Why engine diagnostics can’t always be trusted
- August 5, 2022
- 0
When buying a used car, many advise to conduct an engine diagnosis. As, according to the results, a complete picture of the state of the power unit is
When buying a used car, many advise to conduct an engine diagnosis. As, according to the results, a complete picture of the state of the power unit is obtained. Still, there are plenty of pitfalls when performing a computer “check”. And sometimes it can even become a reason for a “divorce” for money. The AvtoVzglyad portal tells why such work can not always save you from trouble.
There are many ways to check a car before buying it. From the old-fashioned “open the hood and listen”, to the use of expensive scanners and other equipment. Lately, however, there has been a lot of talk about computer diagnostics of the engine. In addition, they present it as a magical tool that gives a complete picture of the state of the power source and protects it from problems. Actually it isn’t.
If the buyer wants to get a complete picture of the condition of the engine, the diagnostics will not provide a detailed report. The scanner cannot determine whether there is wear in the cylinders and what condition the converter is in. So here you have to use other methods.
The electronic device can determine problems with the software, various errors that are logged in the memory of the control unit, as well as the status of various nodes. Have the airbags ever inflated? Although, if the control unit has been changed, it is impossible to understand the latter. The scanner will not see any errors and the car may not have any cushions at all. And that becomes clear in an accident.
It is also important who makes the diagnosis. A layman simply cannot understand or see a mistake that has already been erased several times. After all, everything is in order with the car. Meanwhile, this indicates a “roaming” malfunction. Or that they try to hide the problem with the engine before selling it.
An experienced master not only erases mistakes, but by guessing indirect signs about problems or future problems. Says what caused the “bugs”. But such people must be sought. And many gas stations do not have qualified personnel or equipment. After all, specialists have to be paid and the equipment is very expensive. For example, the process of checking with flasks of indicator liquid is expensive. This will allow you to understand whether there are exhaust gases in the cooling system. So you should approach the control of the car in a comprehensive way and not rely on the fact that a quickly connected scanner will immediately reveal all the secrets of a used foreign car.
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There are many ways to check a car before buying it. From the old-fashioned “open the hood and listen”, to the use of expensive scanners and other equipment. Lately, however, there has been a lot of talk about computer diagnostics of the engine. In addition, they present it as a magical tool that gives a complete picture of the state of the power source and protects it from problems. Actually it isn’t.
If the buyer wants to get a complete picture of the condition of the engine, the diagnostics will not provide a detailed report. The scanner cannot determine whether there is wear in the cylinders and what condition the converter is in. So here you have to use other methods.
The electronic device can determine problems with the software, various errors that are logged in the memory of the control unit, as well as the status of various nodes. Have the airbags ever inflated? Although, if the control unit has been changed, it is impossible to understand the latter. The scanner will not see any errors and the car may not have any cushions at all. And that becomes clear in an accident.
It is also important who makes the diagnosis. A layman simply cannot understand or see a mistake that has already been erased several times. After all, everything is in order with the car. Meanwhile, this indicates a “roaming” malfunction. Or that they try to hide the problem with the engine before selling it.
An experienced master not only erases mistakes, but by guessing indirect signs about problems or future problems. He says what caused the “bugs”. But such people must be sought. And many gas stations do not have qualified personnel or equipment. After all, specialists have to be paid and the equipment is very expensive. For example, the process of checking with flasks of indicator liquid is expensive. This will allow you to understand whether there are exhaust gases in the cooling system. So you should approach the control of the car in a comprehensive way and not rely on the fact that a quickly connected scanner will immediately reveal all the secrets of a used foreign car.
Source: Avto Vzglyad
I’m Sandra Torres, a passionate journalist and content creator. My specialty lies in covering the latest gadgets, trends and tech news for Div Bracket. With over 5 years of experience as a professional writer, I have built up an impressive portfolio of published works that showcase my expertise in this field.
