The complexity of modern cars has brought the era of the do-it-yourself mechanic to an end, research has revealed. Sophisticated onboard computers and diagnostic systems mean that the vast majority of car owners are unwilling or unable to do maintenance, such as changing oil, themselves. Those who do venture under the bonnet of their new vehicle even risk invalidating its warranty.
A survey of 2,000 motorists by Kwik-Fit found that only 6 per cent of owners whose vehicle is three years old or less believe it is simple to service - compared with a third whose car is 11 years old or more
'Step by step, year by year, as technology has come into modern vehicles, the chances of the DIY mechanic being able to carry out servicing to their car has reduced,' said David White, the firm's customer services director. 'Opening the bonnet is like taking the lid off a PC.' Caroline Ofoegbu of the FIA said the trend is also being driven by the business model of franchise car dealerships, which do not make large profits from the sale of new cars. She said: 'Where the profit comes is in the repair and maintenance afterwards because they have access to all the codes and diagnostics necessary to repair the vehicles provided to them by the manufacturers.'
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