Why do mechanics charge for diagnostic?

So a diagnostic fee is simply the fee paid in order to understand the “why” behind an issue. This is important for both customers and garages to understand. Customers should know that figuring out why an issue is occurring takes far more time, training, and experience than simply seeing an issue’s symptoms.

Do shops do free diagnostics?

There are literally thousands of diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that the check engine light might refer to. Some auto repair shops charge for auto diagnostic services, but some places, such as autoparts stores, offer to scan your vehicle for free.

What parts store does free diagnostics?

But you may not realize you might be able to get that problem checked for free at AutoZone or your other local auto parts stores. Many drivers don’t realize that AutoZone, the nation’s largest auto parts chain, will do the following services free of charge: Read the codes on your check engine light.

Will AutoZone run a free diagnostic?

At AutoZone, you don’t need to pay for testing your car. You can get your car’s parts tested for free at AutoZone. We can check out your car’s battery, alternator, starter, and voltage regulators while they’re still on your car.

How much should a car diagnostic cost?

How Much Does a Car Diagnostic Cost? The average price for a car diagnostic test costs about $82.50 with average prices ranging from $65 to $100 for the US in 2020 according to SuperMoney. Repairpal states it should cost between $88 and $111, but Popular mechanic states it should cost between $20 and $400.

Does O’Reilly Auto Parts do free diagnostics?

O’Reilly Auto Parts offers free check engine light testing to help you diagnose the problem. Most of our stores can loan you a code reader for OBD 1&2 systems for vehicles from 1996 and up, except in areas where it is prohibited by law.

Does O’Reilly auto Parts do free diagnostics?

Does O’Reilly do free diagnostics?

How long does a full car diagnostic take?

A standard diagnostic test can take about an hour to an hour and a half. Of course, more complicated issues that require further diagnosis and where components must be removed for access or testing can take 2-3 hours; depending on the severity of the issue or multiple underlying issues.

Do auto parts stores offer free diagnostic scans?

A customer’s vehicle pops up a check engine light, and trying to conserve money, he/she heads to an auto parts store to get a free diagnosis. When he walks into the parts store, a young man behind the counter offered to scan his vehicle for free. The customer took the sales clerk up on the scan.

Which auto parts stores offer free check engine light diagnostic testing?

O’Reilly Auto Parts, Auto Zone and Pep Boys are auto parts stores that offer free diagnostic testing on check engine lights. These three national chains have retail locations all over the country.

What is freefree check engine light help?

FREE Check Engine Light Help is one of several free services offered by O’Reilly Auto Parts. Here are some others:

Can a non-certified technician pull codes for your check engine light?

Let me explain in detail what these companies are doing, so you understand the reasoning why you should NOT have a non-certified technician pulling codes for your check engine light. A customer’s vehicle pops up a check engine light, and trying to conserve money, he/she heads to an auto parts store to get a free diagnosis.