Car Tech: The Ever Changing World of Automotive Repair

Car Tech: The Ever Changing World of Automotive Repair

As the old saying goes: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. While many of us wish this were true in the automotive world, it just doesn’t seem to be the case. For better or for worse, cars are increasingly becoming computerized. As people demand more creature comforts and various industry and government agencies look to increase car safety, improve emissions, etc., cars are becoming less like cars and more like supercomputers on wheels.

Virtually every part of your car’s basic operation is wired to a main computer. Things like your fuel injection system, spark plugs, RPM and emissions are all read back to your car’s main computer. The computer can then make virtually real-time adjustments to keep your emissions down to a minimum. Should any of these components not work, your computer will warn you that something is wrong and something needs to be fixed.

That’s when you see a check engine light or one of the many lights that modern cars now come equipped with.

Modern cars also have computers for just nearly every other major system in your car, including transmission systems, ant-lock brakes, cruise control, air bags, and navigation. In total, the average modern car has enough wiring in it to stretch about a mile.

The main goal of all this electrical work is to ensure that your car is working as efficiently as possible and that you and your passengers are safe. The systems also exist to help catch problems early on before they become large, expensive repairs.

What Does All This Mean for Car Maintenance

When a car comes in to a car repair facility, it can be hooked up to a computer system which will read off various performance and warning codes that your car’s computer is sending out. From there, and experienced technician can diagnose the issue and come up with the right course of action for the repair.

It is vital that you make sure that your car care center has the right technology and the right training to ensure that they can properly diagnose any issues and make the correct repairs. Most technicians require many hours or training per year to keep up with the changes in technology and also proper repair techniques.

BBack Car Care is constantly investing in continuing education to make sure that our technicians are up on the latest innovations in car technology. They also invest in the right diagnostic tools to make sure that any issue is properly diagnosed and repaired.

Don’t Fall For It: Dealer’s Aren’t Your Only Option

Dealers love telling people that their cars can only be fixed by them. Some may also suggest that getting repairs made outside of the dealership may void warranties. This just isn’t true. According to the FTC:

“If you own a car, you know how important it is to keep up with routine maintenance and repairs. But can a dealer refuse to honor the warranty that came with your new car if someone else does the routine maintenance or repairs?

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, says no. In fact, it’s illegal for a dealer to deny your warranty coverage simply because you had routine maintenance or repairs performed by someone else.”

Innovations in technology and therefore the automotive world seem to be ever changing. That means that a good mechanic must change as well. If you have any specific questions about your car’s warranty or have a warning light on in your vehicle, call BBack Car Care and schedule an appointment today. Or, use our online appointment request form. One of our service writers will be happy to discuss your car’s needs. We’ll also be glad to show you the computer print out of the issue your car is having. Just ask.