Car Diagnostics / Code Reader Services | Springboro, OH
Testing & Analysis Services
You walk out the door on a blustery cold morning, grasping your morning coffee for extra warmth, scrape the ice off your windshield, start your car, and see that terrible glow of the orange dash lights.
If this has happened to any of our Springboro, Miamisburg, or Centerville guests, you know it's not a good feeling. Seeing lights on the dash can be concerning and stressful. But what's actually wrong with your vehicle? Are you about to find a major repair, or maybe finding out just a quick fix will do? We're here at Schmidt Auto Care to make sure you not only know the cause of your glowing dash but also the best way to fix it so you can make an informed repair decision.
It's important to us that our guests make confident decisions when servicing their vehicles with us. They trust us to guide them in the best way, and that’s a job we take seriously. Mike, Erich, and I chatted about conversations we've had around the topic of testing and scan tools with our guests, and we found there are some common misconceptions.
We want to clear some things up on the forefront of scan tools and their usage. The information below should give you a better understanding of what's really going on when our tech team plugs into your car's computer versus when an auto parts store, or your friend at home, does it.
We've built our reputation in Springboro, OH by being the leaders in technology and testing/analysis. Whether you have a quick question on basic maintenance or are starting a major repair in the face, you can count on Schmidt Auto Care to advise and assist you every step of the way.
"Free" Code Checks Aren't Really Free
One of the things that prompted us to talk about testing services, is we started seeing ads from big chains offering “free code readings” in their windows and ads. We were initially shocked to see the offerings, so we wanted to dig a bit deeper into it. We thought everyone may not know the difference between a professional scan tool and the auto stores’ scan tools, and we know even the most experienced car owners might be lured in by the convenience of a free scan. But we are here to tell you; what glitters is not always gold.
All scan tools are not created equal, and we’ve spent tens of thousands on multiple scan tools at Schmidt Auto Care. They are very technical, professional pieces of equipment that go through rigorous testing daily. They require subscription updates regularly, and they are specific to makes and models. One scan tool does not do it all, and there is nothing cheap or free about a professional shop’s scan tool.
The latest and greatest technology is not found in your run-of-the-mill scan tool that you can find online for $499. To put it simply, the basic consumer scanners just don't cut it. They may guide you in a general direction, but that “free code” is non-effective more times than not when there is a failure point to track down.
We've heard so many stories from guests who tried to diagnose their dash lights at a parts store and came out with a code that wasn’t the actual issue. But a worse outcome includes unnecessary parts purchases when misdiagnosing the problem itself based on those free codes. No one wants to pay $400 for an O2 sensor, only to find out it could have been fixed with a $5 wire. Or that it wasn't broken at all, and it was something completely different.
You can save a lot of money and guesswork if you just start with a professional opinion. When you get your testing done at Schmidt Auto Care, it's being done by professionals with professional tools.
I know Mike loves getting to tell our guests the repair isn't as serious as they thought. And I know our guests love to hear that. But, even if you have a professional scan tool like we do, that's still only part of the auto care process.
Trust Your Local Professionals
Big, national chains in all industries follow a similar formula for 'disrupting' established, small, local businesses. The formula goes something like this:
- Act like you're "breaking the rules".
- Paint local businesses as inefficient or expensive.
- Maximize short-term profits.
There are plenty of examples of companies claiming to have "reinvented" the wheel. In the case of auto parts stores claiming they can read your car's computer, they follow the formula above perfectly. Like marking something "On Sale" without changing the price, it's just a tactic to get you in the door, not to actually assist you.
When you go to get your car's computer analyzed, you want it to be done by someone who cares about fixing the problem and has the skills and tools to do it correctly. A professional shop offers that. Corporate auto parts stores haven't invested in the tools or training they would need to do the job correctly. Their job is retail-based, not service-based.
Keep that in mind as you make your decisions on who analyzes your dash lights. Your car isn't something you can just replace, and it's important to put its health in good hands.
Service: The Schmidt Way of Life
As a veteran-owned business, Schmidt Auto Care understands the meaning of service. For us, it's always been about more than just getting the job done. It's about our personal integrity, accountability, and doing things with care. We've built trust with our Springboro friends and neighbors not by just fixing their cars, but by doing it with an attention to detail you can see and feel.
Erich and I have always taken pride in being able to stand by the advice we give our guests. With Schmidt Auto Care, you have a partner you can count on long-term for your maintenance and repairs. We don't race to the bottom in price, and we don't cut corners. We earn our customers' confidence by doing things right, every time they come to us.
Get Your Questions Answered
Whether you have a light on your dashboard or are already hearing signs of trouble from your engine, get your car examined by professionals. Hopefully, the information above helps illustrate the substantial gap between our analysis and the 'free' alternatives. We're always happy to answer any questions you have, and often have coupons available for popular services.
And if you need testing or diagnostics done, just request an appointment below and let us know a bit about your concerns. Everyone at Schmidt Auto Care is here because we truly care about serving our customers. We're your Springboro, OH neighbors, and proud to be the ones you turn to when you have car trouble.
Testing & Analysis Services
You walk out the door on a blustery cold morning, grasping your morning coffee for extra warmth, scrape the ice off your windshield, start your car, and see that terrible glow of the orange dash lights.
If this has happened to any of our Springboro, Miamisburg, or Centerville guests, you know it's not a good feeling. Seeing lights on the dash can be concerning and stressful. But what's actually wrong with your vehicle? Are you about to find a major repair, or maybe finding out just a quick fix will do? We're here at Schmidt Auto Care to make sure you not only know the cause of your glowing dash but also the best way to fix it so you can make an informed repair decision.
It's important to us that our guests make confident decisions when servicing their vehicles with us. They trust us to guide them in the best way, and that’s a job we take seriously. Mike, Erich, and I chatted about conversations we've had around the topic of testing and scan tools with our guests, and we found there are some common misconceptions.
We want to clear some things up on the forefront of scan tools and their usage. The information below should give you a better understanding of what's really going on when our tech team plugs into your car's computer versus when an auto parts store, or your friend at home, does it.
We've built our reputation in Springboro, OH by being the leaders in technology and testing/analysis. Whether you have a quick question on basic maintenance or are starting a major repair in the face, you can count on Schmidt Auto Care to advise and assist you every step of the way.
"Free" Code Checks Aren't Really Free
One of the things that prompted us to talk about testing services, is we started seeing ads from big chains offering “free code readings” in their windows and ads. We were initially shocked to see the offerings, so we wanted to dig a bit deeper into it. We thought everyone may not know the difference between a professional scan tool and the auto stores’ scan tools, and we know even the most experienced car owners might be lured in by the convenience of a free scan. But we are here to tell you; what glitters is not always gold.
All scan tools are not created equal, and we’ve spent tens of thousands on multiple scan tools at Schmidt Auto Care. They are very technical, professional pieces of equipment that go through rigorous testing daily. They require subscription updates regularly, and they are specific to makes and models. One scan tool does not do it all, and there is nothing cheap or free about a professional shop’s scan tool.
The latest and greatest technology is not found in your run-of-the-mill scan tool that you can find online for $499. To put it simply, the basic consumer scanners just don't cut it. They may guide you in a general direction, but that “free code” is non-effective more times than not when there is a failure point to track down.
We've heard so many stories from guests who tried to diagnose their dash lights at a parts store and came out with a code that wasn’t the actual issue. But a worse outcome includes unnecessary parts purchases when misdiagnosing the problem itself based on those free codes. No one wants to pay $400 for an O2 sensor, only to find out it could have been fixed with a $5 wire. Or that it wasn't broken at all, and it was something completely different.
You can save a lot of money and guesswork if you just start with a professional opinion. When you get your testing done at Schmidt Auto Care, it's being done by professionals with professional tools.
I know Mike loves getting to tell our guests the repair isn't as serious as they thought. And I know our guests love to hear that. But, even if you have a professional scan tool like we do, that's still only part of the auto care process.
Trust Your Local Professionals
Big, national chains in all industries follow a similar formula for 'disrupting' established, small, local businesses. The formula goes something like this:
- Act like you're "breaking the rules".
- Paint local businesses as inefficient or expensive.
- Maximize short-term profits.
There are plenty of examples of companies claiming to have "reinvented" the wheel. In the case of auto parts stores claiming they can read your car's computer, they follow the formula above perfectly. Like marking something "On Sale" without changing the price, it's just a tactic to get you in the door, not to actually assist you.
When you go to get your car's computer analyzed, you want it to be done by someone who cares about fixing the problem and has the skills and tools to do it correctly. A professional shop offers that. Corporate auto parts stores haven't invested in the tools or training they would need to do the job correctly. Their job is retail-based, not service-based.
Keep that in mind as you make your decisions on who analyzes your dash lights. Your car isn't something you can just replace, and it's important to put its health in good hands.
Service: The Schmidt Way of Life
As a veteran-owned business, Schmidt Auto Care understands the meaning of service. For us, it's always been about more than just getting the job done. It's about our personal integrity, accountability, and doing things with care. We've built trust with our Springboro friends and neighbors not by just fixing their cars, but by doing it with an attention to detail you can see and feel.
Erich and I have always taken pride in being able to stand by the advice we give our guests. With Schmidt Auto Care, you have a partner you can count on long-term for your maintenance and repairs. We don't race to the bottom in price, and we don't cut corners. We earn our customers' confidence by doing things right, every time they come to us.
Get Your Questions Answered
Whether you have a light on your dashboard or are already hearing signs of trouble from your engine, get your car examined by professionals. Hopefully, the information above helps illustrate the substantial gap between our analysis and the 'free' alternatives. We're always happy to answer any questions you have, and often have coupons available for popular services.
And if you need testing or diagnostics done, just request an appointment below and let us know a bit about your concerns. Everyone at Schmidt Auto Care is here because we truly care about serving our customers. We're your Springboro, OH neighbors, and proud to be the ones you turn to when you have car trouble.
