Pleasant Hill Smog Dog
$20 off
For 2000 and newer vehicles
*Excluding RV’s & Motorhomes. Cannot be combined with any other offers.
Valid11/1/2021 – 2/1/2031
Mon–Sat 8:30 AM–5:30 PM
STAR certified Test-only BAR #298004
Fast, STAR-certified smog checks. No appointment needed.
We smog all vehicles: cars, trucks, hybrids, diesels, RVs and motorhomes. Three blocks off I-680, one mile from the Concord DMV.
Walk-ins always welcome. The average smog check takes about 15 minutes.
- STAR Certified
- Test-Only Station
- No Appointments Needed
- All Vehicles
- Mon–Sat 8:30–5:30
- 1 Mile from the Concord DMV
01 What we test
If it needs a smog check, bring it in.
Smog Dog tests all vehicles, STAR-directed or not, whether you’re renewing your registration, selling, or registering an out-of-state vehicle in California.
Cars
Cars and SUVs, any make.
Trucks
Trucks, gas or diesel.
Hybrids
Hybrids need a smog check like gas cars do.
Diesels
Model year 1998 and newer, up to 14,000 lbs GVWR.
RVs
Yes, RVs too.
Motorhomes
Bring the whole house.
Common reasons you’ll need us
- Registration renewal. Your DMV notice says “Smog Certification Required,” with or without “at a STAR station.”
- Selling a vehicle. A smog check is required before a change of ownership.
- New to California. Vehicles registered here for the first time need one.
Requirements per the Bureau of Automotive Repair. Not sure if you need one? See the FAQ or call us.
02 Why Smog Dog
All we do is smog checks. So we do them well.
As a STAR-certified, test-only station, Smog Dog is held to the state’s higher performance standards and has no repair work to sell you. You get an accurate test and you’re back on the road fast.
~15min
Average smog check at Smog Dog, per our FAQ.
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STAR certified
STAR stations meet higher performance standards set by the Bureau of Automotive Repair and can inspect all vehicles, including high-polluting ones. If your DMV notice says “at a STAR station,” you’re in the right place.
Verified on BAR’s STAR station report
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Test-only means unbiased
Test-only stations can’t do repairs or recommend repair shops, so there’s no incentive to fail your vehicle. The state created them so drivers know they’re being treated fairly.
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Fast, with no appointment
Pull in Monday through Saturday, 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. “All done in 15mins. I was able to renew within an hour,” as one Google reviewer put it.
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1 mile from the Concord DMV
Three blocks off Interstate 680 on Contra Costa Blvd, right behind Magoo’s Grill.
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Discounted retests
If your vehicle doesn’t pass, take your results to a qualified repair technician. Once repairs are done, we’ll retest it at a steeply discounted rate.
03 Coupon
Save $20 on your smog check.
Our current coupon for 2000-and-newer vehicles, exactly as published. Print it and bring it in.
04 Reviews
Fast, friendly, in and out.
I needed a quick small check for my car and found them online. They had availability and took me in right away. The owner was great. The service was very fast …
Efficient, friendly tech and cost effective. Didn't even realize they were so close to home. I'll be back!
Great, quick service! The person working was really nice and made the whole process easy. I was in and out in no time. Definitely recommend supporting this local Pleasant Hill business!
Behind Magoo's and alllllll the way down. Two cars in front of us, and we were still in and out within 30 minutes. Coupon on their website, didn't even need to print it out …
6 stars.., fast ..efficient.. Great people.. The gentleman took Extremely professional attention to me... I refer everyone there.. 😉 10/27 Update!! Took a friend's Vechile there and Extremely professional attention David's ..was my technician..special thanks!!
Top notch service! Staff are super friendly and quick. All done in 15mins. I was able to renew within an hour. … HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
I had an incredible experience at Smog Dog! They took care of my smog check in less than 15 minutes—super fast and hassle-free. The staff was friendly and professional, and I appreciated the efficient service. Highly recommend Smog Dog if you’re looking for a quick and reliable smog check!
Excellent service!! David was so kind, patient and very knowledgeable! I appreciate all the help! Definitely a 5 star business!! Will be coming back for sure! A very friendly atmosphere. Deeply pleased and thankful.
Reviews are quoted word for word; “…” marks where we shortened one. Read them all on Yelp and Google.
05 Reserve a time
Want a set time? Pick one.
Reserving is optional. Walk-ins are always welcome, no appointment needed. If you’d like to plan around a lunch break or a DMV visit, tell us when you’re coming.
- Mon–Sat, 8:30 AM–5:30 PM
- Bring your DMV renewal notice if you have one
- Questions? (925) 691-1045
Demo: this form isn’t connected yet. To reserve now, call (925) 691-1045 or email smogdog925@gmail.com.
Request received
Demo: nothing was sent to the shop. Please confirm by phone or email for now.
06 FAQ & smog tips
Good questions. Straight answers.
Answers come from our own FAQ and Smog Tips, and from the California Bureau of Automotive Repair. Still unsure? Call (925) 691-1045. We’re always happy to answer questions.
Smog check basics
How long does a smog check take?
The average smog check at Smog Dog takes about 15 minutes to complete. No appointment needed.
Source: Smog Dog FAQ
Does my vehicle need a smog check?
Smog checks are required for gasoline, hybrid and alternative-fuel vehicles from model year 1976 and newer, and for diesel vehicles from model year 1998 and newer. RVs and motorhomes that meet those criteria need one too.
- Renewal: required every other year. Vehicles eight model years and newer pay a smog abatement fee with their registration instead.
- Selling: required for a change of ownership. Vehicles four model years and newer pay a smog transfer fee instead.
- New to California: required to register a vehicle here for the first time.
- Not required: electric vehicles, motorcycles, gas vehicles 1975 and older, diesels 1997 and older, and diesels over 14,000 lbs GVWR.
Source: Bureau of Automotive Repair
What is a STAR-certified station?
STAR stations meet higher performance standards established by the Bureau of Automotive Repair, and can inspect all vehicles, including high-polluting ones. Your DMV registration renewal notice will say if you need to go to a STAR station. Even if it doesn’t, it’s a good idea to choose one. Smog Dog is STAR certified, and we test all vehicles, not only STAR-directed ones.
Sources: BAR, Smog Dog FAQ
Why was I sent to a STAR station?
The DMV doesn’t say why a vehicle is directed to a STAR station, but there are only a few possibilities:
- Your vehicle may have failed a smog test in the past.
- Your vehicle was identified as more likely than others to emit unhealthy levels of pollutants, even if it has never failed.
- Your vehicle was chosen at random for Smog Check Program evaluation.
Source: Smog Dog FAQ
What is a test-only station?
Test-only stations are licensed by the Bureau of Automotive Repair to inspect and certify most vehicles, including gross polluters. They aren’t allowed to do repairs, diagnose why a vehicle failed, or recommend repair shops, so they have no incentive to fail a vehicle and earn repair fees. Some vehicles, like gross polluters, must be certified at a test-only station; your DMV notice will tell you.
Source: Smog Dog FAQ
What should I bring?
Bring your DMV registration renewal notice, if you have it. It helps the station verify your vehicle information.
Source: Bureau of Automotive Repair
How does the DMV get my results?
When your vehicle passes, the station issues a smog certificate. The certificate is sent to the DMV electronically and is valid for 90 days. You’ll also get a vehicle inspection report. If you’re selling, give a copy to the buyer.
Source: Bureau of Automotive Repair
What if my vehicle fails?
Bring your test results to a qualified technician for the necessary repairs. Once repairs are complete, Smog Dog will retest your vehicle at a steeply discounted rate.
Source: Smog Dog FAQ
How much does it cost?
Call (925) 691-1045 for current pricing, and see our $20-off coupon for 2000-and-newer vehicles. Smog check prices vary by station and aren’t regulated by BAR. Every station must charge the state’s $8.25 certificate fee and give you an estimate to approve before the inspection begins.
Source: Bureau of Automotive Repair
Tips to pass
Warm up your engine
A vehicle with a warm engine is more likely to pass. When the engine is warm it burns fuel more efficiently, and the catalytic converter does a better job with emissions. Especially on colder days, drive for at least 20 minutes before your test.
Source: Smog Dog Smog Tips
Fix the check engine light first
A vehicle will not pass a smog check with the check engine light on, even if it otherwise meets emissions requirements. Have it diagnosed and repaired first. We suggest driving at least 50 miles after the repair before coming in.
Sources: BAR, Smog Dog Smog Tips
Recently disconnected the battery?
Disconnecting or replacing the battery resets the computer’s readiness monitors, and some oil-change shops disconnect it during service. If yours was disconnected or replaced, BAR recommends driving for a week or two before your smog check so the monitors can reset.
Sources: BAR, Smog Dog Smog Tips
Keep up with oil changes and maintenance
Vehicles overdue for an oil change are less likely to pass. Following the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule keeps your vehicle running efficiently with fewer emissions. If your engine isn’t idling smoothly, have it repaired before your test.
Source: Smog Dog Smog Tips
Check your tire pressure
Proper tire pressure helps your vehicle run smoothly, on the road and on our dynamometer during the inspection. Look for the manufacturer’s spec on the driver’s door jamb sticker, in the glove compartment or in the trunk.
Source: Smog Dog Smog Tips
07 Directions & hours
Right behind Magoo’s Grill.
1250 Contra Costa Blvd
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
- 3 blocks off Interstate 680
- 1 mile from the Concord DMV
- Right behind Magoo’s Grill
Station hours
Mon–Sat 8:30 AM–5:30 PM
| Monday | 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Thursday | 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Friday | 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Saturday | 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
