FAQ
Smog check, repair and tire questions.
Answers to the questions Scotts Valley drivers ask us most.
Smog check
Smog checks in Scotts Valley
Where can I get a smog check near me in Scotts Valley?
Integrity Automotive Service is at 107-A Whispering Pines Dr, Scotts Valley, CA 95066 — a STAR-certified smog station and full repair shop. Walk in for your smog check, no appointment needed.
Is there a STAR smog station near me in Scotts Valley?
Yes — Integrity Automotive on Whispering Pines Dr is a STAR-certified smog station, so we can inspect and certify exactly what the DMV asks for.
Do I need an appointment for a smog check?
No — walk in any time for your smog check. For repairs or tires, it’s best to call ahead or book an appointment.
Which areas do you serve?
Drivers from Scotts Valley and nearby Felton, plus the surrounding area.
Where exactly are you located?
107-A Whispering Pines Dr, Scotts Valley, CA 95066.
What kinds of vehicles can you smog?
Cars, SUVs, trucks and vans, plus diesel and hybrid, for every DMV reason.
Pricing
Price and the $20 coupon
How much does a smog check cost in Scotts Valley?
We offer one of the lowest smog prices in Scotts Valley, and our coupon takes $20 off. Your exact price depends on the vehicle, so give us a call and we’ll quote it.
How does the $20 coupon work?
Show it on your phone or print it and present it before your smog check. It can’t be combined with any other offer.
Can you email me the coupon?
Yes — use the form on our smog coupon page and we’ll send it to your inbox.
Does the coupon work on hybrids and diesels?
Yes — it applies to smog checks on eligible hybrid and diesel vehicles too.
Can I show the coupon on my phone?
Yes — a screenshot works just as well as a printout.
STAR
STAR-certified smog
What is a STAR smog station?
A smog station the DMV holds to higher Bureau of Automotive Repair standards and that’s authorized to certify DMV-directed vehicles.
Is Integrity Automotive STAR certified?
Yes — we’re a STAR-certified smog station. You can verify our license with the California Bureau of Automotive Repair.
Why does my DMV renewal notice say “STAR station required”?
The DMV directs a share of vehicles to STAR stations. Your certificate just has to come from a STAR station like ours — it doesn’t mean anything is wrong with your car.
What’s the difference between a STAR smog check and a regular one?
The test itself is the same; only a STAR station can certify a DMV-directed vehicle. If your notice isn’t directed, you can test anywhere, including here.
Can you certify a gross polluter?
Yes — as a STAR station we can certify a gross polluter once it’s repaired and passes. And because we’re a repair shop, we can handle the repairs and the retest in one place.
Can you test vehicles that aren’t STAR-directed?
Yes — we test and certify both STAR-directed and regular, non-directed vehicles.
Test & repair
A full test-and-repair shop
Do you only do smog, or repairs too?
Both. We’re a full auto-repair shop and a STAR smog station, so we can test your vehicle and fix whatever it needs.
What’s the difference between test-only and test-and-repair?
A test-only station can only inspect. We’re a test-and-repair station, so we can inspect and perform repairs — a real advantage if your vehicle fails.
If my car fails smog, can you repair it here?
Yes — that’s the upside of a test-and-repair shop. We can diagnose and fix the emissions problem and retest it, all in one place.
Can you do Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) repairs?
Yes — as a STAR test-and-repair station we can perform emissions repairs funded through California’s Consumer Assistance Program for eligible vehicles that fail.
What else do you work on?
Brakes, oil changes, alignment, engine, transmission, heating and A/C, electrical, plus tires — we’re also a Tire Pros dealer. See auto repair →
DMV
Registration and the DMV
Does my passing result go straight to the DMV?
Yes — we send your passing certificate to the DMV/BAR electronically, so your registration can go through.
How soon does the DMV get my result?
Within minutes of passing — it’s filed electronically while you’re still here.
What should I bring to my smog check?
Your vehicle and, if you have it, your DMV renewal notice. For a transfer or out-of-state car, bring the title or current registration.
Can I get smogged without my renewal notice?
Yes — we can look your vehicle up without it.
How often does California require a smog check?
Most vehicles need one every two years for registration renewal, plus when a vehicle is sold or first registered in California. Your DMV notice tells you when yours is due.
If you fail
If your vehicle fails
What happens if my vehicle fails the smog check?
We’ll explain exactly why it failed — and because we’re a repair shop, we can fix it right here and retest, with no need to go elsewhere.
What are the most common reasons a car fails smog?
An illuminated check-engine light, incomplete readiness monitors, or worn emissions parts like the catalytic converter, oxygen sensors or EVAP system.
Can I pass with the check-engine light on?
No — an illuminated check-engine light is an automatic fail on any OBD-II vehicle. We can diagnose and repair it, then retest.
Can you help pay for repairs if I fail?
You may qualify for California’s Consumer Assistance Program — up to $500 toward emissions repairs for eligible motorists, or $1,000 to retire a high-polluting vehicle — and as a STAR test-and-repair shop we can do the CAP repairs.
What is a gross polluter?
A vehicle emitting well above the limit. We can repair it and then certify it as a STAR station.
How soon can I retest after repairs?
As soon as the repairs are done and the readiness monitors reset — usually a short drive cycle. In many cases we can handle it the same visit.
Tips to pass
Getting ready to pass
How do I give my car the best chance of passing?
Keep up regular maintenance, don’t tamper with emissions equipment, and drive it about 15 minutes before the test so it’s warmed up.
Should I drive my car before the test, and for how long?
Yes — about 15 minutes. A warm engine and hot catalytic converter burn cleaner, and a cold start can fail a test the car would otherwise pass.
Should I disconnect my battery before a smog check?
No. Disconnecting or recently replacing the battery resets the OBD-II readiness monitors, and the car can’t pass until they finish re-running.
What are OBD-II readiness monitors, and what does “not ready” mean?
They’re self-checks your car runs on its emissions systems. If too many aren’t complete, the car reads “not ready” and can’t be certified until it’s driven enough to finish them.
Should I clear the check-engine light or codes before coming in?
No — clearing codes resets the readiness monitors, which fails the test until they complete again. Fix the underlying issue instead; we can help with that.
Your visit
During your inspection
How long does a smog check take?
Usually about 15 minutes for most vehicles, and you can wait while we test.
What happens during a California smog inspection?
We connect to your vehicle’s OBD-II system, check the emissions components and confirm nothing has been tampered with, then verify it meets California standards. On a pass, we file the certificate with the DMV.
Can I wait while my vehicle is tested?
Yes — most smog checks are quick, so you’re welcome to wait and drive off with your result in hand.
Vehicles
Vehicles and exemptions
Do you smog diesel vehicles and diesel trucks?
Yes — we’re licensed to test eligible diesels, including diesel pickups and SUVs.
Do hybrids need a smog check, and do you test them?
Yes — gasoline-electric hybrids, including most plug-in hybrids, need smog checks in California, and we test them.
Do electric vehicles like a Tesla need a smog check?
No — battery-electric vehicles are exempt from California smog inspections, so a Tesla doesn’t need one.
Can you smog SUVs, trucks, vans and RVs?
Yes — we test SUVs, pickups, vans and motor homes.
Do out-of-state vehicles need a smog check to register in California, and do you do them?
Yes — bringing a vehicle into California for registration requires a smog inspection, and we handle out-of-state vehicles every day.
Do I need a smog check when buying or selling a vehicle?
Usually yes — a change-of-ownership or title-transfer sale needs a smog certificate, generally the seller’s responsibility.
What model-year vehicles need a smog check in California?
Most gasoline vehicles from 1976 and newer, and most diesels from 1998 and newer up to 14,000 lbs. Newer gas vehicles are exempt for their first eight model years.
What vehicles are exempt from California smog inspections?
Gasoline vehicles 1975 and older, electric vehicles, and motorcycles are generally exempt; diesel rules differ. If you’re unsure, give us a call.
Beyond smog
Auto repair and tires
Besides smog, what services do you offer?
Full auto repair — brakes, oil changes, alignment, engine, transmission, heating and A/C, and electrical — plus tires. We’re a Tire Pros dealer. See auto repair →
Do you sell and install tires?
Yes — we’re a Tire Pros dealer carrying major brands like Michelin, BFGoodrich and Uniroyal, and we run seasonal tire rebates. Shop tires →
Do you do oil changes?
Yes — conventional and synthetic oil changes with a multi-point inspection. Oil change →
Do you do brakes and alignment?
Yes — brake service and wheel alignments, and we often have coupons on both. Brake service →
Do you offer AAA discounts?
Yes — AAA members save on service; just show your membership at check-in.
Do you have coupons for repairs and tires?
Yes — see our coupons page for current oil, brake, alignment, tire and smog offers.
$20 OFF your smog check in Scotts Valley
Smog, repairs and tires — all at 107 Whispering Pines Dr #A.