AA Smog

This is the second time I take my car for a Smog Check, and was out in 20 min. Had no appt, so was shooting for good luck (which I just so happened to get here… probably not a coincidence!)! Just make sure to bring cash in case atm machine is not working (which can occur anywhere and is NOT a reflection of their service). They have gained a customer! Thanks AA!

scheduled an appt with Alex for a smog inspection. I show up bright and early 8:30a and the front desk guy informs me that they can’t do the test because they don’t have the equipment set up. So Alex, why are you setting up appts for smog checks if you can’t perform the test? interesting way of doing business.
Extremely inconvenient, especially on a Monday morning fighting LA traffic. wasted about 2hrs out of my life and time off from work. thank you AA, you have your sh*t together.

Fast Service and Quality Work is what does it for me and these guys have both. Appointment or not just bring your registration papers and you’re straight.

I was referred to this location by their Culver City location (Culver couldn’t do the new 2013 testing). There were 5 cars ahead of mine and was told it would take a while. I told the manager I was going to walk down the street to get some food and come right back. He said if I didn’t come back quick he’d drop the car off in the street and have it towed. Then I notice his buddies hanging out at their tow truck in the spot next door. First red flag I shouldn’t have taken it here.
I come back and am told my car didn’t pass the test. I look at the form and it PASSED the emissions and computer tests 100%. The technician marked down that my emissions equipment had be ‘tampered’ with. I requested to speak to the tech and have him explain what he thought was ‘tampered’ with. I have an AEM V2 Cold Air Intake — entirely CARB legal and cleared by BAR with a visible CARB approved sticker. The technician said that something was missing from my system and he therefore did not approve. The equipment — as issued by AEM (again, CARB legal) has a port where you can plug your electrical connector and measure cold air (before the throttle body). This is used an option over measuring warm after (after the throttle body). These are facts that any high school auto shop student would understand. Not these guys! He argued with me that was not legal and was evidence of being tampered with. After having explained to him the above facts and multiple references I gave to support the logic and understanding he simply said take it to BAR and have them sign off on it. Keep in mind I’ve had this intake system in multiple cars over the last 5 years with no such issue — again, because it’s CARB legal.
I pay the $ 40 and leave. On the highway I notice my check engine light on. So these fuckers not only have the nerve to racket for me to have to get a second $ 40 retest, they also fuck with my car to now need a repair in order to pass.
So be warned:
— They’ll tow your car
— They’ll incorrectly diagnose it so you come back for retesting
— They’ll tamper with your car so you come back for repairs
Going to BAR and reporting these idiots.

These guys are awesome!
I showed up without an appointment, got into queue, went to the very clean waiting room and was out the door in less than 20 minutes with my smog certificate.
Awesome!