Meet Today’s Mechanic

When you imagine a mechanic, you typically think of a quintessential grease monkey with his head under a hood covered in dirt and grease in a pair of overalls. And, you are right – a lot of the time there isn’t anything glorious about the work or the working conditions.
But today’s mechanics are far different than the mechanics of 20 years or even just 10 years ago. In truth, the profession has changed quite drastically due to the modernization of today’s vehicles.

Sources suggest that there’s up to 70 pounds of wiring in today’s vehicle (double that for electric cars) and that on-board computers are packed with up to 100 million lines of computer code; about as much as a jet fighter.

From a cost perspective, 5% of the cost to manufacture a car went to electronics in the 70’s. In 2005, it was estimated to be at 15% and today it could be as high as 40%. Cars are, more and more, becoming computers on wheels.

A lot of this can sound intimidating and many believe that only dealerships have the expertise to handle the new technology in cars – but that isn’t true. Today’s auto techs have adapted.

Computers Take Over

It seems like yesterday that you had to physically roll down your window when you wanted fresh air or open a gigantic map that was impossible to fold back together if you ever got lost. Today, electronics handle both of these issues with ease through electronic circuits and GPS. Lately, features like backup cameras, automatic braking, climate control and even self-parking features are all handled by computers.

These complex features require highly technical skills and training to understand and fix.

Tools of the Trade

Diagnosing and fixing these problems takes more than just a wrench and some elbow grease. Today’s mechanic needs to rely on technical training in order to operate the various diagnostic systems and to operate the many electrical tools required to fix some of the many issues that come up due to computer/electrical failure.

The Old with the New

A good auto repair shop is one with the intuition and abilities to handle the mechanical issues that always come up but can seamlessly transition to the complex electrical and diagnostic work required with today’s vehicles.

Today’s mechanic still gets covered in oil and caked in grease. But don’t let that outer shell fool you. These are smart men and women with years of technical training and certifications to make sure your car gets back on the road.

Bback Car Care employs some of the very best in the Doylestown, PA area. They have the experience, training and mechanical background to solve virtually any problem that comes into the shop. And, they can compete with dealerships in ability and exceed expectations when it comes to price and customer service.

To learn more about our technical capabilities and diagnostic equipment, just ask during your next visit with us or call today.