Speaking of software and technology...

[visual800]

Im at the mechanics picking the bucket truck up and the guy got into tlaking about the cost of doing business. I guess I never thought about this but these guys pay thousands for tech equipment and monthly subscriptions.

They are uissued laptops with the latest automtive software (if you will) and diagnostics. he said those will last about a year and then its trashed and have to buy new stuff to keep up with vehicles and the computer changes.

they attend classes for this regularly. hell I thought they go to atlanta once a year for a snap on tools seminar and come back with a couple wrenches and a calendar of the latest skin chicks of the month.

he was asking about my software and I said some people update every year but some like me, hang on the one version for several years. i guess its just something I never considered!

 

[WildWestDesigns]

I use AutoEnginuity which is a really good program for the shade tree mechanic, but you have to keep up with yearly subscriptions to be able to access the newer vehicles sensors and diagnostics, run tests, actuate certain parts etc.

The protocals change too. Some are JP, some Can-Bus(which I think is where the standard is going), so you have to get different OBD-II (or OBD-I plugs) for the different ones. Sometimes you have to get different ones for different makes even if they are operating under the same protocal. It all depends on what pins they use in the plugs.

Snap-On does make one of the best diag programs for the general market. IDS is good for a Ford specific market.