Why are modern cars so difficult to repair?

Why are modern cars so difficult to repair?

“I would never let a mechanic drop off my cab.” Imagine all the new squeaks and noises.

Photo of Nene Diallo

Nene Diallo

Published November 5, 2024 at 11:00 PM CST

A video clip that went viral sparked debate among car enthusiasts and mechanics about the challenges of repairing modern vehicles.

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In a short clip, mechanic Mike Graham (@mikegnx87) shares a problem he encounters when servicing a Dodge Ram. He says that if he needs to access important components like a wiring harness, he has to remove the entire exterior in order to access the part. It shows the car with its cabin suspended in the air and its undercarriage below.

This tedious task often frustrates technicians and customers, especially when simpler solutions exist for car repair. The creator expressed his annoyance and described the process as “extremely stupid.”

With over 920,000 views, this issue resonated with many viewers. Commenters noted that such designs appear to prioritize aesthetics over serviceability, resulting in costly repairs and long downtime. They also expressed a desire for future vehicle designs that prioritize more mechanically friendly and accessible repair solutions.

Viewers offered alternative solutions

As users discussed modern car repair options in the comments, a variety of innovative solutions emerged.

“I’ll just remove the check engine light before I pay for this,” one user joked.

Another suggested a more practical alternative, such as, “Just pull the air intake or replace the belt.”

A number of viewers wondered why it was necessary for the mechanic to remove the entire cab.

“…But you don’t need to [remove the cab]. One person said: “It’s a little tricky to get to but can be done on your own and easier than taking the cab out of the frame.”

Another agreed, saying: “I’m with you buddy. I’ve been a Mopar tech for 23 years and I’ve never [taken] Cab off to fix the wire. It must have been a slow week and you needed to extend the work.

“I would never let a mechanic lower my taxi. Imagine all the new squeaks and noises,” a third said.

How do modern vehicle repair costs affect consumer choices?

The financial implications of modern automobile repairs are significant and cannot be overlooked. One viewer in Graham’s post speculated the repair would cost $5,000, underscoring the hefty bills that can arise from necessary maintenance.

High maintenance costs greatly influence consumer choices when purchasing vehicles. Many commenters expressed dissatisfaction with the numerous expenses associated with newer models, and cited complex vehicle repairs as a major concern.

The New York Times also reported that the use of complex new technologies and the growing number of new electric cars have been achieved Modern car repairin general, more expensive. This leaves mechanics unable to solve common problems easily, as they require more extensive training. At the same time, customers incur higher costs when it comes to repairing vehicles that contain many specialized parts.

@micegnx87 Yes, tough ram. #dodge #ram #Mopar #service #Chrysler #Bachelor’s #fyp #foryoupage ♬ original sound – mikegnx87

In the comments on Graham’s post, many expressed their preference for older cars, with one stating that their next car purchase would be a pre-2000s model simply because of the cheap repair costs.

The desire for simplicity speaks volumes about the current automotive landscape and its impact on consumer choices. As maintenance costs continue to rise, potential buyers may gravitate toward older models or brands known for ease of service. This trend also indicates that consumers want reliable cars that are not only functional but also more cost-effective to maintain in the long term.

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