What is car diagnostics and what can be found out from it?

Today's cars represent the pinnacle of technological progress, with a multitude of electronic control units, each of which ensures a specific function of the car. When a problem occurs, the driver often has no chance to determine its cause. However, most of the time, the vehicle itself contains enough data to provide instructions for the solution, allowing an experienced mechanic to carry out an effective repair. An essential tool for proper diagnosis is a self-diagnostic system, which connects to the control units and reads information about errors from them. So what is car diagnostics and what can be found out from it?

What is car diagnostics?

With the spread of on-board computers, car companies began to create their own, specific diagnostic connectors, which caused considerable confusion in the market. This situation is reminiscent of the early era of mobile phones, when each manufacturer had its own charging connector. In the end, however, it turned out that unification of connectors was the best solution, and so the OBD2 standard was established in the automotive industry. This standard unified diagnostic systems, making the work of car mechanics easier.

Does my car have a single autodiagnosis connector?

OBD2, introduced at the turn of the millennium, is a unified diagnostic system used in vehicles across Europe, with variants such as EOBD and JOBD for specific regions. The diagnostic sockets of this system, usually located under the steering wheel, allow easy connection of diagnostic devices. Sometimes a reduction is needed due to the different shapes of sockets from different manufacturers, which can be solved with standard adapters.

Today's diagnostic systems often use wireless technologies such as Bluetooth to connect more easily to mobile phones or laptops, allowing mechanics to perform diagnostics more flexibly and efficiently.

What will car diagnostics reveal?

Using self-diagnostics, detailed vehicle data can be obtained, including manufacturer identification, VIN number, firmware and other important information. Diagnostics also reveals errors stored in the vehicle's memory, which can include both sporadic and recurring problems. Thanks to the values obtained from the vehicle's sensors and gauges, mechanics can effectively diagnose the causes of failures and take preventive action, for example by cleaning the EGR valve when its insufficient closing is detected.

For home vehicle maintenance, diagnostic tools can be a great investment, but they require some knowledge and skill. Basic models are available for a few bucks and connect to your phone via Bluetooth, while more professional systems can be expensive and are often limited to specific car brands, making them ideal for specialized garages.

Pre-purchase car inspection and diagnostics

It is essential that before purchasing any used car, it should undergo a thorough inspection, including a self-diagnosis performed by our technicians. This inspection can reveal hidden problems that are not visible at first glance, but can cause serious complications later.

When considering buying a used car, it is crucial to have your vehicle inspected by an experienced technician beforehand. This inspection will not only reveal any potential mechanical and electronic issues, but will also give you peace of mind that your investment will be worth it. Therefore, having a professional vehicle inspection before purchasing is not only recommended, but essential for anyone who wants to ensure that their new car is in optimal condition.

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