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[Golfbuddy]

I have been reading, with great interest, the various conversations about what tasks we are able to carry out on our cars.

It appears that there is fast improving diagnostic technology around, at fairly reasonable prices (read this thread if you've missed it), and it will be interesting to see how various members get on with their cheapo 'Tech2' gear now the software appears to be improving, even if it's only the language the interface is written in.

Even fairly specialist tools are becoming cheaper to buy with the rise of the eastern European and far Eastern countries and spare parts cost what they cost whether you fit them or the dealer.

So, the question is, which jobs is it still essential that are carried out by the main dealer or a suitably equipped independent garage? And will these jobs come within the grasp of the enthusiastic and talented amateur in the future?

Over to the gurus.

[Jay w]

there will always be a need for dealers as they have convinced a section of the public that they are the best thing for their car.

Indi's will always be around as they then pick up the business that the dealers do not want to get involved with (older cars)

I think that the onset of the internet has threatened then both a bit, forums such as this has spring up and specialise in marques and so empower  the owner to save money and do the job themselves.

There are still those who for one reason or another will not, lack of time and possibly lack of confidence are two factors.

There is room for everyone, so long as we all understand where we fit into the great scheme of things

[Kevin Wood]

I don't believe there was ever a time when dealers were a necessity to maintain a car. That is probably a myth that has been perpetuated largely by dealers!

Yes, being able to read codes from a car is a godsend if you're looking for a problem but it's not the case that you can't locate a problem without them using a good old-fashioned approach to troubleshooting. That's what happened when cars ran by clockwork, and when even early fuel injection systems had no diagnostics built-in. They're just another tool that can be used in the diagnosis. After all, I never came across a carburettor that would tap you on the shoulder and say the float was punctured or a jet was blocked... We still managed to troubleshoot older cars though.

Car manufacturers have gone too far down the road of teaching their workshop staff to rely on electronics rather than common sense and experience, assuming they have any. That makes a trip to the dealer a worse option than DIY for pretty much anything I can imagine doing on my car, TBH.

Kevin

[Jay w]

even today there is an element of the car buying public who believe that in order to sustain their warranty the dealers need to be servicing the cars and no one else.......

We all know that to be complete tosh, but the dealers have that 'holier than thou' reputation and some people will not listen to anyone else, even if it is going to save them money

[Tafty]

The last time I had a decent chinwag with the mechanics ( ) at the stealers (Lookers - Speke -Liverpool) they where very honest and said that they where really only a fitting shop (replace for new) - not a service/repair company - a lot of their specialist work is shipped out to 'Indies' as they don't have the specialist knowledge.

I believe that this site has saved me a pretty penny or 2 in the recent past with my troubles.  Probably would have binned the car if it wasn't for here [smiley=beer.gif]