What’s the difference between Advance Auto and a Car Mechanic using a scanner to scan you’re car for codes?

December 27, 2009 by admin · 3 Comments
Filed under: Maintenance & Repairs 
auto
Lexi Lee asked:

My car was shaking severely while driving. I’ve gotten my car scanned at advance auto for free. The mechanics are charging me $90. Is this the same machine?
I think I’m having transmission problems.

Related Blogs

Related Blogs

Possibly Related Posts:


Tags: , ,

Comments

3 Responses to “What’s the difference between Advance Auto and a Car Mechanic using a scanner to scan you’re car for codes?”
  1. The Champ says:
    December 30, 2009 at 6:12 am

    Yes. Its an OBDII code reader. The difference is a mechanic is more likely to correctly interpret it, and can do something to rectify it. The Champ

  2. Smith says:
    December 31, 2009 at 10:08 am

    No, its not.. the ones thet the auto parts stores use will only give a trouble code. This works well enough most times, but a mechanics shop will use a scanner that goes into way more detail. You have to remember, the auto parts store makes their money on parts, a mechanic has to buy his own very expensive tools and makes money putting them to use. Most shops will credit the scanning cost to the repair. now if your car was shaking, the scanner isnt going to tell you anything about that, its probably a tire/wheel out of balance or wrped rotors or something like that. The mechanic should be able to tell you whats wrong without scanning it.. Smith

  3. Richard S says:
    January 1, 2010 at 8:06 pm

    I agree with smith, The reading scanner is just that a reader. The one that I use is a live data interpreter with freeze frame and recording capability. I can see sensor activity and compare that to known acceptable values. I also have access to All Data on line and trouble shooter to identify common related symptoms that are known through out the industry. A reader simply says the code number and you go from there. It will not find a bad Ground circuit or insufficient voltage problem. This is found by performing tests of the system. The little scanner that they use is about $100.00 mine is $2500.00 with upgrades installed each year at a cost of $800.00. So to answer your question, there is a significant difference. Richard S

Speak Your Mind

Tell us what you're thinking...