Modern automobiles are increasingly packed with fancy feature packages, special options, and new technology that makes them more attractive to consumers. But even without all the bells and whistles, new technologies in auto manufacturing have resulted in all new cars relying to some extent on internal computer systems to control an array of basic functions. These technologies are welcomed by consumers, because they have a positive impact on the drivability and economy of the car. But the increasingly complex technology is proving to be a headache for independent auto repair shops. And there’s a legal fight about the issue looming on the horizon in Congress.
Many independent auto mechanics do not have thousands of dollars necessary to purchase the specialized equipment and manuals they need to repair the computer-controlled functions in new technology cars. Many cars have multiple computers that control everything from the steering wheel to the brakes, and the only automakers and dealer repair shops hold the key to diagnosing problems when they occur. Often replacement of a part requires that the computers controlling it be reprogrammed – which is a nearly impossible task for mechanics who don’t have the software codes necessary or the graphic diagrams showing the electrical wiring of the vehicle.
Independent mechanics say that repair information for newer cars is updated constantly, so they have a steadily increasing, overwhelming amount of data to sort through to find the answers they need to keep up with technology. But doing so can cost them thousands of dollars, particularly because each vehicle has its own manual and specific parts can require specialized tools. For that reason, many independent mechanics are having to turn jobs down and refer their regular customers to dealerships for repairs. And the consumer is getting squeezed in the middle, because their options are limited and dealer repair shops are more expensive. Mechanics and consumers feel that automakers have an unfair advantage.