A diagnostic test is used to detect issues within the engine, exhaust or transmission as well as other major components. Performance issues can also be detected such as the throttle, injectors and ignition coils. The diagnostic equipment will tell the technician which component is not performing as should, the technician will then work to figure out the potential cause of this issue.

A diagnostic test can help to detect problems before it causes any serious damage or causes a breakdown. The cars computer will also store information about the history of the vehicle to help technicians carry out the best repairs for the vehicle.

You don’t have to wait until the engine management light is on to have a diagnostic test. If you believe major components to your cars engine are not performing as they should or the performance of your vehicle has altered you can book in for a diagnostic test.

Your exhaust system provides many functions to your car not only does it direct away the exhaust fumes it improves the performance and fuel consumption of the vehicle.

Not all exhaust systems look the same this can depend on many factors but they all work in a similar way. The exhaust ensures toxic gases are channeled away from the vehicle and passengers. These fumes are collected in the engine from the cylinder head by an exhaust manifold. First of all these gases are collected in the front pipe before travelling through a catalytic converter which removes carbon monoxide and hydrogen monoxide to be converted into inert gases.

Next, the gases go through a silencer which deflect the sound waves from the engine cancelling out the loud noise. If your car becomes very loud this could be due to the silencer becoming corroded and developing a hole.

Finally, the fumes will exit from the vehicle through the tail pipe and away from the vehicle. The whole exhaust system it held together and to the vehicle using sets of flanges,, hangers, gaskets and clamps.

Damage to your suspension can affect the control of your vehicle, you may notice a difference when turning or stopping. Here are some things to look out for.

Pulling When Turning – If your suspension is damaged you could feel a pull when you are turning a corner meaning the vehicle is no longer being kept stable by the shocks. If you get this feeling round a corner its best to book in for a check.

Uneven Tyre Wear – If the tread is wearing unevenly on your tyres it could be a sign the suspension isn’t holding the car even and could be putting uneven pressure on the vehicle and therefore wearing out the tyres.

Rough Ride – This is the sign that most people pick up on when their suspension is damaged, if you start to feel the road as being more bouncy you may need to have your suspension checked.

One way to test your vehicles suspension from home is by trying the bounce test this is done by simply pressing down on the front of the vehicle when it is parked, bounce it up and down a few times and then release it. If the vehicle continues to bounce a few times after you release it instead of just spring back up stable this could mean your suspension is worn out and needs a professional to look at it.

One of the warning lights that can appear on your dashboard if your car detects a problem is the battery. If this light comes on whilst you are driving switch off all electronic devices that are running in the vehicle such as radio, air conditioning or heater and remove devices plugged into the car which could put strain on the battery.

Try to get to a safe location so you can stop incase it suddenly stalls. The problem could be coming from the battery itself, the alternator or fuses in the engine. If you are close to or are only a few minutes away from a garage take it to the repair shop.

If your car stalls during your journey coast to the side of the road and call your breakdown assistance such as the RAC or the AA. There is no way to tell how long the battery will last once the light comes on so it is best to be cautious and plan to stop as soon as you can.