All new models, and most older types of car, pick-up, trucks etc have to some extent an on-board computer that scans various sub-system of the vehicle. Any diagnostic check that is performed will highlight issues that may not be obvious while driving but all the same require the attention of a vehicle technician. The engine of your vehicle is a complicated machine with many mechanical and electrical parts that wear down or short and they are not normally identified until a more serious problem arrives such as being unable to start up.
Many drivers tend to not visit a car repair center until they are aware of a fairly serious problem with their vehicle and our advice would be to pay attention to the performance of your vehicle at all times when driving. Listen to the sound of the engine when it is “idle”, pressing down on the accelerator, on gear changes, cruising and slowing down. By listening to the engine you will get familiar quite quickly with the sounds associated with certain the aspects as described and if you notice an unexpected difference in the sound or performance of your vehicle then it would be wise to have a computer diagnostic check performed.
A lot of drivers however will ignore small changes either in the belief that there is not anything too serious to worry about, or they don’t want to spend the money at that time because it is not a serious problem – yet! Our advise would be be get it checked at the earliest opportunity because of you leave it too long you could cause further damage to other components of the engine and drive the repair bill higher.
Our technicians at Cal Oaks Auto Repair are fully trained in performing diagnostic checks and reading the data supplied on the specialist software to identify known and unknown problems, allowing them to pinpoint the exact work required to rectify the problem.