I found Paul's smog check when I worked in a neighboring business more than 12 years ago! Our company moved away but I still make my way back to Carson from Downey every time I need a smog check! Service is always fantastic, prices are fair and they do their best to get you in and out quickly! I highly recommend Paul's Smog! read more

I brought my 2012 Pilot for a smog check here. The owner Paul was pleasant, and the service was great. He beat everyone's prices and I was out of there in less than 15 min. read more

I showed up 10 minutes before closing time and Paul was super friendly and efficient. I was in and out in a matter of minutes! Highly recommend Paul's Smog Check, if you're looking for great and friendly service. Thank you! read more

Excellent Service, very friendly and we were in and out in 15 minutes! Its a little hard to find, they only have one sign right at the entrance of the garage (nothing to direct you from the street) you just have to turn into the driveway and its off the side of the building closest to Dominguez. If you can't find it just circle the building until you see the small "Smog Check" sign. read more

The reviews were true! Pulled in and was greeted by the very friendly Paul who thanked me for stopping by. In and out very quickly. This place is a hidden gem. I will definitely come back for my next smog check. read more

Great service and very efficient. Thanks Paul, highly recommend this place for your smog check needs

HIGHLY RECOMMEND! I love going to Paul's Smog Check & Test Only! This is my second time here and I would keep going as long as I need to get my car smog. I've gone around 4:30 p.m. after work and he's quick! I'm in and out! Paul is super friendly and is so kind! Thank you so much! read more

He was quite honestly the kindest man and very genuine. I didn't have an appointment and showed up and he had me out in less than 15 minutes. He greeted me with a smile and made me feel so welcomed. Tbh I get nervous when it comes this things like this because I am a woman and feel as thought I'm going to get scammed. But he charged me what was promised and I wouldn't recommend a place if it wasn't worth it. PLEASE give this man your business. You won't regret it :) read more

"To pass, or not to pass- That is the question." Such bewildering question that befalls upon someone's suffering mind when taking their car to a smog test. Yet, fear not, this place is actually decent. This place only charged me $48 for a smog check, very reasonable. Other business usually charge around $60 rate. This place is fast and know's their stuff. I came in with my 94 Toyota, and I barely passed, but the personnel offered me a great advice on how to increase my chances of passing in my next visit. This simple gesture has definitely saved me some time and money. Passing the smog check has always been a great concern by many. However, I truly feel that this place will treat you with all honesty. This place has been here for a very long time and loyal customers are growing by day. I was very satisfied with their service and I will definitely come back again. read more

I needed to get a smog check for my car. As usual i went to Yelp to find a recommended vendor. Paul's smog check had the best reviews. I pulled up at the perfect time. When i pulled up i remembered i forgot to bring the DMV renewal. Paul said that was no problem. I just gave him an old registration so he can scan the bar code. There was no wait and they started right away. I was literally done within 5 minutes. The price was very reasonable. Check them out if you are in the South Bay Area! read more

Didn't have a good experience here. I brought my car here to get smogged a little while back. Another car was being worked on so I parked it and waited in the little waiting area, next to another customer who was getting his car smogged. Paul came and spoke to the other customer to explain what was going on with his car and never even glanced at me or addressed me. He literally was within 2 feet of me speaking to the other gentleman and walked away and came back to talk to the other customer about his car. After being there about 10 minutes and having him walk by me 2-3 times, I walked over to another worker who was working on a car. I said "excuse me" and rigth then Paul who was in the back of the shop cut me off and yelled "SIR! he's working on another car - YOU'RE NEXT!" Great. I left. Now I try to be a reasonable as possible when writing my reviews. In all honesty, Paul showed great care to the other customer who was waiting and getting his car worked on. I can tell that he cared and wanted to please the customer. My only complaint is, while standing there for around 10 minutes and not being addressed once, what am I supposed to think? How am I supposed to know how long it is going to take and whether I am next? So when I asked, I get yelled at so I left. Maybe it's all misunderstanding, but I think it would have been the right thing to do for him to simply tell me that I was next and that he would be right with me. He did walk right in front of me at least 2-3 times. I don't know if that is too much to ask. I took it to another shop down the street. read more

Came here right when they opened on a Saturday to get my smog check. Don't bother going in the front door, just pull around to the side and look for the open garage door. The check took literally like 5 minutes. I don't know if that's normal or if it was so fast because I was the first one there OR because the guy wanted to get back to his Simpson's marathon but hey, I'm not complaining. Customer service was whatever, the guy didn't say much more than "Sign here." Overall, I'd most likely come back here. read more

I got my car smogged this morning at Paul's and it passed with flying colors. Now that I am a regular customer, I get a reminder in the mail that my car is due for a smog check. Somehow, it doesn't seem to hurt so much when Paul's Smog is telling you to bring your car in vs. the DMV telling you. They are STILL fast, courteous and great prices. Just plan on waiting because if you want to walk to the Carson Mall across the street to shop, they will probably finish the test before to get to mall! read more

After living in California for seven years, the time finally came for my first ever Smog Check. I didn't know what to expect, but I did know that I could rely on yelp to help me find a good spot to get it done. Paul's was courteous, efficient and from reading the other reviews, I knew what I'd be paying. From the point my car went up on the tester, it was down in less than 15 mins. Just disappointing that the State makes me get this done every two years. They are located in the white industrial buildings on the opposite corner from 24 Hour Fitness. read more

Yes, Steve is the ONLY guy you should go visit for a smog check! This is a test only station, so he has no incentive to rip you off or try to sell you other repairs or services. He also is VERY knowledgeable with the whats, whys, and hows of anything emissions related. If you pass, you'll get the always-reassuring thumbs up from him! =) Plus the prices are reasonable. There isn't much margin on smog checks, but he tries to keep his prices low to keep the happy customers coming back. He really tries to go for repeat business and referrals, and this shows with his super friendly attitude and great demeanor. You can't go wrong with Paul's! It's worth the drive even if you aren't from the area, and he's open on Saturdays. read more

The name says it all...except there was no Paul around that I knew of. There was although a very friendly Steve. He seemed thrilled that I called to inquire about my mandatory smock check required by the DMV. There was a place a little closer, but Steve just seemed so nice, I thought I'd give them a chance. Plus, they were a couple bucks cheaper than the other place. When I pulled up, a jolly man wearing a floppy fisherman style sun hat immediately greeted me with a smile. It had to be Steve. I only had to wait a few minutes to get in because the Edison Company had to do some kind of check, but other than that, they got me in and out in record time. I overheard Steve tell the other man "lets make it speedy, I think she's on her lunch break. How very considerate of him. If you are due, go see Steve, he'll take care of you. hehe read more

First time ever getting a smog check and wanted to find a place between work and home. I called ahead and was told there was no wait. When I got there, there was a customer's car being tested. Steve told me since the other car would take a long time (older model car so longer smog check) he didn't want me to have to wait for it to be done, and also acknowledged since I had called ahead he would take care of my car first. I was in and out within 15-20 minutes, and Steve constantly expressed his gratitude to me for choosing his shop. Fast and friendly service, definitely recommended. read more

No hassle, great service, cool guy. I was in and out in about 15-20 min, and a few bucks cheaper then the others in the area.

Needed a smog check on the fly and they were able to get me in and out in no time! Very fair price and fast and friendly service!

The owner reminds me of Milton from Office Space. You know the guy with the red stapler? It took me forever to figure out who he reminded me of.. Haha I'm not trying to clown on him. He's really a good guy. Very courteous and efficient. I actually came here twice recently. Usually you only come by every 2 years for a smog check, but my first test failed! Word of advice, if anything is wrong with your car, you need to get that checked and fixed first; otherwise, it will raise flags for the smog check. In my case, my engine check light was on due to a faulty thermostat, which I had to get fixed before being able to pass the smog test. The smog test isn't based only on your emissions! It also takes into account your cars overall "health." Anyway my experience on the first failed run was good. So I came back for my second test with flying colors.. The bottom line: * turnaround time for each car is about 15-20minutes * service is efficient and courteous read more

Do you know of somebody in your life who is really friendly and calm and kind? Somebody who puts you completely at ease and approaches everybody with gentleness and courtesy? Usually it's an older uncle or a partially senile grandparent... But in this case, it's Steve! I called ahead of time and Steve said that it was good to come in today (Wed) around 2PM. So I went in, and I was in and out in 15 minutes, for a total price of $48 (including $9 for the smog certificate fee). This guy TOTALLY puts you at ease. (And just like the previous poster said, a smiling man wearing a fisherman-style sun hat came out. I started grinning like an idiot, because I knew he must be Steve, even before he told me his name.) Yes, I passed the test and he gave me two thumbs-up near the end of my test, to tell me. But I'm pretty sure that even if I had failed the test, he would've still been really gentle and kind and pointed me in a good direction. Even though there were two customers that pulled up behind me, Steve still spent a few minutes chatting with me and shooting the breeze with me, even though I had just met the man 10 minutes ago! He was always really courteous and professional. But his demeanor and attitude really impressed me. The best way that I can describe it is: humble. Seriously, this guy blew me away! The next time that somebody goes, can you please ask him who the heck "Paul" is? Because if Steve changes the name to "Smog Checks Done by the Awesome Steve," I think it'd probably be 100% accurate. (His shop is located in the back of the business plaza, so you have to drive to the parking lot in the back. And it's good just to give him a call ahead of time, so he can give you a good window to come, when business isn't that busy.) Thanks, Steve!! read more

First off, I would not have known how to find this place if it wasn't for my bf riding with me. All I can say is that when you see the 24 Hour Fitness building you should turn into this lot with a lot of white garages. When you drive up, there should be a sign saying "smog check" and two gentlemen servicing the cars for smog checks, didn't get there names but they were very efficient. I was petrified of the "girl tax" but the prices were "fixed", reasonable, and posted plus you leave with a certificate showing that your vehicle passed. The person took the time to explain that my car will require smog checks every two years. Apparently, five years after of you purchase a new car the smog check is waived, beginning on the sixth year and every two years after that, my car will need a smog check. I'm so glad he shared his knowledge of "standard protocol" - a typical girl would not have been aware of that. So thank you:) read more

Wow, 12 reviews and a pefect score! I'll be the 13th Yelper to wholeheartedly agree with 5 big stars! Tremendous service and experience at only $48 out the door. I was very impressed the other day with George who was in charge of testing. Not only was he friendly, add professional, efficient, and full of integrity when it comes to his disposition. I felt very comfortable knowing the service and work was done with the utmost care and understanding. The test only took 15-20 minutes (most likely b/c there was no wait at the time). I'm glad to have come in and I would recommend Paul's Smog Check to anyone. You won't be disappointed. Just a few tid bits. Finding the location can be a bit difficult, so call ahead of time for exact directions. If you have a 24 Hour gym membership and want to kill some time, the Magic Johnson Sport is literally across the street. The Ikea is also a short distance away. Paul's only accepts cash, Visa, or Mastercard. read more

Was quickly in and out! Was treated very kindly, the owner has such a positive attitude. Definitely will return for my next smog check. Thank you! read more

Very friendly. Accomodating and good customer service. NOT like other places i have been to in the past where the technician is careless with your vehicle and does not care about handling it. He handled our truck gently and with care. I would definitely recommend this place above all others. read more

My car passed. That alone is worth a few stars, right? Based on Kristina P.'s review, I took my car to Paul's today. Not only were they $10 less than the other smog check place, they were fast and friendly. In and out in 15 minutes, and for less than $50. The place is a little hard to find since there are no signs -- it's across the street from 24 Hour Fitness, about halfway down a row of identical gray doors. read more

Great place to get your car smogged ... especially if you live or work in Carson. I reside in Carson and try to support our local businesses, this is why I decided to go here. I was impressed by their speedy work as I was on my lunch break and by their great customer service! I recommend anyone in the area to go to Paul's Smog Check & Test Only!!! =) read more

Excellent service performed for smog check. No wait and quick. Recommended for smog certification.

Very happy with my experience here! I called a few days before coming in and Paul was friendly and helpful over the phone. His price was definitely the most competitive in the area so I decided to come in. Upon arrival, Paul greeted me kindly and patiently answered questions and explained how everything worked before starting. Customer service, especially when it comes to car related things is usually not the best, so I wasn't expecting much. Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised and would recommend Paul's smog to anyone! read more

Excellent service, extremely friendly, and fast. Simply put, If you're in need of a smog check, this is your place. read more

Awesome service, quick and easy. Great place to get your car smogged! Thanks

Quick service!! Out the door fast! And a perfect location for a quick service while waiting for a to-go order! Nice family owned small business! read more

Very friendly and prompt service. I would def take any of my vehicles needing smog in the future back to this shop!

So, I never "search" for a place to get a smog check, but I am so glad I did! Paul's is everything that all the reviewers have said. FAST, EFFICIENT, RELIABLE, TRUSTWORTHY and simply, NICE! Steve is such a nice guy! It not too often you get that "small town" feeling in stores or places of service anymore. We had a good conversation about DIRECTV vs ATT U-VERSE. ANyway, I was in and out in 10 minutes, inexpensive and close to home! Tricky to find, across the street from 24 HOUR FITNESS, the buildings look alike, he is somewhere in the middle. On Leapwood. I am going to recommend this place to EVERYONE! the beauty of living in Carson is that we are adjacent to all major freeways so people from anywhere could jump off the freeway and find this place easily! Thanks again! read more

Kinda tucked away, but worth finding! There were a couple people ahead of me, but the wait time was very transparent. They have chairs inside to wait. In and out without any fuss. read more

Went here today after getting ripped off at another smog place. Paul's Smog always honest & dependable, I learned an important lesson convienance doesn't equal to quality. read more

Paul's is the best smog check place I've been to because they are friendly, courteous, honest and charge a fair price. It can be tricky to find since it's in the rather unexpected location of an industrial business park on the alley side with no entrance on the store front side. Just drive around to the back and look for the open garage bay, there's just the one. I've been there twice in a row and expect to go back in 2011. read more

My first review because this place deserves it. In and out within 15 mins on a Saturday! The guy told me this shouldnt take too long and it didn't. Passed with flying colors! Excellent service! read more

Usually have great service at Paul's but I took my boss's car in for a smog check and got total attitude from the guy working there. Went in at noon since that's when Paul said his Smog Guy comes in. Got there at 12:15 and waited cause another car was getting service afterward a went in and said hi, when the guy, whose back was to me, looks up with this disgusted look on his face, apparently he was eating which I didn't see (but that doesn't matter) I told him right then and there, never mind I'll take my business elsewhere. Accord to the owner the guy comes in at noon, who eats lunch as soon as they get to work or doesn't put up a sign? Sad cause I liked going to Paul and took all my company's work vehicles there. I guess they won't be getting my or my company's money as long at that guy works there. read more

Registration deadline was vastly approaching and I needed the ol' smog check. I called Paul's Smog up, talked to Steve and he told me the price (under $50) gave directions and I was sold. When I arrived he had me in and out of there in less than 20 min. with no one in front of me. He also gave me directions to AAA and DMV. Very helpful, efficient, and good price. read more