Emissions Testing in Hickory, North Carolina

Find 8 licensed smog check stations in Hickory. Browse test-only centers, STAR-certified locations, and shops offering registration renewal inspections. Requirements in North Carolina vary by vehicle type and model year.

8 stations
Hickory, NC
View North Carolina requirements
RA

Richey's Automotive

4.8 · 205 reviews
Auto repair shop · 188 Automotive Ln, Hickory, NC 28601

Richey's Automotive offers emissions testing and vehicle inspection services in Hickory, North Carolina. View hours and...

emissions testing Vehicle Inspection OBD-II Diagnostics Check Engine Light Diagnosis
AI

Auto Inspections In/Out

4.8 · 410 reviews
Car inspection station · 217 U.S. Hwy 70 SW, Hickory, NC 28602

Auto Inspections In/Out provides emissions testing and vehicle inspection in Hickory, North Carolina. View hours and det...

emissions testing Vehicle Inspection OBD-II Diagnostics Check Engine Light Diagnosis
MT

Momentum Tire & Car Care

4.8 · 52 reviews
Auto repair shop · 2663 US Hwy 70 SE, Hickory, NC 28602

Momentum Tire & Car Care provides emissions testing and vehicle inspection services in Hickory, North Carolina. View hou...

emissions testing Vehicle Inspection OBD-II Diagnostics Check Engine Light Diagnosis
HG

Hughes Garage

4.8 · 45 reviews
Car inspection station · 2976 S Hwy 127, Hickory, NC 28602

Hughes Garage offers emissions testing and vehicle inspection in Hickory, North Carolina. View hours and details.

emissions testing Vehicle Inspection OBD-II Diagnostics Check Engine Light Diagnosis
DS

Dickinson Service Center

4.7 · 340 reviews
Auto repair shop · 3628 NC-127, Hickory, NC 28602

Dickinson Service Center provides emissions testing and vehicle inspections in Hickory, North Carolina. Check hours and...

emissions testing Vehicle Inspection OBD-II Diagnostics Check Engine Light Diagnosis
MT

Momentum Tire & Car Care

4.7 · 314 reviews
Auto repair shop · 1040 Lenoir Rhyne Blvd SE, Hickory, NC 28602

Momentum Tire & Car Care offers emissions testing and vehicle inspection in Hickory, North Carolina. View hours and deta...

emissions testing vehicle inspection OBD-II diagnostics check engine light diagnosis
CT

Country Town Tire & Auto Service Center

4.5 · 184 reviews
Auto repair shop · 85 Lenoir Rhyne Blvd SE, Hickory, NC 28602

Country Town Tire & Auto Service Center offers emissions testing and vehicle inspection in Hickory, North Carolina. View...

emissions testing Vehicle Inspection OBD-II Diagnostics Check Engine Light Diagnosis
VI

Valvoline Instant Oil Change

4.4 · 322 reviews
Oil change service · 1120 Lenoir Rhyne Blvd SE, Hickory, NC 28602

Valvoline Instant Oil Change offers emissions testing and vehicle inspection in Hickory, North Carolina. View hours and...

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City Guide

Emissions Testing in Hickory, North Carolina

Finding a reliable place for emissions testing or a smog check in Hickory is easier than ever. Our directory lists 8 licensed and verified emissions testing stations in the city, including STAR-certified and test-only centers where required. Whether you're renewing your registration or completing an out-of-state transfer, this page helps you quickly locate nearby inspection facilities and understand what applies in North Carolina.

Do Vehicles in Hickory Need an Emissions Test?

Most drivers in Hickory follow the same rules set by North Carolina. Requirements vary based on vehicle age, fuel type, and county. If you're unsure whether your ZIP code or vehicle model year requires a test, use this directory to browse local stations or review our state-specific testing requirements.

Types of Smog Check Services Available

  • Standard emissions tests for gasoline vehicles
  • OBD-II inspections for 1996+ model years
  • Tailpipe testing for older vehicles where required
  • Diesel emissions testing
  • Hybrid and electric vehicle smog checks
  • Registration renewal support
  • Test-only or STAR-certified inspections (state dependent)

Each listing includes the station's address, contact information, operating hours, and service notes to help you choose the right location.

Smog Check Tips for Hickory Drivers

Before heading to a testing center in Hickory, make sure:

  • Your check engine light is off
  • Your vehicle has completed recent drive cycles
  • The gas cap is properly sealed
  • The engine is fully warmed up
  • You have your registration and ID

Following these steps greatly increases the chance of passing on the first attempt.

Why Use This Directory?

Drivers in Hickory rely on this directory because it provides a complete list of verified emissions testing stations, map-based navigation for quick lookup, accurate state-updated requirements, support for gasoline, diesel, hybrid, and electric vehicles, and clear explanations of exemptions and frequency rules.

Frequently Asked Questions About Emissions Testing in Hickory, North Carolina

Get answers to common questions about smog checks, testing requirements, and finding the right station in Hickory.

You can use this directory to find licensed emissions testing and smog check stations in Hickory. Browse the listings above to see addresses, contact details, and services offered, then choose the station that's most convenient for your part of the city.
It depends on North Carolina's emissions testing program, your registration ZIP code, and your vehicle's model year and fuel type. Some areas of North Carolina require testing, while others do not. Check your North Carolina state page in this directory or your DMV's website to see if your address in Hickory is in a testing area.
Most emissions programs require testing every one or two years, usually tied to registration renewal. Some vehicles are tested more frequently, and others are exempt for the first few model years. Use the North Carolina state page to see the current 2025 schedule for your vehicle type and registration area.
Prices vary by station and vehicle, but most emissions tests in Hickory fall within the typical range for North Carolina. Many stations list pricing by phone or on their website, and some offer coupons or discounts. Use the listings above to contact a station directly for current pricing.
Requirements depend on vehicle type (gasoline, diesel, hybrid, electric), model year, and weight, as well as where your vehicle is registered in North Carolina. In many states, fully electric vehicles are exempt, newer vehicles are temporarily exempt, and certain older or specialty vehicles may have different rules. Check the North Carolina state page for the latest 2025 requirements.
Most stations in Hickory ask you to bring your current registration or renewal notice, a valid photo ID, and proof of insurance if required by North Carolina. Make sure your vehicle is warmed up and the check engine light is off before you arrive.
If your vehicle fails, the station will provide a report showing the reason for failure (such as stored OBD-II codes or high tailpipe readings). In most programs, you must complete repairs and pass a retest before renewing your registration. Some states offer repair assistance, cost caps, or waivers. Details are listed on the North Carolina page in this directory.
In some states, certain vehicles are directed to specific station types (such as STAR or test-only centers). Unless your renewal notice or DMV instructions say otherwise, you can usually choose any licensed station in Hickory. If you're unsure, ask the station when you call or check the instructions on your renewal notice.

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