Vehicle diagnostics are the procedures for discovering and diagnosing faults that might jeopardize a vehicle’s proper operation. In performing car diagnostics, mechanics can use a variety of procedures and equipment, ranging from simple physical examinations to more extensive computer-based analysis. Given the nature of mechanical issues, accurate diagnostics are essential for successful repairs and smooth vehicle operation.
In previous times, good car diagnostics relied on a mechanic’s individual competency, or his ability to accurately identify a vehicle fault using visual or auditory signals. Symptoms of a mechanical failure might range from the apparent, like oil seeping from a damaged seal, to the less evident, such as rough engine idling. Mechanics had to be equal with detectives in piecing together information to identify and treat issues before computer systems were integrated into automobiles.
When an ECU detects a defect, it might show a check engine light or warning light. Anyone using a specific cable and a laptop may practically tap into a car’s OBD port and download diagnostic messages to figure out the exact problem with their vehicles.
Knowing what’s wrong, on the other hand, is only half the battle. Many technical faults can occur and still not an error record by the ECU, therefore a skilled mechanic must resolve failures.
Operator complaints such as vague rattles and other noises, a decrease in fuel economy, and steering that pulls to one side or the other may not be recorded by the computer, but may be explored and effectively fixed by a qualified specialist. Here at Automotion Service and Repair, we have skilled mechanics who are able to provide a diagnosis of your car and fix any issues to get you back on the road.
One of the best reasons to have a diagnostic test conducted is the time and money that both the driver and the technician may save. Before cars had onboard computers, an owner would have to describe their vehicle’s problem and wait while a technician began testing numerous items to locate the problem–a task that was frequently both time consuming and expensive.
If your check engine light turns on, a basic scan won’t be able to tell you exactly what’s wrong with the car unless it generates a small mistake, such as an issue with the gas cap. A diagnostic test should be conducted at this point. Similarly, if your car is acting strange or something doesn’t feel quite right, a technician can inspect it and run a diagnostic to check for severe component failure.
The following are the most prevalent car operating concerns that may indicate additional testing and diagnosis:
Here at Automotion Service and Repair, offer various diagnostic services in Reno, NV which include the following:
When an engine warning light and a message emerge on a computer display in the vehicle, many of the faults addressed in a car diagnostic check may offer an error code, but a layperson will not understand it. It is merely a beginning point for determining the full nature of the problem, even for an expert.
Your Automotion Service and Repair engineer will connect your vehicle to the diagnostic equipment and begin inspecting the relevant data. They’ll use their advanced training and experience to know which detailed areas to look at and what patterns to expect under normal and abnormal circumstances, whether you have noticed in-car indicators of a problem or noticed some other symptom of a suspected engine malfunction.
Our diagnostic methods allow us to alter certain engine parameters if necessary, but we will also offer a clear and cost effective proposal for any extra work required to get your car back in working condition.
A diagnostic test can indicate which part of your vehicle needs work when the Check Engine light turns on or your automobile is acting up. Without diagnostic testing, a technician would likely spend hours attempting to figure out what the issue is, and you would be responsible for the labor costs, which can add up quickly!
While most automotive facilities and vehicle components distributor stores offer a free scan of your on-board diagnostics to assist in determining the source of trouble codes, car diagnostic tests are the only guaranteed approach to establish the source of the problem.
This is exactly what we do at Automotion Service and Repair. Ensuring that your vehicle is up to par is our aim as a company. Look no further, contact us today and boost your behind-the-wheel experience with Automotion Service and Repair in Reno, NV.
I had great service by both Shauna and the other gentleman. I was looking to buy a used car with a lot of mileage and year. I can’t remember the gentleman’s name but he really advocated for me during the discussion with the seller and advised me honestly in a really helpful manner. If you are young or of modest means it’s worth the checkup to avoid major issues, they saved me at least 1.5k and squeezed me in the same day
Sana Rahmani Sep 9, 2025
I came in for a wheel alignment. There was a miscommunication over the phone around price. Jason, the manager, honored the much lower price I was quoted over the phone. It’s that’s kind of gesture that will bring me back to this shop. All around they were communicative, honest, transparent, and friendly. 5 stars.
Maxim Dobrushin Sep 9, 2025
It was a nice looking shop with many very nice antique cars in the lot. Jason was pleasant, professional and responsive on the phone. However, I had made an appointment to have a key smith make a key for my car, and drove an hour each way to get to the shop to get there. And the key smith didn’t show up. So I was disappointed at driving nearly 110 miles and wasting my time for this. On the other hand, I wouldn’t hesitate to go back and have something done at the shop that they self-performed because they were as decent as they could be about the situation. They had a nice coffee machine for customers that I appreciated, too, and a good place to hang out and work while you wait if you need that. Nice people.
Robert Aug 8, 2025
Had my Ferrari taken care of quickly. Awesome. I’ll be back
michael h Jul 7, 2025
Smog check for a 71 Blazer. Thank you for your assistance over the years!!
Autumn Wingrove Jun 6, 2025
Automation Service and Repair maintains all of our family vehicles with reasonable prices and professional pride.! 5 stars !
Biviano Vasquez Nov 11, 2019
Excellent service. Definitely 10/10. The service technician did a fantastic job at servicing and repairing my Bentley. Usually I would have to send my car to the Bentley dealership in San Francisco for repair and servicing. Automation provided much better service and communication than the Bentley dealership. Jason was an extremely effective customer service representative. Highest recommendation.
James Olson May 5, 2025
Great customer service and staff
Jennifer Morgan Apr 4, 2024
I appreciate the service and trust that I am getting well taken care of.
Tahoelink Apr 4, 2025
They serviced our car, but the inside of the car was filthy along with the outside. I have my car serviced at other places for high end vehicles and they have always cleaned the vehicle delivery.
Brad Amaral Mar 3, 2025
Very professional..done right 👍
Bruce Bonnett Mar 3, 2025
These guys are amazing. They are honest, quick and affordable. I’ve been taking my car to them for 4 years now. I wouldn’t go anywhere else.
Joanna Roberts Jan 1, 2025
Pleasant and service oriented and accountable on time needed for repair.
Carlos Luna May 5, 2024
Easy to do business with great communication excellent service!
jacob pavelea Dec 12, 2024
Very friendly and explained in great detail what needed to be done,and offered rides to be picked up and taken home❤️
Arlene Sweeney Feb 2, 2024
Great people. Great service.
Roger Davidson Jan 1, 2025
They are the BEST. Done early and did extra work. Treated me with the utmost respect.
Denise Dec 12, 2024
Jason was AWESOME coordinating the delivery of vehicle by Tow Truck, the Review by Mechanics, and update on timeline for Parts and Installation. Couldn’t be happier with Jason and ALL the Staff! Great Job! Kudo’s to Your Team! Jim & Yolanda Avanzino
Jim Dec 12, 2024
So glad that I brought my car to them very helpful great communication and options to get my problem fixed . Really appreciate their professionalism and friendliness of Jason .
Janet Ramirez Dec 12, 2024
Super friendly, very knowledgeable staff, helped me out as a non customer wirh a flat tire that just happened to be right there. At thier stire. Beautiful showroom.
Levi R'Something Dec 12, 2024
Automotion is the best repair shop in Reno, they always do the job right the first time.
clifford candevan Apr 4, 2023
I took my car in to have the suspension checked because I was staying to hear some squeaking when I drove over bumps and rough road. After they test drove it, they said that the springs and struts tested normally, so they lubricated them and said that all should be good in a couple of days once the lube worked into the system. And they're were right! Their integrity saved me hundreds of dollars when they could have opted to replace parts that were still good. That's how a company builds trust with us customers.
Wally Murray (luvinthislife) Dec 12, 2024
Absolutely lovely establishment, so many great things about this place, between the excellent service, the great bathrooms and the wonderful dogs to greet you and pet, I absolutely recommend coming here for any car needs, especially who have a Mercedes sprinter. The staff is super kind of knowledgeable and are willing to work with you if you have special needs for your vehicle like we have with ours. They will even put your lug nuts on in a certain order if you ask them to. Very detail oriented, very professional absolutely recommend coming here for everything you need!!
Stacy Ladwig Oct 10, 2024
A surprisingly refreshing experience.
Susan Mahoney Oct 10, 2024
They fixed the problems I was having with my electrical, and even fixed a loose connection that would have been a problem that I didn’t even know about! Great service, and a great attitude with the front desk, who were kind enough to work with me while my card was having issues being cleared with Visa till it all worked out in the end!
Cole Lackore Sep 9, 2024
Very thorough and comprehensive. Great customer service!
Tonda Benge Sep 9, 2024
Pleasant efficient service
Steve Richard Sep 9, 2024
We had our motorhome dropped off for some service work. While it was not their normal type of vehicle they treated me well. There professionalism was exceptional and we were very satisfied with the work that was done.
Rick Carson Sep 9, 2024
Always friendly, helpful, and job well done.
Steven Garcia Sep 9, 2024
Bill, Jason, and the staff were amazing! The work done was thorough, clean, and done on time!
JORDAN LEWIS Sep 9, 2024
Highly recommend this professional establishment for work on your vehicle. Bill took incredible steps to remedy the troubles with my car. WAY above and beyond. It was my first visit and, though I'd rather that my car operated perfectly, I will definitely be back.
Monique Jacobs Sep 9, 2024
I needed my car by noon and it was ready They are very accommodating. Friendly personnel
Karen Booth Aug 8, 2024
Forget the dealer! This place is the best and do a fantastic job for a reasonable charge. I love this place!
Ruth Kemper Sep 9, 2024
EXCELLENT service. 2006 Saab 95 with 200k miles.... Highly recommend! Great service, follow up, and quality repairs. Very pleased, definitely recommend, will be using again!
Robert Amann Sep 9, 2024