No matter what’s currently parked in your garage, you might dream of sailing down the highway in your little red Corvette without a care in the world. Performance is everything. You push the speed limit. It corners like a dream. Everything about it makes you glad to drive it. 

And then you open your garage and slip into your own vehicle. Regular coupes, sedans, SUVs, and crossovers aren’t built with the same characteristics as that little red Corvette. Performance cars are built for performance. 

But that doesn’t mean you can’t maximize your car’s performance no matter what vehicle you drive. 

Performance cars are often judged in several ways:

• Speed – You’ll often hear performance cars judged by their 0 to 60 mph time. 
  
• Handling – How does a car handle successive left and right turns? How quickly does it straighten out? 
  
• Braking – If you’re driving fast, the ability to slow down quickly is vitally important.
  

You might not be able to match the performance of the little red Corvette, but with regular diagnostics and maintenance schedules, you can improve the performance of whatever car you drive. 

What are vehicle diagnostic tests?

Vehicle diagnostic tests identify and diagnose problems with a car’s systems and components. 

These tests typically involve using specialized diagnostic tools and equipment, such as diagnostic scanners, multimeters, and oscilloscopes, to retrieve information about the vehicle’s performance, sensors, and control systems.

Vehicle diagnostic tests can be performed on various systems in a vehicle, including: 

• Engine
• Transmission 
• Brakes
• Steering
• Suspension 

The tests involve reading and interpreting diagnostic codes generated by the vehicle’s onboard computer, analyzing data from sensors and other components, and performing manual inspections and tests to identify the root cause of any issues.

By performing diagnostic tests, mechanics and technicians can quickly and accurately identify and diagnose problems with a vehicle, allowing them to perform repairs or maintenance to restore the vehicle’s performance and reliability. This can save time and money by preventing unnecessary repairs and reducing the risk of further damage to the vehicle.

What a diagnostic test tells a mechanic about an engine

A diagnostic test can provide a mechanic with valuable information about the engine’s performance, including:

Error codes – Diagnostic tests can reveal error codes generated by the engine control module (ECM) when a problem is detected in the engine. These error codes provide valuable clues to the mechanic about the specific problem and which components need to be checked or replaced.

Fuel and air mixture – Diagnostic tests can also provide information about the fuel and air mixture in the engine, which is crucial for optimal engine performance. This information can help the mechanic determine if the engine is running too rich or lean and if any adjustments or repairs are needed.

Ignition system – The ignition system is responsible for firing the spark plugs at the right time. A diagnostic test can help the mechanic identify any issues with the spark plugs, ignition coils, or other components affecting engine performance.

Emissions – Emissions levels should be monitored to ensure the engine meets regulatory standards. This information can help the mechanic identify any issues with the emissions control system and make the necessary repairs or adjustments to bring the engine into compliance.

What a diagnostic test tells a mechanic about a transmission

A diagnostic test for a transmission can provide a mechanic with valuable information about the transmission’s performance, including:

Error codes – Error codes generated by the transmission control module (TCM) when a problem is detected in the transmission provide valuable clues to the mechanic about the specific problem and which components need to be checked or replaced.

Transmission fluid – Diagnostic tests can also provide information about the condition and level of the transmission fluid, which is crucial for optimal transmission performance. This information can help the mechanic determine if the fluid is contaminated, low, or needs to be changed.

Shift quality – How smooth is shifting, and what is the speed of gear shifts? This data can help the mechanic identify any issues with the transmission’s clutch plates, solenoids, or other components that could affect the shift quality.

Pressure and temperature – The transmission’s pressure and temperature are important factors for proper transmission function, helping the mechanic identify any issues with the transmission’s pressure control system, cooler, or other components affecting its performance.

What a diagnostic test tells a mechanic about brakes

A diagnostic test for brakes can provide a mechanic with valuable information about the brake system’s performance, including:

Brake pads and shoes – Diagnostic tests can reveal the condition of the brake pads and shoes, to help the mechanic determine if the brake pads or shoes need to be replaced.

Brake fluid – The condition and level of the brake fluid are crucial for optimal brake performance. This information can help the mechanic determine if the fluid is contaminated, low, or needs to be changed.

Brake lines and hoses – Are there any issues with the brake lines and hoses, which carry the brake fluid from the master cylinder to the brake calipers and wheel cylinders. It can help the mechanic identify leaks or damage affecting the brake system’s performance.

Brake calipers and wheel cylinders – Diagnostic tests can also reveal any issues with the brake calipers and wheel cylinders, which identify any leaks, damage, or malfunctions that could affect the brake system’s performance.

What a diagnostic test tells a mechanic about steering

A diagnostic test for the steering system can provide a mechanic with valuable information about the system’s performance, including:

Power steering pump – If any issues with the power steering pump are found, diagnostics can help the mechanic identify any leaks, damage, or malfunctions affecting the power steering system’s performance.

Steering rack and pinion – The steering rack and pinion translate the rotational movement of the steering wheel into the lateral movement of the front wheels. Readings can help the mechanic identify any leaks, damage, or malfunctions that could be affecting the steering system’s performance.

Steering linkage – Issues with the steering linkage can help the mechanic identify any wear or damage affecting the steering system’s performance.

Electronic steering components – If the vehicle is equipped with an electronic power steering system, diagnostic tests can reveal any issues with the electronic steering components, such as the power steering control module, torque sensor, or motor. This data can help the mechanic identify malfunctions or faults affecting the electronic power steering system’s performance.

What a diagnostic test tells a mechanic about suspension

A diagnostic test for the suspension system can provide a mechanic with valuable information about the system’s performance, including:

Shock absorbers or struts – Error codes with the shock absorbers or struts can help the mechanic identify any leaks, wear, or damage that could affect the suspension system’s performance.

Springs – Springs support the weight of the vehicle and help absorb bumps and vibrations in the road. Diagnostics can help the mechanic identify any wear or damage affecting the suspension system’s performance.

Ball joints and control arms – If there are any issues with the ball joints and control arms, it could impact the connection of the suspension system to the vehicle’s frame. Diagnostics can help the mechanic identify any wear or damage affecting the suspension system’s performance.

Alignment – If the vehicle’s alignment is off, it can affect the suspension system’s performance. Error codes can help the mechanic identify any misalignment or damage affecting the suspension system’s performance.

It’s your car … Improve the performance

Whether your car is brand new, or you’ve had it for years, caring for it and setting up a maintenance schedule can help you increase performance. 

Diagnostics tests are now a part of regular maintenance. When was the last time your vehicle was checked? 

Hear a sound? Notice a change in your car’s performance? 

Give us a call and schedule a diagnostics test today.