Of all the technological advances in the automotive sector over the decades, one of the most beneficial to consumers and auto technicians alike has been the computerization of the car’s components. Using specialized software, car diagnostic tools quickly and accurately point to problem areas in a car’s engine or elsewhere, thanks to built-in processors, microchips and sensors.

Diagnostic tests can reveal problems within a car’s engine, transmission, exhaust system, brakes, and other major components, as well as performance issues with the fuel injector, air flow and coolant, ignition coils, and throttle.

However, a common misunderstanding about car diagnostic tests is that technicians can use code-reading tools to determine the exact problem that triggered the check engine light. In reality, the code tells technicians which engine or component parameters are out of range, but it does not detail the cause of the problems. That’s where years of being in the automotive industrycome in handy, as the technician uses experience and expertise to diagnose the underlying problem.

From bad spark plugs to a bad o2 sensor, your engine is delicate and needs everything functioning perfectly in order for it to run the way it should.

If your car is running rough or having a tough time staying running this may be a good sign that you are in need of a tune up or have a sensor such as a bad upstream o2 sensor. Getting your vehicle scanned with technicians at Sandi Auto & Truck Repair will help track down the issue and get your fixed up without all the guess work.