Your car takes you from point A to point B every day, which is why it’s important to bring it to a mechanic when it stops working or starts making a strange noise. At an appointment, a mechanic will first run the vehicle through auto diagnostics. If you’ve never had a diagnostics appointment before or have never paid attention to what the mechanic was doing, here’s what you need to know.

A Guide to Auto Diagnostics

Auto diagnostics assess your engine’s performance, identify the cause of any warning lights on the dashboard, and give the mechanic all the information they need to adequately repair your vehicle. The test pulls data from the car’s computer showing the entire error log for the engine since the last tuneup or repair appointment.

How the Information Is Used

Mechanics are trained to accurately read the data produced by the diagnostics test. They use this data to pinpoint the cause of the problem with the vehicle and can then visually inspect it for damage. 

The fast you take the car in for a diagnostics test after the check engine light comes on, the less risk the engine faces of expensive repairs or long-term damage. For example, the check engine light turns on for everything from a loose gas cap to a faulty oxygen sensor. When something like the oxygen sensor is damaged, it can cause the engine to overheat, damaging the components inside and resulting in expensive engine repairs down the road. The only way to identify the exact source of the problem is to run a diagnostics scan of the vehicle.

Though diagnostics appointments are not necessary every time you bring the car in for routine auto maintenance, it can be useful if you’re looking to assess the overall condition of the vehicle. If you’re unsure of whether or not a diagnostics appointment is needed, your mechanic will be able to make the appropriate recommendation.

If you’re worried about your vehicle, don’t put off a repair appointment. Contact Estep Tire & Auto Center in Bluefield, WV. Their experienced mechanics can use their auto diagnostics tools to find the source of the problem quickly and get you back on the road as fast as possible. Their team stands by their work and have helped residents keep their cars on the road since 1990. Learn more about their services online and call (304) 325-9134 to schedule an appointment.