Smog Central is a Test Only & Test All station for getting your vehicle smog checked in California. This San Marcos, California station is owned by John & Gail Sidvers, and let me tell you the service is excellent. I’m required to have a smog check on my truck every two years, and the last two times I’ve needed a smog check I have gone to Smog Central, and for good reasons.
Let me share some positive information about this shop. The first thing I noticed is the amount of time it takes to get your smog check here, in both visits I was in and out the door in less than 20 minutes. If you’ve ever had your vehicle smog checked at your local lube change shop for example you’ll often wait an hour or more because it’s usually first come first serve. Smog Central is also first come first serve, but since it’s only a Smog Check station and nothing more it enables quicker service because you don’t have a customer ahead of you who’s getting an oil change. John Sidvers is also very efficient at his work and realizes that your time is very valuable, once you hand him the keys he gets started on your vehicle right away. He is also very careful with your vehicle, he doesn’t abuse any vehicle he touches and returns it to you in the same shape as before you arrived.
Both times I have had my vehicle inspected here John was standing outside his shop so that he could quickly meet customers and get any necessary information he needs to proceed. I find this very helpful because I’m not having to go inside the shop waiting for help, he’s already right there and ready to get started on my truck. I imagine if the shop were busy it might not be as quick to get the process started, but in my experience with this shop John would not leave you waiting for long.
The actual shop is very clean, the waiting room is small but clean and comfortable. There are several signs inside the shop explaining detailed pricing, as well as information on smog check’s in general. This shop has nothing to hide and therefore you are free to watch your vehicle go through the inspection if you wish through a window that is located in the hallway leading into the waiting room.
I have yet to meet Gail Sidvers but John is very polite and courteous. I have never failed a smog check which is a good thing, but I get the feeling that if I were to fail John would be very helpful in explaining any necessary repairs as well as giving me the information needed to follow through on those repairs. This is an excellent shop and I will be taking any vehicle that I might own to Smog Central in the future.
The cost for getting a regular sized car or truck smog checked is $49.00, that includes tax and other fees. For larger vehicles that price is higher, but still very affordable, you can get these prices by calling Smog Central or visiting the shop in person. There is no appointment necessary, you are free to bring your vehicle in at any time during normal business hours. Smog Central is located at 375 S. Rancho Santa Fe Rd. Suite 109 San Marcos, CA. 92069, their contact number is (760) 471-0770. I highly recommend Smog Central for all your Smog Check needs, and I feel very confident that you will enjoy your experience at Smog Central as much as I do.
