When a check engine light illuminates your dashboard, you have to get the vehicle checked to identify the real problem.
So, if this happens to your car when driving, you’ll need to find a professional to check the issue, so you may wonder- can Advance Auto Parts check the engine light? Here’s all you need to know!
Can Advance Auto Parts Check My Engine Light In [currentyear]?
Fortunately, Advance Auto Parts stores can conduct free engine code scanning on most OBD II vehicles if your check engine light is on in [currentyear]. However, Advance Auto Parts might not resolve all the issues that come up from the reader; instead, the worker present will refer you to a local professional technician if you need a comprehensive diagnosis.
For more information about Advance Auto Parts services, if your check light engine is on, and how Advance Auto can diagnose the different codes, keep on reading!
Will Advance Auto Parts Charge You to Check Your Engine Light?
If you go to Advance Auto Parts stores when the check engine light is on, the staff will check and read the codes for you at no fee.
While the retailer checks these codes for free, the staff will refer you to another technician if you need a more detailed diagnosis to resolve the codes.
How Does Advance Auto Parts Check an Engine Light?
Advance Auto Parts will help you read and diagnose codes when your check light engine is on.
When this light is illuminated, it means that a sensor has sent readings to your engine computers that some parameters are abnormal.
When you go to any Advance Auto Parts store, the staff can scan OBD II codes and identify the trouble codes that are causing the check engine light to come on.
Trouble codes are categorized into P, which denotes issues with the engine, emission, and transmission.
B represents airbags, lighting, and climate control; C is for the chassis, which covers steering, antilock brakes, and suspension, while U is for network communications.
Advance Auto Parts staff will read these trouble codes for you.
However, if your vehicle needs further and a more comprehensive diagnosis, you’ll be referred to another mechanic for assistance.
If you need to purchase any parts to fit in your car, Advance Auto Parts employees will direct you to the items you need.
However, since the retailer is not a mechanic shop, you can get the parts fixed by your local mechanic.
Additionally, some drivers say that retailers like Advance Auto Parts are not legally allowed to clear a trouble code to avoid putting the driver at risk on the road if the issue is still there.
How Long Does It Take to Diagnose the Check Engine Light?
When you drive to an Advance Auto Parts store to get the check engine light checked, the process takes about a minute once the reader is plugged in.
You can get the codes immediately, and the employees can advise whether you need some replacement parts from the store or require further diagnosis.
Do All Advance Auto Parts Stores Check Engine the Light?
Since this is a free service, all Advance Auto Parts stores can check your engine light and read the codes for you.
Although the employees can’t resolve all of the trouble codes, they can do a quick read and identify the issues affecting your vehicle.
Can You Check the Engine Light by Yourself?
If you don’t have access to any Advance Auto Parts store, you can check the engine light by yourself by using an OBD reader.
Fortunately, this code reading takes a few minutes, and you can take it to a professional technician to interpret what the issue is.
In addition, you can also take the reading to an Advance Auto Parts shop and consult with the employees.
What Triggers the Check Engine Light?
If your check engine light comes on, it could be due to the following reasons:
Faulty Spark Plugs
If you are driving with faulty spark plugs, you’ll affect the fuel economy in your car and overall performance.
When this happens, the engine will misfire and stall your car, which triggers the check engine light.
Missing Gas Cap
Your vehicle needs a gas cap to seal the fuel system and help maintain the pressure within the fuel tank.
When this cap is damaged or loose, you’ll start losing fuel to evaporation, which prompts the check engine light to come on.
Failed Oxygen Sensors
When your vehicle’s oxygen sensor fails, the vehicle will show multiple engine codes. Therefore, you need to replace them immediately before getting back on the road.
To learn more, you can also read our posts on whether or not Advance Auto Parts take used oil, if Advance Auto Parts turns rotors, and if Advance Auto Parts checks codes.
Conclusion
Advance Auto Parts stores can conduct free engine code scanning on most OBD II vehicles if your check engine light is on.
However, Advance Auto Parts might not resolve all the issues that come up from the reader. Instead, the staff will refer you to a local professional technician if you need a comprehensive diagnosis.
