The automation of car components stands as one of the most advantageous technological advancements in the automotive industry, benefiting both customers and automotive mechanics over the years. Thanks to computers, microchips, and integrated sensors, automotive diagnostic tools can swiftly and accurately identify problematic areas in a car’s engine or elsewhere.

Diagnostic tests can pinpoint issues with the engine, transmission, brakes, exhaust system, and assess the performance of components such as airflow, fuel injector, ignition coils, coolant, and accelerator.

While it is a common misconception that mechanics can pinpoint the exact issue triggering the check engine light using code reading equipment, in reality, automotive diagnostic tests are used to identify general problems in vehicles. The code provided does not specify the exact cause of the issues; instead, it informs experts which engines or component values are out of bounds. At this point, human expertise and experience come into play to identify the root cause of the problem. Obtaining an accurate diagnosis for a car does not solely rely on waiting for the check engine light to illuminate. Mechanics can conduct diagnostic tests as soon as something seems “off” or if the driver notices or feels something unusual. However, many mechanics recommend performing a diagnostic inspection on the vehicle at least once a year to detect minor issues that may not be visually or audibly evident and, therefore, would not trigger the check engine light.

When assessing a used vehicle, diagnostic procedures are also valuable tools. Before making a purchase decision, both professional dealerships and private sellers should agree to a diagnostic test. Refusal to undergo such a test can be a warning sign, indicating that the sale should be reconsidered.

Benefits: Before the invention of automated diagnostic tests, identifying car problems was a time-consuming and expensive process, especially since vehicle owners only brought their vehicles to mechanics after a breakdown or other major failure. Modern vehicles now feature computerized components that can identify problems long before they result in a breakdown. To perform the best possible repair, professionals can use diagnostic equipment to access information in the car’s computers, including manufacturer alerts and the vehicle’s history.