The cars of our youth are now classic cars. That bitchin’ 79 Trans Am, that 78 big block GTO, and the 76 Plymouth duster are now considered classic cars. You may have put your heart and soul into the restoration of your teen years dream car with everything from stock parts to a slick paint job. Now the rusted old hulk rides like a teenage dream and is your pride and joy. Unfortunately, these vehicles are subject to California emissions laws.
While cars made from 1975 on back are exempt from needing to smog test, cars from 1976 forward are subject to the law. In order to reregister your car you need to have a smog certificate on file with the DMV, and that means you must bring it in for the biennial smog test.
There are a few tips and tricks to keeping your vintage muscle car in tip top shape – and these will also help you pass the inspection.
- Make sure that your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires can cause you to lose fuel efficiency by making your car work harder.
- Clean that engine! Using a fuel additive to clear clogged fuel injectors means that there will be less particulate matter in your exhaust.
- Tune it up and blow it out. Two weeks before you plan to test, have your car tuned up by a professional, then drive at freeway speeds as often as possible until your test date. This will help burn your engine clean.
Bring your car down to Vacaville Smog Check Station for the most thorough STAR rated inspection, just for older cars. If you have a classic car in the Fairfield/Vacaville area, and they will make sure your baby gets the best treatment possible.
