Car diagnostics in Rotterdam: we test first, then repair
Is a warning light on, or is your car behaving strangely? We read the fault codes and use measurements to track down the cause. That way, parts are not replaced on a hunch. You hear in advance what it costs. Our team speaks English. Family business since 1979, close to Stadion Feijenoord.
Call +31 10 479 00 00The short answer
The short answer: for car diagnostics in Rotterdam, you can come to Autobedrijf Willemsbrug at Boterdiep 11 in Rotterdam-IJsselmonde, close to Stadion Feijenoord. We read your car’s control units, check the live data and test parts and wiring until the cause is as clear as we can make it. You hear in advance what the diagnosis costs, and for a repair you first get a quote. We only start once you agree.
We do this for all makes, including vans and motorhomes up to 3,500 kg and hybrid and electric cars. Call +31 10 479 00 00 and have your registration number ready. We work by appointment. For a quick question or check, you can walk in without an appointment.
Nederlands? Deze pagina is er ook in het Nederlands. Lees over autodiagnose in Rotterdam.
Jump to: how it works · costs · breakdowns · frequently asked questions · directions and opening hours
When does your car need a diagnosis?
Modern cars have dozens of computers on board. A warning light or message tells you that something is wrong, but not what. Have the fault codes read if you notice any of these signs:
- The engine warning light or another warning light is on
- The car has less power or switches to limp mode (a reduced-power safety mode)
- The engine stalls, is hard to start or runs unevenly
- A fault keeps coming back, even after a repair elsewhere
- The electronics act up: lights, messages or systems that cut out
- Fuel consumption has suddenly gone up
Our page on the engine warning light explains what that light means and whether you can keep driving. If the battery warning light is on, the alternator is often not charging properly. If the car is hard to start, the battery may also be the cause. Also read what to do if your car will not start, if your car hesitates or stalls or if your diesel is hard to start.
Not every problem is electronic. If your car makes a strange noise or the steering wheel vibrates, we look for the cause on the lift and during a test drive. If a fault keeps coming back, we also check whether the servicing has been done on time. A dirty air filter or old spark plugs can sometimes cause the same symptoms as a faulty sensor.
How our diagnosis works
A fault code is a clue, not a diagnosis. That is why we work in three steps.
Reading the codes and checking the live data
We connect your car to our diagnostic equipment and read the control units. We do not stop at the fault code. We also look at the live data while the engine is running or during a test drive.
Testing and finding the cause
Using tools such as an oscilloscope and a smoke test, we check sensors, wiring and pipes. Is the sensor really faulty, or is it a broken wire, a poor connector or a leak? We keep testing until the cause is as clear as we can make it.
Explanation and quote
We explain what we have found. Where possible, we show you a photo or video of the fault. On request, you can see the parts we replaced, as long as they are still available. You get a quote for the repair with the parts, labour and VAT. We only start once you agree. We only carry out extra work after discussing it with you.
With Pass-Thru equipment we can also update the factory software, if an update is available for your car. Not every faulty control unit (ECU) needs to be replaced. Sometimes a repair is possible, or the cause lies in a connector or cable. After the inspection, we can tell you whether that is possible for your car. Our diagnostic mechanics are GMTO-certified (the Dutch qualification for working on high-voltage systems), including for work on hybrid and electric cars.
If another garage has given you a high quote, or a diagnosis you are unsure about, you can come to us for a second opinion. We inspect the car ourselves and tell you what we find.
How much does car diagnostics cost?
The price depends on the investigation your car needs. You hear in advance what it costs or how the price is worked out. If the investigation takes longer than the first assessment, we talk to you first. For a repair, you first get a quote with the parts, labour and VAT.
| Service | What we do | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Reading the codes and first assessment | Reading the control units, checking fault codes and live data, advice on the next step. | Call for the price |
| Diagnosis of a difficult fault | Testing with tools such as an oscilloscope and a smoke test, checking wiring and connectors. Based on the time needed. | Call for the price |
| Software update | An update of the factory software, for example for the engine or the gearbox, if one is available for your car. | Call for the price |
For comparison: according to the ANWB (the Dutch motoring organisation), reading the codes alone usually costs € 25 to € 60 at a garage. According to ANWB Kampioen (the ANWB members’ magazine), an independent garage charges about € 85 an hour on average excluding VAT, or about € 103 including VAT. These are indications, not a quote from us. You hear our price in advance. If we cannot find the cause, for example with a fault that rarely occurs, you only pay the starting rate for reading the codes and the first assessment. We then discuss with you what the next step could be.
Has your car broken down, or will it not start?
Have the ANWB or your breakdown service bring the car to us: Boterdiep 11, 3077 AW Rotterdam, close to exit 24 on the A16. Broken-down cars get priority with us. We usually read them on the day they arrive.
If the car is dropped off outside opening hours, we read it on the next day we are open. Outside opening hours, the car can be parked in front of the garage at your own risk, with the key in an envelope in our letterbox. Read how this works on our page about breakdowns.
You can also come to us with a van or motorhome up to 3,500 kg. Large vans such as the Volkswagen Crafter and the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter fit on our lifts. Read more about van repair, motorhome repair and commercial vehicle servicing.
Frequently asked questions about car diagnostics
What is car diagnostics?
How much does car diagnostics cost in Rotterdam?
How long does a diagnosis take?
Is reading the codes the same as a diagnosis?
Can I keep driving with the engine warning light on?
Does it help to have the fault code cleared?
What does a fault mean for the APK?
Do you also diagnose hybrid cars, electric cars, vans and motorhomes?
Family business in Rotterdam since 1979
We believe in clear agreements and customers who come back.
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Read what our customers sayCar diagnostics in Rotterdam-IJsselmonde
See also our pages on the engine warning light, the battery, a second opinion, breakdowns and car repair.