What does the smog inspection actually do?

Used to live an a county where they do emissions checks, and will actually be moving back there. They do check to make sure there are no CEL, codes have not been cleared, and they also stick something up the tail pipe to make sure there are no excessive emissions, at least that is what they did 7 years ago.

 

The emissions test in CA is just to check if there are any check engine lights on. They also are suppose to do a visual inspection as well.....but most are too lazy to do it.

 

Lightens your wallet about $50-$60.

 

Having a Location in your profile would give us some hint which state's inspectors you were asking about.

(and in fact aid us in almost any other question you may have)

 

In CT. They check OBDII readiness monitors, physically identify a proper exhaust, cat efficiency and evap system monitors. They check your gas cap as well.

 

In the Denver metro area we only have to do it once every four years (skip a two-year cycle) and all they do is check the OBD/systems ready and gas cap. They may sneak a mirror under there to check the CAT, but I haven't noticed. It costs about $25.