As vehicles become increasingly harder to access, investing in the right diagnostic solution is becoming more important for independents. Here, Delphi Technologies takes a look at why you need to think about the future as well as the present when shopping for diagnostic equipment.
It might be impossible to predict the future but it’s not out of the question for independent garages to ready themselves for any emerging trends in the aftermarket. Of course, being aware of changes, such as the rapid increase in cars with ADAS or some form of electrification, is one thing for garages, but having the equipment and the relevant training to evolve their service to suit is something entirely different.
“The shortage of technicians, especially outside of franchised dealerships, who are skilled to work on the complex technologies that are increasingly found in today’s cars is well documented. However, what’s not so apparent is the limited availability of hardware and software solutions that will be required in future to perform even some of the most basic automotive repairs,” said Julian Goulding, UK marketing manager, Delphi Technologies Aftermarket.
“As an example, it’s getting much harder to perform diagnostics on new cars as manufacturers incorporate Security Gateway technology, which works to protect the vehicle from hackers who may want to unlawfully access its systems. It’s scenarios like this that means a garage must choose its hardware very carefully if it is to have equipment that will be effective in the future as well as the present.”
Goulding continued: “The challenging financial climate makes selecting the correct diagnostic hardware even more important. Not only do the right diagnostic tools allow garages to explore other revenue streams but they also ensure a level of future-proofing, as the last thing any business wants to do, especially now, is buy more equipment than they need to.”
Decisions decisions
The availability of a huge array of diagnostic tools and fast-moving developments in the automotive industry mean it’s not the easiest task for garages and technicians to identify the best for them, but help is at hand from established suppliers like Delphi Technologies.
With decades of OEM expertise, Delphi Technologies is one of the very few businesses within the aftermarket to have such a comprehensive insight into emerging automotive trends. Consequently, it can apply this knowledge to its far-reaching aftermarket offering, whether it’s the introduction of first-to-market components, supplying unrivalled training support or developing class-leading garage equipment.
An illustration of this is the brand’s latest DS180 BlueTech diagnostic tool. It removes the guesswork for garages, coming complete with the technologies and capability that will ensure a workshop is able to future proof its diagnostic operation. Included in its specification is Pass-Thru capability, which opens the door to services such as ECU programming that were previously the preserve of franchised dealers and their OE-specific tools, as well as the support and calibration of most modern ADAS features. Security Gateway functionality is also a welcome feature.
Reassuringly, Delphi Technologies support doesn’t stop with the supply of its industry-leading diagnostic tool. Although the DS180 BlueTech is designed to be easy to use and to remove any doubt for users as to what actions are required, such as instantly confirming when an ADAS recalibration is required, Delphi Technologies has made it even easier to operate with the availability of several related, ‘how to’ courses on the Delphi Technologies Academy – the company’s elearning platform.
In addition to the easy-to-follow guides that run users through how to physically operate the tool, the Delphi Technologies Academy adds videos that complement the DS180 BlueTech’s advanced features. Again, Security Gateway is a prime example. The elearning platform features a series of guides that introduce and explain the technology, providing an invaluable insight into how the Security Gateway functions and how it can be correctly negotiated to allow fault-finding. Notably, it details the need for manufacturer ‘tokens’ when there is the need to adjust settings install software updates.
These tokens are usually only available through the official OEM service site. Each individual OEM group has its own website – Volkswagen Group has one method, Fiat Chrysler Alliance another and so on. The Delphi Technologies Academy training takes viewers through the necessary steps to gain access to the vehicle’s Security Gateway and get customers back on the road. The ‘how to’ element shows the steps needed to acquire a security token, with the BlueTech unit able to access many OEMs’ token requests via a onetime online form, saving technicians the hassle of registering each time they come across a different brand. Once registered through the Delphi Technologies site, the repairer’s credentials are saved for the next time they’re needed, saving valuable time. What’s more, registering through the DS180 BlueTech tool also removes any additional costs for accessing the OEM sites as this cost is included within the Delphi Technologies software license.
“The hurdles placed in front of independent repairers by automotive manufacturers are growing and while they may seem daunting, Delphi Technologies’ answer is to simplify diagnostics as much as possible. We do this by providing advanced yet simple to use diagnostic tools that are complemented with expert technical support and concise, efficient training to empower technicians in a friendly and accessible way,” added Goulding.
“Essentially, what we’re striving to do is give standalone garages the tools to secure their future, while also removing all the worry that they may have in regard to determining whether a diagnostic tool will enable them to grow their business and, perhaps most importantly, if it will be a wasteof investment.”
