Star Smog Express

4.8 (93 reviews)

Smog Check Stations

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Updated 2 weeks ago

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Star Smog Express - Our new location on 23rd, next to UHAUL - Smog Check Stations Near Me - Richmond, California

Star Smog Express - Visual inspection - Smog Check Stations Near Me - Richmond, California

Star Smog Express - Thorough Visual Inspection during the test. - Smog Check Stations Near Me - Richmond, California

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Star Smog Express - Come smog with us in a friendly atmosphere - Smog Check Stations Near Me - Richmond, California

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Jacqueline F.

Came here and they were open. Great greeting and service. I had a nice place to sit and listen to some music. They did have a fridge with diet sodas and because I don't drink diet sodas I didn't get one, but I thought it was a nice gesture. Raj was the one who took care of my car and he did a great job. I gave him my key. He moved my car into place and then moved it back back so that I could exit, the yard easily. He went above and beyond and told me that there was a recall for something on my car and I appreciated that. I know he did not have to say anything and him taking the care to do so very nice. I'd bring my car back here in a heartbeat. I really appreciate it the service.

Derek J.

I struggled to find a place that would smog this monster. The technician at Star Smog Express next to U-Haul was very nice and had no problem doing it. Thumbs up!

Aj L.

Ran into this on yelp Tran was very helpful will comeback to smog my other cars. 5 star 2nd time here great service

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Ana R.

76

4

0

7 years ago

MR. Tran Was able to do the smog test right away, 10-15 minutes ,very friendly and professional.

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Chris J.

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10 years ago

Came in again since the last time was a success. In and out without any issues. Ken had me in and out just like the first time. Great work

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Jennifer P.

Elite 17

165

227

582

11 years ago

Getting your smog certification is not how you want to spend your Saturday morning but I needed it for DMV Registration so I came by around 8:45 a.m. hoping to get in and out. Mario was friendly and efficient and talked to me to pass the time (I was out in under half an hour!) He honored the Yelp special, which does not include the $8.25 certificate fee FYI. Still, got out of there for less than the competition and as a woman I can vouch for his professionalism which is always a concern when my car is involved. There are probably 20 smog stations on 23rd but I'm glad I came across this one! Definitely recommended! read more

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Jonnyy B.

192

3

0

7 years ago

Coming here was very pleasing. Had a guy named Tran help me out. Easy going, friendly vibes. Just trying to get my car smogged and had no issues assisting me with my dilemma. Would highly recommend this place to others. Thank you Star Smog. read more

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Sir Lawrence L.

0

6

2

7 years ago

Rico was very professional even though he was a little sick. Very nice guy easy to talk to. It's my second time here and will be back tomorrow for another smog check. Finished in 10 minutes! Thanks Rico keep up the good job! read more

Star Smog Express - Smog Check Stations Near Me - Richmond, California

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Euron C.

0

3

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5 years ago

I came to Super Star Smog for a smog check and they were great! Very accommodating, very professional and fast! The best star smog check value in town by far. read more

Business owner information

Remi A.

Happy we met your standards ! Thank you for this nice review !

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Aasa S.

13

6

1

9 years ago

One of the best places in town to get a smog not only because of the smog but the friendly person that does the smog for you and is able to take care of you in a professional matter.."when you have a smoging need, check out this guy indeed!" read more

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Lilia M.

23

15

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8 years ago

Super fast and friendly. Ken honored the Yelp check-in coupon and I was on my way. Would recommend.

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Louie D.

5

2

0

7 years ago

Just had my Star Certified Check for my car today and it was fast less than 15 min. Tony Tran was helpful and an expert. Great service!

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Christine T.

194

37

28

7 years ago

Thanks Tran for the smog! He got my car in and out super quick and was very friendly!

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Darrin Z.

40

7

3

10 years ago

Checked Yelp. .. 5 Stars+ Called.. available! Arrived... checked In with Yelp. Done.. 10 minutes!! Great service!! Thanx. read more

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Alex A.

204

2

1

10 years ago

Help me get my smog done quick without a wait, thanks ken for all the help, now I'm able to run to DMV and get this car handles without any issues. I will definitely be back again read more

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Ken C.

0

4

6 years ago

Perfect! Online appointment makes it easy and stress free. My truck was in the bay within 5 minutes of my arrival and work started right away. Nice outdoor seating but I stayed inside the air conditioned office as it was a bit warm out. The tech - Scott(?) Knows exactly what he needs to do and works very efficiently. Being able to complete some of the DMV nonsense right there on the spot is super nice too. Big time saver! This is my 4th go-round at S.S.E. and I send all my friends & neighbors here as well. By far the best smog station I have dealt with. Go with confidence! read more

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Remi A.

Thank you for this nice review, Ken ! We appreciate it.…

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Angel R.

5

4

3

8 years ago

Literally the fastest service I've experienced so far. It took 8 mins and he was done. Dude was super chill and very nice. The coupon help a lot $40 dollars off! I recommend this spot for sure. And I'm definitely coming back. read more

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Devin W.

1

69

5

8 years ago

I forgot the guy's name but he gave great service and super informative. I pulled up and he had me out within 15 minutes.

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Edward T.

186

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0

7 years ago

I love smog star express. Best smog place ever. Tran is very helpful and friendly. Will be back next year.

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Mely M.

0

7

1

9 years ago

Awesome service, friendly, very quick and straight to the point, they also honored the yelp deal, will recommend

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Solomon K.

0

2

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9 years ago

Went to get my car smogged today and was in and out in no time. The prices are cheaper than most places. The staff was very friendly and personable. I recommend going to this place if you are in the area! read more

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N I.

0

8

3

7 years ago

Thanks Tran for great service, I will always come back here and recommend to my friends and family great customer service easy to found

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Francisco V.

0

11

1

9 years ago

CJ was very professional and courteous. I had such a great experience here because he explained everything to me and even found an additional discount for smogging to register as a new owner (I didn't need the star certificate). He honored the yelp discount, so in the end I saved $50 from a quote I got in Berkeley. I will be coming back to Star Smog the next time I need the service. CJ was very kind, this place deserves your business. read more

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Ivan A.

0

3

0

10 years ago

Had came here once before and just like the first time this place was fast and friendly. Ken was very helpful and got on the job right away. Excellent prices too. Thanks! read more

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Sergio O.

6

45

52

10 years ago

Hands down the best customer service in the area! Ken helped me out! Price was reasonable! The smog was really fast! I can't ask for more! This is the only place I'll go for a smog now! read more

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Paul B.

0

1

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7 years ago

Been coming here for a while now. I recommend this place. The people here Polite and professional and the Service is fast

Business owner information

Remi A.

Thank you for this nice review, Paul !…

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Jacqueline G.

58

17

8

7 years ago

What a great Shop. Had my smog done here yesterday. No waiting Ken was pleasant and quick. Great price with the internet check in. Clean. No muss no fuss down to business Business. Thank you I will be back and will recommend you to all my friends. read more

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Marsha T.

32

8

2

11 years ago

Checked this place out of Yelp, close to home and had great reviews. Had a coupon too. Chris was getting ready to close, about 5:45pm, but said he would take care of me anyway. Was done in about 15 minutes and saved me about $40.00. Was very courteous and knew what he was doing. Will be back for my next smog here!! Highly recommend them read more

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True R.

7

22

9

10 years ago

Needed a place that was close to my work & Boom! Star Smog is very fast and efficient. No lines and no gimmicks.

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adrian v.

Elite 25

6

74

59

12 years ago

I had a great experience. Showed the owner my iPhone coupon and presto got my car smogged. Done professionally with friendly service. Definitely recommend. read more

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Iudi G.

286

32

11

10 years ago

I have taken 2 cars to smog with Star Smog within the past couple months and couldn't be happier. The first time my car came up "not ready" because of it's OBDII emission system not going through its self check. After getting it all figured out it passed no problem and I wasn't re-charged. Fast and efficient service. read more

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Kayla F.

3

6

0

10 years ago

Love the fact that it's super close by and easy to get to. Customer service was great, Ken attended me promptly and remembered me from a phone call earlier. Just went in for a smog and they had me out in no time(less than 10 mins)! Price is great and even better when you have a coupon. read more

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Alyssa H.

0

2

0

8 years ago

Shoutout to Rico for getting me in and out. Gave me the yelp special as well. No complaints

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Leland D.

3

21

11

10 years ago

I needed to get the smog done on one of our work vehicles. I arrived without an appointment and there was one person in front of me. The tech was finished with that customer in about 15-20 minutes. The inspection was complete on our vehicle in less than 15 minutes- and with the coupon I found in Yelp, we saved about 50%! I was in and out and was able to make my AM meeting... Thanks and kudos to Colten for his hard work! read more

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Ed E.

13

38

5

10 years ago

Ken great guy. He informed me that the ad is for year 2000 and up. Since my truck was a 1998. He still gave me a deal. Good customer service and I will recommend family and friends to this smog shop. Great location. read more

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Redhotsauce ..

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3

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10 years ago

Called Star Smog yesterday after checking Yelp reviews and talked to Ken. I asked if I needed an appointment and he told me first come first serve, no appointment needed. Came in earlier today and Ken told me someone was there inspecting the equipment and would only take a few minutes. After a couple of minutes he begun testing my car and after 10 - 15 minutes the test was done. My 17 year old Chrysler Cirrus passed the test. I was very happy with Ken's service and I would definitely recommend this shop to my family and friends! read more

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Daniel S.

0

9

4

10 years ago

Purchased a car in Richmond, Ca and needed to smog the car before driving back to Merced, Ca. Looked on Yelp and saw the 5 star reviews and the coupon! It was a done deal! Drove to StarSmog and was greeted by Ken, very professional throughout the process. He answered all my questions and made me very comfortable. Handed him the coupon I printed from Yelp before the trip to look at the vehicle. He was able to get the car on the roller and smogged within 15 minutes from the time I got there to being handed the certificate (would've been a lot faster; however, the car was extremely low and Ken needed to take extra precautions). I totally recommend coming to Star Smog! Thanks Ken! read more

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Eric D.

0

28

2

12 years ago

I was in and out in around 25 minutes, which is good for a smog place. The price was right with $58 out the door. Unfortunately, my truck did not pass, but that because of high NO. Since the HC and CO were really low, I assume that it is a problem with my MAF sensor or upstream O2 sensor. This is of no fault to the smog shop, but rather my problem. They told me that I get a free retest, so now that I replaced my O2 sensor and cleaned my MAF sensor, I will be going back in the coming days. Overall, I am very satisfied with the service of the shop and will be going back for my next smog. I would recommend, but make sure that you get the "Yelp price." read more

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Nate B.

93

1

0

8 years ago

My boy Rico hooked it up real quick! In and out! Very happy with the service. Got the job done!!

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Kevin N.

4

20

7

9 years ago

This was the third station I visited today. The previous two had advertised that they were STAR certified, but were not. CJ was quick and courteous, and I would recommend this station to anyone needing a smog inspection at a STAR station. read more

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LaTonia J.

0

6

0

8 years ago

I was searching on yelp to find a local smog check center and I chose this location due to its great reviews. I called and I was able to drop in without an appointment when I showed up I was greeted right away by the friendly technician and the service was fantastic we were in and out! I would highly recommend this location! read more

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Joline P.

0

6

1

9 years ago

Great service from CJ, fast and efficient, will definitely be coming back for future smogs!

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Joseph D.

24

15

0

8 years ago

This is a good place to go ONLY if you KNOW your car will pass. My car did not and was then told I had to re-pay to go again. The only reason I did not go to Smog Express Richmond like I did before is they put a coupon under my wiper with a "special" deal. It turned out to be no deal so I recommend checking and going to a place that re-tests for free. read more

Business owner information

Remi A.

Dear Joseph,…

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Back

Page 2 of 3

997 23rd St
Richmond, CA 94804
Directions
(510) 231-0891
Call Now
Visit Website
https://www.star-smog.com

Payment methods

Does Star Smog Express take credit cards?

Yes, Star Smog Express takes credit cards.

Other Amenities

Does Star Smog Express have free WiFi?

No, Star Smog Express does not have free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Established in 1995, we smog any type of vehicle for registration or renewal. A Test-only station, we are STAR certified by the Bureau of Automotive Repair, a proof of performance and accuracy which allows us to smog all vehicles : ... Gross polluters, Regular smog check, Out of state vehicles, DIESELs, now HYBRIDS, and Pre-Test all kind of vehicles... We can handle LARGE vehicles, like RV's, commercial trucks, due to our large corner lot with 2 points of access. We also specialize in OLDER vehicles, and we take the time to test them right. We understand your vehicle is important to you, so we are here to help, and we offer a free retest if your vehicle fails the first time, so you can have it repaired and you don't have to pay for our service twice. So drop by any time or call us for a quote ! Our experienced technicians are looking forward to helping you.

History

Established in 1995.

Previously Abe's

Meet the Business Owner: Remi A.

We are a family-owned test-only smog shop, appointed by the California Bureau of Automotive Repairs (BAR) and the DMV. As local East Bay residents, we are committed to preserving our local environment while providing our community with outstanding smog services at a fair price. My Team and I are looking forward to serving you.

More Info

Hours

Review Highlights - Star Smog Express

“They do not take appointments, when I got there Ken helped me and let me know he was finishing up one truck and then would be with me.”

Mentioned in 22 reviews

Smog Express Richmond

4.5

(298 reviews)

Great service and didnt take all day! Got a smog on our older truck...passed with flying colors!…read more Found an online coupon for 20.00 off...SCORE!! Great experience and will bring another vehicle here.

Needed a place to do a test only smog. This was the closest place. Cool place. Cool technician with…read morea good sense of humor. If you search you can definitely find some place cheaper. $70 after using their coupon.

Superior Smog

4.7

(99 reviews)

quick service, discount given. In and out in about 15 mins. Good location in Richmond.read more

Service needs to improve, nice inside , inside and out,…read more And again we asked for th we pumpkin muffin heated it was not,

Star Smog Depot

4.3

(97 reviews)

Always fast, professional and convenient. Just remember to print out the $30 coupon and you are…read moregood to go!

Went in yesterday morning. No wait. Guy helping us was friendly and quick. Also pointed out my…read moredaughter left the sunroof open (expecting huge downpour later). I had a coupon for $30 off. $89.75 regular price. $59.75 + 8.25 for certificate. Definitely would go back here.

Richmond Star Smog

4.9

(54 reviews)

The man who did my smog was quick and helpful. He told me the Safeway down the street has a DMV…read moreKiosk and that was so great. I was able to take the paperwork from him and get my registration sticker the next day.

I called and asked if I can bring my car in for a smog check. Vince was very friendly and helped me…read moreright away. He also said my antifreeze was running low and educated me on how to refill it. I will definitely come back moving forward to get my smog check.

Advanced Smog

4.7

(50 reviews)

My brother's been going there for smog check for years. He recommended me to go there when I…read moreneeded to do smog check. Fast and great customer service it's nearby.

I went this morning. Good customer service and efficient. They have parking. There were 2 customers…read moreahead of me. I waited about 15 min. I'm pleased with the service. I would go back.

Smogsters Star Test Only

4.1

(100 reviews)

It felt like the guy working here was going to fight me when I mentioned coupons. Politely thanked…read morehim and went on my day. The place two blocks away was 20 dollars cheaper, so I guess it was a blessing in disguise.

Love this place! Good customer service! Always friendly to…read morecustomers. Great Customer Service!

El Cerrito Test Only Center-Star Smog Station

4.0

(133 reviews)

Thanks Jose for the quick smog service. Thanks you so much I really appreciate your help.read more

My vehicle is completely stock. If your tech thinks a radio auxiliary adapter is part of the OBD-II…read moreemissions system, that's not compliance, that's incompetence. Hire people who actually know the difference.

Ben's Auto Repair & Sales

5.0

(27 reviews)

Been here for both breaks and oil change service. Front office manager is great and bumped my appt…read moreup so I could make my travel plans on time.

Came in for an axle job on my bmw. They were able to get it done for a good price and also checked…read moreout another issue I was having and were able to fix it. I will be back for sure.

Richmond Smog

5.0

(40 reviews)

Quick and Easy Smog Check for DMV! Great Price! Excellent Customer Service! Second Time for Smog…read moreCheck Here! Passed Again!

Easy to get in, trustworthy, and is able to do any smog required by the DMV…read more Was difficult to locate. It's on the backside of the building/address, so enter on McBryde or Andrade.

Clean Truck Check Bay Area

5.0

(1 review)

I contacted Cesar for an inspection of my truck, and he provided service the next day I called. He…read morewas great and fast, and he arrived right where I had my truck. I highly recommend him

From the owner: We are pleased to offer Mobile Clean Truck Check services in the Bay Area. We come to you making it…read moreeasier for you. Our service are available on a one-time or ongoing basis, and we offer discounts for multiple trucks. For a free quote, please call or email us at your convenience

Yen's Auto Service

4.7

(100 reviews)

Love these Guys and their " Old Fashioned INTEGRITY " !!!…read more My Accord Battery is only 14 - 18 months old. However it died unexpectedly @ a ' ' Refueling Stop ' in Berkeley @ the GAS STATION on Shattuck @ Ashby. Luckily they have a Mechanic Shop in there, and the fellow in there obliged me with a " Jump Start ". Mysterious why it had died suddenly then was ' back up ' Performing Beautifully !!!! Despite which I needed a Battery & Alternator Check to Satisfy Myself Fully that All is Well. Called Mr. Hamza @ Yen's Auto to explain the situation. He suggested I bring it in ASAP for a " Charging System Check " - which I did the same day about 4 weeks ago. Him and his Assistant Mr. AFSAND , who I'd dealt with previously , had me pop the hood to connect their Meter Etc giving my Charging System ' A CLEAN BILL Of Health. Nice to have " Honest Mechanics in the Vicinity " !!!!!!

1 star only...because 0 isn't an option…read more I booked an 11:00 a.m. appointment for an oil change in advance. I wasn't a walk-in. When I dropped off my car, I was told it would be ready around 12:30-1:00 p.m. and that I'd receive a call when it was done. I decided to stick around the area. At 1:00 p.m., after waiting two hours, I walked back to check on the status and found that they hadn't even started working on my car. When I told them I was leaving, the employee suddenly asked if I could wait another 10-15 minutes because he could "start it now". So frustrating. My scheduled appointment meant absolutely nothing until I complained and I was not interested in a rushed oil change... If your business can't honor appointment times, don't offer appointments. Respect your customers' time. I would not recommend taking your business here. I certainly won't be back.

Mobile AC Service

4.9

(12 reviews)

He answered right away and provided me with an excellent service and fix my AC problem.read more

He did a great job evacuating my AC system and came back after I had replaced the failed hose,…read morecondenser and dryer to recharging my ac system. If needed I will definitely call him for other AC related work.

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Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

17 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Eduardo H.

9

2

0

10 years ago

This was going to be my second time in which I needed a smog certification. Therefore, I searched for the best and nearest location. I called in before arriving so that I could compare the prices to that of other locations. Upon arrival, I was greeted by Ken and he let me know it was going to be a small wait since he was helping out another customer. It took about 10-15 minutes for Ken to complete the smog inspection. He was very welcoming and has strong communication skills. From here on out, this will be my go to spot for future smog checks. Thank you Ken! read more

Sean K.

0

1

0

10 years ago

Ken is the best. I called him, he said it would take 10Min, and I go there, it took ten minutes. He was polite and professional. I appreciated that he informed me of them leaves on top of my hood affecting things under my hood too. I recommend this station and their staff any day. Semper Fi. read more

Michael S.

0

3

0

14 years ago

I check out yelp pretty often to get advice but I'm very limited in giving advice to others. This here is great advice though -- go to 6 days a week if you need a smog check! I rarely feel this strongly about a business, they're fantastic!! read more

Maxie H.

0

1

0

9 years ago

It was a great experience getting my car smog test done there. CJ got me in there and out in no time. He's very personable and good the chat with. I highly recommend stopping in. read more

Magrisel M.

0

1

0

7 years ago

Tran was great! VERY FAST EFFICIENT . Barely any waiting time at all! This will be my go to smog shop now!! Thank you Tran your greAt!!!! I wish I could provide more stars read more