San Jose Auto Repair

No, it is likely your vehicle will not pass a smog check if your check engine light is on, but let's look at this further. Dhillon Motorsports, formerly known as Smog Man San Jose are experts who can spare you grief if you'll bring your vehicle into our shop the minute the check engine light comes on. This warning light doesn't always mean an expensive repair bill. Rather, it could be something simple, such as a loose gas cap that's triggering the onboard computer to turn on the check engine light. Your Check Engine Light and Emissions Generally, the check engine light illuminates when your vehicle is experiencing an emissions problem, and this is the primary reason why it won't pass a smog check with the light on. Whether there is a legitimate issue or not, your onboard computer has detected a fault, and it will return that fault until it is fixed or ... read more

A smog check and a smog test are the same. The difference is whether you get the smog check at a test only station, which is not what Dhillon Motorsports, formerly known as Smog Man San Jose, CA, is. We will not only give your vehicle a certified smog check, but we will also repair it if it fails. Smog Check A smog check tests your vehicle's emissions' system to ensure it is operating properly. If your car or truck's exhaust system isn't functioning as it should be, your automobile may release toxins into the air that are harmful to the environment and cause greenhouse gasses. Every vehicle releases a certain amount of these toxins, unless they're electric, but California demands these emissions be under a certain level. This is why you have to have your vehicle smog checked every two years – to ensure the emissions are under the California leg ... read more

Vehicles driven in California are required to have an emissions test every two years. Drivers who fail to have their car, truck, or SUV smog-checked will not be allowed to register their vehicle. Many people think driving unregistered is just a fix-it ticket but it's not. The Golden State frowns upon unregistered drivers, so don't take chances. Bring your vehicle into Dhillon Motorsports, formerly known as Smog Man San Jose for a diagnostic report and smog certificate. Existing Residents Those who already live in California dread opening their vehicle registration renewal notice from the DMV for two reasons: One, the cost, and two, the smog check notification. California is one of the most expensive states in which to register a vehicle, but it also has miles upon miles of highways that require constant maintenance. Californians practically live in their cars, as commuting ... read more

No, smog does not go away in the winter. It might seem as if the air is clearer during colder weather; after all, it smells crisper and is moister after a nice rain, but air pollution lingers in the atmosphere even through December, January, and February, which is why Dhillon Motorsports, formerly known as Smog Man San Jose is here in San Jose to make sure your vehicle doesn't add to the emissions. It Turns to Mist When the weather turns cold, the exhaust from your car, SUV or truck turns into a mist. You see the steam and water coming out of your exhaust pipe in the morning or at night, and this is still the same exhaust that pollutes the air and causes smog. It just gets wetter, if you will, which might make it seem as if it has changed somehow. It Isn't Just Your Car Air pollution in the winter actually increases due to other factors, as well. Your vehicle and industrial emissions tend to stay the same, but every ... read more

Used or new? If you have poor credit or are in the midst of financial trouble, used is your best bet. You can buy your dream luxury or sports car once you're back on your feet, and used car payments help boost your credit score as long as you pay them on time. Here's a quick guide to used car purchases from Dhillon Motorsports, formerly known as Smog Man San Jose. Why? Because we love helping others stay on the road. Budget Before you head to a dealer or a private seller, determine how much you can spend on your used car. Be realistic in your calculations. Don't stretch your budget. Things to account for are how much of a down payment you can afford, monthly payments (plus financing charges) you can afford, and whether you'll pay for your vehicle in cash or take out a loan. Calculate fuel and maintenance expenses, too. Run Your Credit Report You can get a free credit report from Equifax, Experian, and Trans ... read more

As one of the most environmentally-conscious states in the country, California leads the way to a cleaner future. From water use and sustainable farming to clean energy and lower emissions, San Jose residents care about protecting our precious air. When pollution comes to mind, you might think only buses and 18-wheelers spit dirty smoke and contaminate the atmosphere. Few comprehend that regular people making everyday commutes can be big offenders, as well. Smog Tests and Your Car's Health Like routine visits to the doctor, regularly checking your car's health helps ensure it runs efficiently and cleanly. A well-maintained vehicle emits fewer harmful chemicals, and regular smog tests are a vital part of the process. Since understanding your vehicle's emissions requires professional evaluation, making the call on your own won't work. With top-notch training and skills, only our trusted professionals are qualified ... read more

It's that time of year again, and San Jose begs its residents to get outside and enjoy the fall season. From family-friendly events to adults only outings, here's your comprehensive guide to all things awesome in the area for 2018. Unruly Oktoberfest Held on Santana Row October 19th, this event celebrates Oktoberfest and joins Oveja Negra Restaurant to feed the area's hungry beer drinkers. With tapas and brews from Santa Clara Valley Brewing, Hapa's Brewing Company and Dogfish Head Brewing, you'll have everything you need for grown-up only entertainment. Space is limited, so get your tickets now. Boba Festival With delicious eats and unlimited access to samples of milk tea, this year's event promises to entertain the whole family. This nonprofit event gives half its proceeds to Water 1st International, helping the world's poorest get access to clean water, and the other half to a scholarship for Future Business Profe ... read more

It's that time again–San Jose's residents are heading outside to pick gourds, chase little ones through corn-flecked countryside and enjoy sweet, hot, pumpkin-spiced beverages. If you're looking for the area's top-rated fall-centric venues, look no further. Here are some of San Jose's most popular seasonal destinations, so load up the family and celebrate all the blessings of autumn in California. Jacob's Farms Come visit one of the area's most popular working farms. Open Fridays through Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Jacob's practices sustainable, organic farming. From strawberries and fresh salsas to delicious veggies and aromatic herbs, their produce complements an expansive selection of pumpkins and gourds. Visit this fall and return throughout the Holiday season, as their winter offerings are unrivaled. Spina Farms Pumpkin Patch With an array of fun activities ranging from hay and train rides to a ... read more

For the past 14 years, the team at Dhillon Motorsports, formerly known as Smog Man San Jose has helped thousands of drivers get road ready throughout the year. Our team is committed to educating and informing area residents about the requirements, exemptions, testing and repairs required to maintain compliance in California. To remain in compliance with California's testing requirements it takes some serious attention to detail in understanding the statute. The legislature found it necessary to require testing every other year because it would be burdensome to require annual testing. Let's take a look at whether there are any categories that require annual tests. Recent Models This category of cars, do not require a test even every other year. The statute analysis probably recognized that the newer the vehicle the less likely that emissions will be problematic. Therefore, since the object or the l ... read more

Congratulations on buying your new car. It can be a long process to decide on what make and model you want, which dealer you will be able to negotiate with the best, and finally getting the financing done. It can take many hours and days visiting different dealers, researching online and making the ultimate decision. It is a fun, and anxiety-filled process. However, after it is done it is a great accomplishment knowing you have what you want at the price you are comfortable with. After the process is complete you can enjoy the feeling of accomplishment because you have the car you want at a price you can also enjoy. However, time to pause your enjoyment for a moment because now you need to navigate registration requirements. After discovering that each state has its own insurance regulations, and calling your agent to get what you need, it is time to discuss your smog test requirements. Here in San Jose, Califo ... read more