We report on a universal method to achieve and sustain a large mode-hop-free tuning range of an external cavity diode laser based on a model of its mode-structure dynamics. Using this method, we were able to scan 73 GHz mode-hop free by using an uncoated off-the-shelf laser diode with a central wavelength of 785 nm. Our model applies to any laser system requiring synchronization of more than one optical element.