Back to all

Diagnosing Your Vehicle at Tuffy Elyria (Cleveland St) in Elyria

May 5, 2024

When we Elyria residents get a car repair bill, we really shouldn't be surprised to find “diagnostic fees” as one of the line items. When we get a computer fixed, there is usually a charge for the time it takes to diagnose the problem. When we go to a medical doctor, most of his fee is for his ability to diagnose what's wrong. It's no different with our vehicles.

Some diagnoses are fairly simple. Brake repairs at Tuffy Elyria (Cleveland St) usually require only a visual inspection, for instance. But other problems are much more difficult to diagnose. An intermittent engine problem, for example, takes time and expertise to pinpoint.

Modern vehicles have multiple computers that monitor a variety of sensors throughout the vehicle. When one of those sensors has a reading that is higher or lower than the standard parameters, the computer turns on the Check Engine light. Technicians at a service center such as Tuffy Elyria (Cleveland St) in Elyria can scan the engine's computer for a trouble code. This code tells the technician which reading is too high or too low.

That's where some Elyria residents get confused. They think that this reading concludes the diagnosis, and they don't understand why the diagnostic fee is as much as it is when all the technician did was to scan the computer. But the truth is the trouble code is only the beginning of the diagnostic procedure.

Remember, the trouble code only tells which reading is out of parameter. It doesn't say what is causing the reading to be too high or too low. Your Tuffy Elyria (Cleveland St) service technician still has to find the underlying problem. It's a lot like going to the doctor. He can take your temperature and discover that you have a fever, but that doesn't tell him what is causing your fever.

Automotive diagnostic technology can cut down the time it takes to figure out what's wrong with a vehicle that isn't running right. But it doesn't do away with the need for your friendly and knowledgeable Tuffy Elyria (Cleveland St) service technician to make a proper diagnosis. Car care, like medical care, still requires the human touch.

Tuffy Elyria (Cleveland St)
165 Cleveland Street
Elyria, Ohio 44035
440-322-3713
https://www.tuffyclevelandst.com

More articles from Tuffy Elyria (Cleveland St.)

Clean Slate (Protecting Vehicle's Finish)

May 12, 2024

Winter is one of the hardest times to keep your vehicle clean. But did you know neglecting to wash your vehicle in winter could cost you a significant amount of money in the long run? Here's why. Many areas deal with snow and ice in the winter, and the salt and sand that are used to keep the road... More

A Honking Big Jam (Stuck Horn)

April 28, 2024

At one time or another, most drivers honk their horn at someone who might be texting at a stoplight or not paying attention when they're driving. But what happens when you tap on your horn and all of a sudden it won't quit? Everyone's looking at you like you're an angry jerk and all you want to ... More

Automotive Tips from Tuffy Elyria (Cleveland St): Causes of Wheel Misalignment

April 21, 2024

When properly aligned, all of your wheels are pointed in the same direction. Your vehicle will track true and handle the way it is designed. Elyria drivers often associate our wheels being knocked out of alignment with an event like a major crash, hitting a pothole, curb or some other object. Whi... More