Technology makes the world go round—and it helps cars function like new again thanks to diagnostic technology. With various kinds of diagnostic tools available, it’s easier than ever to catch problems and take necessary action. If you’re considering a career in auto repair, diagnostic technology could make your job much easier.
Car diagnostic tools like scanners, code readers and even mobile apps have proven to be excellent for helping spot issues and they’ve revolutionized what working in auto repair entails. But how far exactly does this kind of technology go? Here’s how modern technology can help your auto repair career when diagnosing a problem with a vehicle.
It Can Diagnose Problems Faster Than Doing So Yourself
The increasing use of computers in cars has had benefits for both auto mechanics and drivers. Thanks to sensors and processors, issues with a car’s engine or other components can be diagnosed quickly via software, making a job that could take hours end up taking a fraction of that time. Some diagnostic technology even sounds like it comes straight out of science fiction. For example, UVEye is a tool that uses AI technology to scan vehicles for issues like oil leaks, faulty brakes, and other such problems.
That said, there are other less novel and more easily accessible forms of diagnostic technology, such as code readers and OBD2 (on-board diagnostics) scanners. Instead of replacing auto technicians, such tools have simply made their jobs easier. For example, code-reading tools for cars can tell technicians which component needs attention, but without explaining what exactly the problem is. So, the technician’s expertise is still necessary for a proper diagnosis.
Diagnostic Technology Is Continuing to Evolve Rapidly
Whether there’s a problem with a car’s transmission, brakes, engine, fuel injector, or other parts, diagnostic technology can help find it. In fact, one day you could be working with a tool that literally listens to a vehicle in order to diagnose problems with it. That’s because researchers at MIT in late 2017 developed an app they claim can listen to a car to analyze and diagnose issues as wide-ranging as badly-inflated tires and clogged air filters.
Of course, such advanced technology isn’t going to end up at every auto mechanics’ shop over night. However, it is a sign of the increasing use of digital technology in the industry. Not only do those coming out of auto repair training need to be good with their hands, but increasingly they should expect to work with at least a few fairly hi-tech tools in their careers.
Students in Automotive School Will Love How Car Manufacturers are Embracing Technology
With diagnostic technology continuing to update rapidly, those in automotive school are fortunate that their courses help prepare them by teaching them about diagnostic tools and computer systems. Having these skills is a great foundation for using ever-advancing diagnostic technology later in your career.
This is especially important given that many car companies have embraced diagnostic technology. Tesla vehicles, for example, can even diagnose themselves. Volkswagen, meanwhile, has introduced MARTA (Mobile Augmented Reality Technical Assistance) for their XL1 model vehicle, which is an augmented reality service app that helps technicians with diagnostics.
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