Some Columbus vehicle owners wonder why Tires First Inc and other Columbus auto repair shops charge a fee for vehicle diagnostics.
Receiving a diagnostic charge at Tires First Inc for a tricky automotive problem shouldn't be a surprise. In the Columbus area, automotive diagnostics can cover quite a range. If you hear a noise in your vehicle brakes when you slow down in rush-hour traffic on a busy Georgia road, you pull off at the next off-ramp and take a quick visual check. That is usually enough to know what needs to be done. If you're having an intermittent problem with your vehicle engine, however, a Tires First Inc diagnosis may be much more involved.
Much of the Columbus driver's confusion comes when the problem involves the Check Engine light. The Check Engine light comes on when the engine management computer has sensed a problem.
There's a common misconception among Georgia drivers that the trouble code tells the Tires First Inc technician exactly what's wrong. They wonder why there is a diagnostic charge because the scanner quickly gave the diagnosis.
In reality, it is not that easy and straightforward. The computer monitors many sensors throughout the vehicle. When one of these sensors has a reading that's out of parameters, the computer will record a trouble code and turn on the Check Engine light.
The vehicle computer's trouble code just tells the Tires First Inc technician what engine parameter is out of range, not what's causing it. The technician needs to determine the underlying problem that's causing the malfunction.
There are many problems that could cause a troublesome sensor reading for Tires First Inc customers. The service advisor makes a list of the most likely causes and begins tracking down the source of the problem. This takes time.
Columbus service centers subscribe to databases that document possible causes for all the possible trouble codes. The databases outline procedures for confirming a diagnosis and provide the documented repair. These databases are specific to each vehicle and engine combination.
Some diagnoses are quick and easy. Others are more involved, time-consuming and difficult. Of course Tires First Inc wants to figure out what's wrong with your vehicle and get you back on the road as quickly as possible.
Tires First Inc
5454 Miller Road
Columbus, Georgia 31909
706.563.5555