Computerizing a car’s components has been one of the technological developments in the automotive industry over the years that’s proved to be the most advantageous to consumers and auto mechanics alike.
A car diagnostic test is a process that involves using specialized equipment to scan a vehicle’s onboard computer system to identify and diagnose any potential issues or malfunctions.
The onboard computer system, known as the engine control module (ECM), constantly monitors various sensors and systems in the vehicle, such as the engine, transmission, brakes, and emissions.
A diagnostic test can reveal any issues with these systems and help pinpoint the root cause of the problem. The results of a diagnostic test can be used to guide necessary repairs and maintenance, ensuring that the vehicle is operating at optimal performance and efficiency.
A car diagnostic test typically involves connecting a specialized scanner or diagnostic tool to the vehicle’s OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics) port, which is usually located under the dashboard on the driver’s side.
The diagnostic tool communicates with the vehicle’s ECM and retrieves any stored trouble codes, which are unique codes that indicate the source of the problem. The codes can provide valuable information about various systems in the vehicle, such as the engine, transmission, emissions, and more.
Once the codes are retrieved, a skilled technician will use their expertise to analyze the data and identify the underlying issue. This information can help guide necessary repairs and maintenance, ensuring that the vehicle is operating at optimal performance and efficiency.
A diagnostic test is crucial because it can help point a mechanic to the part of your car that needs the most care when the Check Engine light turns on or is acting up.
Without diagnostic testing, a technician would have to spend a lot of time figuring out any issues, and you would have to pay for the labour, which is rather expensive!
The only reliable way to identify the problem is through a diagnostic test, even though most automotive centres and automotive parts distributor stores offer a free scan of your onboard diagnostics to help identify the area responsible for the code.
The following are some of the most common reasons that your check engine light has been turned on:
Your gas tank system’s pipes and valves circulate and prevent the escape of gasoline fumes. This small element alone will easily turn on the check engine light if the gas cap is unsecured. A broken or missing gas cap might result in fuel loss from evaporation or improper fuel system circulation, which is one of the more manageable CEL-related problems.
Your engine’s cylinders are powered by combustion, produced when your spark plugs ignite a mixture of fuel and air. If they aren’t firing properly, your engine may misfire, producing higher hydrocarbon emissions and less efficiency.
To help safeguard the environment, the catalytic converter changes carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide. A malfunctioning one could prevent you from passing emissions testing because it will decrease performance and fuel efficiency, and raise emissions.
To determine how much fuel is needed to run the engine, the amount of air entering the engine must be measured. That’s the job of the mass airflow sensor (MAS). The MAS is susceptible to oil and dirt buildup, so cleaning it might do the trick.
Before the invention of automobile diagnostic testing, locating issues was time-consuming and expensive, especially considering that owners of cars only brought them to mechanics after a breakdown or other serious defect.
Nowadays, computerized auto parts can spot issues long before they result in a breakdown. To provide specialists with a complete picture and the best possible repair, diagnostic equipment can also analyze a car’s computer system for manufacturer notifications and stored information about the car’s history.
Looking to make your car truly functional? Sil’s Auto Care Centres in Clarkson, ON can help with their car diagnostic services. By bringing your car in for diagnostics, the experts at Sil’s can identify any issues or potential problems with your vehicle’s systems and components.
With modern cars becoming increasingly complex, it can be challenging to identify issues without specialized diagnostic tools. By relying on Sil’s Auto Care Centres for car diagnostics, you can be sure that your vehicle is in good hands. Addressing issues early on can help prevent more significant and costly problems from developing over time, ensuring that your car stays functional and reliable.
Trust Sil’s Auto Care Centres for all your car diagnostic needs in Clarkson, ON.
The best auto service center, bar none. Great professional staff. Keep you informed as they diagnose your engines issues. Warranty provided on all parts and labour. Few shops provide this level of service and at a fair price.
Richard choronzey Dec 12, 2024
Summer Tires installed - Check Spring Service - Check Shuttle home - Check I don't think anyone likes taking their vehicle for service, but the team at Sil's makes it painless. Thanks to: Corey - the technician; Susan - the service advisor; the shuttle driver ( I didn't catch his name - my bad) and of course Carlo who made my appointment. #supportlocal
Nigel Boubert Nov 11, 2024
Great and honest service.
Adam Craparotta Nov 11, 2024
As usual great Customer Service, always keeping me informed of work to be completed and a great job with the repair. Great staff and ownership would recommend Sils to all for their vehicle repairs and preventative work
Robert Oakley Nov 11, 2024
My car was undrivable. Took it to Sil’s at 2:30pm on Friday. Carlo was calm and reassuring and got my car looked at as soon as possible. Clear when describing the problems with my car. And gave me clear estimates for the options I had for solutions. The actual price came in just under the estimate which was nice and they got me on my way by 5pm that same day. Amazing service and will 100% be coming back should I need too
Ethan Miller Nov 11, 2024
Excellent service. Courteous, friendly and knowledgeable customer representatives. Our vehicle was serviced within the time estimated. Been dealing with Sil’s for over 40 years and are pleased that Carlos, Sil’s son, has carried on with the same integrity and auto knowledge. Highly recommend this business.
Sue Morrison Nov 11, 2024
As always, Susan was great. Thank you Tommy for the recommendation and advice. Excellent Customer as well as the vehicle service.
Andre Leung Nov 11, 2024
Keeps my old beast of a car on the road, does work needed, involves customer in deciding on which services to do and which can wait, CAA dollar rewards
B Tea Oct 10, 2024
Good work. Quick. Efficient.
Don C. Oct 10, 2024
Great customer service plus very communicative. Service is as scheduled and not unreasonable in cost. Highly recommend
Ruth Davy Oct 10, 2024