Check Engine Light Reading Near Riverside, CA

Check Engine Light Reading at Mark Christopher Auto Center

When the Check Engine or Service Engine Soon warning lights come on, our minds often jump to the worst-case scenario, but it doesn’t have to go there. Often, the light is a precursor to something worse, but it can be something simple as well. So how do you know the difference? If you live in or near Jurupa Valley, Riverside, or Rancho Cucamonga, bring your vehicle into Mark Christopher Auto Center and have our technicians run a diagnostic that can identify the problem before it gets worse.

Diagnostic Services Near Riverside, CA

A diagnostic test relies on several kinds of electronic sensors throughout your vehicle’s engine that are there to help pinpoint engine problems. The sensors send signals to your vehicle’s computer that warn you if there is a potential problem with your vehicle. When a light is triggered, it is a simple matter of bringing your vehicle into Mark Christopher Auto Center to let our technicians hook your vehicle computer up to our diagnostic computer to read the error signals so they can be interpreted or to diagnose the problem.

How Does the Car Diagnostic Test Work?

A diagnostic test relies on your vehicle’s computer processor which receives messages from sensors and microchips in your engine. These sensors constantly monitor your vehicle’s performance. The computer logs any problems or issues that have been encoded as an error message and received as a signal from the sensors. Our diagnostic computer reads those error codes and interprets them to pinpoint and identify the problem.

Is It Worth It?

A diagnostic test varies in cost based on the type, year, and level of inspection required to determine the problem. As soon as the light comes on, having a diagnostic performed will inform our technicians of problems, so they don’t snowball into bigger problems down the road. A diagnostic test is a quick and reliable way to find out the cause of problems in your vehicle without a full vehicle inspection which can be costly and time-consuming. Having a preventative diagnostic performed can pick up on problems before they get worse. Our diagnostic tools can identify many issues ahead of time to allow repairs which:

• Prolongs engine life.
• Increases fuel efficiency.
• Improves safety.
• Improves overall vehicle performance.

Should I Have a Diagnostic Test Often?

Most people wait until a check engine light is on or if something goes wrong in their vehicle before ordering a diagnostic test, but it is better to prevent problems than repair problems. An annual diagnostic test can help identify minor problems that may require simple repairs before they become major problems.

A diagnostic is a simple test that involves connecting your car, truck, minivan, or SUV to a machine that scans for error codes. It usually only takes minutes to complete and after the results are determined, our technicians will talk to you and let you know the findings and will provide an estimate so you can make an informed decision about how to proceed.

If your check engine light is on or if you just want to schedule your annual diagnostic, contact our service center at Mark Christopher Auto Center and make an appointment or schedule your service online today.