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Kwon's Auto Repair
“The additional charge to use a credit card was explained before charging to a credit card.”
Best Car Inspection & Emissions Testing in San Diego, CA
20 stations listed · all 20 in San Diego · 9 open weekends · all 20 rated 4.5+ · 1 shows a license
Data verified October 16, 2026
North Park Auto Repair
“They are very thorough and attentive and they have a reputation for being cost-conscious and also not over-prescribing.”
A Street Auto Service
“This was my first time at their shop, and from the very first phone call through the entire experience of getting my daughter's 2020 Kia inspected, the communication was incredible.”
Smitty's Service
“I love the system they use to share information on services your car needs”
Morena Automotive
“The owner was super helpful and Brody (believe that was his assistant mechanic) thank you again!”
Convoy Smog
“Extremely helpful telling me exactly what i needed to do when my car failed and recommended a repair at the dealership that was under warranty i had no idea about going in which got it to pass.”
Listed for drivers in and around San Diego, CA, these 20 shops carry out emissions and inspection work. What each one says about its station license, hours and retest policy comes from its own website; ratings and quotes come from public reviews.
Area overview: San Diego, CA
All 20 stations we list here are in San Diego itself. We have 87 stations in San Diego on file; this page shows the highest-rated 20. The stations on this page are rated from 4.5 to 5.0 across 8,853 reviews; all 20 have 50 or more reviews. When customers rate these stations on specific qualities, they most often praise professionalism (82%), quality (76%) and value (58%). The topics that come up most in reviews of the stations on this page are "diagnosis", "honest" and "communication". 9 are open on Saturdays and 1 on Sundays. The services the stations on this page list most often on their websites are air conditioning (2), brakes (2), check engine light (2) and engine repair (2). 1 shows a license on its website; 6 list staff certifications (ASE) and 16 have a BBB rating of A or A+. Domain records put 15 websites of the stations on this page at ten or more years old; the oldest dates from 1998. 4 offer financing; 1 gives free estimates; 10 are family- or locally-owned and 9 list coupons or special offers. We count these figures across the stations on this page; hours and prices change, so confirm the details with the station before you visit.
Can I book a test online with shops listed for San Diego?
9 of the 20 shops here take bookings online. Some stations work on a queue instead, which is fine early in the month and painful at the end of it. If you can book, take the first slot of the day and you will be out before the line forms.
Pacific Auto Service
“These guys are awesome, everyone is professional and courteous, and they get the job done quickly without trying to upsell you on stuff you don't need.”
Convoy Auto Repair
“The communication was above and beyond, the whole team is friendly which is great during a stressful situation.”
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John's Automotive Care
“Rick and the mechanics were super helpful fixing the A/C after the dealership wanted 8000.”
Secor's Automotive
“Helped me get my Mercedes C Class fixed up and went above and beyond to help me pass my smog test.”
University City Service Center
“I have been taking my car here since I have moved to San Diego 2 years ago and they have always treated me fairly and provide great service.”
Auto Tech Specialists Service Center
“Needed an EGR for my Chevy volt and they were able to find me one quickly, when people have been waiting months for the same part.”
Sheens Auto Care
“Within 45m came back with a detailed explanation of what is going on with my car and the Onwer of shop was very helpful and courteous.”
Dragonfly Automotive
“Got brakes replaced, serpentine belt replaced (at my request) oil change, air filter, hole in tire fixed, air cabin filter and new spark plugs for under $2k”
Budget Muffler Brake & Alignment
“Bro -Todd is seriously the best communicator and so informative and personable definitely will be going back for service very reasonable!!”
O B Smog Test Only
“I came in Thursday and even got the $55 discounted price, which was way better than the other places I called around Point Loma/OB.”
California Smog Inspection
“I've been going here almost 7 years now, and I can say without pause, that Tony and the team are very professional, courteous, and gets business done the right way.”
Brothers Auto Repair & Tire Center
“It's hard to find a repair shop that combines great customer service with integrity, but Brothers Tire Center & Repair does exactly that.”
Smog Express
“Probably not the cheapest smog check but transparent about pricing and they got me in and out very fast”
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Driven SD Independent BMW Service
“Definitely will be returning for all fire car services and sending my family!”
Why these companies made our list
What customers say about stations in San Diego
- “Alex was super helpful, friendly, and professional. Scheduled me for a smog check appt same-day, and had me in and out of there in 10 minutes.” — customer of Smog Express
- “From smog checks to expensive repairs, they have been trustworthy, professional, and affordable.” — customer of Kwon's Auto Repair
- “Great customer service and friendly approach. I highly recommend the Convoy Smog shop.” — customer of Convoy Smog
- “Great customer service, great service & quick! Would highly recommend this place for smog certification and I will definitely be coming back.” — customer of California Smog Inspection
- “Efficient service, they completed my smog check in a timely manner and explained all background information for my awareness.” — customer of Secor's Automotive
Excerpts from public reviews of the stations listed on this page.
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