5 Car Repairs Complicated By Newer Vehicle Technologies

With increases in "proprietary" technology, the right to repair is ever increasingly becoming the right to pay for fixes

We all want to save money in our lives, right? Some of us love the feeling of doing things all by ourselves, fixing things by ourselves, and of course, saving some big money on auto repairs. However, with the advent of new technologies in cars, DIY auto repairs aren’t always an option anymore. Newer vehicle technologies introduced, such as advanced driver-assist systems and hybrid engines can make it tricky to repair your car by yourself. In this article, we look at the five car repairs complicated by these newer vehicle technologies.

Brake Pads

Today, many cars have brake systems that are interconnected with sensors and other tech features. When changing brake pads on these cars, you will need to have the ability to navigate these systems and sensors. For modern cars, simply changing brake pads won’t quite cut it, you would need to reset the sensor readings, a process that not everyone can handle.

Engine Repairs

Another challenge faced in modern cars is engine repairs. Many car manufacturers have taken to enclosing their engines in cases that can only be opened with proprietary tools that can be hard to acquire. In addition, with many of the new diagnostic tools inside the car, it can be difficult to make repairs without messing up their ability to track what’s going on with your vehicle. This can also affect repairing systems adjacent to the engine, such as auto transmission repairs and others. While none of this is intrinsically bad, it makes it more difficult for DIY car enthusiasts to repair their own vehicles.

Oil Changes

Keeping your engine up and running is essential for the longevity of your car. Engine oil is the lifeblood of the engine, so, it is essential to keep the oil changed regularly. However, cars with advanced driver-assist systems can sometimes make this process cumbersome. It is not always easy to find the oil filter since manufacturers are continuously challenging themselves to pack as much tech as possible.

Suspension and Steering Repairs

In newer car models, the steering and suspension systems are designed with more advanced technology, making the entire system more complex than older cars. With electric steering and power adjustment options, it’s now hard to take care of suspension and steering repairs like it was on older cars.

Windshield Repair

It is no longer as simple as “just” replacing the windshield. Nowadays, vehicles have automated sensors and cameras near the windshield. So, you may have to disconnect all the cameras and sensors connected to the windshield before trying to replace it. After that, you will need to reconnect everything—the process is complicated and best left to the professionals.

In conclusion, newer vehicle technologies have profoundly impacted DIY auto repairs. Simple repairs that would have been a breeze a decade ago now require a level of technical know-how and skills that most may not possess. Safety sensors, hybrid engine technologies, and advanced driver-assist systems all contribute to the difficulty of repairing modern cars. However, we advise that even if some repairs may seem to require the help of professionals, it’s vital that you give them a shot. While dealing with the new technology at first can be challenging, you will eventually get the hang of it. Don’t hesitate to consult with a licensed expert or seek training to improve your knowledge and skills on a new-gen car.

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