The challenges of modern auto electronics
In this new age of auto electronics, you’re not just driving a computer on wheels—you’re driving multiple computers on wheels. Repairing them when things go wrong is not always a straightforward process. Gone are the days when a driver could glance under the bonnet, immediately spot the problem, and fix it with some duct tape and a bit of Number 8 wire.
As auto electrical technology advances, the people responsible for repairing vehicles are finding it harder to keep up. Some of the complex issues that arise in late-model Audis, for instance, are impossible to diagnose without access to expensive diagnostic equipment. These problems can also be difficult to repair, often requiring specialist tools and expertise.
This is largely due to manufacturers, and the result is that tonnes of perfectly functional electronic components are sent back to Europe for replacement every year because so few people have the skills or knowledge to repair them.
Why independent repair shops struggle with European cars
While the evolution of auto electrical systems has led to fantastic improvements in vehicle performance, safety, and driver comfort, the incorporation of advanced systems—such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and intricate infotainment interfaces—has become a real headache for technicians. These systems rely heavily on interconnected electronic control units (ECUs) that communicate via networks.
With so many systems controlled by multiple ECUs, a single malfunction can trigger a cascade of error codes across the vehicle. Technicians must be skilled in interpreting these codes. To complicate matters further, manufacturers frequently release software updates, and if a vehicle hasn’t been updated, it’s easy to misinterpret symptoms, believing there’s a deeper mechanical issue when, in fact, it’s just a software glitch.
Late-model European cars, with their precision design, have very little tolerance for repairs that deviate from manufacturer specifications. For example, a misaligned component in a suspension system can affect vehicle handling, which is not only unsafe but it also means car owners will have to fork out for additional repairs.
The availability and cost of genuine parts can also be problematic when it comes to European car models. Ordering parts from overseas can result in some serious downtime for both owner and technician, and the cost of these parts can be quite substantial in comparison to Japanese cars. The investment in training and technology required to repair Audis and BMWs certainly isn’t cheap, putting a lot of pressure on independent repair shops that don’t have the resources of larger dealerships.
Why Get Electronic is your best solution
This is where the team at Get Electronic in Christchurch comes in. Our commitment to being the best in the business has driven us to invest heavily in specialised equipment over the past ten years, ensuring that when we say we can repair something, we genuinely can. Got an auto electrical problem we’ve never encountered before? Yes, please! Complicated problems are what we live for, and we’ve invested in several different makes and models of cars and stripped them down to their components to allow us to experiment with real equipment in real time.
We are continuously learning through trial and error and have become masters of reverse engineering. With a successful repair rate of 80%, we believe that once your dealership warranty expires, it makes no sense to send faulty parts to Europe for replacement when we can repair them to “as good as new” right here in Christchurch.
Call Get Electronic today at 0800 000 488, talk to a qualified technician straight away, and you’ll more than likely have your part repaired and returned to you within a week—guaranteed as good as new.