A recent client brought in her Volvo. She left upset about being charged a diagnostic fee, and in her frustration, she called one of our technicians a "thief."

Ouch.

Before you grab your pitchfork, let’s talk about what actually happened to that Volvo, and why the "plug-it-in-and-go" mentality is the fastest way to turn your European luxury car into a very expensive lawn ornament.

Since we believe in transparency (and because we have thick skin and a great sense of humor), we wanted to address this head on. Specifically, we want to answer the question that haunts every driver from Concho Avenue to the Loop: "Why do I have to pay for a diagnosis? Can‘t you just plug it in and tell me what’s wrong?"

We get it. You’ve seen the $30 code readers at the auto parts store. You’ve seen the guy at the big box retailer scan a code for free. So, in the mind of the average driver, “diagnostics” is a five minute process involving a port under the dash and a magic box that spits out an answer.

If only it were that easy.

When that Volvo pulled into our shop on Washington Drive, we did indeed "plug it in." And what did we find? Over 80 stored fault codes. Eighty. 

Now, here is the part that is hard to hear: those 80 codes are not a shopping list. They are clues. On a modern European vehicle (or really, any vehicle built after the Clinton administration), a single vacuum leak can trigger twelve different codes. A failing PCV valve can make your car behave like it has a heartbeat problem.

If we simply cleared those codes, guessed at a part, and sent her on her way, one of two things would happen:

1. The part wouldn’t fix it, and she’d be back, angrier and poorer.

2. The part would temporarily mask the symptom, and the real issue would strand her on the side of Highway 87 later.

We aren’t "parts changers." We are diagnosticians. We are the detectives of the OBD II world.

Here is the analogy we always come back to. You go to the doctor because you have a fever and a stomach ache. The doctor doesn’t just say, "Well, WebMD says it could be a gluten allergy, so stop eating bread forever." No. They charge you for an office visit, maybe they draw blood (that costs extra), and maybe they send you for a scan (that really costs extra). They do this to find the root cause, not just treat the symptom.

Your car is no different. In fact, your car might be smarter than the average internet connection.

When we looked at that Volvo, we didn’t just see a check engine light. We saw that the air ride suspension was deflated. That required us to check fuses, relays, and the compressor itself with specialized amp meters. That isn’t "plugging it in." That is skilled labor. That is using the same tools and equipment that the dealership uses down the street. And it is how we discovered the air compressor was locked up tight.

We also saw a misfire pointing to a PCV issue. Confirming that would have required a smoke test and fuel trim analysis. We provided a quote for that. We provided a quote for the suspension. We gave her a roadmap of her vehicle’s health.

Here is where the story took a turn. We later learned that the plan all along was to pay our diagnostic fee, get our detailed report, and then have a "friend" perform the repairs.

Look, we love San Angelo. We love the community spirit. But asking a professional to use their $10,000 scan tool, their 30 years of experience, and their specialized knowledge just so you can take that information to someone else? That’s like walking into Perini Ranch Steakhouse, asking the chef to cook you a sample, and then walking out to eat it in the parking lot. It doesn’t work that way.

Our technicians are ASE certified. They spend more time in training classes than most college students. Ric Henry himself has been at this since 1992, and we are constantly evolving with the industry. Other shops and even dealerships send us their problem vehicles when they can’t figure them out. That expertise is what you’re paying for. It’s not a "gotcha" fee; it’s a living wage for a skilled professional.

The review also mentioned parts pricing, comparing us to a dealership. Let’s clear the air there, too.

We are an independent shop. We don't have the buying power of a massive corporate dealership chain. We pay market rate for the best quality OEM and NAPA parts on the market. And we pass those costs along transparently. But here is the kicker: because we use quality parts, we back them up with a 3 year/36,000 mile warranty on all services we provide. That’s better than a lot of places. If that part fails on your way to Dallas next year, you’re covered. We don’t just fix cars; we stand by them.

At the end of the day, this all circles back to trust. You need a shop in San Angelo that you can trust, one that has been evolving with the industry. At Ric Henry's Auto Service, we offer comprehensive auto repair services for a wide range of vehicles. Whether it’s a minor fix or a major overhaul, our experienced technicians treat your car like it’s their own.

We know that paying a diagnostic fee feels like a gamble. You’re betting on our honesty. But remember, we are betting on our reputation. We are the shop that provides shuttle service, that has a child friendly waiting room, and that pledges to perform high quality work at a fair price.

To the Volvo owner: we genuinely wish you the best. We hope your friend gets that misfire fixed without causing damage to the catalytic converter. But please know, our technician isn't a thief. He’s a craftsman who was just trying to do his job the right way.

And to everyone else in San Angelo: next time your car starts acting up, don’t just look for someone with a scanner. Look for someone with a warranty, a code of ethics, and a whole lot of experience.