Have you ever noticed your car sputters or jerks forward while you’re driving? This is the result of a problem with your engine. When you have a problem like this, it’s best to get an engine diagnostic test done right away.
Getting an engine diagnostic is essential to making sure that your vehicle continues to run safely and efficiently, especially in today’s increasingly competitive automotive market. Euro Autoworks can help to prevent serious problems with your vehicle by catching them before they become too big of an issue to fix, saving you time and money in the long run!
How Does an Engine Diagnostic Work?
In most modern cars, your vehicle’s engine has an onboard computer that monitors the health of several different systems in the car. These systems include the air-fuel mixture, coolant and air flow, various sensors in the engine and more.
The computer system logs diagnostic trouble codes and then displays them when a problem occurs, so a mechanic can identify what is wrong with the car and determine how to repair it. Some codes can even lead to a quick and easy repair that doesn’t require the use of expensive parts, so this is a great benefit for drivers who want to keep their car running smoothly.
A good diagnostic test can be performed by skilled home mechanics with the proper equipment, or it can be done at a dealership or other mechanic’s shop. However, it’s always best to have a diagnostic done by an expert trained in your specific model of car.
How Often Should You Have an Engine Diagnostic?
Ideally, you’d be able to take your car in for an engine diagnostic at least once per year. This will catch any small issues that you may not be able to spot on your own, and it’ll make sure that all of the vital components are working properly.
It’s also a great idea to have an engine diagnostic done before you buy a new car. Many professional car dealers and private sellers will agree to a diagnostic test before you commit to purchasing a used vehicle, which can save you a lot of hassle in the future.
The main reason that most people have their car diagnosed is because they are concerned that the check engine light is on. This light can be a sign of something as simple as the gas cap not being properly tightened, but it can also be a warning of a more serious problem.
Another thing that the check engine light can be a warning of is an issue with your catalytic converter. The converter helps to reduce emissions by superheating hydrocarbons in the exhaust into compounds like carbon dioxide and water vapor. If the converter isn’t working as it should, a number of trouble codes will appear that tell the car’s ECM that there’s an issue with it.
Having the oxygen sensor in your car inspected and tested is a critical part of keeping your catalytic converter healthy. A bad oxygen sensor can cause your converter to fail and produce a bunch of nasty emissions. Fortunately, your oxygen sensor can be monitored and repaired if it goes bad by a mechanic with a lot of experience in diagnosing these types of issues.
