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Why Do Auto Shops Charge for Diagnostics? (And How Customers Should Think About Them)

Jody Downes • February 14, 2025

Why Do Auto Shops Charge for Diagnostics?

(and How Customers Should Think About Them)

We completely understand. No one likes paying a fee before they even know what's wrong with their vehicle. It can feel like adding insult to injury when there is a problem with your vehicle. Diagnostic charges are one of the most questioned charges in our industry. At Heavensent Automotive, we believe in transparency and fair pricing, and that includes sometimes charging a diagnostic fee to determine the reason why your vehicle is not performing properly and recommend the correct repair the first time to solve the issue.

Here's Why SHOPS DO:

1. Accurate Diagnosis Takes Time and Expertise:

There's a very common misconception that the trouble codes stored in your engine computer will specifically identify a problem when have an issue or you have a warning light illuminated. There is also another misconception that a simple visual inspection or test drive will pinpoint certain issues, like a noise you’re hearing or even a fluid leak you have. Actually, both of these are more like pointing to the symptoms of a problem.

Think of it like visiting the doctor. They don't just glance at you and prescribe medication. They ask questions, run tests, and analyze the results. Say you have a temperature of 101 degrees. Your heat sensor, or thermometer, tells you that your temperature is out of the normal range. But it doesn't tell you why you have a fever. Is it the flu or a sinus infection? You need more information; more tests.

A similar example to think of is if you have a knee that has given you trouble. You won’t simply go to the doctor and ask them to replace your knee. They will have to evaluate your knee first and then possibly get imaging done so they can see exactly what the problem might be. You will be charged for not only the office visit, but also the imaging, which is similar to the diagnostics. After a doctor looks and analyzes the diagnostics, they can better determine whether surgery is the best course of action or maybe physical therapy or injections. So essentially, the result of the diagnostics gives the expert the ability to determine the best way to handle the problem at hand.

An example in auto repair, is that scan tool could point us to a code for the purge valve solenoid in your vehicle. This doesn’t mean definitively that the purge valve solenoid is bad. It could be the wires connecting to the computer that are faulty and are activating the purge valve solenoid. Or it could even be the computer board connected to the purge valve solenoid. As you can see, the diagnostics tool is very helpful for auto shops, but they simply do not eliminate the time or skill needed to determine the root cause of why your vehicle is setting that code.

For any given trouble code or condition your vehicle has, there could be a number of causes. So, your vehicle symptoms and codes are just the first step. Our Heaven Sent Automotive trained technician takes this information as a starting point and begins a diagnostic process to determine the root cause of the problem. That's when our technician's training, skills, shop equipment, scan tools, diagnostic software, computer databases, pressure gauges, multimeters, oscilloscopes, compression gauges and other specialized tools or tests get put to work diagnosing the problem and fixing it.

This process involves:

Visual inspection: Checking for obvious signs of damage or wear and tear.
Test Drive: Test driving the vehicle to try and duplicate the issue you’re having at different loads and conditions or speeds. Observing how the vehicle behaves while driving can reveal important clues about the issue.
Code scanning: Reading error codes from your car's computer system.
Testing components: Using multimeters, pressure gauges, and other equipment to assess the functionality of various parts.
Analyzing data: Interpreting the results and drawing on years of experience to reach an accurate diagnosis.

This process takes time and expertise, and our diagnostic fee ensures our technicians are compensated for their valuable skills. After the technician determines the root cause, this information is communicated to one of our service advisors, who then prepares an estimate of labor and parts detailing what is needed to fix the issue.

2. It Saves You Money in the Long Run:

Throwing parts at a problem can get expensive quickly. A diagnostic fee helps avoid unnecessary repairs and parts by identifying the exact issue. This prevents you from:

Wasting money on parts you don't need.
Spending more time in the shop for repeat visits.
Potentially causing further damage to your vehicle.

3. Transparency and Trust:

We believe in being upfront about our pricing. The diagnostic fee covers the time of labor involved in accurately assessing your vehicle's condition. Once we have a diagnosis, we'll provide you with a clear and detailed estimate for any necessary repairs, explain specifically what is happening with your vehicle, empowering you to make informed decisions about your car care.

4. We Value Your Time:

We know your time is precious. Our diagnostic process is designed to be efficient and thorough, minimizing your time without a vehicle and getting you back on the road as quickly as possible.

5. It's an Industry Standard:

Most reputable auto repair shops charge a diagnostic fee for the time spent on determining the root cause of your vehicle issue. It's a reflection of the professionalism and expertise you can expect from our services. In addition, most reputable shops will also provide a warranty on their diagnostics and repairs, indicating they have the utmost confidence in their skilled technicians to diagnosis and repair your vehicle accurately the first time. Different shops do have different approaches to billing. Some shops build the diagnostic time into their overall fee structure and some will have a separate line item.

At Heavensent Automotive, we realize that auto repair can sometimes be a bit mysterious to the customer and we have always valued our approach to offer the highest quality of service and transparency for our customers, always striving to ensure our team is upholding the honesty and integrity of our work. We also work hard to provide competitive and affordable prices for our area, and because of our values and warranty, it is essential that our team accurately diagnoses and repairs your vehicle correctly the first time.

We're committed to providing honest, high-quality and affordable auto service and repair. Diagnostics charges are one of the most questioned charges auto repair shops get, so we hope this explains why there is a charge for them. If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please don’t hesitate to contact us at any time.

We also provide one of the best NATIONWIDE warranties on all parts, labor and diagnostics. Our diagnostic fee is an investment in getting your car fixed right the first time and our warranty provides you with the peace of mind that you are covered on our services and repairs, no matter where you travel. Schedule your appointment today!

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How to Keep Your Vehicle’s Cooling and Heating Systems Running Efficiently

By Jody Downes • February 14, 2025

At Heavensent Automotive in Franklin, TN, we understand that a reliable vehicle heating and cooling system is essential for your comfort and safety on the road. Whether it’s the cold days of winter that Tennessee does have at times or the hot, humid summer days, your vehicle’s climate control systems must be in top shape to keep you and your passengers comfortable. It is important to maintain both of these systems, helping you avoid unexpected breakdowns and ensure your vehicle performs at its best year-round. Understanding Your Vehicle’s Heating and Cooling Systems Your vehicle’s heating and cooling systems are a complex system of components that work together to regulate the temperature inside the cabin and help keep the engine running at optimal temperature and performance levels. Your vehicle’s heating system revolves around the heater core. The cooling system parts that play a part in bringing heat into the cabin include the coolant fluid, water pump, thermostat, and radiator. Basically, the heating system pulls the heat from the engine’s coolant to heat the cabin, while the cooling system circulates coolant through the engine to dissipate excess heat and prevent engine overheating. Both systems rely on similar components, such as coolant, radiators, thermostats, water pump and fans, to function properly. • Coolant - Mix of antifreeze and water • Water Pump - Pushes coolant to and out of the engine and radiator and heater core • Thermostat - Monitors temperature and opens and closes accordingly to let coolant through the engine • Radiator - Helps disperse engine heat • Heater Core – Small radiator that allows hot air to blow through your vents To keep your vehicle running smoothly in fluctuating temperatures, regular maintenance is key. Here are the steps you can take to keep your car’s heating and cooling systems efficient and prevent expensive repairs down the road: 1. Check and Refill Coolant Regularly Coolant is crucial for both a vehicle's heating and cooling systems because it circulates through the engine, absorbing heat to prevent overheating in hot weather, and also flows through the heater core to provide warm air inside the car during cold temperatures, essentially acting as a heat transfer medium for both systems. Key points about coolant's role in heating and cooling: • Temperature regulation: Coolant absorbs excess heat from the engine, preventing it from overheating, and then transfers that heat to the radiator where it is dissipated into the air. • Antifreeze protection: In cold weather, the antifreeze component in coolant prevents the water in the cooling system from freezing, which could damage the engine. • Heater Core function: A portion of the coolant flows through the heater core, which is a small radiator inside the car's cabin, allowing hot air to be blown through the vents when the heater is turned on. • Corrosion prevention: Coolant also contains additives that help inhibit rust and corrosion within the engine cooling system, including the heater core. You should check your coolant levels every few months, especially before long trips or as seasons change. Make sure the coolant is filled to the appropriate level and top it off if necessary. If you’re unsure of what coolant to use, consult your owner’s manual or call or visit Heavensent Automotive for advice. 2. Inspect the Radiator and Hoses for Leaks Your radiator and the network of hoses connected to it are responsible for moving coolant through the engine. Over time, these hoses can crack, develop leaks, or become clogged, reducing the efficiency of your cooling system. What to Look For: • Puddles of coolant under your vehicle • Low coolant levels (even after topping up) • Steam or unusual smells coming from the hood If you notice any of these signs, it’s crucial to have your cooling system inspected right away. At Heavensent Automotive, we offer thorough inspections to detect leaks and repair or replace faulty components before they lead to bigger problems. 3. Replace the Thermostat as Needed The thermostat controls the flow of coolant through your engine, opening when the engine gets too hot and closing when it cools down. A faulty thermostat can lead to engine overheating or prevent your vehicle from warming up properly on those cold days. An overheating engine can lead to costly repairs or even engine failure if not addressed immediately. Thermostats can wear out over time and should be replaced if they become stuck or start to malfunction. If your vehicle’s temperature gauge is erratic, or if the engine runs too hot or too cold, it’s a sign that your thermostat may need replacement. Visit us at Heavensent Automotive to have your thermostat inspected and replaced if necessary. 4. Maintain Your Heater Core The heater core is a critical part of your vehicle’s heating system. It uses hot coolant from the engine to warm the air before it’s blown into the cabin. Over time, debris can accumulate in the heater core, or it may develop leaks, leading to a lack of heat in your vehicle. Signs of Heater Core Issues: • Foggy windows or moisture inside the car • A sweet smell (coolant) in the cabin • Little to no heat coming from the vents If you experience any of these issues, bring your vehicle to Heavensent Automotive in Franklin, TN, for a thorough heating system inspection. 5. Inspect and Replace Cabin Air Filters Your cabin air filter plays a key role in keeping the air inside your vehicle clean and free of debris. If the cabin air filter is clogged, it can reduce the efficiency of both the heating and cooling systems, leading to poor airflow and moldy or bad smells in your vehicle. We recommend replacing your cabin air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, but this may vary depending on driving conditions. Replacing it more frequently may be necessary, especially those driving in dusty or dirty environments. At Heavensent Automotive, we can inspect your filters to ensure they are not dirty, as well as, replace them if needed. 6. Run the Air Conditioner During the Winter It may seem unusual, but running your air conditioner during the winter helps keep the system in good working order. The AC system contains refrigerant and lubricants that need to circulate to prevent the seals from drying out and developing leaks. By running the AC for a few minutes every couple of weeks, you’ll keep the system lubricated and ready to perform when the hot weather hits. At Heavensent Automotive, we can also perform AC checks and recharges to ensure your system is functioning optimally. 7. Schedule Regular System Inspections Perhaps the most important tip of all is to schedule regular maintenance and inspections of your vehicle’s heating and cooling systems. Routine maintenance can identify potential issues before they become costly repairs, ensuring your car remains safe and comfortable. At Heavensent Automotive in Franklin, our experienced technicians are here to provide thorough inspections and expert repairs for your vehicle’s heating and cooling systems. Whether it’s a routine coolant flush, a coolant leak, a thermostat replacement, or diagnosing a heating issue or an overheating engine issue, we’ve got you covered. Stay Comfortable and Safe with Regular Maintenance Maintaining your vehicle’s heating and cooling systems is essential for both your comfort and the longevity of your engine and components. By keeping up with regular maintenance tasks like checking coolant levels and leaks, inspecting hoses, replacing filters, performing a coolant fluid exchange, you can avoid expensive repairs and ensure your vehicle performs optimally and keeps you comfortable as you drive. If you’re unsure about the condition of your heating or cooling systems, or if you’ve noticed any signs of trouble, please don’t hesitate to call or bring your vehicle to Heavensent Automotive. We’re here to help and keep your vehicle running smoothly and safely, no matter what the weather or issue!