That dreaded moment—you‘re driving along when suddenly the check engine light illuminates on your dashboard. Your mind races with questions: What‘s wrong with my car? Is it safe to keep driving? How much will this cost to fix?
Before you panic, there‘s a free and easy first step you can take to diagnose the issue—head to your local Advance Auto Parts store. But can Advance Auto Parts actually check your check engine light? Will it cost anything? How reliable are the results?
We‘ll answer all those questions and more in this comprehensive guide. By the end, you‘ll know exactly what to expect when you take your car to Advance Auto Parts for a check engine light scan.
What Does the Check Engine Light Mean?
First, let‘s cover the basics. The check engine light is part of your car‘s onboard diagnostics system. When the light comes on, it means the system has detected an issue somewhere in your vehicle‘s engine, transmission, or emissions components.
It could be something as minor as a loose gas cap or as major as a misfiring engine. The only way to know for sure is to scan the system for diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). These codes correspond to different issues and can help pinpoint the problem.
Common reasons the check engine light comes on include:
- Faulty oxygen sensor
- Catalytic converter issues
- Spark plug or ignition coil problems
- Mass airflow sensor failure
- Loose or faulty gas cap
- Vacuum leak
- Worn out spark plug wires
In some cases, the light may be triggered by a momentary issue, like a brief misfire, and will turn off on its own after a few trips. However, if the light stays on, it‘s best to get it checked out sooner than later to avoid potentially expensive damage.
Advance Auto Parts Check Engine Light Scanning Service
Now to the main question at hand—yes, Advance Auto Parts does offer a free check engine light scanning service! You can visit any Advance Auto Parts location to get your vehicle‘s diagnostic trouble codes read at no cost to you.
Here‘s how it works. An employee will come out to your vehicle with a handheld scanning device called an OBD-II reader. They‘ll plug the scanner into your car‘s OBD port, which is usually located under the dashboard on the driver‘s side.
The scanner will read any stored diagnostic trouble codes and may display a brief description of the issue, like "P0420 – Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold." The employee can then explain what the code means in plain English and may advise you on potential fixes.
The whole scanning process is quick, typically taking less than 5 minutes from start to finish. And the best part? It‘s completely free of charge! Advance Auto Parts provides the check engine light scanning as a courtesy service to customers.
Limitations of Free Check Engine Light Scans
While the free scanning service at Advance Auto Parts is a great starting point for diagnosing issues, it‘s important to understand its limitations.
The scan will provide you with the diagnostic trouble codes, but it won‘t necessarily tell you the exact cause of the problem or the specific part that needs replacing. For instance, a code related to the catalytic converter could mean the converter itself is faulty or there may be another issue, like a misfiring spark plug, that‘s causing the converter to fail.
Advance Auto Parts employees can offer advice based on the codes, but they are not trained mechanics. For a definitive diagnosis and repair, you‘ll need to take your vehicle to a certified mechanic or dealership. They can perform additional testing to pinpoint the exact issue.
So while the free scan is a helpful first step, don‘t rely on it as a complete diagnosis, especially for more complex issues. If the codes indicate a potentially serious problem, it‘s best to get a professional opinion.
Getting a Free Check Engine Light Scan at Advance Auto Parts
The free check engine light scanning service is available at all Advance Auto Parts locations across the United States. No appointment is necessary—simply drive up and ask an employee for a scan.
The service is available during regular store hours, which vary by location but are typically 7:30am-9pm Monday-Saturday and 9am-8pm on Sundays. You can check your local store hours on the Advance Auto Parts website.
There are no requirements to get a free scan, such as a minimum purchase or membership. However, the service is only available for OBD-II equipped vehicles, which includes most cars and light trucks built after 1996. Pre-1996 vehicles use an older OBD-I system that cannot be read by the scanners at Advance Auto Parts.
Interpreting Check Engine Codes Yourself
If you‘re the DIY type, you may want to invest in your own OBD-II scanner to read and interpret check engine codes at home. Basic scanners that provide code readouts can cost as little as $20, while more advanced scanners with extra diagnostic features run $100 or more.
If you go this route, you‘ll need to familiarize yourself with the different diagnostic trouble codes. Codes starting with "P0" indicate a powertrain issue, those starting with "B0" are related to the body, "C0" codes are for the chassis, and "U0" codes suggest a network communication problem.
There are hundreds of specific codes, each pointing to a different potential issue. Websites like Engine-Codes.com and OBD-Codes.com provide databases of generic and manufacturer-specific codes with their definitions.
However, even with this information, interpreting the codes can be tricky, especially if there are multiple codes present. Modern vehicles are complex, and issues often have more than one potential cause. When in doubt, it‘s always best to consult with a professional mechanic.
When to See a Mechanic for a Check Engine Light
While the free scan at Advance Auto Parts can be a helpful starting point, there are times when it‘s better to go straight to a mechanic. If any of the following occur along with the check engine light, seek professional help:
- The light is flashing rather than solid
- You notice a severe decrease in performance
- Strange smells or sounds are coming from the vehicle
- The car is overheating or stalling
These symptoms could indicate a major issue that requires immediate attention. Driving with a flashing check engine light, for example, could cause catalytic converter damage that may cost $1000+ to fix.
A certified mechanic has the advanced diagnostic tools and expertise to thoroughly test your vehicle‘s systems and pinpoint the problem. They can also advise you on the severity of the issue and give an estimate for repairs.
Preventing Check Engine Lights
Of course, the best way to deal with a check engine light is to prevent it from coming on in the first place! While not all issues can be avoided, keeping up with routine maintenance can go a long way in preventing problems.
Some preventative measures to take include:
- Getting regular oil changes using the proper oil type and viscosity for your vehicle
- Replacing air filters every 12,000-15,000 miles
- Having spark plugs checked and replaced as needed
- Keeping tires properly inflated
- Replacing the fuel filter every 20,000-30,000 miles
- Checking and replacing fluids regularly
By staying on top of maintenance, you can help ensure your vehicle is running at its best and avoid surprise check engine lights.
The Bottom Line on Advance Auto Parts Check Engine Light Scans
To sum it up, yes, Advance Auto Parts does offer a free check engine light scanning service at all of its locations. The scan will provide you with the diagnostic trouble codes that triggered the light, which can help narrow down the potential issues.
However, the service is best used as a starting point for diagnosis rather than a definitive answer. For complex issues or major symptoms, it‘s best to follow up with a certified mechanic who can perform a more thorough diagnosis.
By understanding the capabilities and limitations of Advance Auto Parts‘ free scanning service, you can make an informed decision about how to proceed when that pesky check engine light comes on.
Helpful Resources
Want to learn more about diagnosing and dealing with check engine lights? Check out these informative resources:
- How to Handle a Check Engine Light from Edmunds
- How to Reset a Check Engine Light from Popular Mechanics
- What to Do When Your Check Engine Light Comes On from AutoZone
- Understanding Your Check Engine Light Can Save You Money from CarMD
Remember, when that check engine light comes on, don‘t panic! Arm yourself with knowledge, starting with a free scan at your local Advance Auto Parts, and you‘ll be well on your way to getting to the bottom of the issue.
