Diagnostics
Does my car need diagnostics?
Think of diagnostics like an annual health check for your car. Even if everything seems fine, a preventative diagnostic check allows us to:
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Read error codes from your car’s computers
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Monitor engine, transmission, and sensor performance
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Detect early wear on critical components
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Identify hidden electrical or mechanical issues
Regular checks catch potential problems before they affect performance or safety, saving you money and giving peace of mind.
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Why an MOT alone isn’t enough
Even if your car has passed its MOT, that doesn’t mean it is truly healthy. An MOT is the minimum government standard for roadworthiness, not a full assessment of your vehicle’s condition. To care for your car properly and economically, we recommend regular diagnostic checks, at least once per year, as a preventative measure to detect hidden problems before they become costly repairs.
Whilst an MOT ensures your vehicle meets legal safety requirements, it doesn’t check the health of your engine, electronics, or internal components. Many faults develop silently, including:
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Timing chains, cambelts, or wet belts
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Engine sensors and electronic systems
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Early-stage electrical or mechanical faults
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Waiting for symptoms to develop can lead to:
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Reduced engine performance
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Poor fuel efficiency
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Costly repairs
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Unexpected breakdowns
What does a full diagnostic test cover?
A diagnostic check isn’t just about reading fault codes, it combines electronic scanning with inspections of key components to detect problems before they become serious.
1. Electronic diagnostics
Using the latest electronic diagnostic equipment allows us to read the mind of your vehicle: the ECU (Engine Control Unit).​
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Reading fault codes from the ECU, covering various systems including engine, transmission, ABS, airbags, etc.
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Live data monitoring of sensor readings, fuel trims, temperatures, pressures
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System tests, such as activating actuators, checking injector operation, electronic throttle control, etc.
This is extremely useful for detecting hidden faults, especially those that don’t trigger warning lights.
2. Mechanical / visual diagnostics
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A thorough diagnostic health check often goes beyond electronics to include:
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Checking belts, chains, and pulleys for wear
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Inspecting brake pads, discs, and shoes
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Looking for fluid leaks (engine oil, coolant, transmission)
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Examining suspension and steering components
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Testing battery and charging system under load
Even though some of these aren’t “electronic,” they are critical to your vehicle’s health and often caught during a “diagnostic check” when done professionally.