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 Downtown, 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 Downtown, ON.
Tommy at Sil’s was my angel with a terrible car experience- my engine was breaking down at 5, and he told me to bring it in right away and he would look at it; on the way my engine seized and I had to get a tow- he waited until I got there and then gave me a loaner car! I was able to get home as I lived far away and he let me keep the car for two nights until I came back into town! He also gave me a great price on the inspection and told me about the recalls for my vehicle- I can’t thank him enough for saving me on a really bad day. He is extremely knowledgeable, and an angel in tough times, I will use Sil’s from now on
Anita Huyer Sep 9, 2024
Great staff, Great Service. Brought my car here for a pre purchase inspection. They sent me a fully online report with what was checked and what needs replacing with photos.
puneet agnihotri Sep 9, 2024
You will not find a more caring company with such attention to detail. Susan and Terry are so helpful; going above and beyond to help me with car related things...eg. where to get a trailer hitch and bike rack. Carlo, the owner clearly loves his work and his clients. We moved to Niagara-on-the-lake 6 years ago and I still go back for regular service on both our Lincoln snd Lexus.
Betty Knight Sep 9, 2024
We have 3 cars serviced at Sils and always appreciate their customer experience and quality of work. The team does a great job communicating work to be done with clear descriptions and level of priority. I was recommended to use Sil’s 14 years ago by a friend and recommend to others whenever I can.
David H Sep 9, 2024
Excellent timely service at a reasonable cost. Pleasant staff easy to deal with. Work completed on-time and at quoted cost.
Jim Guest Sep 9, 2024
I reached out to Sil’s regarding having an old car certified. Both Susan and Tommy were helpful and pleasant to deal with. They cleary outlined what needed to be completed. I will be brining my cars back to get serviced.
Cameron Olsen Aug 8, 2024
Excellent service every single time
David Brady Aug 8, 2024
I just needed major engine work on my Honda CRV and as usual, Sil's did a great job! It runs like new. Highly recommended!
Charles Muller Aug 8, 2024
I want to express my gratitude to Carlo and his amazing team for solving the pulling issue with my Lexus. I had taken my car to the dealership multiple times without any success and ended up paying them a couple of times. It reached a point where I was told that the only solution was to replace several parts, with a bill of over $3,000. This didn't make any sense to me until I found this shop and met Carlo. He provided a reasonable explanation and a step-by-step diagnosis, which gave me confidence in his approach. I trusted his shop and got my car fixed for a fraction of what the dealership quoted, without replacing unnecessary parts. Thank you, Carlo
Mahmood Zaid Aug 8, 2024
I have been going to Sil's for about a year for my oil changes and yesterday I took my car over to have the bumper/quarter panel reattached after running over a bicycle. They kindly fit me in and attached/replaced the broken clips and got me on my way without charge. I appreciate the great service and they also offer free drop off and pick up service when leaving your car for an oil change.
Cathy Armstrong Aug 8, 2024