If your car has an issue, the check engine light will come on and generate some codes that need to be checked to determine the actual problem.
Can you take your car to an Advance Auto Parts store for checks when it registers trouble codes? If you’d like to find out, keep reading to learn what I discovered!
Does Advance Auto Parts Check Codes In [currentyear]?
Advance Auto Parts stores will check codes for you when the check engine light comes on. These stores carry out free engine code scanning on most OBD II cars in [currentyear]. Therefore, you can get the service at your local store. However, the staff at Advance Auto Parts might refer you to a local technician if you need further diagnosis.
Read on to learn more about how Advance Auto Parts checks codes and what it entails, along with other related facts and tips!
Does Advance Auto Parts Check Codes for Free?
When your check engine light is on and shows codes on the dashboard, Advance Auto Parts will not charge you to check them.
This task is part of the company’s curbside services; therefore, staff members do it for free for all the drivers that visit these stores.
Once the codes are checked, the problem can be resolved.
However, Advance Auto’s staff will refer you to one of their local professional technicians for more assistance if you need a comprehensive diagnosis.
How Does Advance Auto Parts Check the Codes?
When the check engine light is on, it means that the sensor has sent a reading that there are issues in the car outside of the normal parameters.
An Advance Auto Parts employee simply connects the code reader or scanner to a port found in the passenger compartment under the steering column to check these codes.
The codes will pop up on the scanner to help the technician identify the real problem when this is done.
Advance Auto Parts technicians can interpret these codes and determine what triggered them.
If the trouble codes don’t need a comprehensive diagnosis, the technician can advise the car owner on the best course of action.
However, if further assistance is required, you will be connected to a professional.
Once the codes have been read, you might need to buy some parts and accessories to solve the issue. You can get this from any Advance Auto Parts store.
According to some drivers, auto retailers like Advance Auto Parts should not clear the codes legally to avoid risking the driver’s life in case the issue is still there.
Do All Advance Auto Parts Stores Check Codes?
If you need to check your codes, you can go to any Advance Auto Parts to get the service for free.
While the staff might not resolve all the issues, they can read the codes, identify the major issues, and refer you for further assistance.
How Long Does It Take to Read the Codes at Advance Auto Parts?
Ideally, the code reading takes a minute or two once the code reader is plugged into the port.
Although the code doesn’t say which part to replace, the technician can rely on their diagnostic skills to determine what needs to be fixed on the vehicle.
Can You Read the Codes by Yourself?
If you don’t live near an Advance Auto Parts store, you can purchase a code reader from any of these stores.
Since the process takes a few minutes, you can note the code and go to a technician or local mechanic to interpret the issue for you.
This saves you time spent driving to the stores each time to get the diagnosis done.
However, if you’re unsure of how to go about it, it’s advisable to go to Advance Auto Parts or a professional technician for this service.
What Are the Most Common Codes?
When reading OBD II codes on vehicles, some of them are vehicle-specific, while others are universal for different manufacturers.
According to Advance Auto Parts, the trouble codes are organized into four categories.
P stands for powertrain, which includes the engine, emissions, and transmission; B is for the body, i.e., lighting, airbags, and climate control.
On the other hand, C denotes chassis, which covers the steering, electronic suspension, antilock brakes, and vehicle stability. U represents network communication.
Therefore, if you have issues with your powertrain, Advance Auto Parts has a list of some common engine trouble codes and their causes.
You can use this as a guide if you are reading the codes at home to direct your mechanic.
To learn more, you can also read our posts on whether or not Advance Auto Parts changes tires, if Advance Auto Parts buys old batteries, and if Advance Auto Parts turns rotors.
Conclusion
Fortunately, Advance Auto Parts stores will check codes for you when the check engine light comes on. These stores carry out free engine code scanning on most OBD II cars; therefore, you can get the service at your local store.
However, the staff at Advance Auto Parts might refer you to a local technician if you need further diagnosis. You can also purchase an OBD II reader from Advance Auto Parts and read the codes at home.
