Red Smog

Calvin is very efficient, honest and fair. He knows the «drill» and you’re in and out in no time.
It’s also a benefit he’s next to Steve’s Auto Care who is best mechanic in Marin!

No need for an appt, just drive on up. Quick and easy! They are STAR certified (go to
to get a list of STAR stations in your area). I have to pay more because I have an older car (pre-​1996); with the smog inspection, certificate, and evap test my total was $ 80. It is definitely cheaper for newer cars. Only reason I didn’t give five stars is the aquarium tanks inside are so neglected. I could barely see the turtle because there was so much gunk in the water, I felt bad for him. :(

Really good customer service very honest no appointment needed when I went Wednesday it wasn’t busy at all. I would recommend it to anyone

I’ve taken my cars here a couple of times and it’s always very fast and efficient. I really appreciate them being open on Saturdays. Competitive prices, although it’s more for an older car. Would definitely come back.

I stumbled across this smog tester at random when the shop I expected to go to was closed. When I pulled up there was 1 car already there being tested. I waited 5 – 10 mins which was fine since the fresh crisp air and the warm sun slowly gave me energy to my pre-​coffee morning. I opted to stay outside in the sun and fresh air rather than wait in the waiting room.
Calvin is nice, fast and affordable. Including the wait, I was in and out in less than 30 mins.

Calvin got it done quickly and with just a couple of minutes wait time. Price was average. Wait time above average.

In the highly competitive arena of smog check businesses, this one stands out.
Quick, professional, easy to find, clean, and reasonable.
What’s not to like? :)

Smog. Le sigh. California’s emission laws are a pain. Calvin is a straight shooter and a quick tester at that. Much like I wrote in another smog station’s review, there’s no flash or beauty in a smog station setup. His one job is to test your car and submit the paperwork so you can register your car. If you want a flashy waiting room with a TV playing the game and a complementary cup of joe, you’re asking too much. This place is good enough. You’re in, you’re out, you’re registered. Clean, sure. Small, yep. The fish/​turtle tank is a nice distraction to the, «OH MY GOD IS MY CAR GOING TO FAIL THIS TIME?! I CAN’T AFFORD THE REPAIRS…» Relax. Whatever happens, happens.
Calvin is quick, professional, and efficient. Did I mention affordable? Yes, he’s affordable. Call for a quote. He’ll bring you in for testing ASAP. Bingo-​bango-​done. See you in two years, boss!
*PRO-​TIP* Warm up your vehicle thoroughly before testing. I don’t mean run it in your driveway for ten seconds and think that’s good enough. Go for a quick spin onto the freeway ramp, then back off, and straight to him. Also, if your ‘check engine’ light is on, it’s an automatic test failure so be sure that have that addressed at your own repair shop before bringing it into him. Don’t blame the guy because YOUR ‘check engine’ light is on. He just tests it.

Dropped in mid day. The service was fast. The price was average. Will definitely recommend to others.

Called, nice young man said «No need for appointment, bring your car in». Ten minutes later I am sitting in the waiting area — maybe 10 more minutes. Same young man says «Okay, your cars ready».
Conveniently located in downtown Novato. If I did have to wait could easily walk around or grab something to eat.
Happy with this place will return and recommend.