Do Vehicle Diagnostic Apps Really Diagnose Car Issues?
There are new plug-in devices for the Data Link Connector of your vehicle that you can purchase, pay a subscription fee, and download as an app onto your phone. This combo is designed to help educate consumers about their vehicles, save them money by “diagnosing your vehicle,” and provides them with updated maintenance, technician service bulletins, and recall information. Some even have a mechanic hotline to call.
A couple of these devices that are really starting to advertise is Fixd and Hum by Verizon. OnStar and Sync have been doing something similar with the Vehicle Health Reports that they produce for their customers.
Are You Paying For A True Diagnostic?
The general concept is great for consumers and can help with reminders about maintenance, recalls, and updates. The questionable part is the “diagnostic” report that is generated when a warning light comes on your dash. It gives the diagnostic trouble code(s) that the computer sees and it gives an explanation of the codes and a narrative of the many possible fixes, but this device does not perform detailed pinpoint testing, nor does it analyze the freeze-frame data from your vehicle from when the event occurred.
Ask Your Qualified Technician At All About Automotive
To perform proper testing, analyze the event, and interpret the results of the testing, however, it takes a highly qualified and trained technician with professional diagnostic equipment and the software or connection for vehicle information comparisons. This is the service you receive when you pay a diagnostic fee at a professional repair facility. It’s the only way to diagnose a vehicle with accuracy.
Happy Motoring!
Karen Johnston, AUTO REPAIR INSIDER
All About Automotive, 139 NW 2nd Street, Gresham, OR 97030
Steve and Karen Johnston are owners of All About Automotive, providing quality auto repair services and preventive maintenance for your vehicle in Historic Downtown Gresham. If you have questions or comments, call them at 503-465-2926 or email them at [email protected].
