High technology makes life difficult for the mechanics

As cars use increasingly advanced technology, independent mechanics are forced to accept work, they do not have enough money to acquire the knowledge nor the tools necessary for the repair of equipment controlled by computers.

Many of these mechanics say that today people have fewer options to fix their vehicles and that this situation gives an advantage to manufacturers.

"Before, I looked and looked until he found the solution," said David Baur, owner of Humming Motors garage. "Now, often no attempt to solve a problem. I think long before accepting jobs complexes."

Access to information is the key to everything, to the point that in America there is a bill under consideration. Proponents say the manufacturers try to monopolize the industry spare parts and repairs by providing information and tools only to the workshops of their dealers. The project is being considered by the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives, would require manufacturers to provide all the necessary information to diagnose problems and make the repairs.

Manufacturers, meanwhile, argue that spending millions of dollars in research and development and not want to give up their intellectual property. They claim that parts and repairs industry wants to have available to proprietary information to manufacture their own parts, which sell at lower prices.

"Coca Cola does not share with anyone his formula," says Charlie Territo, of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers). "What we look for this project is the formula for Coca Cola."

Many new cars are equipped with computers that control everything from the brakes to the wheel, and manufacturers are the only ones who know how to fix the problems. Often, changing one part involves reprogramming the computers, complex task because of the unavailability of software code or the electrical wiring diagrams of the vehicle.

The mechanics say that the information is constantly updated and should be able to find relevant information in a database. Keeping up with technology requires a large investment of dollars and time to get the proper tools and study online manuals for each model.

The technology makes basic things are complicated if you do not have the equipment indicated. Baur, for example, said he could not turn off the light that says "check the air in the tires of a 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis because he lacked a tool that costs $ 1,000 can reset the device.

The car's owner said he had to take the vehicle to the dealer's workshop to complete the job.

"The tires are fine, but for some reason the light stays on," says Louis Ontiveros, 42.

A study released in March by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association revealed that workshops dealerships charge a 34% more than independent garages.

Seyf mechanical and Donny, who owns a shop in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, said such businesses must specialize in certain models to remain competitive, because they can not keep up with knowledge and equipment necessary for repairing all types of vehicles .

Baur does not see it that way.

"What I do reject clients who have been attending for 20 years?" He asked.

Carolyn Coquillett, owner of a San Francisco shop that specializes in hybrid vehicles, said it spends about $ 11,000 a year for diagnostic equipment and subscriptions to online databases. He said he passes the cost to the customer, but you can still charge less than the dealers.