The journey of a damaged Porsche from South Dakota to a certified collision shop in Minnesota, as described by Brandon Mehizadeh, manager at LaMettry’s Collision, illustrates a growing trend in the auto repair industry. This wasn’t just an isolated incident; it’s a symptom of the increasing complexity of modern vehicles and its profound impact on auto repair shops across the United States. Cars are no longer simply mechanical machines. They are sophisticated, computerised systems, packed with sensors, chips, and software that demand a new level of expertise and equipment for repairs. This evolution raises a critical question: are cars killing auto repair shops as we know them?
The Rise of the Software-Defined Vehicle and Repair Challenges
Over the last decade, the automotive landscape has been revolutionized by technology. Vehicles have transitioned into what industry experts call “software-defined vehicles.” This means cars are now heavily reliant on intricate computer systems, boasting hundreds, even thousands, of computer chips and vast lines of software code. While this technological leap forward has undeniably enhanced vehicle safety and enabled new features like advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), it has simultaneously created significant challenges for auto repair professionals.
Fixing these technologically advanced vehicles is not the same as it used to be. The traditional skills of mechanics are no longer sufficient. Repairing modern cars necessitates a deep understanding of complex electronics, software diagnostics, and specialized tools that are often manufacturer-specific and expensive. The anecdote of the Porsche Cayenne needing to travel hundreds of miles for repair highlights this very issue: general auto repair shops may lack the necessary training, tools, and access to manufacturer resources to properly fix sophisticated systems.
Expensive Expertise and Tools: A Barrier for Many Shops
The cost of adapting to this new era of auto repair is substantial. Independent auto repair shops, in particular, face a steep uphill battle. Becoming certified to repair specific brands, especially luxury or electric vehicles, requires significant investment in specialized training for technicians and the acquisition of expensive diagnostic and repair tools. For smaller, independent businesses, these costs can be prohibitive.
This financial barrier is contributing to a widening gap in the auto repair industry. On one hand, certified dealerships and larger collision repair chains are investing in the necessary technology and training to handle complex repairs. On the other hand, many independent shops are struggling to keep pace, potentially losing business as they become less equipped to repair the latest models. This situation mirrors the challenges faced by farmers who are hacking their own tractors due to repair restrictions and the broader “right to repair” movement advocating for consumer access to repair information and tools.
Shop Consolidation and Decline: Fewer Options for Car Owners
The increasing complexity of car repairs is accelerating a trend of consolidation within the auto repair industry. As smaller shops find it difficult to compete with the rising costs of technology and training, many are being acquired by larger chains or closing down altogether. Industry data confirms this trend, with hundreds of independent shops being acquired each year. This consolidation means fewer independent, “mom-and-pop” auto shops are available, echoing the concerns about the disappearing local businesses in various sectors.
This decline in the number of auto repair shops has tangible consequences for car owners. With fewer service bays available, the ratio of vehicles per bay has increased significantly. In 2016, there were 225 cars and trucks for every service bay in the US. By recent estimates, this number has risen to 246 vehicles per bay, indicating a growing strain on the existing repair infrastructure.
Longer Repair Times and Inconvenience for Car Owners
The combination of increased vehicle complexity, shop consolidation, and ongoing industry challenges is leading to longer repair times and greater inconvenience for car owners. Supply chain disruptions, particularly for computer chips and auto parts, and a nationwide shortage of skilled auto technicians are further exacerbating the problem.
Data from CCC Intelligent Solutions shows a significant increase in repair times. In 2021, cars took an average of 2.1 days longer to repair compared to 2019, pushing the average repair time to nearly 11 days. This extended downtime can be a major disruption for individuals and families, impacting their daily lives and potentially leading to increased costs for alternative transportation.
Conclusion:
The automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation driven by technological advancements. While these advancements bring benefits in terms of safety and vehicle features, they are also fundamentally changing the auto repair landscape. The increasing complexity of modern cars poses significant challenges for auto repair shops, particularly independent businesses. The rising costs of expertise, tools, and training are contributing to shop consolidation, a decline in the number of repair facilities, and ultimately, longer repair times and inconvenience for car owners. While cars themselves may not be intentionally “killing” auto repair shops, the rapid pace of technological change in the automotive sector is undeniably reshaping the industry, demanding adaptation and innovation from repair professionals to survive and thrive in this evolving environment.
