Pre and Post scan Importance
Plugging into Safety: The Critical Role of Pre- and Post-Scanning at Kenny Hawkins Automotive
Today's vehicles are less like traditional cars and more like sophisticated, rolling computers. They are equipped with dozens of interconnected electronic control units (ECUs), sensors, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that manage everything from engine performance to critical safety functions like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring.
When a modern vehicle is involved in a collision, the impact can disrupt these complex systems in ways that aren't visible to the naked eye. Even a minor fender bender can misalign a crucial sensor or trigger a hidden diagnostic trouble code (DTC), which might compromise the vehicle's safety and performance.
At Kenny Hawkins Automotive, we prioritize your safety above all else. That is why we have fully integrated comprehensive pre- and post-repair diagnostic scanning into our standard repair process. These scans act as an "X-ray" for your vehicle's internal systems, ensuring that we uncover all damage and verify that every system is functioning correctly before you return to the road.
The Power of the Pre-Scan: Accurate Damage Assessment
The pre-repair scan is the crucial first step in our repair blueprinting process. Performed before any disassembly begins, it involves connecting specialized, factory-approved diagnostic tools to your vehicle's onboard computer system to identify all existing and potential issues.
Here’s why it's a game-changer:
Uncovers Hidden Damage: Visual inspections alone are no longer sufficient. A pre-scan reveals hidden electronic faults that a technician might otherwise miss, such as a damaged impact sensor or a communication error within the airbag system.
Ensures Accurate Repair Planning: By identifying all collision-related issues upfront, we can create a more accurate and complete repair plan. This allows us to order the correct parts the first time, preventing delays and surprises during the repair process.
Documentation for Insurance: The scan results provide documented proof of all damage, which streamlines the insurance claims process and helps ensure all necessary work is covered.
Establishes a Baseline: It provides a clear "snapshot" of your vehicle's condition before repairs begin, which protects both you and our shop from disputes about pre-existing conditions.
The Non-Negotiable Post-Scan: Verifying Safety and Performance
Once our expert technicians have completed all visible body work and mechanical repairs, we perform a second, equally critical diagnostic check: the post-repair scan.
This final scan is your ultimate assurance of quality and safety:
Confirms All Repairs Are Complete: The post-scan verifies that all the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) found during the pre-scan have been successfully resolved and cleared.
Checks for New Codes: The repair process itself—such as disconnecting the battery or moving the vehicle around the shop—can sometimes trigger new error codes. The post-scan detects any such new issues, ensuring they are addressed before the vehicle is returned.
Validates ADAS Functionality and Calibration: Modern safety features like lane departure warnings, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control rely on precise calibration. The post-scan confirms these complex ADAS systems are properly calibrated and functioning according to the manufacturer's specifications.
Peace of Mind: Ultimately, this final step gives both our technicians and you, the customer, the confidence and peace of mind that your vehicle has been fully restored to its pre-accident condition and is safe to drive.
Why It Matters to You
Skipping these vital steps can lead to severe safety risks, potential legal liability, and could even void your vehicle's manufacturer warranty. At Kenny Hawkins Automotive, we follow strict Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) guidelines, which almost universally require these scans as a mandatory part of a proper, safe repair.
We've invested in the advanced training and cutting-edge diagnostic equipment necessary to service the complex vehicles on the road today. Our commitment is to restore your vehicle's integrity, preserve its value, and, most importantly, ensure the safety of you and your loved ones on the road.
When you choose Kenny Hawkins Automotive, you're choosing a team that cuts no corners and prioritizes your safety every step of the way.
