Full Service Diagnostic Testing: Our Three-Step Process
A warning light without a clear answer isn’t helpful. Our process is designed to give you both.
Step 1: Full Diagnostic Testing
We perform full diagnostic testing that goes deeper than reading a code off an OBD-II scan tool. A diagnostic trouble code points to a system or circuit, but confirming the specific failed component often requires additional testing and a physical inspection. We do that work before recommending any repair.
Step 2: Clear Explanation of Findings
Before any work begins, our technicians walk you through what we found and what needs to be done. No jargon, no pressure. You’ll understand exactly what’s happening with your vehicle and why each repair is necessary.
Step 3: Quality Repairs, Done Right
Repairs are completed using manufacturer-quality equipment so your vehicle is serviced correctly the first time. We don’t cut corners, and our warranty backs that up.
1. Schedule Your Appointment
Whether scheduling online or over the phone be sure and let us know what you're experiencing so we can provide fast and accurate service advice.
2. Diagnostics and Inspections
Drop off your vehicle and the shop will get to work with inspections and diagnostics using the same equipment as the manufacturers to determine issues and next steps.
3. Digital Vehicle Inspection Report and Estimate
Following the diagnosis we will text you a digital vehicle inspection report, containing pictures and videos of our findings and recommendations.
4. Review and Approval
A service advisor will reach out to walk you through the findings and recommendations to determine how you would like to proceed, or you can approve work directly in your DVI.
5. Work Performed or Scheduled
Most work can be completed immediately, or scheduled based on parts and customer availability.
Common Causes of a Check Engine Light
The warning light can mean many things. These are some of the most frequent culprits our technicians see:
- Loose or damaged gas cap: A poor seal on your fuel cap allows evaporative emissions to escape, which is enough to trigger the malfunction indicator lamp.
- Failing oxygen sensor: One of the most common triggers, a faulty oxygen sensor can also reduce your fuel economy over time.
- Worn ignition coils or spark plugs: Deteriorated ignition components can cause engine misfires, which the onboard computer flags immediately.
- Catalytic converter issues: A failing catalytic converter affects your vehicle’s emissions system and can register as a fault code.
- Malfunctioning mass airflow sensor: When this sensor gives inaccurate readings, it disrupts the engine’s air-fuel mixture and triggers a warning.
Is It Safe to Keep Driving?
The answer depends on what the light is doing. A flashing check engine light means the issue is urgent. Pull over as soon as it’s safely possible and have the vehicle transported to a shop rather than driving it further. Continuing to drive can accelerate damage to the engine or emissions system.
A steady light is less immediately alarming, but that doesn’t mean it should wait. You can generally drive a short distance to a repair facility, but ignoring the warning for days or weeks can turn a minor fault into a much more expensive repair.
Schedule Your Diagnostic Service in Helotes
Don’t leave that light unresolved. Bring your vehicle to Christian Brothers Automotive Helotes, and we can identify what’s causing it. We offer complimentary shuttle service so you can continue your day while we handle the diagnostic work.
Call (210) 774-6868 or use our online contact form to schedule your appointment with Christian Brothers Automotive Helotes today.
Why a Trouble Code Isn’t the Full Picture
Auto parts stores offer free code scans, and it’s tempting to treat that printout as a diagnosis. It isn’t. An OBD-II diagnostic trouble code identifies a general system or circuit where the vehicle’s computer detected a problem. It doesn’t tell you which specific component failed or why.
Trouble codes are grouped by category: powertrain, body, chassis, and network communication. Knowing the category helps narrow the search, but confirming the exact cause typically requires further testing and a physical inspection of the affected components. That’s the difference between reading a code and performing a true diagnosis, and it’s the work we do before recommending any repair.
Your Local Christian Brothers Amenities
FAQs
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Q. "What is the difference between a steadily lit and a flashing check engine light?"A steadily lit light means that a sensor is sending a signal to your vehicle's computer that something is wrong or it could simply mean that the sensor is out. If your check engine light is flashing, however, that means there is a serious issue and you should stop driving immediately.
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Q. "Why is my check engine light on but nothing seems to be wrong with my vehicle?"If nothing within your vehicle stands out, then it is possible that it is just a minor issue such as a loose gas cap or a bad O2 sensor. It is still recommended to see a mechanic if the light doesn't disappear to check for any larger issues.
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Q. "Do you offer a warranty?"As part of our Nice difference.® commitment to providing our customers the best auto service experience possible, we also offer a3-year/36,000-mile warranty on all the work that we do. We offer this warranty at every Christian Brothers Automotive nationwide, and it will be honored at any location, regardless of which branch did the initial work.
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Q. "Can you provide service under my extended warranty?"Yes. At Christian Brothers Automotive, we work with all major extended warranty providers to make needed repairs for our customers. If you have an extended warranty, you can discuss your carrier with our team when scheduling an appointment and confirm that the work will be covered. You can find a partial list of the extended warranty companies we work with here.
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Q. "What to do if your check engine light turns on?"We recommend heading to your local auto shop as soon as you are able. This is typically a sign that there is an abnormality within your engine.
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Q. "Is it safe to drive your car when the check engine light is on?"It depends. If you are experiencing other noticeable issues with your vehicle, it may be best to pull over. Otherwise, it is typically okay to drive to your local auto shop. You will want to get this checked sooner rather than later to avoid being stranded with a broken-down car.
Have more Questions?
Our friendly auto service experts have the answers.
Call your local Christian Brothers Automotive car shop today
Hear What Our Customers Had to Say About Us
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"I liked the customer service and going above and beyond to make sure I was comfortable while waiting in the store for my vehicle work to be done, specifically being offered a nice hot coffee with creamer."
- J.L.