Check Engine and Other Automotive Diagnostic Services in Calgary
The check engine light is easily the best signal for bringing your car in. Your check engine light, also known as the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL), is your vehicle’s way of telling you something needs maintenance. There are a number of things your check engine light could be bringing attention to.
Automotive diagnostics are a survey of all of the functions that your car completes – and we mean all of them. From starting the engine to playing the radio, your automotive diagnostics will be able to identify which functions are performing optimally and which ones may need some attention.
Common indicator issues and what they mean
Red indicator lights are generally more urgent than yellow indicator lights. Perhaps the most important red indicator light is the check oil level – it almost looks like a little genie lamp or a gravy boat. Stop driving immediately and bring it to a mechanic; driving with insufficient oil can cause significant damage to the engine. More often than not, this light will turn yellow long before it turns red, so be proactive.
If the red battery indicator turns on, your battery is no longer charging. This means your car may not turn on again once the car, is turned off. Depending on why the battery indicator turns on, the little red thermometer indicator light may also turn on – this is the engine temperature warning light. This means the drive belt is damaged, and the engine is overheating. Don’t drive for too long and bring your car in as soon as possible.
Some vehicles’ red brake indicator lights are a circle with a “P” or an exclamation point in the center. If this light comes on, either your handbrake is on or something wrong with the brakes. If the handbrake has been released and the light has not turned off, you’ll need to bring it in for an inspection. There is a similar yellow light for ABS braking systems.
Then, of course, there is the yellow check engine light or Malfunction Indicator Light.
MIL vs. General Diagnostics Tests
At Bowest Motors, we complete a couple of different types of diagnostics tests.
The Malfunction Indicator Light test begins at $75 and should be completed when the MIL/check engine light is on. We’ll start with a scan of your vehicle’s computer to determine why the light is on and provide a report. Then, as necessary, we’ll discuss further maintenance and repairs including a cost estimation, so you’re in the loop.
A general diagnostics test should be completed when something is wrong; but you are not sure what it is. These tests start at $145, and we’ll complete a thorough check to determine what’s going on. Some of the areas we’re checking for in a diagnostics test include engine, batteryBy checking them proactively, you can save money. At Bowest, we have structured our fee schedule with labour costs that reflect attention to detail and extreme care in completing all our services, including our diagnostics tests.
Our efficient booking system allows you to quickly schedule an appointment. If you want more information on pricing or our wheel alignment procedures, please give us a call at (403) 288-4426 or send us an email.