Frequently Asked Questions

Smog Check walk-ins are welcomed however we do encourage an appointment for customers who have a tight schedule. Services scheduled after 10:00 AM may extend into the following business day (excluding smog checks), depending on the type of work required, parts availability, and the current shop schedule.

For routine maintenance services, same-day completion is often possible. For diagnostics, major repairs, or services requiring special parts, additional time may be necessary. We will always keep you informed about the expected timeline once your vehicle has been inspected.  All appointment times at Eli’s Auto Service are scheduled as vehicle drop-offs. Appointment times indicate when your vehicle should be brought in, not when the repair will be completed. Services scheduled after 10:00 AM may extend into the following business day (excluding smog checks), depending on the type of work required, parts availability, and the current shop schedule.

The purpose of a smog check is to ensure that vehicles in California are not emitting excessive amounts of pollutants into the air. This helps to improve the air quality and protect the environment.

Most vehicles in California are required to get a smog check every two years. However, some vehicles may need to get a smog check more frequently, such as those with high mileage or that have failed a previous smog check.

A smog check includes an inspection of the vehicle's emissions system. The technician will also connect your vehicle to the state’s testing system to ensure your car meets California standards.

The STAR program was established under Assembly Bill 2889 (Eng, Chapter 258, Statutes of 2010) to raise the quality of Smog Check inspections and support California’s emissions reduction goals. This voluntary certification is available to Smog Check test-and-repair and test-only stations that meet strict inspection and performance standards

One of the advantages of being STAR certified is the ability to test and certify Gross Polluters. However, the state requires a dynamometer for tailpipe emissions testing, and these procedures are currently being phased out. Since Eli’s Auto Service was founded in 2025, our focus has been on new and emerging technologies in the automotive industry. For that reason, we have chosen not to pursue STAR certification at this time.

For warranty and insurance reasons, Eli’s Auto Service does not install parts provided by customers. This policy ensures that all parts installed meet our quality standards and are backed by the manufacturer’s warranty, as well as our own workmanship guarantee. Using customer-supplied parts may compromise safety, reliability, and liability coverage, which is why we only install parts sourced through our facility.

Eli’s Auto Service does not provide free estimates, estimates over the phone or estimates for vehicles that have not been inspected at our facility.  A hands-on inspection is necessary to confirm the condition of the vehicle, identify related concerns, and provide an accurate repair cost. Preparing an accurate estimate requires time, specialized knowledge, and diagnostic procedures performed by our certified technicians. To ensure fairness and accuracy, all estimates are billed as part of our diagnostic and inspection services.