Lightning Smog

Specialties

We are a Star Certified Smog Check Station located on Coast Hwy in downtown Oceanside. We test all vehicles including star directed, test only, and all-​wheel drive vehicles, as well as diesels, heavy duty trucks, and RV’s. We also test vehicles that need to gain base access for the military.

We are owned by a native San Diegan who loves The San Diego Chargers (hence Lightning Smog), so come in, talk some football, and enjoy our clean lobby with magazines and cold water.

We are located walking distance from the beach and plenty of good restaurants, so if you want to make the best of your time, drop it off on your lunch break or while you go out for a surf. Hope to see you soon!

History

Established in 2006.

The owner and technician, Brian Terrell, grew up in Carlsbad, graduated from La Costa Canyon High School in 1998, and Sonoma State University in 2003. He worked various sales jobs for large corporations until 2012. His father purchased this shop, formerly called Ace Smog, back in 2006. Brian wanted to help his Dad retire, so he went to smog school, received excellent training from an experienced BAR Referee, and took over on September 6^th, 2012.

Since Brian is a huge San Diego Chargers fan, he renamed the shop Lightning Smog, and incorporated the colors blue and yellow. He has remodeled the lobby into a kid and dog friendly environment that any parent would appreciate. We have accommodations that very few of our competitors have including a friendly, honest, and professional staff, a clean facility (floor mats and pressed uniforms that keep your car seats clean!), an indoor lobby, up-​to-​date magazines, complimentary cold water, Chargers memorabilia, outdoor seating, and a parking lot.

Meet the Business Owner

Brian T.

Business Owner

My name is Brian Terrell. I was born in Carlsbad, CA, but ironically I am not a surfer. I grew up a skater, but my body can’t handle that anymore, so I hope to become a surfer someday. For now, I enjoy providing the best and most fair customer service I possibly can everyday. I have a beautiful wife, Ashley, and a cute little pug, Jake. We love rainy days and scary movies. Halloween is our favorite holiday and Christmas is a close second. We’re also big music fans, mostly classic rock and grunge. We’ve seen a lot of great bands, and plan to see many more. I love meeting new people, so come on in and introduce yourself!

Lightning Smog also recommends

Anita’s Restaurant

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reviews

Cocina mexicana

Brian T. says,

«Good sit down mexican food and just across the street. Their chips and salsa are excellent!»

Bessie’s 1929 Café — CLOSED

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Desayuno y brunch

Brian T. says,

«Great food and right next door! Drop your car and grab a bite! They’re only open until 2pm though, so no dinner.»

Breakwater Brewing

396

reviews

Fábrica de cerveza

Brian T. says,

«Awesome brewery with great food and just two blocks north! I am an IPA guy and their’s is really good. Drop your car and grab a pint.»

Carmine’s

268

reviews

Pizzería

,

Cocina italiana

Brian T. says,

«Great italian food and New York style pizza only one block north! Drop your car and grab a slice!»

Señor Pancho Mexican Grill

39

reviews

Brian T. says,

«Great taco shop just one block north. Really affordable and very tasty. Excellent California Burritos!»