Category: Vehicles smog certified by Just Smogs

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Nextdoor 2019 Neighborhood Favorite

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We are proud to announce that we were selected as a 2019 Neighborhood Favorite on Nextdoor. Only 1% of all businesses are voted as a Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite, and Just Smogs is one of them!

Toyota 4Runner – A Brief History

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Today we’re learning about the Toyota 4Runner. It all started in 1980 when a Toyota dealership owner in Wisconsin named Jack Safro wanted the 4wd capabilities of a Toyota pickup but with an enclosed cab for the cold climate. Safro contacted @winnebagorvs to make a Fiberglass rear cab for the Toyota Hilux. Toyota agreed to the partnership and they unveiled the Trekker in 1981. They built 1500 and they all sold fast. Toyota realized there was a market for this style of vehicle so they released the Toyota 4Runner in 1984. In Japan they were sold as the Hilux Surf.

Pictured here is a 1989 N60. The last year of the first generation. The 4Runner was the first to coin the term SUV and has been a staple in the class ever since. Iseecars.com named it #5 in their most reliable cars in the US list. With its versatility and longevity it’s easy to see why the 4Runner is one of the best cars on the market to this day.

BMW M3 – A Brief History

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Today we’re talking about the BMW E30M3.
Pictured here is a first generation M3. They were first produced in 1986 with a 4 cylinder motor named the S14B23 producing 192bhp. The M3 differed from the base model 3 series in many ways. Although sharing the same basic shell it had 12 different and unique body panels for the purpose of improving aerodynamics. The “Box Flares on the wheel arches in the front and rear were to help accommodate a wider track with wider and taller wheels and tires. It came with 5×120 wheel bolt pattern as opposed to the base model 4×100. Special front and rear brake calipers as well as plenty of suspension related upgrades.

The E30 M3 competed in many disciples of racing competing in both road and rally style races. In full race spec the “Evo” 2.5L motor produced 380hp.  In 2007 @automobilemag included the E30 M3 in their “5 Greatest drivers cars of all time” BMW is currently on the F80 version of the M3 powered by a Twin Turbo 3.0L making 444hp in their competition package.

Failed Smog “Not Ready” – Drive Cycle Service Available

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If your vehicle failed a smog check for Not Ready and you are unable to complete the drive cycle, we can help. Our ASE certified technicians can set your monitors to pass a smog check. Sometimes a vehicle needs to be driven in just the right pattern. Other times there are sensors or parts that require replacement. Either way, our team can get to the bottom of it.

OBD Readiness Monitors Test Standard

Gasoline Vehicles
• Number of incomplete monitors allowed to pass on gasoline powered vehicles:
– Any one for 1996 to 1999 (BAR-97 test)
– Only evap. for 2000 & newer (BAR-OIS test)

Diesel Vehicles
• Number of incomplete monitors allowed to pass on diesel powered vehicles:
– Zero for 1998 to 2006 (BAR-OIS test)
– Any two for 2007 and newer (BAR-OIS test)

Smog Check Repair Specialist in HB

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Failed a smog check? No worries, we can help!

Our ASE certified technicians can diagnose, repair and deliver your vehicle back to you with a passing smog certificate. We service most foreign and domestic makes and models including: Toyota, Honda, Chrysler, Chevrolet, Buick, Dodge, Jeep, Ford, Hyundai, Nissan, Kia, BMW, Mercedes, and More.

We are also proud to be an official California CAP (Consumer Assistance Program) smog repair station. You may qualify for up to $500 in State subsidized emission related repairs.

Catalytic Converter Installer in Huntington Beach

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JUST SMOGS is Orange County’s catalytic converter installation specialist. Whether you require an original (OEM) converter or a California approved aftermarket converter, we can locate the correct part, install and smog certify in one location. As a California licensed STAR Test & Repair Station, we guarantee your converter is California approved. We install catalytic converters in most makes and models: Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Lexus, Infinity, Mazda, Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge, Chrysler, Mercedes, BMW, Kia, Hyundai and many more. So if your vehicle’s converter is rattling, your vehicle is setting a P0420 or P0430 fault code, or your vehicle failed its smog check, feel free to call or stop by for a free estimate (Diagnosis may be required to determine the converter is in fact defective).

Catalytic Converter Stolen in Huntington Beach ( Toyota )

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UPDATE (May 2023):
We recommend shields if there is one available for your specific vehicle:

Your best option is to install a Catalytic Converter Shield.
We install two different brands converter shields. The one pictured on the left is a CAT SHIELD manufactured by MILLERCAT. For Toyota Prius models, I believe these stainless steel MILLERCAT shields are a superior product.
MILLERCAT offers this shield in aluminum and 304 stainless steel. The stainless steel version costs $60 more than the aluminum.

CAT SECURITY is another company the offers these shields. I believe CAT SECURITY only offers their shields in aluminum. I actually installed a CAT SECURITY shield on my 2019 Toyota Tacoma after I had my converters stolen in 2022.

This Toyota Prius had it’s catalytic converter stolen recently in Huntington Beach. According to local law enforcement, the theft can take less than 90 seconds. Our customer had us install a 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