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Having an engine diagnostic service performed once a year is like going for yearly medical check-ups. You do it to keep your body in good health and to identify any issue that needs to be taken care of before it develops into worse problems. Well, the same goes for your car, regular diagnostic tests are done to detect problems with your engine, transmission, driveline, suspension, or any part of the vehicle, before they require expensive repairs, or worse, leave you stranded on the side of the road after a breakdown. You do not have to wait until something goes wrong or for your check engine light to come on for you to realize the need for this service. Some issues may go unnoticed and are almost impossible for even a certified mechanic to pinpoint without a professional diagnostic tool. There are many benefits to taking a proactive approach to car preventative maintenance. 

 

Car diagnostics involves the use of specialized computerized software that will allow the mechanic to quickly and accurately point to problem areas in a car’s engine or elsewhere. Your vehicle has built-in processors, microchips and sensors that the diagnostics tool will collect this information from. When your check engine light is on, engine diagnostic services are the best way to determine exactly why. The engine diagnostic machine is plugged into the car’s computer, and the computer retrieves reference codes. The codes are used as a reference against a list of codes from the manufacturer, to identify what the issue is. If the engine is in great working order, then the device will say so, alternatively, if there is a problem, a code, or several will be displayed.

 

Retrieving Data

 

Mechanics will retrieve error codes from the vehicle’s on-board computer system and the status information in order to make an accurate diagnosis of the vehicle. The code tells technicians which component(s) are not working properly. Our expert mechanics then translate these codes and provide a plan for diagnosis and repairs to let you know what will need to be repaired and how much it will be.

 

Testing

 

The codes offer mechanics information on where the issue is, but it does not detail the cause of the problems. Testing will be done to identify what exactly is the issue or what caused the warning light to appear to make a well-informed diagnosis. This process includes testing electrical and mechanical components, bi-directional control tests, and visual inspections. This is done so that unnecessary replacements or repairs are not done. 

 

Car Repair

 

After identifying the exact issue, mechanics will work to replace parts, clean components, carry out maintenance and manufacturer’s technical updates, make updates to the vehicle’s software, and repair or replace any damaged wiring. When all the necessary work is completed, the vehicle will be retested to make sure that the issue was properly fixed, and the diagnostic reveals no fault codes. 

 

When the warning light shows up, remember to get your car booked for an engine diagnostic as soon as possible and let our experts sort the problem out for you. Come into Lake Ridge Auto Care in Woodbridge, VA, today for a complete auto check-up and have our expert mechanics diagnose and repair any issues you may be experiencing. In addition to expert diagnostic testing, we also offer a variety of services and repairs, including wheel alignments, brake repair, engine replacement, oil changes, batteries, and more. We also provide quality, top brand, affordable tires in Woodbridge, VA. Schedule an appointment online today!