.Best Place to Get Smogged: They ease the pain of a mandatory procedure

No one likes getting a smog check. In the exciting realm of required check-ups, it ranks right around a visit to the dentist: As long as everything’s in order, you have nothing to worry about. But until you’ve paid the bill and gone your merry way, there’s always that nagging feeling the mechanics will find something wrong. None of this is news to the folks at family-owned 7 Days a Week Smog, who go out of their way to make smog checks as stress-free as possible. Their inviting waiting room puts the typical coffeepot and out-of-date magazines to shame. Here you’ll find two Internet-ready desktop computers with wireless access, a TV, a variety of comfortable seats, free soda and other refreshments, and — get this — a punching bag and workout bench in the adjacent garage. Plus there’s an outdoor patio set for waiting out your smog check on nicer days. Service is always courteous and prompt, and they’ll even pick up and drop off your vehicle for free if you’d rather not drive it in yourself.