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Check Engine Light

Why We Diagnose Before We Quote a Repair

By the technicians at Precision Auto Repair · January 6, 2016 · 2 min read

Why do you diagnose before you quote a repair? A reliable repair quote starts with a proper diagnosis. A code only points to a troubled area, so we test the system to find what failed and why before we quote.

A code is not a diagnosis

When a check engine light comes on, the car stores a trouble code. That code points to a system, not a part. It doesn't say what failed or why it failed.

Why free code reads fall short

Part stores read codes and list common parts for that code. Then you buy and swap parts, hoping one fixes it. That costs time and money, and the real cause may still be there.

What a professional diagnosis includes

  1. A technician confirms your concern, often with a road test.
  2. We scan the systems and review the data.
  3. We test the suspect parts and wiring.
  4. We find the root cause, including any part that failed because of another one.
  5. You get a clear quote for the fix.

Why it takes time

Modern cars are complex, and diagnosis takes tools, software and training. As a rule of thumb, plan on about an hour for each concern. We can't give an honest quote for a car we haven't tested.

What we do

Customers often come in sure of the fix because a part store read the code. We test first, so we only replace what actually failed. Testing before replacing parts saves money. Visit our West Springfield shop any weekday.

Questions we hear

Why can't you quote over the phone?

Without testing the car, any quote is a guess. We'd rather give you a number you can trust.

Can I bring my own parts?

We recommend a diagnosis first. A part that seems right may not fix the problem.

Is the diagnosis cost applied to the repair?

Ask when you book and we'll explain how it works for your car.

Want answers, not guesses? Learn about our diagnostics or book online.

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Need help with check engine light?Read about our check engine light diagnosis service, or book a visit at either shop.

Ready when you’re ready.

Call during business hours, or book online in about a minute. Most cars are back on the road the same day.

Precision technician testing a cooling system