Vincenze, do your local auto parts stores check codes for customer like they do here?
Our big chain stores, AutoZone, etc., loan out tools, too.

 

No way. If only. You gotta do everything yourself. Just had to order a torque wrench for a job. Spend time rooting around

http://www.japan-parts.eu/lexus/gr/2...front-axle-hub

For part numbers. Autozone a US wide shop franchise?

 

Oh, I expected your parts stores did it, too.
Autozone, NAPA, O'Reilly's, and Advance Auto Parts are our nationwide parts stores, here.
They'll read codes, check your battery/alternator, and loan out certain tools (with a deposit) such as suspension/steering tools.

 

Wow. I’m impressed. I’m in the UK. We don’t get that kind of service. In fact the service is crap. No one really gives a damn sort of attitude. And the mistakes. So I always do my own research and of course consult the clever chaps in the forums.

 

Wow, I'd think that there'd be ppl around/near by to help or give you some ideas, no matter what part of the world your at.

 

It may be different in the US. I’d like to go in to Autozone and give it a try. Garages in the UK score low on trust. And our parts shops simply cannot be trusted to check properly. It may be something to do with the shop counter and back office staff attitude in the UK. It’s slack. I am referring to one of the UKs biggest chains. It may be a localised experience changing from shop to shop.

The UK hasn’t adapted well to service industry. There is a sense people are being put out. My experience in general of US service has always been very good hotels etc. I do recommend Germany’s Autodoc for parts which is very good

 

And here I thought all you gents were overly polite, haha.
I don't necessarily trust the kids working at auto parts store to diagnose anything. But, in a pinch, their free services can come in handy.

 

And that's another reason I keep a scanner in the car at all times!

 

Yeah, as good as Techstream is, it's nice to have the Bluedriver for quick and easy code checks, especially with my 20 year old Navigator.
I'd really like to get a Scope like you have, but I want to learn how to use one first.

And, for anyone else, you don't need a $100 code scanner. I think I bought the basic Actron at Pep Boys for $35.
What's that, about 20 QUID, Vicenze?

(I also have a jumper pack, air compressor, and a tire repair kit in the cars at all times. I refuse to pay a tow truck to jump start my car. Never again.)

 

Heh heh. £20 quid. I can afford that.

Mind you the $ has bombed. I get a lot more dollars for my pound.

I’ll have a look at the bluedriver. Seems like the job.

I’m getting tired of dragging my laptop into the car, battling expired XP activation, using an unstable Techstream install.

Im what limeys call a tightwad. Margate knows this when I blew my main fuse. It was going to be a lot of loot to fix.

So I bought a female fuse and rammed it on the busted fuse making 2 spears. I’ve checked temperature and it works just fine (been on several long journeys) and cost me 30 bucks 20 quid.

Im such a tightwad