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Have you ever wondered how your car seems to know when something is wrong? How it can alert you to issues before they evolve into major problems? The answer has to do with the onboard diagnostic (OBD) system, which "talks" to service technicians during a car diagnostic.

Car Diagnostics Defined

In simple terms, a car diagnostic is the process of using advanced technology to identify and analyze the health of your vehicle. By taking action when your vehicle alerts you to an issue or Car diagnostics can prevent breakdowns and keep your car running great for years to come.

Today, thanks to the introduction of advanced technology over time, car diagnostics is more sophisticated than ever before. Gone are the days where mechanics had to rely solely on their intuition and experience to diagnose issues. Now, they have access to a wide range of tools and equipment that can quickly and accurately pinpoint problems in your car's systems.

That said, it's important to understand that a car diagnostic is the first step in finding out what's wrong with your vehicle. The mechanic or service technician will use the information that your vehicle provides as a starting point, confirming the issue once they take a deeper dive into the area(s) related to the error code. It's possible for an issue to have more than once cause, so that's why a service professional will need to dig deeper to find out what's wrong.

How Does My Vehicle Know When Something is Wrong?

Modern vehicles have an onboard diagnostic (OBD) system. This system continuously monitors different sensors and components. When performance falls below a certain threshold (or goes over it), the OBD system generates a fault code that can be read by a mechanic using a diagnostic scanner. This code provides valuable information about the issue, so the mechanic can diagnose and fix the problem in a more timely manner.

The OBD system is so important that 1996 and newer model year cars sold the United States are required to meet the Environmental Protection Agency's OBD requirements. By alerting you to issues early, the OBD system gives you a chance to correct the problem before it escalates into a bigger issue that might leave you stranded on the side of the road.

Should Car Diagnostics be Part of Routine Maintenance?

You're not limited to requesting a diagnostic test only when the check engine light turns on or because there's another dashboard warning light or performance issue. You can also make diagnostics a part of your car's maintenance plan. 

Just like you visit the doctor for routine check-ups to catch potential health issues, you can have your vehicle undergo a diagnostic to catch opportunities for improvement. Say your engine isn't running optimally. This can waste fuel, decreasing your gas mileage. By identifying and fixing any issues, including minor ones that wouldn't trip a sensor, you can ensure that your car is running at its best, saving you money at the pump.

Car Diagnostics in Puyallup, Washington

Need a car diagnostic in Puyallup? The team at 15th Street Automotive is here to help! We know it's frustrating to find yourself with an unexpected car issue, but it's important to learn what your vehicle needs (and to take action). Car diagnostics are vital in preventing breakdowns and maintaining the health of your vehicle as well as a comfortable driving experience. Some of the diagnostic services we provide include air conditioning system diagnostics, drivability and hard starting diagnostics for diesel vehicles, and dashboard warning light diagnostics to name a few. With the help of advanced diagnostic tools, our mechanics identify and solve issues before they become major expenses.