Driving Confidence: Angie Hernandez and the Mission Behind SoCo Smog Test

Angie Hernandez, owner and operator of SoCo Smog Test in Costa Mesa, is a primary example of turning your passion into a career. Although she initially disliked working on cars, that changed when she started to drive and could both save money and be increasingly independent. “I don’t have to rely on anybody, and it's nice, you know? So that’s how I kind of fell in love with it,” Angie explained. She described learning new skills and the accomplishment you feel from it as addictive, and loves continuously learning about cars. “There’s always something going on, something new, something to learn.”

SoCo Smog Test is a STAR-certified test-only station where all kinds of vehicles can have their emissions components tested. Smog tests became a statewide requirement with the passage of the Smog Check Program in 1982, as a result of heavy pollution. The tests view different components and identify high-polluting vehicles that need to be repaired or taken off of the road. Since the initiation of the Smog Check Program, vehicle emissions and air pollutants have been reduced by 80%, creating a massively beneficial impact on our environment. Before taking your car in for a smog test, make sure that your check engine light is off and that you have been properly maintaining your car. Additionally, a common issue is coming in for a smog test too soon after a replaced battery. “If you had a dead battery within the last two weeks… You want to drive your car at least 100 to 200 miles before coming in for your smog test.” Otherwise, the data has reset in the car’s computer, and there is not enough information to be able to run the test.

For Angie, a love of the environment was one of the reasons she was inspired to enter the smog testing business. SoCo Smog Test is certified as an eco-friendly business by the Green Business Bureau, and it’s clear to see why. The shop uses recycled and sustainable paper, eco-friendly and non-toxic cleaning supplies, encourages digital processes when possible, and makes sure to recycle used items like ink cartridges. “Some of the machines and gases and stuff I have to use… [but] anything I can recycle, I will,” said Angie. In fact, even the furniture and décor in the shop were thrifted, and Angie tries to make sure that everything is made out of biodegradable components. “It hurts my heart when I hear about the environment and how it’s being destroyed,” Angie mentioned, “so that was something that I was passionate about.”

Not only is Angie dedicated to helping the environment, but she is also a champion for her community and other women in the community. Angie uses her Instagram to shout out other women-owned businesses, such as Gremlin Garage, a local coffee shop. When asked about what community means to her, she answered quickly. “I think it’s everything, right? I don’t believe we’re here to just keep to ourselves and not do anything good in the world. I think we should all contribute to the world some way and somehow, and to me, this is like my way of doing that.” Angie believes that everyone has their strengths, and it is their responsibility to share those gifts with others. “There’s nothing cooler than someone who is using their skills or their talents and sharing it with the world, and I think we should all do that… I think the world would be a better place, and when I see other women doing that, it’s so cool. It’s so badass.”

An additional way that she shares her gift is with her Women With Wrenches classes, a monthly class where she teaches women automotive skills like how to check car fluids, what fluids should look like, how to check for leaks, how to change a tire, and how to jump-start a car. When asked what skills every driver should know, her list lined up almost exactly with what she teaches in her Women With Wrenches class. “I think mostly emergency scenarios are super important,” she said, describing having to change a tire or deal with an overheating car, “…and [knowing how to] jump-start a car, because that’s the thing that anybody can do. It’s super easy, and it’ll get you right back on the road, too.” Angie’s next Women With Wrenches class is scheduled for June 27th, and you can sign up through the Linktree on her Instagram or on the SoCo Smog Test website. There are only 15 spaces available per class, and they tend to fill up quickly.

As a woman in a predominantly male field, Angie has faced issues with being taken seriously while trying to set up SoCo Smog Test. She mentioned that people were confused when she described Sher goals, and she had a hard time trying to find a location to set up shop. Luckily, Angie’s years of experience quickly earned her a place in the field. “I think experience definitely helps when it comes to being in this type of industry,” she said. “People look at you like ‘What are you doing here?’ But then you just show them that you’re serious, and then they would respect that.” For other women looking to enter the automotive industry, Angie had some key advice. “It’s just like any other job… be confident and know your skills.” She described the importance of not overthinking or feeling insecure in your abilities. While confidence can be hard to learn, she mentioned that most people aren’t focused on you, and you need to trust in yourself and your abilities. “No one is paying attention to you as much as you think they are,” Angie said, “Do what you’ve gotta do and don’t think about it.”

In the next five years, Angie plans on continuing to learn. “I have yet to break down an engine and put it back together, but I think it’s something I can figure out for sure.” Her dream is also to start another shop, and she would love to have an all-women smog shop. “I want to hire all girls, honestly. Like that’s my vision. [I] want to inspire other women to work in this industry.”

If you need a smog test, make sure to visit SoCo Smog Test in Costa Mesa, and sign up for an upcoming “Women With Wrenches” class at https://www.socosmogtest.com/.