CleanAir Smog Check Test-Only Center
Category: Smog Check Stations [Edit]
Neighborhood: SOMA368 11th Street
(between Folsom St & Harrison St)
San Francisco, CA 94103 (415) 621-2983
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Sat 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
105 Reviews for CleanAir Smog Check Test-Only Center
One of CleanAir Smog Check Test-Only Center's Favorite Reviews
Not that this place needs any more 5 star reviews...but sigh - after years of dreading smog checks with my 67 VDub that every mechanic under the sun seems to just love to tinker with to the detriment of my wallet, I know a few things about Flipping SMOG Checks.
This place is good, convenient - I live right down the street, no nonsense and fast.
They are a check only facility so they are not looking to make a few hundred off of you and your exhaust system.
They transmit your report straight to the DMV electronically.
They are friendly and courteous even.
And yes, when you mention yelp they give you $20.00 off.
Excellent place! Everything ran as smoothly as all the previous reviews. $20 off for being a yelper. Didn't finish my magazine article before they were finished!
Friendly people!
Fast! Efficient! Friendly!
I have a shitty old car (1987! w3rd!) that is required to get smogged every other year. I have graffiti on the hood, rust spots, and my back bumper is hanging on by some tricky uses of wire. Because of this, I have sampled smog test-only stations all over the city in the many years I've lived here. CleanAir is by far the most awesome place I've been to.
When I stopped by around 4pm on a friday afternoon, there was no wait at all. I was greeted by sincerely friendly employees and I took advantage of the free internet in the waiting room. They have dozens of different magazines, even fat fashion ones, so there is no shortage of reading material. However, my car was finished before I could even pick one out to read!
I am pretty sure I was in and out of there in 15 minutes. Painless, efficient, and a nice discount for yelpers. I already know that I'll be back for my next smog test in 2010.
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I'm gonna do something here I'm not really that comfortable with - I'm going to write a useful review. Yesterday I had to get the car smogged so I called the CleanAir Smog Check Test-Only Center (their name is a little long) and sure enough they said come right in and we'll have it done in less than 15 minutes.
So I arrive at the place and I am greeted by the nicest woman ever and she asked me how I heard about the site.....Through the Internet....on a site called shhmumblemublehidemy embarrassment - elp.
"Oh Yelp!" she said. "You're a Yelper!"
"No I actually don't define myself as a Yelper - just a guy on the site who got laid a lot cause I wrote semi-funny reviews a few years ago now I'm just a broken man who tells stories about diapers."
"Well good for you either way! We give all Yelpers a 20 dollar discount!"
So I did find the site on Yelp, they did finish the car in less than 15 minutes, I did get a 20 dollar discount for being a shamumblmumblehidemyembarrasment - er. BUT I think they give this 20 dollar discount to everyone. Like I could have said my Eskimo friends told me about it and she would have been like,
"Awesome! People with Eskimo friends get 20 dollars off!".
Anyway, great place. Useful review. Fuck Yelp.
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Much like the entire process of getting my truck registrered in CA, I figured that I would have to wait a REALLY long time to be smog tested and would inevitably fail with flying colors while being treated like an imbecile by some squishy dude with an attitude problem and slight body odor issue.
What? There is free internet and GOOD magazines in the waiting room?? SWEET! This will make the, oh I don't know, one hour plus wait much better than I thought it would.
What? I get a discount for mentioning yelp? JACKPOT!
Huh? 'Scuse me? My car is DONE I just got settled into this tasty complimentary donut and a Brooke Shields article on having perfect hair.
Time it took: 15 minutes
Value in Going here: PRICELESS
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Wow, it looks like a typical gritty SOMA auto shop on the outside but when you get inside it's made for Yelp. They feature the Yelp sticker, of course, but it's bright and cheery, the knowledgable twentysomething-looking employees are super friendly, there's free internet in the waiting room, and to top it off as everyone's mentioned they give you $20 off for saying you heard about them from Yelp!
I got here at about 4:30 on a Friday afternoon and was the only car but three others came up right behind me. My engine embarrasingly decided to die right before getting checked so they were nice and popped the hood and started it for me. They hooked it up to the machine and it passed in a grand total of less than 10 minutes!
A notice came recently from the DMV, and for the first time, i was required to get a smog check--a true indication that the warranty has expired on your car and it'll be just a matter of days before everything in your car starts breaking down.
I come from a state where smog tests happen in these open, tent-like locations. The smog technician takes over your place in the driver's seat, and you're left standing out by the side of your car without a clue as to what he's doing. It's quite uncomfortable, really, you staring at this stranger who is attempting to test your car without any facial expression. All that dreadful waiting too.
Not so at CleanAir Smog! They waste no time getting your car tested. 15 minutes, they say. I think that includes the time they take to greet and flash their pearly whites at you. Friendly and helpful! There is a separate waiting room that is clean and professional--quite a difference from the usual car service places. Tons of good reading material for any taste. I saw a variety that went from GQ to US Weekly (and even a few copies of W).
The whole process was super easy and stress-free. They submit your information to the DMV online so you won't have to worry about the hassle of doing it yourself. The paperwork was a breeze, and when your car is ready, the girl at the front announces: "Congratulations! Your car passed!!" How's that for a feel good moment of the day?
With their free internet service in the waiting room, I was tempted to get on the computer and yelp right then and there. That's how great CleanAir was. It's just too bad that the BEST service in town is one that can only be enjoyed every other renewal period.
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Wow. I had no idea a smog check could be this easy.
The last time I visited a test-only station in the Castro, I was overcharged and treated terribly. I left frustrated and upset by the whole experience, and made a flash judgment that all test-only stations must conduct business this way because they can get away with it.
That couldn't be further from the truth at CleanAir. Thanks to all the Yelpers' praise, I stopped by today and had a great experience. The staff was friendly, helpful, and efficient. The simple waiting room is clean and stocks a huge selection of magazines. Also, they have a computer with free internet access available for customers. How nice for multi-taskers.
I somehow forgot my DMV smog test notification, but they were still able to take care of me like it was no problem.
Easy to get to, open on Saturday, and easily worked into my weekend errands. Now I'll have a far less dramatic reaction the next time I get a smog test notice in the mail. Highly recommended!
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As with other Yelpers, I got the dreaded notice in the mail that I needed to get a smog check on my car. I remember that I checked on the cal dmv website and they list all of the smog stations near your zip code. That was how I first found CleanAir Smog Check. I had such a good experience I knew I would go back in the future.
I called them to make sure they were open and could do the test today. I was happy to hear that they could. So I drove over and found that I was the only customer! Woo-hoo! I was in and out in 10 mins. I also got a $20 discount as a return customer. Bonus!
I highly recommend this place!
So I woke up at the crack of 6:30am so I could be at the smog center when they opened at 8 and wouldn't be late for work at 8:30.
I showed up at 7:58, and waited until 8:23 when the smog check guy finally pulled in and opened up shop.
So I waited for 25 minutes and was a little late for work.....
BUT the clerk was friendly, the smog check took 7 minutes and it only cost me $50 cause of the wait. Not too shabby.
A friend sugested this place for a smog, my wife took her car there during her lunch hour for her smog test and was pleased they were done in about 20 minutes. The girl behind the counter was very friendly and polite. Thanks for making the smog test easy
Seriously, this is the first time I have ever had to smog my car...my schedule doesn't really give me much time to do many errands - and before I knew it, my renewal registration was way overdue...ahh late fees...anyways this place exceeded all expectations. I really didn't expect much - pretty much thought I'd be wasting a good few hours waiting...ahh time is the biggest expense! Anyways, I was quite surprise when literally 15 min later - I was done. The staff was super great - I spent most of the time talking to the girl Kat who walked me through the process... and a credit card swipe away - finito! Price was a steal! Mention yelp and you get an even better saving! I'll def be back - CA (one of the only freaking state that smogs) def makes sure of that...sigh....
in and out in 10 minutes. FRIENDLY and outgoing staff. They make sure you're well taken care of! Its so hard to find places that are so trustworthy now a days. To Kathleen S, I too was unsure about the $10 misc, but found out it is a standard fee that CA charges (not the smog shop itself). Unfortunately, we live in a state that charges for everything!!!!
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I recently got my registration renewal notice from the DMV, and I was appalled. It's not enough to pay $100+ for vehicle registration renewal, I now have to get a smog check. It's not the payment I mind, so much as it is the time factor. Who knows how long this would take, and where in the city was I to get this done.. and on a weekend?
Having the car IQ of a 2nd grader, I called Jiffy Lube and was informed that they do not do smog checks. After dropping off a friend in Russian Hill, I noticed a 76 offering smog checks. I stopped by to inquire, and they said something like 30 minutes for $80. Having had bad servicing experiences before, I decided to double check and yelped this place. Thank goodness for iPhones.
I sped on down to SOMA and pulled into CleanAir. I had just gotten through two pages of my new Sedaris book, when I was handed back my keys. I swear, 10 minutes felt like 3. The guys were super friendly and helpful, and having mentioned yelp, I received a $20 discount. They take care of everything for you and notify the DMV. And they're open on weekends. Highly recommend.
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I drove up and was instantly greeted. I got out of the car, filled out some short info, sat down and was so excited to see the new US Weekly sitting on the table. I got through one page, when my car was ready and waiting for me! I passed, they filed my paperwork to the DMV, and I was on my way. I seriously couldn't have been there longer than 5 total minutes.
Awesome.
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I just wanted to add another recent review to echo the symphony of praises for CleanAir Smog Check. Thank you so much to the Yelpers who pointed me in this direction. I put off my smog check to about a week before my car registration due date because it's normally an ordeal that requires a good part of the morning. As Yelp reviews of other establishments reflect, many service stations also try to rip you off for this service. CleanAir Smog gives you a $20 discount for mentioning Yelp. Easy, no hassle. I was literally in and out of there in 12 minutes. Every employee was pleasant and helpful.
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Faster than you can walk to the nearest coffee shop and back.
First off, I hate getting smog checks b/c my car failed it once and it literally costed me 800 bucks to get the catalytic converter fixed, which is a small piece of metal.
I dropped off my car with the friendly service guy and he told me it would take about ten minutes to finish. So, I walked around the block to get a cup of coffee, when I returned in five mins, the car was done and he told me my car passed! I was like holy crapola, no way! I felt like I passed my driver's license test when he handed me the certificate with a smile. He gave me a discount b/c I mentioned yelp and then I was on my way.
I love this place! Thanks Smog Check Man!
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Easy, peasy, lemon-squeezy!
Just like the other yelpers have said . . . in and out in 15 minutes, $60, and they immediately computer-filed my pass with the DMV for me so I could complete my registration on-line the same day.
Almost effortless.
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It was the fastest smog test ever. Place was easy to find and access. Friendly and professional staff. Be sure to mention the yelp discount or any online coupons. I forgot to mention it so I didn't get the discount. Doh!
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Even though my car failed it's Smog Check, it wasn't the center's fault.
Service was fast and friendly. After the first No Pass they explained that they were going to let the car run a little bit longer to warm up more and then try running the test again. Cool. Despite their best efforts, however, my car failed a second time. Boo.
But they didn't charge me the full price because my car failed the test, plus they gave me paperwork to come back after repairs were done and get the car re-tested for way cheaper than before.
The tech also told me about some other options, including gov't aid to pay for repairs as well as the vehicle retirement plan, which pays you $1000 to scrap any car that fails its Smog Check. This is what I ended up doing--one less car!!--so I haven't had cause to go back since...but if I ever have a car in the future, this place will absolutely be my go-to for any Test Only Smog Checks.
And don't forget to mention the coupon! I printed a coupon online and then managed to lose it on the walk from my office to my car (??), but the tech gave me the discount anyway, just for mentioning that I had HAD the coupon. This place rocks.
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No waiting, fast, polite, efficient - but what's up with charging an additional $10 for misc? ($1.75 for the electronic transmission of the certificate plus $8.25 for the certificate - I mean, come on guys, it only costs five cents or less to print a piece of paper and sign it.) With the $20 off (from mentioning yelp), it still came out to $59.95.
There are cheaper places out there.
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I was kind of skeptical about all the 5-star ratings for this place. I mean come on, it's a smog check station. What could possibly be so great about it? But after taking my car there, I'm definitely singing a different tune.
The place was super clean. I didn't have to wait at all. The staff was friendly and helpful. Erwin greeted me as soon as I pulled in and made me feel right at home. As soon as I told him I'd heard about CleanAir on Yelp, he gave me a discount. He even waived the fee for the new EVAP test for older cars. (Total cost was $59.95 for a '94 Accord.) My car was done in about 15 minutes. They even had a free Internet kiosk to use while I waited (with Firefox, not crappy IE... for those in the know, that alone is worth an extra star!).
This was a great experience, and I highly recommend CleanAir Smog to anyone who needs to get their car tested.
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Wow ... 76 reviews and only 1 2 star review. The other 75 are 5s! Make that 76 now.
Me: "Hey C, I need to get a SMOG how about this place?"
C: "Ya you should be good to go."
Me: "But it's 3PM on a Saturday and they close at 5 ... isn't that pushing it? What if there's a line? Doesn't it take like an hour?"
Damn I was wrong ... I was in and out in literally 15 minutes. Grade quadruple A rating coming from an Elite '09 Yelper in 2008. You can't go wrong.
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Found their coupon on their website.. got a hot dog and soda next door at costco for $1.50.. and i even managed to sneak in a few clicks and make a few bucks from my sponsors on my websites with their free internet station. What a deal!
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Best smog shop in the city. These guys know what their doing, their highly efficient (it only took 15 minutes), great price, very accommodating. I highly recommend this place if you need to get your car smogged.
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I got in and out of there in record time, considering that there were already two cars being tested when I got there. They were friendly and after asking me where I had heard about them they gave me the $20 yelper discount. Woo hoo!
Their waiting room magazine collection consisted mainly of gaming magazines, W, GQ, Car and Driver, and Maxim.
- 1/2 star for not having an espresso machine and playing electronica, or maybe plus 1/2 a star.
- 1/2 star for not having hot stone massage and fresh squeezed wheat grass juice.
It's a damn smog place already!!
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Absolutely the best! Fast efficient friendly. Had the place to myself Friday afternoon, out in about 10 minutes. Thanks for all the help Erwin! All the guys in there are helpful and friendly.
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As promised ~
Quick
(10 minutes)
Pleasant
(Surfed the web on the computer in the waiting room)
(& VERY nice and friendly service)
Cheap
(but NOT as cheap as promised) ~ The cost is $59.95 with certificate (this includes the $20 yelp / website discount)
Overall, I highly recommend them, but was bummed it was more than the $50 cost as noted on Yelp.
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Before CleanAir, I was a Smog Test Virgin - being from the less-green friendly Midwest. So, after reading the reviews on Yelp, I took my 15-year old Jeep to CleanAir this past weekend.
I couldn't have been more pleased with the experience (even though I didn't pass one part of the testing). They are clearly honest and fair. They are quick to get your car tested, and with the Yelp discount, I paid a reasonable price of $50.
Further, the guy helping me explained in a very detailed manner what I needed to have fixed, gave me names of mechanics he believes to be honest and made sure to tell me that I shouldn't believe any mechanic who says that there is anything wrong with my vehicle outside of what he explained.
I highly recommend this CleanAir!
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The people who work here are very professional, friendly, extremely fast and SUPER COOL. They gave me the $20.00 discount and did not charge me for the additional fuel tank test. I strongly recommend this place!
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These guys rock. I arrived at like 12:40pm on a Friday, running late, and needing to make a 1pm appointment a few blocks away. Even though there was a line of cars waiting to be smog checked, the guys were extremely fast and professional, and had me on my way in 20 minutes flat. (He said they normally only take 10 minutes). It was my bad for coming during lunch hour on a Friday, but it all worked out.
Don't forget to mention that you found them on Yelp to get the di$count...
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Wow. So this place has friendly faces, upfront (yelp-discounted) pricing, and a clean waiting room with plenty of magazines that you won't have a chance to read...really. These guys are unbelievably fast. I spent more time filling up my tank at the gas station on my way than inside. Hell, I've spent more time deciding which slice of pizza I want.
Try it; you'll like it.
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They are on top of their game here! I was in and out of here in less than 20 minutes flat! Great customer service! $20 discount for Yelpers - why go anywhere else!
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I can't imagine anyone giving these guys less than 5 stars. ClearAir Smog is a one of a kind smog test facility in San Francisco! Forget the jerks at Downtown Smog that claim a 1 hour wait in their filthy location and $70 for a test is normal. Here you're in and out in less than 15 minutes, it costs $50 (with the mention of Yelp) and the place is actually very nice.
Unlike the stiffs at Downtown Smog, these guys actually have a smile on their face. They are serious about their work, but don't take it so seriously that they can't make a joke or be nice to you.
And as a side note, if your car is 1995 or older, they will do the EVAP test as required by California law. Luckily here there is NO charge for it. Downtown Smog wanted $30 extra... can you believe that?
I now have a place where I will take any car that needs to get SMOG checked.
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I found this place thanks to yelp. I went there on a Saturday early afteroon and I was in and out of there for a smog test in the time it took my bf to smoke a cigarette outside while waiting. They service is friendly and efficient, and the price cheaper than other places, $50 with the discount.
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Clean Air deserves every one of their 5 stars! No need for an appointment, just show up, fill out a small form (remembering to say you found them on Yelp, saves $20!) and wait for a few minutes. I'm pretty sure the entire process took less than 10 minutes. Everyone working there is super nice and efficient. Only downside is dealing with the DMV afterwards ;)
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The most painless smog check ever! I was so nervous about my '92 Miata not passing the test. These guys made sure the car was properly warmed up to give it the best chance and it passed with flying colors -- all in ten minutes or less! So imagine my horror when I realized that I'd left my debit card on my desk. Earl was a doll -- I called him with my number the minute I got home and he's going to drop off the paperwork to me personally. Now, that's what I call SERVICE.
Oh, and the price was right, too -- $49.95 plus $10 for the certificate.
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Yelp didn't let me down on this one!!
I was in and out before my starbucks was cool enought to drink. Dude was cool, even gave me directions to the DMV.
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Agree with everyone else - this place is great! Very professional, friendly and fast. They even changed my wiper blades!
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If you have a car you'll need a smog test, you need a smog test go to CleanAir.
- Quick and Efficient. Like pretty much everyone else here, I was in-and-out in under 15 minutes
- Cost of $59.99 after $20.00 discount for saying 'saw it on Yelp' (or just 'please') makes them among the cheaper places in the city
- Pleasant and very competent seeming staff
A few notes
- Bring your registration notice with you. They can still file your certificate with the DMV for you without the notice, but its smoother if you have the notice
- Waiting room isn't heated . You won't spend long here so its not a big deal, but if its winter wear a sweater. (I suspect its actively ventilated with the outside so no fumes from nearby smog testing come in. Personally, I'll take a little chill over carbon monoxide poisoning any day, but then I have a great life).
- If you have a full-sized, pre '95 van its an extra $20 since they have remove the engine cover to test. Then again, if you have a pre '95 van in this city, my guess is you have bigger problems than paying the extra $20.
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