Technology has revolutionized the auto repair industry. No longer are the days of Uncle Bob teaching novice mechanics how to work on their cars with wrenches and pliers alone.
Mechanists today require extensive training and specialized tools in order to deliver various services. Embarking on new technology offers mechanics the chance to expand their business and serve more customers.
The Early Years
As the auto repair industry evolves, it’s essential to evaluate how past trends have shaped its present state. From horseless carriages to self-driving cars and beyond, car mechanics have had to adapt in order to keep us moving safely on the roads.
The Industrial Age saw mass production techniques that made car production and repair more cost-effective, leading to widespread adoption. At this same time, car repair manuals began being published so car owners could learn basic maintenance.
At this time, competition between auto repair shops and individual mechanics increased as most were paid by the hour. To remain competitive, shops introduced standard times for repairs as a way of streamlining costs and billing procedures.
The Middle Ages
During this era, Catholicism provided a unifying cultural force and contributed to sound government. King Clovis of the Franks chose Catholic orthodoxy over traditional practices among his tribe and created a central administration across Europe.
The Middle Ages (also referred to as medieval period or mediaeval period) can be broadly defined as the period beginning after the fall of Western Roman Empire and continuing up through Renaissance of 15th century Europe. It can be divided into early, high and late middle periods.
Local auto repair dealers had no business precedents to rely on when setting their rates, leading them to undercharge for labor so as to win repeat business – often leading to bankruptcy in some instances. That is why the REPAIR Act is such an invaluable asset for America’s vibrant network of independent repair shops.
The Renaissance
The Renaissance was an artistic movement in Europe during the 15th and 16th centuries that saw revivalist efforts revive and surpass classical antiquity’s achievements, while creating an explosion of creative activity across northern European art forms and all aspects of creative production.
At that time, supply chain uncertainty and microchip shortage were creating problems for car manufacturers and creating a demand-supply gap; pushing new vehicle prices higher. Furthermore, mechanics weren’t being paid their guaranteed daily wages and so auto repair shops too suffered financially from this uncertainty.
Today’s auto repair environment is ever-evolving, necessitating a high degree of skill and expertise from mechanics. To provide customers with quality service, they need to stay abreast of emerging technologies, equipment and tools in order to offer high quality repair service.
The Industrial Age
Car mechanics adapted quickly as parts became standardised and assembly lines expanded; many shops became family-owned businesses where generations of mechanics passed down their knowledge to succeeding generations of mechanics.
The Industrial Revolution led to an explosion of demand for auto repair services due to cheaper raw materials and more equitable wealth distribution, leading to modern tools like engine analyzers and electronic testers being developed.
Mechanics now needed to use computers and sensors, which required additional training and expertise. Today’s top automotive technicians can interpret error codes and troubleshoot electronic systems; as environmental concerns increased, mechanics have also begun working on hybrid and electric vehicles; personalization options like vinyl wrapping; performance upgrades have become available. Customers’ expectations have become greater than ever.
The Modern Age
As the automotive industry evolves, repair shops must as well. Today’s technologies require technicians to keep pace with them; from diagnostic tools to vehicle connectivity.
Ford pioneered mass production techniques with their assembly line, making cars more accessible for consumers of all kinds. This innovation also spurred dealership and mechanic businesses to grow, while standard parts made auto repair simpler to learn.
Formal automotive training was not necessary in the “good old days,” when just an interest and aptitude in understanding how cars worked were enough to become a mechanic. Nowadays however, many auto mechanics possess formal education from a technical school or community college.