Which is better – dealer/auto mechanic shop, parts store, or DIY?
There are pros and cons to each. The dealer and auto mechanic shop should have certified auto mechanics running the diagnostic, so you should have more confidence that they will diagnose the problem correctly. However, there may be an associated charge. With an auto parts store or DIY, you should get a good idea of what system caused the check engine light, but you won’t get a definitive diagnosis or necessarily know how to repair the malfunction. If you are looking for the frugal way to handle this, I recommend dropping by AutoZone or another parts store that offers a free check engine light diagnostic and have them run a quick scan. It only takes about 5 minutes and should give you a good idea of whether or not you can drive your car until you can find a convenient time to repair the malfunction, or whether the problem could be serious and requires immediate attention. If you have several cars, or an older car, you may consider buying a scan tool. At $60, you wouldn’t be spending a l
