The term "smog" means bad quality air created by a combination of smoke and fog. Smog is defined as a visible mixture of air pollutants, including those that are formed by the burning of petroleum-based fuels such as gasoline and diesel fuel.

Smog is a serious health hazard to all people, but even more so to children, the elderly, people with pulmonary and respiratory (lung) disorders, and the immune-suppressed population. Smog has been known to cause asthma attacks and headaches. It's also widely known to cause burning eyes, an itchy throat, and a cough. The effects of smog exposure can last for weeks.

Why does California need a Smog Check program?

According to the BAR (Bureau of Automotive Repair), vehicles in California contribute 50% of the air pollution annually. That translates into roughly 2,000 tons of pollution per day. California does not meet the Federal Air quality standards set by the Congress for the entire nation, and therefore it has implemented the emissions inspection program, currently referred to as the "Smog Check" program.

The California Smog Check program is designed to identify vehicles, which are polluters through the use of a state of the art exhaust gas analyzer. The exhaust analyzer is much like a photo camera except it takes pictures of your vehicle's exhaust (rather then your vehicle) and translates that into information which a Smog technician can read/understand and evaluate. Based on this information the technician can diagnose your vehicle's engine condition.

The Smog Inspection is simply an inspection designed to make sure your car is in good running order. It's also an excellent opportunity for you to evaluate your vehicle's engine performance and make sure your car is running at optimum levels.

Where can I find a smog check center in San Ramon?

Pioneer Auto Service station is a Smog Check Test-and-repair Center located in San Ramon, that conforms to the standards set by the state of California. Test-and-repair stations are licensed by the state to provide Smog Check tests and repairs to most vehicles.

Smog Checks may be the same everywhere, but service and prices are not. Pioneer Auto Service not only has a solid track record, but also the expertise and know-how to get the job done.

For all your smog check requirements by the DMV, do contact Pioneer Auto Service. They are located at: 1955 San Ramon Valley Blvd, San Ramon, CA 94583. You could also contact them on the phone: (925) 837-1000. Visit their website: http://www.pioneerautoservice.com/

If you are looking for an auto service station in San Ramon, visit Pioneer Auto Service. It’s the best in the county of Contra Costa and is known for varied services. Visit this link to learn more. http://www.pioneerautoservice.com/services.html

For computerized wheel alignment center, visit Pioneer Auto Service located in San Ramon.

They use the latest precision equipment to adjust caster, camber and toe-in of front wheels to prevent excessive tire wear and high-speed instability.

Smog Check Tidbits

Is your vehicle due for a smog check? Beginning Jan. 1, 1998, 1973 model vehicles and older are exempt from Smog Check requirements, while 1995 model vehicles and newer will be exempt for their first five years. Get your smog check done now!

Don't wait until the last minute. The sooner you get a smog check, the more time you'll have in case you need to make repairs. Perform regular maintenance, including oil changes, tune-ups and tire pressure checks.

Ask your smog technician.

Contact Pioneer Auto Service your neighborhood Smog Check specialist located at San Ramon. California Bill Would Tax Polluting Cars, Rebate Low-Emission Vehicles

A bill under debate in the California Assembly would slap a one-time $2,500 tax on the sale of big polluting vehicles such as the Hummer, the Chevy Tahoe or the Dodge Viper.

Some cleaner SUVs, trucks and minivans would be exempt. And buyers of relatively low-polluting vehicles such as the Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, and Nissan Sentra would get hefty rebates.

Feebate laws have been enacted in Canada, Finland and parts of the EU. Proponents argue that the free market doesn't provide sufficient incentives for consumers to buy low-greenhouse gas vehicles. Though a previous version of the bill narrowly failed to pass the California Assembly, many state lawmakers are enraged at the Bush administration's abrogation of a state law that would have reduced tailpipe emissions by 30 percent over the next eight years.

Automakers, as you might expect, are less than thrilled with the bill. But there is growing consensus in California that the law is more sensible than strict mandates for car emissions because it works within the market system, allowing consumers to make choices accordingly.

Exercising Energy Efficiency

How do you conserve energy? How do you cut down on your fuel bill? How do you learn to recognize the need for energy efficiency? With gas prices hitting an all-time high, conserving energy could bring about a reduction in the demand and lead to cutting down on the cost of fuel. With energy in high demand around the globe, using energy efficiently in areas that need electricity, coal, gas and oil could bring down massive consumption. When we conserve energy, products can be manufactured in a more cost-effective way that will reduce the impact on the environment, including reducing polluting emissions and greenhouse gas emissions.


There are many ways we can economize on fuel, whether we drive an old or a new car. Energy is conserved if we incorporate good driving habits and making sure that the vehicle goes through a routine maintenance. Rash driving, speeding, not paying attention to speed limits and accelerating unnecessarily waste a lot of fuel. Safe driving ensures less fuel usage or consumption and reduces the fuel bill. It is also advisable to take out any excess weight in your car and avoid too much idling of the engine. Using cruise control and overdrive gears avoids wear and tear of the engine and saves gas. It is advisable to keep your tires at the required pressure and use motor oil that is energy conserving. Do your best to adhere to all energy saving rules that could keep your vehicle running smoothly for years with cost-effective measures.

For all your needs in automobile repair and maintenance, contact Pioneer Auto Service, 1955 San Ramon Valley Blvd, San Ramon, CA 94583. You could also contact us on the phone: (925) 837-1000.

Visit www.pioneerautoservice.com and www.sanramonautoservice.com for more detailed information on our services.

Experience Service at its Best

Gas prices are shooting up and it is hitting people hard. Many people commute a long way to work and with gas prices soaring, a car-pool may be a good idea. One of the best ways to conserve gas is to make sure that your car is maintained well. The car should be serviced regularly. If your tire pressure is not right, it is like driving with the parking brake on. Many cars have their gas cover missing which causes the gas to evaporate.



Fuel gets wasted if the spark plug is dirty and it misfires. If the air filter is clogged it should be cleaned or replaced. This can improve mileage by almost 10%. Let the engine warm up when you start the car. Pioneer Auto Service in San Ramon, CA is a full-service auto and light truck repair facility, which is fully equipped to handle all your vehicle repair needs. They will be able to service your car and they perform maintenance efficiently.

They use genuine auto parts and customer satisfaction is the #1 priority. This family owned business has been serving the San Ramon area since 1979. Pioneer Auto Service in San Ramon includes Honda auto, BMW auto and auto truck. They service Fords in San Ramon, Honda in San Ramon, Toyota in San Ramon. Their honesty and integrity has made Pioneer Auto Service a name you can trust.

Cruise into an energy saving lane...


Pioneer Auto Service receives Diamond Certified Award

Workers Comp Ins. Liability Insurance State Lic. No. AF234142 Current Complaint File Business Practices Customer Loyalty Based on 130 random customer surveys made since Feb 2002 asking each customer: 'Would you use this company again?' Customer Satisfaction 'Please rate your satisfaction with the quality received.' Rating Status We declare that Pioneer Auto Service has passed all of the rating steps and has earned the Diamond Certified award, Certificate No. 019.

Jim Livingstone opened the doors of Pioneer Auto Service in 1979. Bob Fuenzalida, who has worked in the industry since 1971, took over in 2003. His varied technical background includes experience as a line mechanic, shop foreman, service manager and service supervisor. Mr. Fuenzalida has also been a member of the Automotive Service Council for many years. Pioneer Auto Service's ASE Certified Technicians handle everything from simple inspections and routine maintenance to major repair work. They specialize in domestic and foreign vehicles and are known for their quick turnaround. Pioneer Auto Service is an AAA approved shop. All services come with a one year warranty on parts and labor.     Excerpted Survey Responses 'I can't say anything but the best about them. I'm very happy with the service I get.' - Rich R.            Click here for more survey comments. Courtesy - www.diamondcertified.org

For all your needs in automobile repair and maintenance, contact Pioneer Auto Service, 1955 San Ramon Valley Blvd, San Ramon, CA 94583. You could also contact us on the phone:
925-837-1000.

Visit www.pioneerautoservice.com and www.sanramonautoservice.com for more detailed information on our services.