Unless your vehicle is still covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, it’s usually best to avoid dealership service centers for routine maintenance and diagnostics. Dealerships can be expensive, and technicians there may recommend replacing parts rather than diagnosing and repairing the root cause. AutoZone offers a number of free services that help you diagnose problems and maintain your vehicle without the dealer price tag. Their complimentary services include Loan-A-Tool, oil recycling, charging system testing, battery charging, ECM testing, battery testing, and a Check Engine Light troubleshooting service. With these free tests, you’ll have the information needed to decide whether your car needs a battery replacement or professional service.
Oil Recycling
If you perform your own oil changes at home, you need to dispose of used motor oil responsibly. Every AutoZone accepts used motor oil for recycling. Just bring your drained oil to the store and staff will point you to the designated recycling drums. Proper disposal protects the environment and keeps you in compliance with local regulations.
Battery Testing
Check the manufacturing date sticker on your battery; most batteries last about four to six years, though extreme heat or cold can shorten that life. If your battery is acting weak, won’t hold a charge, or is causing electrical issues, remove it and bring it into AutoZone for a free battery test. If the battery is dead, AutoZone will recycle it and you can purchase a replacement at the store. Their testing helps you confirm whether a new battery is necessary before spending money on a replacement.
Loan-A-Tool
Some automotive repairs require specialty tools you’ll only use once or twice—items like a pickle fork, spindle puller, or specialty socket. Rather than buying and storing these infrequently used tools, AutoZone’s Loan-A-Tool program lets you borrow them for the time needed. Renting a specialty tool for a short job is cheaper and more practical than making a permanent purchase.
Check Engine Light Diagnostics
A Check Engine Light indicates that a vehicle system has detected an issue, but the exact cause is not always obvious. AutoZone can read the diagnostic trouble codes and offer guidance on likely causes and potential fixes. They can also test the Engine Control Module (ECM) for additional insight. Armed with these diagnostics, you can better decide whether to attempt a DIY repair, take the car to an independent mechanic, or visit a dealership if the problem is covered under warranty.
Keeping diagnostics and simple services out of the dealership can save you money—money you can better spend on fuel and road trips. Before committing to costly tests or part replacements, consider AutoZone for basic troubleshooting and free services that help extend the life of your vehicle and narrow down repair needs.
Gift Card Giveaway
To help you keep your car in good condition, this post offered a $100 AutoZone gift card. Entries were requested via comments describing what you would purchase at AutoZone if you won, with a winner selected on August 15, 2016 at midnight. (Note: this was the original contest description.)
This post was created in partnership with AutoZone; the views expressed are the author’s own.