Does AutoZone Do Free Diagnostic Tests? (Answered)
Running a diagnostic check on your car can cost hundreds of dollars. Some car dealers and auto part retailers offer flat rate incentives or free diagnostic tests on cars registered or bought under them.
AutoZone is the largest auto parts and accessories retailer in America.
The company is renowned for selling only top-quality parts and going the extra mile to satisfy its customers.
Therefore, it wouldn’t be a surprise if you wondered if AutoZone does free diagnostic tests.
AutoZone does offer free diagnostic tests for its customers. The free diagnostic services include: testing your battery’s voltage, helping you install new wiper blades, and reading the code on your car engine light. A few auto replacement part retailers that also offer this free service to customers are Pep Boys and Advanced Auto Parts.
Will Autozone Diagnose My Car For Free?
AutoZone will diagnose a customer’s car for free. The auto dealers run these diagnostics using a Fix Finder.
The device reads and analyzes faults in the car by taking information from the Maintenance lights, Check Engine, and Anti-lock braking system.
The diagnostic test does not take long. The device is plugged in, collects the information in under 1 or 2 minutes, and is unplugged.
Once the Fix Finder is unplugged, an AutoZone attendant will extract the information from the device and review it on a computer screen.
The attendant will give you a detailed and easy-to-understand report on the state of things with your car.
The attendant will also give you a printed and digital copy of the diagnostic check results.
With this, you can approach a car mechanic that will easily spot and repair the faults in the car.
Since you’re at AutoZone, the attendant will work you through an array of auto replacement parts for the faults in your car if your car requires replacement parts.
The AutoZone attendant will help you find the right replacement parts and recommend a local car mechanic.
Click this link to find the closest AutoZone store around you. Although AutoZone does offer free diagnostic tests, they may not be very reliable.
The AutoZone attendant may unknowingly use a bad Fix Finder that day, and the device will come up with multiple error codes.
Hence, reducing the accuracy to spot the actual fault the car has. A thing as little as a bad sensor in a Fix Finder can render all sorts of problems when in use.
The Fix Finder would highlight several error codes that link to a single fault in the car.
Therefore, the diagnostic check will show results for multiple faults without pinpointing the particular problem in the vehicle causing the other faults.
However, AutoZone’s diagnostic test is free and offers valuable information that may come in handy in cases where you can’t afford a more sophisticated car diagnostic test.
Below is a table that contains a few auto parts you can purchase from AutoZone.
| Auto Parts | Features |
|---|---|
| Duralast Platinum EFB Battery | High-quality car battery with three years warranty. |
| Duralast Ceramic Brake pads | Quality ceramic brake pads with a Limited-lifetime warranty. |
| Duralast Gold Alternator | Top quality car alternator with a Limited-lifetime warranty. |
What Kind of Diagnostic Test Does Autozone Do?
AutoZone reads the codes in your car engine light, tests your battery voltage, and checks on your alternator and starter.
Your vehicle’s check engine light must be on, indicating a fault with the car before an AutoZone attendant will run a diagnostics check.
Always remember that although the AutoZone attendants know how to operate the diagnostic equipment, they are not AES-certified professionals.
Hence, they might misread a code or give an inadequate explanation of a damaged part or fault. The diagnostic check doesn’t tell you exactly what auto part to replace.
It only highlights a fault the ASE Certified Professional can trace to the correct part needing replacement.
Below are a few likely faults that can flag your car’s check engine light.
#1. Bad Oxygen Sensors
Failed oxygen sensors are one of the major causes of your check engine light flagging.
If you don’t replace the sensors, your car will burn more fuel than it should, and the damage could spread to the spark plugs and catalytic converter.
AutoZone’s diagnostic test can spot this. However, it is best to have a professional interpret the codes to ensure the fault stems from bad oxygen sensors.
#2. Damaged Catalytic Converter
A damaged catalytic converter is often due to another fault in the car, causing the converter to malfunction.
If you do not replace this auto part, your vehicle’s fuel economy will be affected, and your car will not pass emission tests.
Also, tracing the fault in the car responsible for damaging the Catalytic Converter is more important than replacing the converter.
Because if you don’t solve the problem, the catalytic converter will keep damaging.
#3. Misfiring
A Misfiring problem can cause the check engine light to flick on.
Usually, the source of this problem is a defective ignition coil, a vacuum leak, or worn-out spark plugs and wires.
If the fuel injector is defective, it can also cause the car to misfire.
Does Autozone Scan Codes For Free?
AutoZone scans codes for free. However, it is best not to depend on the AutoZone attendants’ interpretation of the codes.
They can only point out a few tips on what might likely be wrong.
Taking your car to a certified AES professional will ensure you get an accurate interpretation of what is wrong with your vehicle.
The diagnostic codes are just a small part of the problem. It’s merely pointing out a list of possible errors that could be wrong with the car.
AutoZone’s diagnostics function perfectly on all cars, but the attendant may be unable to differentiate codes of different car brands.
An example is Volkswagen cars. They use similar codes but for different diagnoses.
Conclusion
AutoZone provides free diagnostic tests for customers that encompass error code reading and even changing new wipers.
Interpreting the codes and pinpointing the exact parts that need replacement is an integral role you should not entirely depend on the AutoZone employee.
