PMM speaks to the Autel team to find out what workshops can do to take the next step, or even the first step, in their diagnostics journey.
For any workshops reading who have yet to invest seriously in diagnostics, where do you recommend they start? Should all garages be looking to acquire some specialist diagnostic equipment?
Diagnostics is required to complete the simplest of tasks like brake pads and general service work. The bigger issue is how complex vehicles are becoming and with the shortage of vehicle parts it has never been so important to diagnose correctly the first time around. We are seeing greater demand for higher end tools that offer ECU reprogramming and oscilloscopes for component testing than ever before.
How is diagnostics evolving? What effect is the security gateway and the recent SERMI scheme going to have on the independent aftermarket?
It’s no secret that diagnostics access is becoming harder for the aftermarket. Security gateways are the biggest disruption to aftermarket diagnostics in recent years which is why Autel UK is committed to delivering the best in class tools with full access, this is shown by the recent additional of Nissan to the current gateways supported along with Fiat, Chrysler, Alfa, Jeep, Renault and soon to be VAG and Mercedes also.
ADAS is now a legally required component on passenger vehicles. Does this mean ordinary workshops now need to own ADAS calibration equipment? Is calibration even necessary?
It shouldn’t be a doubt that calibrations are necessary, these systems are safety critical and any work that could affect the function of these systems needs to be corrected. Autel is committed to supporting workshops and as such have added ADAS awareness features to our scan tools highlighting any ADAS system on the initial fault scan helping workshops follow the correct route to repair. All our sales and support staff are fully IMIaccredited in ADAS repair and calibration.
How can effective diagnostics increase a workshop’s revenue?
The biggest way diagnostics can help is efficiency, having a quick, easy-to-use tool packed with function is everything we aim for. Spending longer trying to reset a service light then carrying out the actual service is a position many workshops find themselves in without the correct diagnostics tool.
