How to Perform a Drive Cycle in Vista and Oceanside

[Pass 'N Go Smog Center]

How to perform a drive cycle in Vista and Oceanside:

These instructions are for those who have recently failed smog check for 'Not Ready', who have had recent repair or battery service, or who have cleared codes.

It is our experience that these instructions are universal to all years, makes, and models.

This route is also sufficient to properly "warm-up" older vehicles for smog check tailpipe tests.

This will not work if you have a check engine light on or have pending codes as these driving tests are actually what is evaluating whether they should have these or not.

If this driving triggers a check engine light or a pending code, then your vehicle requires a professional diagnostic and repair.

After service, you can use these instructions to verify your mechanic diagnosed and repaired the problem.

To avoid a back and forth with non-certified mechanics, take your vehicle to a smog check test & repair station as this is their specialty.

With a cold engine

Best Time: Early A.M. before traffic starts.

1. Turn vehicle on and idle in 'Park' for 2 minutes with near 3/4 full gas tank (but not full and not below 1/2).

2. Drive to intersection of Oceanside Blvd & N Melrose Dr at normal posted speeds and without sudden increases or braking.

3. Take Oceanside Blvd to I-5 South driving all posted sign speeds (crucial) and stopping at stop lights gradually (not suddenly)

4. Take I-5 to 78-E while never going above 60mph (steady increase in speed to merge, but no sudden acceleration)

5. Without sudden acceleration, drive on the 78-E while sustaining 55mph as far as possible without pressing the brake and without cruise control.

6. U-turn at Exit 13 Twin Oaks Valley Rd

7. Without sudden acceleration, drive on the 78-W while sustaining 55mph as far as possible without pressing the brake and without cruise control.

Note: Step 5 & 7 provide for two chances to complete the 'highway' driving portion for the vehicle which can be difficult to perform obviously.

8. Once near Vista Village take your car back to your mechanic to have him check your vehicles monitors (not codes).

9. If your mechanic says you are ready, take your car to Pass 'N Go Smog Center or your preferred station for a smog check!

With a warm engine:

Best Time: 10AM - 3PM when traffic is not heavy.

1. Drive to intersection of Oceanside Blvd & N Melrose Dr at normal posted speeds and without sudden increases or braking.

2. Take Oceanside Blvd to I-5 South driving all posted sign speeds (crucial) and stopping at stop lights gradually (not suddenly)

3. Take I-5 to 78-E while never going above 60mph (steady increase in speed to merge, but no sudden acceleration)

4. Without sudden acceleration, drive on the 78-E while sustaining 55mph as far as possible without pressing the brake and without cruise control.

5. U-turn at Exit 13 Twin Oaks Valley Rd

6. Without sudden acceleration, drive on the 78-W while sustaining 55mph as far as possible without pressing the brake and without cruise control.

Note: Step 4 & 6 provide for two chances to complete the 'highway' driving portion for the vehicle which can be difficult to perform obviously.

7. Once near Vista Village take your car back to your mechanic to have him check your vehicles monitors (not codes).

8. If your mechanic says you are ready, take your car to Pass 'N Go Smog Center or your preferred station for a smog check!

Reply below if you have additional questions.