In any service business, it’s common knowledge that the more skills you have, the more marketable you are. This is very true for California’s auto repair shops. A STAR-certified smog and auto repair business can get a significant boost in customers. A STAR certification ensures a SMOG shop provides reliable and accurate testing that is 100% compliant with environmental regulations. The certification is also a sign of eligibility for different types of smog checks, including those required by the California DMV for specific vehicles with high emitter profiles. That means owners of older automobiles, such as classic cars need a technician to keep them compliant as well. There are also “high emission vehicles” like utility vehicles, tractors, trailers and pick-up trucks. Servicing these vehicles expands the customer base and can give a local auto repair shop an edge over the competition, too.
When a small auto repair shop needs a lawyer to defend a smog certification, we understand the stress the owner is under. A STAR suspension case, previously known as a STAR Invalidation, could stop a business in its tracks. And with the burden of remaining compliant combined with covering shop expenses, this is a real detriment!
In California, everyone needs their car smogged. It doesn’t matter what income bracket or status a Californian has; everyone needs to have their vehicle smog tested. If they rely on a specific make and model, finding a technician who specializes in that brand can be preferred. This goes for many of the busiest cars frequently seen on the road. Ridester shared a list of the top five most popular car brands in the United States. The good news is each brand provides some kind of technician certification program:
- Ford (https://www.ford.com/ford-certified-collision-network/)
- Toyota (https://www.toyota.com/usa/careers/technician-training)
- Chevrolet/GM (https://www.uti.edu/programs/automotive/specialized-training/gm-tech)
- Honda (https://www.hondapact.com/)
- Nissan (https://www.nissantechacademy.com/program)
Each program offers aspiring technicians comprehensive lessons in maintaining and repairing the brand’s automobiles. Most of these programs collaborate with vocational schools and community colleges, offering apprenticeships to get technicians in the workforce. And small shop owners appreciate a specialized resume for an new auto technician!
Even luxury brands such as BMW see the importance of specially certified technicians who can help customer keep their cars at an optimum driving level.
The value of a specially certified technician is golden to a shop owner. They know these skills can be marketed to serve more customers. And that’s why an accusation letter from the Bureau of Automotive Repair is a real threat. The best way to quickly address this threat is to contact a lawyer to defend a smog certification (https://automotivedefense.com/contact/).