Pepper Drive Test Only

4.5
88 reviews

About

Smog Inspection Station
Pepper Drive Test Only provides smog testing services in El Cajon, CA.

Location

Pepper Drive Test Only
7921 Winter Gardens Boulevard, El Cajon, CA
92021, United States

Hours

Reviews

4.5
88 reviews
5 stars
69
4 stars
10
3 stars
2
2 stars
1
1 star
6
  • MW
    Melody Wasserman
    Dec 19, 2025
    2.0
    First they cost $121 for test,i passed but he couldnt read #s on cat so he failed me.went to smog referee who failed me cause of wrong cat on truck,it was for 2wd truck not 4x4.got new cat for $900 then went back to pepper drive test only where he charged me $60 this time.i had appt. Got there before he finished appt. Before me and i was ready to pull in when a friend of his pulled in from other direction into stall and he told me "oh he had the next appt.", very unprofessional and way to expensive...ill never go there again...
  • JT
    James Thomas
    Dec 16, 2025
    5.0
    I've been coming here for the last 15+ years always been very helpful and gets his job done quick
  • TD
    Tyler Donica
    Sep 8, 2025
    1.0
    This has to be the worst smog station l've ever been to this person is a complete scam. Unfortunately I had the misfortune of coming in here because my normal smog station was closed on Saturday. Other than the fact that he has to be the most expensive smog station around costing 120 for vehicles older than 2000 he try's to scam he's customers on fake claims. On my occasion, he tried to say I was missing a catalytic converter and my EGR valve was modified by the vacuum tubing being misaligned, which I informed him would instantly throw a check engine light so it was impossible. Then when I got under the car to show him exactly where my Catalytic converter was he said he's not getting under there and I failed. I took my car right away to a more reputable smog station, which I should've done from the get-go and they confirmed all of his statements were false and my car passed. I just hope this is a warning to everybody else stay away
  • JC
    JAY C
    Aug 3, 2025
    5.0
    Exceptional Customer Service. I just moved here from Manhattan, NY. I was looking for a place to Smog my car and that's when I stopped into Pepper Dr. Smog Test Only. That's when I met Joseph. He was the Smog Inspector that performed the smog test on my car. He was quick, knowledgeable and efficient. Also, he is a nice guy. The Owner, Mark, has owned and operated the location for over 24 years and is also a Smog Inspector. He is very friendly and a heck of a nice guy. I will definitely be going to PEPPER DR. TEST ONLY from now on.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pepper Drive Test Only

How often do you need smog testing?

Emission regulations state that you need to have a smog test when there is a change of ownership on a vehicle and also every other year.

What years of vehicles need smog testing?

All makes and models of vehicles from 1976 and newer need to get smog tested.