank properly. Also, the car will be on a dynamometer, possibly at an angle. If gas is low in the tank, this could expose the fuel pump and put vapor in the fuel line, causing the car to fail the test.
7. Avoid rainy days. There was disagreement on this recommendation. Wet tires can slip on the dynamometer and give a false reading that can cause smog check failure. However, the warm-up cycle of the test will usually dry off the tires. Furthermore, extra humidity during rainy days results in lower emissions of some pollutants.
8. Use a fuel additive. Older cars could have clogged fuel injectors, causing them to run lean. An additive such as Techron could clean the small openings and help the car pass the smog test.
9. Only Use A Star Certified Check Station. STAR stations are Smog Check stations that meet higher performance standards established by the Bureau of Automotive Repair.