There will be absolutely no difference between either type of smog check center, test only or test and repair, other than, if your vehicle fails the smog check at a test only station, you'll need to take it to a test and repair station for repairs. It should be noted, a Test Only station, by law, is not allowed to offer you any explanation as to why your vehicle may have failed the smog check. Their only duty is to inspection your vehicle and provide you with inspection results; PASS or FAIL.
However, should you have a free retest offer from the test only station, you're all good. You'd get your vehicle repaired at the test & repair shop, and then drive over to the test only station for a final free inspection. More than likely however, the test and repair station will want to complete the entire process... meaning, repair and final inspection. They may want to charge you for the final smog check, but often they'll work that into the repair cost; and for much less than their walk-in smog check price. After all, they won't want you to leave the shop without being certain the vehicle has been repaired to the extent of being able to pass. If they can actually issue you a smog certificate too, even better.
Our suggestion is, for vehicles which are certain to need repairs before being able to pass, just visit a Test & Repair smog check center to begin with. If you suspect your vehicle will require repairs before passing, why go through the hassle of driving back and forth?
In terms of smog test accuracy, at either type of facility... there will be no difference. If a smog center is STAR certified, you've got all the guarantee you need. STAR centers are held to the state's highest smog check standards; both test only and test and repair shops, same thing.
It used to be (and just a huge wrong presumption) that you'd get a fairer inspection at a test only facility because since they aren't allowed to repair vehicles, they'd have no reason to fail your vehicle. Nothing could be farther from the truth. As strict as the state is on smog stations, especially STAR certificate stations, risking their license and STAR certification, for a few hundred dollar profit (if that) is highly not worth it. So, again, if you think your vehicle might need work before it passes, choose a Test & Repair shop. If your vehicle is a later model (newer) and well maintained... pick the location closest to you, with the least wait time and lowest price. Simple.
posted by SmogTips Support
