Unusual Vehicles/Engine Changes – Ask the Ref (2024)

FAQs

Why does my car have to go to a referee? ›

The following are some of the reasons why you would make a Referee appointment: The vehicle recently failed a Smog Check and you do not agree with the inspection results. You would like to apply to receive a Repair Cost Waiver. The vehicle engine has been changed.

Smog Referees work with the public, perform inspections and testing of vehicles for smog certification, and help train community college students for careers in the smog check field.

Your vehicle does not need a smog inspection if your:

Gasoline-powered vehicle is a 1975 year model or older (This includes motorcycles and trailers.) Diesel-powered vehicle is a 1997 and older year model OR with a Gross Vehicle Weight of more than 14,000 pounds.

Vehicles can fail a Smog Check for any number of reasons, some common reasons for failing a smog check include: Excessive tailpipe emissions. Modified with non-approved parts or computer programing. Check Engine light or OBD monitor failures.

As long as you can find a trusted contact who will speak positively about your character, you can supply a reference. Even if you've only interacted with someone a few times, they can still act as a reference. Make a list of people you've interacted with besides family.

California describes a “classic car” as a vehicle that is at least 25 years old. This distinction is made due to the fact that cars built before 1975 are excused from the California Smog Certification Program.

Eligible consumers may receive up to $1,200 in emissions-related repairs at a STAR test-and-repair station if their vehicle fails its biennial Smog Check inspection.

Collector motor vehicles are exempted from some portions of smog check, provided they meet certain criteria: the owner must be able to demonstrate that the vehicle is insured as a collector vehicle; the vehicle must be at least 35 years old (e.g., 1986 model year); the vehicle must comply with exhaust emissions ...

All of these things contribute to the emissions your car, truck, or SUV releases into the environment, which is why when the check engine light turns on your smog test results are guaranteed to be “fail.” California is strict on emissions, and your vehicle won't pass the smog test if there is an issue with the exhaust ...

Does California DMV waive smog check? ›

California law exempts vehicles eight model years and newer from a biennial Smog Check. In lieu of a Smog Check, owners of these vehicles are required to pay an abatement fee as part of their registration fee to the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Dirty oil can trigger a failed smog test, so it's wise first to get an oil change. While your car is in the shop, ask the mechanic to visually inspect the engine for any cracked, broken, or loose hoses that could contribute to higher emissions.

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On top of that, they require a list of personal references. The purpose for these references is so the lender can verify that you are who you say you are, and have another way of contacting you.

Basically - the ref program is designed to stop cars with illegal mods.. You cannot drive the car until the ref signs off that it is corrected.... Like I said - if you don't REF it.. It will probably be impounded next time you are pulled over. You get charged the fees for reffing once..

A rev counter simply shows the number of revolutions an engine's crankshaft (that's the rotating bit which converts the reciprocating motion [in a car's case, the up and down motion of the con-rods and pistons] to circular motion) is revolving per minute (RPM) – usually divided by 1000; i.e., 2 on a rev counter is ...

Listing someone as a personal reference doesn't mean they're responsible for your car loan, nor does it affect their credit score or mean that they're going to be spammed with car financing offers from dealerships. Their only responsibility is to answer basic questions asked by a lender if one reaches out to them.