5 Star Smog Check in Huntington Beach
AC SERVICE SPECIAL $129*
* Does not include Freon, Electrical Diagnosis or Repairs. Expires: 12/31/2022
Is your vehicle’s air conditioning no longer blowing cold air? Give us a call to schedule your AC System Performance Test: (714) 596-1019.. Our ASE certified technician will get you cooled off in not time!
Advanced reservations required. No walk-ins.
Help protect your car and support law enforcement’s efforts to catch catalytic converter thieves with a free catalytic converter etching.
Catalytic converter etching consists of etching the vehicle’s license plate number onto the exposed converters located in the exhaust system under the vehicle. The process takes about 15 minutes per vehicle. If your catalyst is stolen, it could cost $3,000 to replace it and repair the damage.
This event is made possible by the generous support of JUST SMOGS® + Repair, a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility. Advanced reservations required. No walk-ins.
Join the Auto Club of Southern California, State Senator Tom Umberg and police departments throughout Southern California in helping to combat this theft. Bring your identification and current registration to the event.
Join the Auto Club of Southern California, State Senator Tom Umberg and police departments throughout Southern California in helping to combat this theft. Bring your identification and current registration to the event.
LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Catalytic converter theft is a common problem in Southern California, and the Auto Club says it’s getting worse.
This week it’s offering to etch vehicle identification numbers onto catalytic converters to deter thefts.
These catalytic converter theft protection plates can be a strong deterrent to thieves.
Converter thefts are on a rise across the nation. To make matters worse, converter prices have sky rocketed over the last few years.
Our ASE certified technicians have installed dozens of converter protection devices over the years. Give us a call or stop by for an installation estimate: 714-596-1019.
I was a victim of converter theft recently. A thief cut out both underbody converters from my 2019 Toyota Tacoma while it was parked in a seemingly secure parking garage. To make matters worse, the new converters were on back order for 6-8 weeks. The insurance adjuster told me that the most common vehicles target right now (May 2022) are: Toyota Tacomas, Toyota Tundras and Toyota Prius. But in my opinion, if the thief has easy access (trucks and SUVs especially), your vehicle is at risk.
Catalytic converter thefts have increased at an alarming rate, leaving vehicle owners to deal with costly and time-consuming repairs. As a result, consumers are seeking ways to deter thieves with some taking it upon themselves to install homemade or aftermarket theft prevention devices. Unfortunately, improper installation of a theft prevention device may result in a vehicle falling out of Smog Check compliance or, worse, causing irreparable damage to the catalytic converter. Whether an automotive repair dealer (ARD) is replacing a catalytic converter, installing a theft prevention device, or performing a Smog Check on a vehicle equipped with a theft prevention device, following are steps ARDs can take to ensure proper and thorough inspections and repairs.
Replacement converters must be either an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) part or an aftermarket part that has been approved by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The aftermarket converter must be installed so that the CARB Executive Order (EO) number is visible on the shell of the converter. The replacement converter must be validated as appropriate for the vehicle. EO numbers can be validated through CARB’s Aftermarket Catalytic Converter Database at www.arb.ca.gov.
When installing a replacement converter, it is imperative that the converter is installed in the original vehicle manufacturer location and configuration and the vehicle has the correct number of converters installed, unless changes are acceptable under the EO and made consistent with its provisions. This is especially important for converters that must be welded into the exhaust system. Any variances in installation can result in the vehicle failing its Smog Check.
Any licensed ARD may install catalytic converter theft prevention devices. Theft prevention devices include steel cages, chains, cables, protective plates and shields. Regardless of the type of theft prevention device, the catalytic converter must not be modified or compromised in any way.
When installing a theft prevention device, the ARD must take care to not weld the device directly onto the converter, to ensure there is adequate visibility of the identification numbers on the catalytic converter, and to confirm there are no restrictions on required ventilation for the converter.
When performing a Smog Check, the licensed inspector must perform a visual inspection to ensure that the catalytic converter is present, undamaged, unmodified, and installed in the correct location. The inspector must look for the EO number and confirm that the model of aftermarket catalytic converter is approved for the vehicle. (Refer to the Smog Check Manual for additional details.) If the EO number cannot be validated, the vehicle will fail the inspection.
If a theft prevention device has been installed in such a way that the inspector cannot validate the EO number or determine that the catalytic converter is installed properly, the inspector must consult with the customer about options, including removing the theft prevention device for the inspection.
If the inspector finds that the catalytic converter has been damaged or modified to the point where the functionality of the converter is compromised, the inspector must enter “Tamper” or “Modified” into the inspection system. The inspector will need to inform the customer that the vehicle failed the inspection and the catalytic converter may need to be replaced.
If the customer has concerns about the Smog Check inspection results and would like a third party evaluation, they may contact the Smog Check Referee.
Catalytic converter theft has complicated the task of keeping vehicles Smog Check compliant for many consumers. By providing consumers with sound advice about theft prevention options and properly installing theft prevention devices, ARD’s can help consumers prevent catalytic converter theft. By following catalytic converter installation specifications and conducting comprehensive Smog Checks, ARDs can ensure vehicles are safe and Smog Check compliant.
Post repairs we usually complete drive cycles to confirm accurate repairs and/or to complete a smog certification for our customers. We generally approach drive cycles similarly for domestic and Japanese vehicles. We begin with a cold start followed by an idle warm up (10-15 mins with AC off). Then drive steady on the way to the highway or PCH. We do our best to maintain 55 mph steady for as long as possible. If everything is working correctly, this will usually complete the drive cycle. Some vehicles are a bit more stubborn and require manufacturer specific procedures. Below is a detailed factory drive cycle for a Honda.
COLD START: Begin from Cold Start, and ignition in OFF position for at least 1 hour
IDLE TIME: Run your Honda’s engine (do not drive) for 2 1/2 minutes with the air conditioner on and rear defroster on. During this period the ECU will be running the Oxygen Sensor Heater self-test, Air Injection System Passive Air test, EVAP Purge “No Flow” test, Misfire Detection.
ACCELERATE: Turn off the air conditioner and rear defroster and begin driving
As soon as possible apply half throttle until 55mph is reached. The ECU will now run self-tests on the Misfire Detection, Fuel Trim, and EVAP Purge Flow
HOLD STEADY: Now hold your vehicle speed steady at 55mph for three minutesDuring this time the Oxygen Sensor O2 response, Air Intrusive (AIS System), EGR Flow, Purge Valve, Misfire Detection, and Fuel Trim diagnostics will be performed
DECELERATE: During this step you want to slowly let off the accelerator pedal. Do not brake or shift your Honda in order to slow down. It is important to let the vehicle coast along gradually slowing down to 20 mph. The ECU will once again self-test the EGR System, EVAP Purge System and Long Term Fuel Trims.
ACCELERATE: Go ahead and accelerate again at 3/4 throttle until 55-60mph is reached. This will perform the same self tests as during the first acceleration step.
HOLD STEADY: Hold steady speed once again. This time at 55mph for five minutes. During this time, in addition to running the self-tests as during the first HOLD STEADY step, the ECU will perform the catalyst monitor diagnostics. If the catalyst (Catalytic Converter) is marginal or the battery has been disconnected, it may take 5 complete driving cycles to determine the state of the catalyst,or in order to Complete the CAT Monitor.
DECELERATE: This will perform the same diagnostics as in the first Deceleration. Remember not to press your Honda’s brake or shift gears during deceleration.
If all systems and sensors are working properly on your Honda, this should complete the drive cycle. To ensure all monitors are complete use a scan tool to view the monitors. You may want to complete the drive cycle 2-3 times.
If you are unable to complete your drive cycle or the check engine light (MIL) illuminates, feel free to give us a call to schedule our drive cycle/diagnostic service: (714) 596-1019.
Catalytic converter theft is on the rise again in Orange County. A couple of years ago, a friend of mine had the catalytic converter stolen from her Honda Element twice in the same year. Soon after that, someone stole the converter from our company box truck in Huntington Beach. Shortly after, we seldom received calls in regards to stolen converters. I thought that thefts would keep decreasing because law enforcement cracked down on the fraudulent resale industry. Unfortunately, since COVID, it seems like it’s worse than ever before.
Top catalytic converter thefts by state
1) Etch your license plate number onto your catalytic converter. I cannot say that this will prevent a thief from stealing a converter. Perhaps if he/she notices the etching in the act, they might leave it and move on.
2) Park your vehicle in a secured garage (which is not always possible) or well lit parking space. This isn’t a guaranteed way to prevent theft either. One of our customers from Costa Mesa had her converter stolen in the middle of the day as her vehicle was sitting in a parking lot. I few of our customers have told us that their converters were stolen while shopping at the Westminster mall.
3) Install a catalytic converter theft security device.
We really like the design and execution of the protection device made by cat security™. Unfortunately there is a limited range of vehicles in their product applications. The good news is that they are making over one more applications over the next year.
Our customer had us install this theft security device called the CatClamp®. Apparently the Prius is a major target for catalytic converter theft locally. In our experience, SUVs and trucks seem to get hit more often because of the easy underbody access. Common targeted vehicles are: Toyota Prius, Honda Element, Honda Pilot, Toyota Sequoia, Toyota Tacoma
Due to the high cost of most catalytic converters, the best course of action is to file a claim with your insurance. If your insurance won’t cover the cost of replacement, we recommend exploring a replacement aftermarket catalytic converter.
In California, aftermarket converters must be an exact match to a vehicle’s year, make, model, engine size and engine family to be considered legal. Most dealerships will not install aftermarket parts. Therefore an experienced independent installer should be chosen. Although these California aftermarket converter regulations have been in place for many years, we still regularly find improper installations on many vehicles during our inspection process. So if you can’t make it to JUST SMOGS® for your converter replacement, either chose another professional installer and/or visit this converter post for more information. It’s also worth mentioning that if a quote is required for an aftermarket converter, we usually need to see the vehicle in person so we can identify the exact part match.
If your converter replacement is covered by insurance, we recommend going with an OEM (factory) converter. We can provide a free estimate without having the vehicle at our shop. We will provide the exact same parts and installation as the dealership, but at a lower cost.
Give us a call: 714-596-1019 or stop by 7722 Talbert Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92648.
The landlord is asphalt paving the lot on July 17, 2021
