Reading Mobile Diagnostic Testing Equipment

The days of the garage mechanic are numberedculprit wreaking havoc in the car. Tracking the problem
except when working on older cars designed beforemeans first testing the components and systems and
engine diagnostic computerisation was available. Allthen isolating the specific problem. Testing includes
you have to do is look under the hood and realiseusing both hand-held and mobile van installed diagnostic
many things have changed over the years. Youcomputers.
can’t even see many of the engine componentsFault codes indicate something is not operating within
anymore, because they are hidden inside enclosedmanufacturer benchmarked standards. The technician
units. Accessing the components requires specialisedgets the code readouts and then uses an online
tools and training.computer to look up the description of the problems
What has truly caused the major changes in carwhich the fault codes documents. The goal is to repair
repairs is the use of electronics and computers.the auto in a way that components once again
Everything from components to circuit boards tooperate within established standards.
computerised diagnostic equipment is now usedTraining to Be the Best
meaning the simple wrench and screwdriver is goingThe Mobile Car Care mechanics must be able to
the way of the dinosaurs. Yes…hand tools are usedhandle the sophisticated diagnostic equipment on their
but they are specially designed to fit into odd angledmobile repair vans. The mechanics attend state
components and many now provide digital readouts.certified apprenticeship training programs and spend
Listening to Your Carmany additional hours in training workshops in order to
But of all the radical changes in car repair services isstay current with technological advances. As a
the use of mobile diagnostic equipment like that foundmember of VACC, Mobile Car Care has access to
on the Mobile Car Care vans. What was once onlythe most current technical auto repair information
possible in a repair workshop using large bulkyavailable in the industry.
machinery can now be done by plugging mobileMobile Car Care mechanics are really technicians in
computerised diagnostic equipment into the car in orderevery sense of the word. After many hours of training,
to get a readout of the problem.they are fully qualified to use the computer diagnostic
There is a variety of diagnostic equipment used inequipment which includes that needed to evaluate
roadside or on-the-spot testing including mechanical,braking systems, transmissions, air conditioning units,
electrical, component, transmission and air conditioningelectronic components, electrical systems, onboard
equipment which test for malfunctions. The equipmentupgrades such as global positioning systems, ignition
produces fault codes which are the equivalent of yoursystems, fuel injection systems, and emission control
car “talking” to the mechanic.systems.
Of course, getting codes and knowing what to do withComputers are so integrated into the auto
those codes are two very different things. The codesmanufacturing and repair industry, that diagnostic
are simply clues to the problems and must beequipment is now designed to fit on the mobile vans or
matched to the comprehensive set of codein handheld tools. This means the mobile mechanic who
descriptions available in software programs. Theshows up to repair your vehicle is bringing the
Mobile Car Care mechanic is a fully qualified and highlyequivalent of a large service workshop right to your
trained service technician who spends many hourscar. But even more importantly is that your mechanic is
learning how to successfully operate the diagnostica highly competent VACC member and can quickly
equipment and interpret the results.and accurately diagnose the problem with your car or
The Auto Detectivevan.
Auto mechanics are like detectives looking for the