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.
You Stay in Control from Start to Finish
For many drivers, a warning light is stressful because it feels like handing over control. Our process is built around removing that uncertainty. Before any decision is made, we take the time to explain what your vehicle needs in language that’s clear and straightforward.
Nothing moves forward without your approval. Owner Tony Craft and our team are on-site and available as a direct point of contact, not a call center. You’ll know what was found, what we recommend, and why. The next step is yours to make.
Signs It’s Time to Schedule Car Diagnostic Testing
Some situations make the need for testing obvious. Others are easier to put off. Here are common signs that Smyrna drivers bring to us:
- Check engine light on: Whether steady or flashing, this is the most direct signal that your vehicle’s computer has detected a fault.
- Rough idling, misfires, or hesitation during acceleration: These can point to ignition, fuel system, or sensor faults that testing can isolate.
- Unexplained drop in fuel efficiency: When fuel economy falls without an obvious reason, an onboard system may be operating outside normal parameters.
- Unusual odors or sounds from the engine bay: These warrant testing before the underlying condition worsens.
- Other dashboard warning lights: ABS, battery, oil pressure, and TPMS lights each correspond to specific systems that Car Diagnostic Testing can assess.
- Vehicle feels or performs differently, even without a warning light: Modern equipment can surface stored codes that haven’t yet triggered a visible alert.
What Car Diagnostic Testing Covers
Manufacturer-level equipment lets our technicians access systems well beyond what a basic code reader can reach. Through Car Diagnostic Testing, we can assess engine management, transmission controls, emissions systems, anti-lock braking (ABS), traction control, airbag and safety systems, and HVAC and climate control modules.
OBD-II & Manufacturer-Level Equipment
OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics, second generation) is the standardized diagnostic interface built into 1996 and newer vehicles. It allows diagnostic tools to retrieve fault codes from a vehicle’s electronic control units. A basic scan tool retrieves those stored codes. Manufacturer-level equipment goes further, enabling live data stream analysis and component-level testing that gives a more complete picture of what’s actually happening inside the vehicle.
Testing can also surface pending codes: faults that have occurred but haven’t yet triggered a warning light. Identifying those early can help you address an issue before it escalates.
Your Digital Vehicle Inspection (DVI) Report
When testing is complete, our technician reviews all findings with you, explains what each code or data reading means in plain language, and presents your repair options. The Digital Vehicle Inspection (DVI) report gives you a written record of everything found. Nothing proceeds until you’ve decided how you’d like to move forward.
Your Local Christian Brothers Amenities
FAQs
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 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.
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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.
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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"Wednesday it was my good fortune to have Steve at Christian Bros., Spring Rd, Smyrna, GA assist me. I found Steve to be Courteous, Knowledgeable, and Efficient. Thank you for hiring an excellent employee like Steve!"
- Linda C