Engine light on in Berkhamsted? I'll come to you and read it.
- I plug a dealer-level scanner into the car on your drive or at work and read every module, not just the engine.
- You get the codes, what they actually mean and a fair repair price, in writing.
- £60 in Berkhamsted, and I reply the same day.
I reply the same day.
What happens when I come out to Berkhamsted
I'm Kieran, and Kiers Garage is just me. I'm based in Hemel Hempstead, a few miles along the A41, and I come to the car with a dealer-level scanner, a battery and alternator tester, a smoke tester and a head gasket tester. 15+ years in car sales, and I buy, fix and sell cars myself, so I've a fair idea what a repair should cost.
What the visit covers
- Every module read: engine, gearbox, ABS, airbags, body electrics and more.
- Live data checked, so I can see what the sensors are reading now, not just what was logged weeks ago.
- A battery test, because a weak battery can set false codes.
- Your verdict in writing: the codes, what they mean, whether it's safe to drive and a fair repair price.
- About 30 to 45 minutes, wherever the car is.
Prices in Berkhamsted
One price for the call-out and the full scan. You know the cost before I set off.
Berkhamsted
£60
Call-out, every module read and your verdict in writing.
Berkhamsted is in my £60 area, the same as Hemel.
Used car check
from£95
Buying a used car? I meet you at the seller's: full module scan, MOT history, paperwork, a look round and underneath, a battery test, and a straight "buy it" or "walk away" before you hand over any money.
Battery and charging tests, smoke tests for leaks, and ABS or airbag warning lights: from £60.
What the engine light is telling you
The engine light comes on when the engine computer sees a reading outside the range it expects and logs a fault code. The light itself doesn't say how serious it is. That's what the scan is for.
A steady light means a fault has been logged. If the car drives normally you can usually get it home or to a garage gently, but don't leave it for weeks.
A flashing light usually means a misfire bad enough to damage the catalytic converter. Ease off and get it checked before you drive it far.
Before an MOT: an engine light that stays on is a major defect, which is a fail. Get it read before the test, not after.
Faults I come across behind an engine light
Some of these are cheap, some aren't. The scan is how you find out which before anyone starts swapping parts.
Codes left behind by a flat battery
When a battery goes flat or weak, modules all over the car can log faults. The scan separates the real fault from the noise.
Misfires
Rough running, shaking at idle or a flashing light. Live data shows which cylinder is misfiring, so the search starts in the right place.
Catalyst and oxygen sensor codes
Often a knock-on from something else, like a misfire. Sort the cause first, or the new part won't fix it.
Lights that come and go
A fault that clears itself still leaves a stored code. That's why reading it matters, even when the light's gone out.
What a scan can and can't tell you
A scan is the starting point, not the whole answer. Here's where its limits are.
Can tell you
- Which module logged the fault, and the exact code
- Whether a code is live now or history from weeks ago
- Freeze frame data: the speed, revs and temperature when the fault was logged
- Live readings like misfire counts for each cylinder and fuel trims
Can't tell you
- Which part to buy. A code tells you which system spotted a fault, not which part failed.
- Whether the light will stay off once the codes are cleared
- Wear that no sensor measures
How booking works
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Send me the details
Use the booking form on my diagnostics page: the reg, what the car's doing and that you're in Berkhamsted.
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I reply the same day
With a time that works for both of us.
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I come to you
Your drive, the road outside or your work car park. Someone needs to be there with the keys.
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You get it in writing
The codes, what they mean and a fair repair price. Take it to any garage you like.
Common questions
Something else? Ask in the booking form and I'll answer when I reply.
Can I drive it with the engine light on?
If it's steady and the car drives normally, usually yes, gently and not for long. If it's flashing, or the car is losing power, overheating or a red light has come on, stop when it's safe and get it checked first.
Will the engine light fail my MOT?
Yes. An engine light that stays on is a major defect, which is an MOT fail. Get it read before the test.
Can you just clear the light?
I can, but if the fault is still there the light comes back, sometimes the same day. I read everything first and it goes in your written verdict, so nothing is lost if I clear it.
Can you fix it while you're there?
If it's something I can sort on the spot, I'll tell you the price before I touch it. If not, you've got the verdict and a fair repair price to take anywhere you like.
Do you cover Northchurch and Potten End?
Yes, both are on my list. Put your area in the booking form and I'll confirm the price when I reply.
Near Berkhamsted
I also cover Northchurch, Potten End and Bovingdon. Not sure which price applies? Put your area in the booking form and I'll confirm it when I reply.
Engine light on in Berkhamsted? Send me the reg and what it's doing.
Book a diagnostic