The average price for a car diagnostic test costs about $82.50 with average prices ranging from $65 to $100 for the US, according to SuperMoney. Repairpal states it should cost between $88 and $111, but Popular mechanic states it should cost between $20 and $400.
What Is A Car Diagnostic Test?
Most modern vehicles are controlled by on-voard computers. Often these computers control the fuel injection systems, the automatic transmissions and the ignition systems. As part of their job, the computers continually accumulate data from sensors in your vehicle and calibrate the info to provide optimization to the performance of your vehicle. When a sensor in your vehicle reports an issue, it triggers the check engine light and it will be time to get a diagnostic test.
This is more than simply reading the codes. A comprehensive diagnostic test will let you know how long the issue or issues have been ongoing, the drive cycles, the key/start cycles as well as the amount of times that particular error or errors have cropped up during that duration of time.
In other words, you can tell from this data whether the problem is an ongoing concern that reduces or endangers the performance of your vehicle or whether it was a fluky coincidence. There are also errors which can occur that may not cause your check engine light to come on it is still a good idea to get a periodical diagnostic checkup.
How Much Should A Car Diagnostic Cost?
We have already discussed above the costs of the diagnostic tests but depending on your area of the United States you will be looking at an hours worth of labor costs, usally between $65 to $100. Of course it is wise to shop around before making a commitment.
Can You Get A Free Diagnostic Test?
There are less than scrupulous car shop owners who will use this is a tool to make you think more catastrophic damage has been caused to your vehicle. So it is best to work only with places with established good reputations.
If you are ever unsure regarding what have you been told, always get a secondary diagnosis for your vehicle. Sometimes though the best diagnostic services are the more expensive ones but it’s better to use them and pay for a part you may need than go without and risk further damaging your vehicle in the future.
Bridwell Automotive Car Diagnostic Tests In Scottsdale, Arizona
Our dedicated team of ASE Master Technicians will tune-up your vehicle quickly and within your budget. You can schedule your tune-up with Bridwell Automotive Center by using our contact form. Stop by our Automotive Repair Shop in Scottsdale located at 7171 E Lincoln Dr. Scottsdale, Arizona 85253 or by giving Bridwell Automotive Center a call today (480) 948-4781.
