| When taking your vehicle to a car repair garage it is | | | | systems and diagnostic technicians. This shows that |
| important to understand the different capabilities and | | | | the modern mechanic's role is much more complex |
| services modern garages can offer. Prior to the start | | | | and knowledge based with the cars of today. BMW |
| of the twenty first century most cars were far simpler | | | | UK launched the BMW training academy, based in |
| than they are today and relied less on electronics and | | | | Berkshire, 17 years ago and this provides |
| systems such as fuel injection and because of this it | | | | apprenticeships in service, bodyshop and parts as well |
| was far easier for garages to offer generic repair | | | | as educational services for school children. |
| services for most makes of vehicles. Mechanics | | | | In addition to specialised, up to date mechanic training a |
| traditionally tended to be jacks of all trades within the | | | | garage should also possess the correct testing tools |
| automotive world and could turn their hands to most | | | | and workshop documentation. As an example, |
| types of mechanical repairs. In the modern world, | | | | Mercedes have official Mercedes diagnostic |
| virtually all vehicles use sophisticated electronics to | | | | equipment that may be mobile or garage based. Mobile |
| control everything from engine management to drive | | | | diagnostics gives the technician the opportunity to |
| train operation and because of these complex | | | | come to your car if for example there is a major |
| systems it has become a far more specialised task to | | | | electronic fault that immobilises your car. A garage that |
| maintain and repair vehicles correctly. | | | | can provide manufacturer trained mechanics can |
| Manufacturers such as Mercedes (Smart Car), Audi, | | | | safely maintain your manufacturer's warranty and also |
| Volkswagen and BMW (Mini) provide mechanic training | | | | provide preventative maintenance in the form of |
| tailored to their specific cars. Mercedes for example | | | | regular manufacturer specific servicing and MOTs. |
| offer a development and qualification path (DQP for | | | | Spares used in car repair by a decent garage should |
| short) for mechanics wishing to specialise in Mercedes | | | | be original equipment manufacturer (OEM). |
| Benz. The DQP has been developed with the | | | | If you need to get your Mercedes, Audi or BMW |
| understanding that technology is constantly changing in | | | | repaired, look for a garage with manufacturer trained |
| the modern world and this means that car mechanics | | | | mechanics with the understanding that today's vehicles |
| are in a continual process of learning in order to keep | | | | are complex machines that require specialist |
| their knowledge current. Mercedes breaks the role of | | | | knowledge, tools and treatment when dealt with. |
| the technician into 'sub roles' which are maintenance, | | | | |