What a diagnostic scan reads
Modern cars have several control units that monitor the engine, gearbox, brakes, airbags and more. When something goes wrong, they store a fault code. We connect a professional scanner to the car's OBD port and read them.
- Engine: misfires, sensor faults, fuel and emission problems.
- Gearbox: shifting faults, slipping and temperature warnings.
- ABS and stability control: wheel speed sensor and pump faults.
- Airbags (SRS): faults that can point to a past accident or a disconnected airbag.
- Other modules on the advanced scan, depending on the make and model.
Why "no warning lights" isn't enough
Fault codes can be cleared with a cheap scanner, which turns the warning light off for a while. But the car's readiness monitors also reset when codes are cleared, and they take a period of normal driving to complete again.
If several readiness monitors show "not ready" on a car that's supposedly driven every day, it's a sign the codes may have been cleared recently. We note this in the report so you can ask the seller why.
Scan + physical check = the full picture
A scan alone can't see a worn suspension bush, an oil leak, a repainted door or a welded chassis rail. That's why the diagnostic scan is part of every inspection we do, alongside the physical check of 120 to 130+ points.
- Standard inspection: basic OBD scan.
- Comprehensive inspection: advanced multi-system scan.
Need a diagnostic check only? Message us on WhatsApp with the car and the problem you're seeing.
Inspection prices
Standard
120+ point check, basic OBD scan, paint & body, PDF summary.
Comprehensive
Full 130+ point report, advanced OBD scan, extended road test, 40+ photos, call with the inspector.
Full details on the pricing section.
Questions, answered.
Can an OBD scan show accident history?
Not directly. But airbag (SRS) fault codes and replaced or disconnected modules can point to a past accident. The physical check of paint, panels and chassis is what confirms it.
Can the seller hide fault codes?
They can clear codes, which turns warning lights off for a while. Readiness monitors that show 'not ready' are a common sign of recently cleared codes, and we report them.
Is the diagnostic scan included in the inspection?
Yes. The Standard inspection includes a basic scan and the Comprehensive inspection includes an advanced multi-system scan.
Check the car before you pay.
We come to the car, inspect 130+ points and send you a photo report on WhatsApp within 1 hour.