Here at Kirksville Motor Company, we provide top-notch service and maintenance facilities to help keep your car running at its best. An important part of vehicle ownership is regular engine diagnostic services to keep on top of any potential issues. Whatever make or model of car you drive, we offer a reliable engine diagnostic service in Kirksville, Missouri, to find minor issues before they become major problems.
Schedule Engine Diagnostic Services in Kirksville, Missouri
In our Kirksville Motors service department, our certified technicians use state-of-the-art tools and software to assess your vehicle's engine and associated systems for any malfunctions or issues that might be affecting its performance or that could lead to future problems.
What Is a Vehicle Diagnostic Service?
Engine diagnostic services are more than a routine inspection. Our technicians use sophisticated computer systems to check your car's health, helping to find any underlying problems that might be affecting your vehicle's performance. Our technician will plug an Onboard Diagnostics (OBD-II) scanner into your car's OBD-II port to get information from the onboard computer.
If the scanner finds a fault, it'll show a five-digit diagnostic trouble code (DTC). The technician will check the DTC with the manufacturer's guidelines. The DTC will identify the fault and point the technician in the right direction, enabling them to find and rectify the issue.
Why Regular Engine Diagnostics Are Important
Having regular vehicle diagnostic checks can help detect potential engine issues early. While a diagnostic service won't directly improve your car's performance, it helps to identify any minor problems that can be rectified before they develop into more serious, expensive issues.
You can think of engine diagnostics as an investment in your car's health, as these checks can save you money in the long term. When your car is running at its best, it's also at its most fuel-efficient, meaning fewer visits to the gas station and more savings.
Signs Your Vehicle Needs an Engine Diagnostic Check
There are several signs to look and listen for that will tell you it's time to bring your car to our Kirksville Motors service department for a diagnostic check.
Check Engine Light
The most common sign that your car needs a diagnostic inspection is when you start your car, the check engine light stays on. This is an early indication that there's an issue with the engine. You should never ignore your car's warning lights, as a minor issue can quickly become a major problem.
Ignition Problems
If you often have trouble starting your car, it's important to have it checked by a professional technician. It could be a sign of a dying battery, a problem with the starter motor, or a fuel system issue.
Engine Runs Rough
If your car's engine runs rough while idling or accelerating, it's a sign of an engine problem. This might indicate an issue with the spark plugs, the plug leads, or blocked fuel injectors.
Frequent Stalling
Your car stalling isn't just an inconvenience; it can also be dangerous if it happens in busy traffic. If you stall when you're accelerating, it could be a sign of a faulty fuel pump, a blocked fuel filter, or faulty spark plugs.
Using More Fuel
If you notice that you're having to fill up your car with fuel more often than usual, it could indicate an engine problem. It might be an issue with the fuel injectors, oxygen sensor, or spark plugs.
With any of these problems, a diagnostic check will highlight exactly what the issue is, and our certified technicians can fix it.
Typical Diagnostic Procedure
During an engine diagnostic check at our service center, the technician plugs a scanner into your car's OBD-II port to retrieve DTCs from the vehicle's onboard computer and pinpoint any issues. Depending on what faults are shown, the technician may carry out a physical inspection or secondary tests. We'll provide you with a detailed report and recommend the necessary repairs or maintenance.
Common Faults Found During a Diagnostic Service
Some of the most common faults discovered during a diagnostic check include defective oxygen sensors, clogged air filters, misfiring cylinders, and engine overheating. We also find fuel pump or fuel injector troubles, ignition system issues, vacuum leaks, and transmission problems.
DIY vs. Professional Engine Diagnostics
You can buy an OBD-II scanner and carry out DIY engine diagnostics, which could save you money and give you a sense of accomplishment. However, professional diagnostics offer you the know-how of a skilled technician, advanced equipment, and accurate fault diagnosis, along with expert auto repairs in Kirksville for complex problems.
When To Consider DIY Engine Diagnostics
DIY diagnostics make sense for simple checks, such as tire pressure and battery voltage. Minor faults, such as a loose gas cap or a blown fuse, are relatively easy to tackle. Using a scanner can help you identify more intricate issues before visiting a service center.
When To Use Professional Diagnostic Services
It's essential to utilize professional engine diagnostics for complex issues that involve intermittent faults, multiple systems, or safety systems, such as stability control problems, brake failures, or airbag malfunctions. Warranty-related problems should also be dealt with by a professional technician, as DIY repairs could cancel your warranty.
Risks With DIY Diagnostics
The highest risk with DIY diagnostics is misdiagnosing a fault. Without the proper skills, you might make a mistake with the DTCs or miss an underlying issue. You could also overlook safety issues, such as problems related to the braking, steering, or suspension systems.
Schedule Engine Diagnostic Service at Kirksville Motor Company
Here at Kirksville Motor Company, our modern service center has the skilled technicians and cutting-edge equipment needed to diagnose and fix even the most complex faults on your car. Visit us to find our expert engine diagnostic service in Kirksville, Missouri, and ensure peak vehicle performance. Contact us today for skilled solutions so you can continue to drive with confidence.
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