If your DMV renewal notice says the vehicle must be certified at a STAR station, a regular smog station cannot do that inspection for you. You need a station in the state's STAR program, and it helps to know which kind before you drive anywhere.
This post explains what the notice is telling you, why some cars are directed this way, and the second distinction most people miss: test-only versus Test & Repair.
What the program is
STAR is a program run by California's Bureau of Automotive Repair. Stations in it have to meet performance standards set by the bureau. Some vehicles are directed to these stations for their inspection, and the renewal notice is how the DMV tells you.
Why some cars are directed
The state directs a portion of vehicles to these stations, including vehicles it identifies as more likely to fail and some chosen at random. Being directed is not an accusation that your car is polluting; it is about where the inspection has to take place.
If the notice does not mention it, any licensed smog station can perform the inspection.
Test-only and Test & Repair
Program stations, like regular ones, can be test-only or Test & Repair. A test-only station can inspect and certify a passing car, but if the car fails it cannot repair it. You then need a repair shop, followed by another inspection.
A Test & Repair station can do the inspection, diagnose a failure, carry out the repair and retest, all at one address.
CAR PRETTY's smog department at 4207 McHenry Ave in Modesto is listed as a STAR-certified Test & Repair station, with the auto repair department on the same lot.
Got a renewal notice in hand? Call (209) 526-8688 and read us what it says; we will tell you whether we can do the inspection.
Explore Smog Check for Modesto drivers.
Before your appointment
Check that the check engine light is off; a lit light is an automatic fail. If the battery was recently disconnected or codes were cleared, the car may need ordinary driving before its readiness monitors are complete. Bring the renewal notice so the station can see what it asks for.
Ready to talk about your car?
Call CAR PRETTY at (209) 526-8688 or send an appointment request, and bring your renewal notice.
Read about Smog Check and visiting from Modesto.