Why Accomplished Auto Charges for Vehicle Diagnostics (and Why It Saves You Money)
If you’ve ever seen a parts store offer a “free code scan” when your check engine light comes on, you might wonder: Why does Accomplished Auto charge for diagnostics?
It’s a fair question, and the answer comes down to this: today’s cars are incredibly complex, and getting to the true cause of a problem requires the right tools, training, and time. Proper diagnostics not only protect your wallet but also ensure your car is fixed right the first time.
Modern Cars Are Rolling Computers
Years ago, a mechanic could pop the hood, listen for a noise, and often figure out what was wrong. But today’s vehicles are more like networks on wheels. Modern cars can have 30–50 onboard computers controlling everything from the engine to the transmission, braking, climate control, and even safety features.
One vehicle might run on 100 million lines of code! That means a hiccup in one system can easily affect another. A problem that feels like a transmission issue, for example, could actually come from the engine, sensors, or even wiring.
This is why proper diagnostic testing is so important: it helps us separate symptoms from the real cause of the issue.
Why a Free Code Scan Isn’t Enough
At a parts store, a code scan usually works like this: someone plugs in a handheld tool, it spits out a code (like “P0171 – System Too Lean”), and you get a printout suggesting parts to replace.
Here’s the problem: a code is not a diagnosis. It’s just a clue. That lean code could be caused by:
If you just buy the part suggested on the printout, chances are you’ll waste money on something that isn’t actually bad. That’s what we call “parts cannon” repairs — throwing parts at the problem and hoping one sticks.
At Accomplished Auto, we go beyond just reading codes.
What Real Diagnostics Involve
When you bring your car to our Concord, NH shop for diagnostics, our trained technicians take a step-by-step approach:
Scan for codes – using professional-grade equipment (worth thousands of dollars, updated yearly).
Analyze live sensor data – watching how the car behaves in real time.
Check freeze-frame data – the snapshot your car took at the moment the fault occurred.
Perform pinpoint tests – electrical checks, smoke testing for leaks, fuel pressure testing, and visual inspections in hidden areas.
Research recalls & bulletins – reviewing manufacturer service information and Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for known issues.
All of this takes time, skill, and the right information. It’s detective work — and it ensures we identify the root cause of the problem.
A Real-Life Example: Transmission or… Turbo Hose?
Recently, a customer came in convinced their transmission was failing. The car shifted oddly and felt sluggish. That kind of repair could have cost thousands.
But after a full diagnostic inspection, our technician found the real culprit: a dislodged turbo boost hose. The loose hose was robbing the engine of power, which made the transmission feel like it was slipping.
The repair? Simply reattaching and securing the hose. Problem solved. Transmission saved.
Without proper diagnostics, that customer could have spent big money fixing the wrong thing.
Why Diagnostics Have a Fee
Charging for diagnostics isn’t about nickel-and-diming customers. It’s about covering the very real resources needed to give you accurate answers:
Expensive tools: Our scan equipment alone costs over $8,000 plus yearly updates.
Professional training: Our technicians constantly update their skills to keep up with new technology.
Access to information: We subscribe to manufacturer databases for wiring diagrams, service info, and TSBs.
Time: A proper diagnostic can take an hour or more of careful testing.
When you pay for diagnostics, you’re investing in accuracy, peace of mind, and ultimately — savings.
Diagnostics Save You Money
Think of diagnostics as insurance against wasted repairs:
You avoid replacing unnecessary parts.
You get the right repair done the first time.
You protect other systems from damage by fixing the root cause early.
You drive away confident that the issue is truly resolved.
In the long run, that diagnostic fee is often the cheapest part of the repair process.
The Bottom Line
At Accomplished Auto in Concord, NH, we charge for diagnostics because they are the foundation of a proper repair. Free code scans give you guesses. Our diagnostics give you answers.
So the next time your check engine light comes on or your car isn’t driving quite right, trust the team that has the training, tools, and dedication to find and fix the real problem the first time.
📍 Need diagnostics or auto repair in Concord, NH? Give us a call or schedule an appointment online at accomplishedauto.com.