MotorTrend AutoTech 2.0
Recently I had a chance to try out a new piece of automotive diagnostic software. It is Motor Trends Auto Tech 2.0. I must admit, I was a bit skeptical about it, after all, how can a piece of computer software diagnosis a car? After I played around with it and explored all it's features I started seeing how well laid out it was. It uses a diagnostic tree style of troubleshooting that always has been the most logical way to determine the cause of a problem.
It starts you off creating your car's profile, basic info such as year, make model and what kind of equipment it has. It maintains a database of needed services and will actually notify you when your due for a service. You can also enter the services or repairs done into it's service record section.
There are calculators to help you determine if it's better to buy or lease a car and vehicle ratings divided into foreign and domestic vehicles. It has an extensive help file as well as lots of photos to go with it.
Now to the important part, how well does it diagnose a problem? The short answer is; very well. After you create your vehicles profile, you can enter the diagnostic mode. There is a main window and categories such as Engine, Starting, brakes, etc... to choose from. In the main widow is the symptom list, you choose the symptom that matches what your vehicle is displaying and begin the process. A very nice touch is that it also has sound. If you choose "Brakes Squeal" you can click on the speaker icon and it will play a set of brakes squealing. This can help you decide if you are selecting the correct symptom.
Once you select a symptom and begin the diagnostic, it asks you questions as you go along. By answering the questions it takes you along to the most likely cause of the symptom. Once you get to the possible problem, it offers both an explanation and a remedy for the problem.
The interface is very easy to use and follow. It was designed for the non-mechanic so anyone can use it. My friends 16 year old daughter had no trouble using it and coming up with a diagnosis. It will diagnosis many common problems, including gauge lights, A/C and heater problems.
As with anything, it's not perfect. It lacks any information on diesel engines. With the popularity of diesel engines in cars like Mercedes-Benz, Volvo and Volkswagon, I feel this is an oversight that should be corrected. Also some of the diagnosis are a little vague, but it does try to explain why it can't be more detailed.
Over all I think it's a nice piece of software and for only $29.95 it would be, in my opnion, worth buying.
What you'll need to run MotorTrend AutoTech 2.0:
486 or better, 4MB RAM (at least),
15 MB available hard disk space,
Windows 98, 95, 3.1, or NT, CD-ROM drive,
Internet access (to download your free update),
printer (optional),
sound card & speakers (optional).
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