Oct 22 2024
The auto maintenance and repair industry has been forced to face transformative changes associated with the aggressive elimination of traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, and the new technology variables inherent in a hybrid and EV-focused future. This article discusses how the use of a complete vehicle data solution can help auto repair businesses combat some of the auto industry’s biggest challenges.
There are two fundamental facts about electric vehicle powertrains that service and maintenance organizations must adapt to thrive:
EVs have fewer moving parts than their ICE counterparts, requiring less maintenance and repairs. While they don’t require oil changes, new spark plugs, a new timing belt, etc., they still need new, more expensive brakes and tires, and these may even need to be replaced more frequently given the heavier weight of EVs.
Vehicle collision repairs are more expensive for both EVs and ICE vehicles now, thanks to concerns around the fragility of battery casings, parts shortages, and a lack of standardized procedures around key repairs. The inclusion of ADAS equipment also makes even the simplest repairs, like a new bumper or windshield more costly and complex. A recent LexisNexis study states that “more than a quarter of collision claims were deemed total losses in 2023,” up 29% since 2020.
Though vehicle data can’t help avoid costly repairs, datasets such as OEM service schedule data can help ensure auto repair businesses stay front of mind with their clientele for the maintenance EVs require. This data can also optimize service and repair businesses' inventory management, ensuring that parts for anticipated repairs are always in stock.
Servicing and repairing vehicles from recent model years that not only have new powertrains but include a diverse array of options packages, has forced a major shift in how these businesses operate. Technicians now require more training and new equipment to work with these “computers on wheels.”
Technicians must have a clear picture of which features are installed on each vehicle (ex. Lane assist, cross traffic alert, etc.) and which technologies support these advanced features (Lidar, Radar, Ultrasonic Sensors, etc.). Leveraging a comprehensive vehicle data solution that can properly identify each vehicle at the trim and option level is crucial. Improper identification of these vehicles and their complex equipment can result in incomplete repairs, such as uncalibrated sensors, that can dramatically impact the performance of these safety features. Additionally, repair time, and cost, estimates may be inaccurate.
As auto manufacturers increasingly incorporate more proprietary technology and software into their vehicles, they are now able to pass on diagnostic data to their internal systems wirelessly. As such, this process has eliminated the need for an OBDII port, which is how independent repair shops obtain important diagnostic error codes. The Right to Repair Act, which we discussed in another article, means many states are fighting to make this data available, though there’s still a long way to go nationwide.
One way to combat this siloed repair information is by helping customers stay ahead on their vehicle maintenance to mitigate more costly repairs in the near future. As noted earlier, our OEM-recommended service schedules serve as a valuable communication tool for keeping consistent engagement with your existing clientele. However, they can also increase the value of new customers with relevant add-on services, as DealerSocket has proven. As one of their key product managers noted, “Some of our dealers have seen as much as a 20% increase in multiline Repair Orders (RO) since leveraging DealerSocket’s Mobile Check-In app. DataOne’s OEM recommended service schedule data has been a large contributing factor to the increase in RO line codes.”
The auto repair industry is at a crossroads, facing various challenges that require strategic adaptation and innovation. Eventually, all new vehicles sold will be electric, and have some level of assistive technology at some point in the future. Though these changes could be slow-moving, especially with the high cost of new vehicles and low-mileage used vehicles driving consumers to buy older vehicles, it’s still important to be proactive and start making the necessary changes to remain competitive. If your auto repair business requires a comprehensive vehicle data solution that can help address some of these challenges, DataOne can connect you with a data expert to address your concerns.
