Modern cars have become more complicated than any other before. This brings in the question of whether or not you can still repair your own car.
Technology is great for most things, but it has changed the automotive repair landscape by removing weekend mechanics from the equation. If you want a project car in your garage, it has to be a car from a few decades ago, because modern cars are just too complicated for you to fix or work on them yourself. This has created a serious challenge in the industry.
What is the right to repair?
You might have heard of the right-to-repair and federal lawsuits involving this subject. It covers the requirement that automakers share information with independent repair shops to allow them to obtain the repair data that comes from the computers in your vehicle. It took a federal judge to tell automakers they needed to share this information. If that had not been the case, eventually, independent shops would have gone out of business, and automakers would have a monopoly on auto repair. Thankfully, you’ll still be able to take your car to whatever repair shop you want to have it fixed.
What to expect from auto repair in 2025 and going forward
The simple answer to the title question is a resounding “no.” Unless you own the specialized equipment that will give you the necessary information to fix your vehicle, when your new vehicle needs repair work, you’ll need to take it to a service center. They will use the computer codes to help the mechanics understand what’s required to make your car whole again.
Here are some of what to expect going forward:
EVs are on the rise
When the question of whether or not you can still repair your own car comes up and you see the increased number of electric vehicles on the road, there’s another question to ask. Do you want to be able to repair these cars? If not, you aren’t alone. EVs have massive battery packs, and when damaged, they are known to catch fire. Rather than taking on this challenge, it’s probably a good idea to leave repairing EVs to the experts.
ADAS systems require recalibration
Many of the advanced safety systems included in modern vehicles require specialized sensors, cameras, programming, and chips. These items are beyond the capabilities of most weekend mechanics and not items you’d want to try and fix yourself. If your safety systems begin to go haywire, you’ll need technicians with the right expertise to have these items fixed. These systems require specialized training, tools, and calibration to ensure they operate properly.
You don’t have AI functionality
Another reason you’ve lost the ability to repair your own car is the addition of AI technology and automation in new vehicles. Tools powered by AI can quickly pinpoint issues faster and more accurately than without this assistance. Certified mechanics require specialized training to understand how these systems work and how they will help make life a little easier in the repair shop.
When it comes to the regular maintenance of newer vehicles, AI and automation has changed the game. Software systems are able to schedule service appointments, track inventory, and send reminders for services, such as oil changes. These systems are making life much easier in repair shops.
Repair shops are going green
Auto shops have embraced eco-friendly practices, including recycling parts, using biodegradable cleaning agents, and saving energy wherever possible. This is a great way to advertise to customers that the shop has green practices and embraces sustainability efforts in its operation.
What does this mean for you?
Can you still repair your own car? Probably not. Most car owners lack the technical knowledge, skills, and tools to repair modern vehicles. That said, you might not want to attempt to repair your car anyway. If you intend to sell or trade it at some point, you’ll need service records from repair shops that are entered into the computer system to show that the vehicle has been properly cared for.
Can you still perform some maintenance items on your car? Yes, you sure can. There’s nothing wrong with doing your own oil change, replacing the engine air filter or cabin air filter, replacing your wiper blades, or filling and checking fluids in your car. You might even perform your own tire rotation if you feel like it.
Unfortunately, you might not be able to repair your own car anymore, but that simply means you have time for other things.
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