New CA. smog regulations

[Nuke Proof]

All right if you haven't had your smog done in CA in the last 6 months be prepared for the "new" test.

I just had my XJ smogged and was it a pain. They have a test where they use a machine to pressurize your fuel tank through the filler and it measures leaks. If it has a hole larger than .040," it fails. That could mean anything like a cracked hose, a hole, loose fitting, bad gasket, etc. will trip this machine.

I had to take mine back to my house three times before all of the leaks were discovered and fixed.

The tech, who is a friend of mine told me that this test is designed to take "older vehicles" that are not maintained properly off the road. He told me that the Jeeps are some of the worse offenders with this new test. "The XJ's aren't that bad, but the Wranglers are horrible." Don't get me wrong, I do think we need to do our part to make sure that our vehicle's are in good running order. This is more to let you know what to expect and why the smog tech is hooking an air hose to your filler neck.

He also told me that in 2010, smog checks for vehicles older than 95 will be smogged every year and also in 2010 diesels will be smogged.

My question is (and this is not sarcastic at all), if we have such a smog problem then why don't the mountain communities and the Bay area communities have smog regulations instead of instating more tests on the valley.

Anyway the aformentioned is just an FYI.

 

[scottmcneal]

Mine will pass with FLYING colors.... Thank god..

 

[tbburg]

....My question is (and this is not sarcastic at all), if we have such a smog problem then why don't the mountain communities and the Bay area communities have smog regulations instead of instating more tests on the valley.

Answer: Geography. "In the Valley", the air sits, an inversion layer forms, and all that bad crap stays right there. By the ocean, and around mountains, you get steady winds. 'Blows the smog away.

scottmcneal Allow me to correct that:

"If your mother was stupid, and your father an idiot, then what might you be?
"Then I would be named Chelsie!!!
"If your mother was stupid, and your father an idiot, then what might you be?
"Then I would be an Democrat!!!

 

[WB9YZU]

Funny, we have opposite smog laws in SE WI. After a certain year, vehicles stop getting teched. The idea is that cars do get junked, and why bother checking the few which remain.

Same thing with Odometer statements. After so many miles, they just don't care.

 

[Skwerly]

Yep, they are doing it, too. It's ridiculous to me, but I understand the premise behind it.

Next thing you know, they'll be asking how many times a day you fart, and limit the travel time for those of us who are... prone to toots.

 

[Tenny]

Wow, this is why I register my vehicles elsewhere.

My mother lives in Crescent City (Del Norte County) and I moved my registration there for all vehicles, and I haven't had to smog anything since I moved it up there. It really helps with my Stealth has enough done to it, that it won't pass smog ever. But it's still handy with the Jeep.

 

[bjoehandley]

Funny, we have opposite smog laws in SE WI. After a certain year, vehicles stop getting teched. The idea is that cars do get junked, and why bother checking the few which remain.

Same thing with Odometer statements. After so many miles, they just don't care.

Same here in Illinois, anything Pre-OBD2 doen't have to get smogged anymore! Of course vehicles don't last nearly as long in our part of the country:smsoap:

 

[DrMoab]

Reason number 194,448,447,384,590 to hate california.

 

[MT Mike]

Reason number 194,448,447,384,590 to hate california.

Sig worthy!

 

[xjcjfreek]

Reason number 194,448,447,384,590 to hate california

I am so glad that I live where there is zero smog testing and most likely wont be for a very long time.

 

[Bryan C.]

Sounds like your mechanic friend should have a tin-foil hat on. The truth is the whole reason we have smog laws here is the huge number of vehicles registered and on the road here in California. A large majority of people wouldn't bother keeping their vehicles maintained and running right if they were left unchecked or untested. I hate having to get my Jeep smogged at a test only station, even more because I have a smog check license but I can't smog it myself.

My question is (and this is not sarcastic at all), if we have such a smog problem then why don't the mountain communities and the Bay area communities have smog regulations instead of instating more tests on the valley.

Believe me, we have the Smog Check II program running here in the bay area. With evap system testing and the Dyno and every other bell and whistle the state says we need to buy. For what its worth, my 1992 XJ passed just fine the first time I tried it.

 

[ehall]

Fuel evap pressure tests have been part of every smog test I've ever taken anywhere

FWIW, I live in a part of Maryland that is exempted from smog testing but I drive up to the next county for it periodically just to get a feel for how my cars are performing (IE if they are running lean, etc)

 

[KingOfTheHill]

i have within that 6 months smogged 4 cars, and 3 of them were XJ's pre 90, and 1 85 chevy 1 ton... and all of them passed that test...

that test sucks (had me worried) and its another 10 bucks and a reason to send you home ya know...

its always some stupid surprise when its time to smog.

JOe

 

[BIgDaddyChia]

GOD BLESS TEXAS

 

[banderso]

Funny, we have opposite smog laws in SE WI. After a certain year, vehicles stop getting teched. The idea is that cars do get junked, and why bother checking the few which remain.

Same thing with Odometer statements. After so many miles, they just don't care.

That's simillar to the way it used to be here. After 25 years vehicles no longer needed to be smogged. But they changed it in 2005 (I think). Vehicles already old enough to be exempt were still exempt, but the rolling 25 year thing was ended. I was upset because it was right after what would have been the last smog for my CJ. I understand that we need clean air and I would support a lot ot things to accomplish that, but the change in law made no sense to me. I figure most people driving 25+ year old vehicles fall into one of two catigories: 1) they can't afford a newer cleaner running car, or 2) they are collectors or enthusiests and drive very few miles. Neither group seemed like the right group to target with new regulations. But I assume I'm preaching to choir.

I had my cherokee smogged last month and the tech never put anything on my fuel filler. He tested the gas cap like they always have. When did the change take place?

Oh, and sorry for the spelling errors. I am at work and can't find a spell checker anywhere on this machine.

 

[5-90]

The truth is the whole reason we have smog laws here is the huge number of vehicles registered and on the road here in California.

And the whole reason we have so many vehicles on the road is because DMV keeps approving licenses for the marginally incompetent to totally incompetent. I have found that the average driver out here suffers from delusions of adequacy.

And, incompetent instructors and incompetent evaluators aren't going to make for competent licensees. I'm glad I didn't learn to drive out here.

I keep thinking about getting a bumper sticker made up - "CAUTION - Don't make me drive like you."

 

[Nuke Proof]

Yes Bryan C. I understand that there is some smog laws in Dublin, but as far as I am concerned that is not what I am referring to when it comes to the Bay Area. I am talking about the actual Bay Area, SF bay, Half Moon Bay, South SF and the likes of all the areas that generate all of our protestors and democrats(see red highlighted area below before you start burning up the keyboard flaming me). The last time I looked all of those areas do not have smog and when I worked in Tracy, I used to sit on Corral Hollow and Grant Line to watch the smog get blown over the Altamont into the valley.

I just get tired of the analogy that the "wind keeps our air clean, so we don't need smog testing."........ So what if I fart and it blows into the next room, does that mean it doesn't stink anymore. Just because there is no smog in the Bay Area does not mean that there is no pollution generated. I agree with you, that where there is no enforcement there is no concern for the law/environment/etc. I know several guys that I used to drag race with that live in the Bay Area. What do they always do with their cars?, Yank the smog equipment off. After all they don't have to worry about it.

No offense to anyone here, but if you believe that just because the wind blows smog away, you don't contribute to the problem then maybe you need to stop occupying the gene pool. I mean, if we were to apply the CA smog logic to Bakersfield then they need to have their cars taken away and given bicycles. After all their mistake is geographical as well. Hell why not just dump your oil into the ocean, the current will carry it away right?

I am a proponent of the CA smog laws and it does a great job of keeping people in check. I feel they are a great way to ensure that your car is running perfectly or good for that matter. But I think SF needs to stop making all the wind by waving their protest signs and actually do what they keep telling everyone else to do. THIS IS NOT A FLAME ON SF, I KNOW THAT ONE BAD APPLE RUINS THE WHOLE BUNCH. I AM SPEAKING SOLELY OF THE LEGISLATORS AND THE POLITICIANS. NOT THE RESIDENTS OF SF.

I do agree with 5-90, in case anyone missed it I am a retired cop and there is an overabundance of people out there who aren't qualified to push a shopping cart let alone drive a car, but alas CA keep handing out licenses.

 

[Jes]

Yes Bryan C. I understand that there is some smog laws in Dublin, but as far as I am concerned that is not what I am referring to when it comes to the Bay Area. I am talking about the actual Bay Area, SF bay, Half Moon Bay, South SF and the likes of all the areas that generate all of our protestors and democrats(see red highlighted area below before you start burning up the keyboard flaming me). The last time I looked all of those areas do not have smog and when I worked in Tracy, I used to sit on Corral Hollow and Grant Line to watch the smog get blown over the Altamont into the valley.

I just get tired of the analogy that the "wind keeps our air clean, so we don't need smog testing."........ So what if I fart and it blows into the next room, does that mean it doesn't stink anymore. Just because there is no smog in the Bay Area does not mean that there is no pollution generated. I agree with you, that where there is no enforcement there is no concern for the law/environment/etc. I know several guys that I used to drag race with that live in the Bay Area. What do they always do with their cars?, Yank the smog equipment off. After all they don't have to worry about it.

No offense to anyone here, but if you believe that just because the wind blows smog away, you don't contribute to the problem then maybe you need to stop occupying the gene pool. I mean, if we were to apply the CA smog logic to Bakersfield then they need to have their cars taken away and given bicycles. After all their mistake is geographical as well. Hell why not just dump your oil into the ocean, the current will carry it away right?

I am a proponent of the CA smog laws and it does a great job of keeping people in check. I feel they are a great way to ensure that your car is running perfectly or good for that matter. But I think SF needs to stop making all the wind by waving their protest signs and actually do what they keep telling everyone else to do. THIS IS NOT A FLAME ON SF, I KNOW THAT ONE BAD APPLE RUINS THE WHOLE BUNCH. I AM SPEAKING SOLELY OF THE LEGISLATORS AND THE POLITICIANS. NOT THE RESIDENTS OF SF.

You are seriously dillusional if you think that there is no SMOG testing in the Bay Area. Every Bay Area county has SMOG testing and guess what, the Bay Area is the first to emplement all the stupid new tests.

 

[Nuke Proof]

Hey maybe I am wrong. I am just going by what I have been told and what the general concensus is around the people I know. If I am wrong, then I apologize, but I would like to know how there is a group of SF drag racers that don't smog and yet still register their cars every year.

 

[TheWarWagon]

The most unfortunate part of this whole ordeal is that it will only force more people to less "trustworthy" smog centers.