Our Car Diagnostic Testing Process
Three straightforward steps take your vehicle from a warning light or symptom to a clear, actionable report.
Step 1: We Listen
You describe what you’ve noticed, whether it’s a dashboard light, an unusual sound, or a change in how the vehicle drives. Our technician documents your observations before testing begins.
Step 2: We Test
Our ASE-certified technicians use manufacturer-level equipment to perform detailed testing and accurately identify what’s really going on with your vehicle. This goes beyond the code to find the root cause.
Step 3: We Explain
You receive a plain-language Digital Vehicle Inspection (DVI) report with photos of the findings. Review it, ask questions, and approve any work before anything is touched.
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.
We Stand Behind Our Work
Every repair that follows testing is covered by the Nice Difference® Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles, whichever occurs last. That coverage travels with you and is honored at any Christian Brothers Automotive location nationwide, so you’re protected whether you’re at home in Sandy Springs or on the road.
No work is ever done without your approval. We explain what we find, you decide what to fix, and we get to work only after you give the go-ahead.
Understanding Car Diagnostic Testing
Car Diagnostic Testing is a multi-system evaluation, not a single-code scan. Depending on the symptoms your vehicle is showing, testing can assess the engine, transmission, emissions, electrical, fuel, and braking systems. Because modern vehicles share sensor data across systems, a single warning light may trace back to more than one component. Testing isolates the actual source. A comprehensive Digital Vehicle Inspection report identifies both active issues and items to monitor, so you can prioritize repairs with full information.
Signs Your Vehicle May Need Diagnostic Testing
Any of these conditions is a good reason to schedule testing:
- Check engine light or service engine soon light illuminated or flashing
- Rough idling, stalling, or hesitation during acceleration
- Noticeable drop in fuel efficiency with no change in driving habits
- Unusual sounds such as knocking, rattling, or misfiring
A flashing warning light typically signals a more urgent condition than a steady light and warrants prompt attention rather than a wait-and-see approach.
Code Reading vs. Full Diagnostic Testing
An OBD-II trouble code points to a system or sensor that reported an anomaly. It doesn’t pinpoint the exact failed component. Our technicians perform detailed testing to accurately identify what’s really going on with your vehicle, evaluating the flagged system in context with related components rather than making an assumption based on the code alone.
Parts stores offer free code reading, but they aren’t equipped to perform repairs or produce a comprehensive vehicle inspection report. Full testing with manufacturer-level equipment reduces the risk of misdiagnosis and can help avoid unnecessary parts replacements. The DVI report we provide outlines recommended repairs with photos, giving you a complete picture before any decision is made.
Still have questions about what testing covers? Call us at (770) 230-1759 or schedule your appointment online. We can explain exactly what we find and let you decide what comes next.Your Local Christian Brothers Amenities
FAQs
-
Q. "What does a vehicle test do?"
Today’s vehicles are more advanced than ever. They’re essentially computers on wheels, with complex systems controlling everything from performance and safety to comfort and efficiency. When a warning light comes on or something feels off, our testing process takes a deep dive into these systems to identify the real issue, not just a surface-level code. This thorough approach goes far beyond a quick parts-store scan and helps ensure repairs are accurate, effective, and long-lasting.
-
Q. "How long does a vehicle test take?"We believe in doing things right, not rushing through them. While some tests can be completed quickly, others take more time, depending on the concern. Our priority is accuracy, so you can feel confident in the results and the next steps. We’ll always keep you informed along the way, giving you peace of mind on the road to the people and places that matter most.
-
Q. "When should I get a vehicle test?"
Vehicle testing is essential anytime a warning light comes on, your vehicle feels different, or during routine maintenance visits. Regular testing helps catch small issues before they become bigger problems, keeping your car safe, reliable, and running at its best.
-
Q. "Do you offer a shuttle service?"Yes! we understand you have a full schedule. Whether you need to get to work, school, or need to attend to other responsibilities, we can take you where you need to go. Click here to learn more.
-
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 a 3-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.
-
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.
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
-
"As always, service and staff was perfect! Skylar helped me today and answered all my questions and very welcoming. I will continue to do business with sandy springs! Thank you so much!"
- Diane