Page 10 - AAA Magazine – AAA Ohio Auto Club – January 2021

Auto Service Evolving to a High-tech Field
When people think of having their car serviced, the traditional image of a grease-spattered mechanic turning a wrench is rapidly giving way to the more modern image of a neatly uniformed tech running diagnostic tests with a handheld device or a computer screen.
The mechanical components that powered cars
of the past are being replaced with electrical and computerized parts. Those parts often require specialized equipment and procedures to diagnose problems or to reset systems after work is performed.
As AAA Car Care Plus Director Don Paxton explains, formerly straightforward procedures such as wheel alignments and tire rotations now routinely require
that auto technicians perform specialized resets. For example, cars with tire pressure monitoring systems need to be reset after a tire rotation so that the car “knows” the new location of each tire. Cars with backup cameras need steering angles reset after alignments for those systems to function properly.
Increasingly, these changes translate to fewer maintenance items that drivers can perform themselves. Those used to going the do-it-yourself route should check requirements for a newer car before tackling previously routine maintenance items. “With modern vehicles, something as simple as installing a new battery might require a reset procedure performed by
a qualified professional with specialized equipment,” Paxton said.
Choosing auto repair facilities dedicated to hiring qualified technicians becomes increasingly important for those owning modern vehicles. AAA Car Care Plus and AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities employ technicians certified by the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence. To become ASE-certified, technicians undergo rigorous testing
to ensure they have a thorough knowledge of the skills necessary – within several subspecialties –
to diagnose, service and repair vehicles.
Making Roads Smarter
Join us for two FREE virtual seminars.
Our cars are getting smarter and smarter, but what about the roads we drive on every day? While challenges remain, researchers and developers are taking steps to make roads safer and more efficient with technology that can actually communicate with our vehicles.
Join AAA, The Ohio State University Center for Automotive Research, Columbus State Community College, DriveOhio, Smart Columbus and the Transportation Research Center for a two-part series that will take you through the research, planning and development of making these smart roads a reality.
Imagine your vehicle warning you of hazardous road conditions ahead, or that you are approaching stopped traffic or even that a driver is approaching a red light too fast, so be aware. Also consider lights changing automatically as platoons of vehicles approach. These are all possible and just beyond the horizon.
Technology Takes the Wheel is a free, educational seminar series that explores autonomous vehicles and their societal impacts.
Both events are free to attend. Registration is required. Register at AAA.com/TTTW.
Technology Takes the Wheel: Smart Roads Ahead Date: Feb. 4, 2021 at 10-11 a.m.
Technology Takes the Wheel: Entering the Smart Road Zone Date: Feb. 11, 2021 at 10-11 a.m.
8 | AAA MAGAZINE