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Diagnostics 101: Understanding Auto Diagnostics

Whenever our car starts acting strange, we cringe at paying hefty amounts to figure out what’s happening. However, diagnostics is an essential part of car maintenance and repair. Diagnostics helps your mechanic identify underlying issues that could turn into costly repairs.

First, let’s define diagnostics. In the simplest terms, it’s the process of identifying and troubleshooting problems in a car. Diagnostics can be done in two ways: manually or with technology. The old-school way involves a mechanic, a code reader, and a diagnostic manual. The mechanic uses the code reader to access the car’s onboard computer system, where any errors or malfunctions will be stored. The diagnostic manual contains a list of possible codes and their explanations, and the mechanic uses this to identify the issue.

Modern cars have sophisticated onboard computers, and identifying issues manually can be difficult. Auto repair shops use specialized scanners or diagnostic tools to access the car’s systems and identify issues. These tools allow a deeper understanding of the car’s performance, identifying the problem immediately. When you bring your vehicle to a repair shop, the mechanic will use diagnostics to find the root of the problem. Then, they’ll use their knowledge of the car’s make, model, and diagnostic information to determine the next course of action.

So why are diagnostics essential? It provides vital information about your vehicle, which helps your mechanic fix the problem correctly. Many auto parts stores offer code readers, but the errors and malfunctions may be too challenging for those inexperienced in auto repair. Instead, take it to a trusted mechanic who can perform diagnostic tests to get to the root of the problem.

Photo by Nalinee Supapornpasupad from Getty Images via Canva Pro
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