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How long does a diagnostic test for a car take?

After I accidentally hit a curb, my car has been acting strangely. I want to take it in to make sure everything is okay, but I need to know how long I’ll be without it. How long does it take to do a diagnostic on a car?

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Hana Sabah · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
I’m sorry to hear about your car! Getting it fixed can cost you both time and money, so I understand the frustration.
The good news is that a standard diagnostic test only takes around an hour and a half. But that is contingent on a couple of factors like:
  • The severity of the issue: If the problem with your car is severe, then the mechanic will have to be extra careful running diagnostics to make sure they don’t further harm your car.
  • Where the problem is located: If the problem is in a hard-to-reach spot, mechanics may have to take a few things apart to run a diagnostic, which could add an hour or two to the process.
Note that the cost of a diagnostic is charged by the hour, and the standard hourly rate for labor is around $110 to $200.
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