STAR Certified Smog Check Station in San Marcos

Conveniently located on Grand Avenue in San Marcos and serving drivers from Vista and surrounding North County communities.

Schedule a Smog Check
Call 760-744-1402

STAR Certified Smog Check & Smog Repair Services in San Marcos

At High Tech Auto & Smog in San Marcos, we understand how important it is to keep your vehicle road-ready and in compliance with California’s strict emissions regulations. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to provide fast, reliable, and affordable smog checks, clean truck checks, and smog repair you can trust. As a certified smog check station and Star Station, we are authorized to perform smog inspections required by the DMV for registration and renewal.

Whether you’re coming in for a routine smog test or you’ve been referred to us after a failed inspection elsewhere, we take pride in offering honest evaluations and expert solutions. Our smog check station technicians are ASE-certified and trained to handle everything from basic smog inspections to complex smog repairs, using the latest technology to diagnose and fix emissions-related issues efficiently.

DMV Smog Certification

We are here to make your DMV renewal process as smooth as possible. Once your smog test or clean truck check is complete and your vehicle passes, we can electronically send the results directly to the DMV, saving you time and hassle. If your car doesn’t pass, we’ll explain exactly why and offer straightforward repair options to get you back on the road legally and safely.

Locals in San Marcos trust High Tech Auto & Smog for all their emissions testing needs. Stop by today and let us help you with your next smog inspection.

Our Services

Smog Check/Inspection

Smog Check/Inspection

Get a fast, accurate smog inspection at our STAR-certified smog check station in San Marcos. We perform DMV renewal smog checks, title-transfer inspections, out-of-state vehicle testing, and diesel smog checks.

Smog Repair

Smog Repair

Did your vehicle fail its smog inspection? Our technicians diagnose emissions problems and provide dependable smog repairs to help your car meet California emissions requirements.

Clean Truck Check

Clean Truck Check

We provide California Clean Truck Check testing for eligible heavy-duty vehicles. Our San Marcos location helps truck owners and fleet operators complete required emissions testing and maintain CARB compliance.

Why San Marcos Drivers Choose High Tech Auto & Smog

  • STAR-certified smog check station
  • Smog testing and emissions repair in one location
  • Clean Truck Check services
  • Honest vehicle evaluations
  • Service for most makes and models
  • Convenient San Marcos location
  • Trusted by local drivers for decades

Located on Grand Avenue in San Marcos, High Tech Auto & Smog serves drivers from San Marcos, Vista, Escondido, Carlsbad, and surrounding North County San Diego communities. Our convenient location makes it easy to complete a smog inspection, Clean Truck Check, or emissions repair close to home.

Need a smog check or smog repair in San Marcos? Contact High Tech Auto & Smog to schedule service, ask about your DMV smog requirements, or discuss a vehicle problem with our team.

Learn More

Testimonials

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Google 
 Shehan Sirimanne (Mr Sirimanne) profile picture 
 
 
 Shehan Sirimanne (Mr Sirimanne) 
 
October 10, 2025
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Saved the day! Come here! Don’t search further! I was waiting at a smog place down the street  for over an hour just to find out they don’t smog 1999 vehicles or older since their machine was broken. Oh, and they had no AC. Showed up to High Tech Auto and they were packed (for good reason), but they promised I’d get through quickly and I was skeptical after my previous experience. But after waiting in a room WITH AC, they were done before I knew it. Heck, writing this review might’ve been longer than my wait time. Quality staff with quality work, this is place that you come to first. It’s the little things in life that add up and make things better or make it worse. Thank you Leon at HTA in San Marcos.
  
 
  
 
 
 Google 
 Sage Lee profile picture 
 
 
 Sage Lee 
 
September 11, 2025
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
I highly recommend this place for a smog check! Leon did the smog check on my car and was incredibly professional, hardworking, fast, and kind. The service was quick and smooth, and the price was very reasonable. I’m extremely happy with the experience and the quality of service I received. Thank you, Leon!
  
 
  
 
 
 Google 
 Robert Raffealli profile picture 
 
 
 Robert Raffealli 
 
August 6, 2025
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Polite. Efficient. Waiting room has good A/C.
  
 
  
 
 
 Google 
 Valentina Zito profile picture 
 
 
 Valentina Zito 
 
June 19, 2025
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Had a great experience. My brakes were making noises on and off. I thought I needed new brake pads. They put my car on the lift to check the brakes. Gave honest feedback that new pads not being needed and why it was making noises. Would recommend shop to others and will return when I need more work in my car.
  
 
  
 
 
 Google 
 Josh Black profile picture 
 
 
 Josh Black 
 
June 10, 2025
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Fantastic work—quick and easy, just what you want. Definitely recommend if you’re looking for good service without any hassl
  
 
  
 
 
 Google 
 Metta Ocean profile picture 
 
 
 Metta Ocean 
 
May 30, 2025
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Integrity,  hassle free, and quick service.I’ve been going to them for over a decade. Typically, I am a coupon shopper and look for discounts. In thie case of smog and mechanics, I found it a better bargain to go with integrity. Thank you for the decades of service and professional!
  
 
  
 
 
 Google 
 Emily Miller profile picture 
 
 
 Emily Miller 
 
May 18, 2025
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Had a great experience at High Tech Auto and Smog! Leon was polite and efficient. Not only was I in and out for my smog check, I was able to schedule an appointment to have my brakes replaced. He offered time to price check and options to make sure  I wasn't breaking the bank to keep my car safe to drive. Thanks, Leon!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 148 reviews

Contact Us

Our San Marcos and Vista customers say they can’t find the same level of expertise that our auto mechanics provide anywhere else.

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    Our Location

    High Tech Auto & Smog

    1620 Grand Ave,
    San Marcos, CA 92078

    760-744-1402

    SERVING AREAS:
    San Marcos & Vista

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Your DMV renewal notice will clearly state if a STAR station is required.

    Pricing is usually similar, but testing standards are stricter.

    Yes. Even if not required, any vehicle may be tested at a STAR station.