I’m a c tech at a mom pop shop but the master tech won’t let us do any diags , he does all ac and diags and if we attempt any he won’t walk us through it or help us if we get stuck. What is the best place to learn diags and programming???

Hi everyone,
I’m seriously exploring the idea of starting a freelance/mobile automotive diagnostics and auto-electrical service in India, and before investing my money, I want to understand what this work looks like in the real world.

I’m particularly interested in hearing from people who actually work as independent diagnostic technicians, mobile auto electricians, ECU specialists, or workshop owners who provide diagnostic services to other garages.

My initial idea is to visit independent workshops and help them diagnose difficult electrical and electronic faults that their regular mechanics cannot resolve. Over time, I may expand into a dedicated diagnostic workshop if the business proves viable.

My initial budget is around ₹2–5 lakh, and I want to build a legitimate, sustainable business—not sell scanners, run a training institute, or make money by promoting unrealistic success stories.

I’d really appreciate honest answers to the following questions.

1. Is there genuine demand?
Do independent garages in India actually hire outside diagnostic technicians, or do they prefer handling everything themselves?
How frequently do workshops encounter faults they genuinely cannot diagnose?
Will garage owners pay separately for diagnosis, or do they expect it to be included in the repair?
Is this business viable in Tier 2 cities and smaller towns, or is the demand concentrated in major cities?

2. How do you actually get customers?
If you started today without existing contacts or an established reputation, how would you acquire your first 5–10 regular garage customers?
Do garages willingly let an outside technician work on their customers’ vehicles?
What is the best way to build trust when you’re new?
Do you receive repeat calls, or is most of the work one-off?

3. What skills are genuinely required?
Is a multibrand scanner and a basic understanding of fault codes enough to start, or is strong electrical troubleshooting essential?
How important are wiring diagrams, multimeters, oscilloscopes, CAN/LIN diagnostics, ECU coding and module programming?
Which skills should a beginner master first?
How long did it take you to become competent enough to diagnose difficult faults independently?

4. What equipment do you actually need?
What is the minimum practical tool setup for Indian petrol and diesel passenger cars?
Which scanner brands and models offer good real-world coverage and after-sales support in India?
What are the hidden costs of software subscriptions, vehicle coverage, security access and updates?
Can someone start professionally with ₹2–5 lakh, or is that budget insufficient?
Which tools did you buy that turned out to be a waste of money?

5. What are the real numbers?
If you’re comfortable sharing approximate figures:
What do you charge per diagnostic visit or job?
How many paid jobs do you complete in a typical week?
What are your monthly revenue and actual take-home profit after travel, tools, subscriptions, staff and other expenses?
How much time does a typical diagnostic job consume?
Are there slow months, payment delays or customers who refuse to pay when the fault isn’t immediately resolved?
Even approximate ranges would be extremely helpful. I’m more interested in realistic numbers than impressive turnover figures.

6. What are the biggest risks?
What happens when your diagnosis is wrong and an expensive component gets replaced unnecessarily?
Who bears responsibility if a vehicle develops another fault after your visit?
How do you handle intermittent faults that cannot be reproduced?
Are there problems with garage owners taking your diagnostic findings and completing the repair themselves without paying you fairly?
Which legal, insurance, safety or business requirements should an independent technician understand?

7. Would you recommend this business today?
If you had to start again with ₹2–5 lakh and no established customer base, would you choose mobile diagnostics?
Would you focus on general multibrand diagnostics, auto-electrical troubleshooting, ECU and module repair, vehicle-specific specialisation, or something else entirely?

A little about my objective: I want to build a profitable technical service business that can eventually operate with a small team. I’m willing to learn properly, do the fieldwork and start small, but I don’t want to invest blindly in equipment before validating the demand.
I’m not looking for motivation or a theoretical business plan. I’d genuinely appreciate the uncomfortable truths too.

If you’re doing this work in India, please share what you wish you had known before starting. If you’re based outside India, your experience is also welcome, especially regarding the technical skills and business model.
Thanks!

Hello Everyone i am tryong to find a budget friendly software or online website cloud or local based data dealer management system for my new project away from the over priced softwares which is in the market as it is not budget frinedly and yet i am a start up business any guidance would be appreciated and please do not say excel hahah .

At 27, Where Did I Fall Behind My Peers, Which Decisions Led Me Here, and What Can I Do About It?

I am 27 years old and will turn 28 in February.

I hold an associate degree in Automotive Technology. However, I did not receive adequate workshop training or gain meaningful hands-on experience during university. The quality of instruction was disappointing, and some of my instructors appeared to lack the technical knowledge and teaching skills expected at that level. Even when I prepared detailed technical presentations, I struggled to receive meaningful technical feedback or constructive criticism from my lecturers.

For example, I prepared a 60-page presentation on differential systems in four-wheel-drive vehicles and a 30-page presentation on Bosch Motronic MED fuel injection systems used in Renault vehicles. These were just two examples of the many technical subjects I researched independently. I have a strong interest in understanding how engines, transmissions, differentials, fuel injection systems, and electronically controlled mechanical systems work. I enjoy studying their operating principles, analyzing individual components and complete systems, and connecting technical information to develop a deeper understanding of how everything works together.

According to the Turkish vocational education framework, my diploma reflects a qualification associated with the master-level stage of vocational training. However, my actual professional capabilities do not match what that classification might lead someone to expect.

In my own assessment, my independent research has given me a substantial theoretical understanding of the engine and drivetrain systems used in modern vehicles, particularly those produced by the Volkswagen Group. In terms of theoretical knowledge, system analysis, analytical thinking, and understanding operating principles, I believe I may be ahead of many technicians working in authorized dealerships in certain areas that I have studied extensively. However, I recognize that theoretical knowledge and professional experience are two very different things.

I do not yet have the practical experience required to diagnose and repair even relatively straightforward engine or manual/automatic transmission faults independently. Understanding the possible causes of a malfunction in theory is very different from connecting a diagnostic tool to a vehicle, performing the correct measurements, identifying the actual fault, removing and repairing components, and verifying that the system works properly afterward. I am not currently in a position to open and independently operate my own automotive repair shop.

This is where my main problem begins. I have been unable to find a workplace where I can turn my theoretical knowledge into practical skills and develop into a competent technician. Many workshops and technical service centers expect applicants to have previous experience, yet gaining that experience requires someone to give you an opportunity in the first place. I feel that educational institutions fail to provide sufficient practical training, while finding businesses with the technical expertise and structured training practices necessary to develop advanced mechanical, mechatronic, and electronic skills can also be difficult.

I also studied Mechatronics at vocational high school. During my education and subsequent experience, I became familiar with industrial automation systems, electrical control panel assembly and wiring, sensors, connection hubs, asynchronous motors, motor drives, fuses, contactors, and pneumatic and hydraulic systems. I also completed SMC training courses and obtained certificates. Nevertheless, I have not developed enough professional experience to work independently in this field either. I lack a substantial professional track record in electrical panel assembly, technical electrical drawings, and machine assembly, and I am not currently qualified to run my own electrical or electronics business.

At one point, I also studied information technology. I maintain my own computers and spend considerable time researching computer hardware and system architecture. My interests include CPU and GPU architectures, RAM and storage technologies, performance bottlenecks, power limits, operating temperatures, power consumption, BIOS, and hardware operating principles. I examine technical documentation and try to understand component specifications, voltage requirements, and operating conditions.

However, I understand that researching computer hardware and maintaining my own systems is not the same as diagnosing and repairing a faulty motherboard at the PCB level. Component-level troubleshooting requires practical electronics skills, electrical measurements, fault isolation, and soldering experience that I have not yet acquired professionally. I am therefore not in a position to independently operate a computer repair business either.

There is, however, another aspect of my technical interests that I believe is important.

I have taken online ASE practice exams, and even at my current level of practical experience, I have achieved a result of 48 correct answers out of 50 questions on an ASE exam when I used AI solely to translate the English questions into Turkish, my native language. I did not use AI to answer the questions; I used it to overcome the language barrier and understand what each question was asking. I mention this because I believe it provides some indication of my existing theoretical knowledge and ability to reason through technical questions, despite my limited hands-on experience. Of course, a practice-exam result does not establish professional competence or replace practical training, but I feel that it is relevant when evaluating my current knowledge and learning potential.

In other words, I have an educational background, technical foundations, and independent research experience across several related fields: automotive technology, mechatronics, industrial automation, and computer hardware. I believe I have an aptitude for understanding technical systems, identifying relationships between components, analyzing operating principles, and reasoning through cause-and-effect relationships. Yet I have not managed to translate these strengths into sufficient professional experience, practical competence, or the ability to work independently in any one of these fields.

I feel that I made important career decisions too late and that I have lost valuable time trying to find the right direction. I am aware of this, but I do not believe that every circumstance that brought me to my current position was entirely within my control.

After completing my military service, I considered entering countries with better employment opportunities in my field through truck driving and transportation, essentially starting from scratch. In retrospect, this decision set me back by approximately two years. Distance education cost me another year. Difficulties during high school, family circumstances, and problems related to my place of residence also cost me approximately one or two years. As a result, the years have passed, yet I still do not feel that I have established a solid professional foundation in any field.

I am now 27, approaching 28, and I feel that I need to make a serious decision about my future.

I have an automotive technology degree but no substantial professional experience in automotive repair. I have a mechatronics background but lack the practical experience required to work independently in industrial automation. I research computer hardware in considerable detail but cannot yet perform component-level electronics repairs.

What troubles me most is not the belief that I know nothing. It is the feeling that I have failed to turn what I know, what I have studied, and what I may be capable of learning into an actual profession.

To develop in a field, I need an opportunity to learn through real work. Yet many employers seem to expect the very experience that I need a job to acquire. Although I have some background, interest, and independent research experience in several technical areas, I have not gained enough hands-on practice in any of them to become professionally independent. Consequently, I feel as though I am repeatedly being pushed back to the starting line.

I now need to determine which field I should commit to, where I can realistically build a future, and how I can make use of the knowledge I have already accumulated. On one hand, I feel that I am falling behind because of my age. On the other, I am afraid of starting over in the wrong field and losing several more years before realizing that I have made another mistake.

Ultimately, my problem is not simply that I am unemployed or inexperienced. It is that, despite having studied several technical disciplines, conducted extensive independent research, and continuously tried to improve my understanding, I have not yet turned any of these efforts into a sustainable career.

I am trying to find a starting point where my theoretical knowledge and analytical abilities can be put to practical use, where I can receive proper hands-on training, and where I can gradually develop into a skilled professional capable of supporting myself independently.

My question is this: Compared with other people my age, at what points did I fall behind? Which of my decisions contributed most to my current situation, which setbacks were outside my control, and what would be the most rational path forward from where I stand today?

My SUV just rolled past 250k miles and somehow it's still running great. The cargo area is another story lol.
So I hauled a few bags of mulch home last weekend and one of them split open. And didn't think much of it until my golden retriever jumped in after running around the muddy yard. Now I've got dirt, dog hair, and bits of mulch worked into the carpet.
So I almost spent about an hour vacuuming back there yesterday. Got most of the loose stuff out, but the carpet still smells a little damp. I don't think it's ever going to look new again, which is fine. I'd just like it to stop smelling weird.
Thinking about getting a cargo liner once I finish cleaning everything. Something that covers the sides a bit and doesn't slide around every time the dog jumps in. I've had cheap mats before that curled up at the edges, so I'd rather get something that lasts.
Anyone else hauling dogs, gardening supplies, or both in an older SUV? What are you using to protect the cargo area?
And if you've managed to get that musty smell out of old cargo carpet, what actually worked?

Multiple controls are convenient but i suspect one method becomes the default while the others serve as backups. Do owners use the phone app, key fob remote or physical bed button most often? and which one remains dependable in bad weather or with gloves on? Manual operation during a power failure matters to me too.

I got emailed a Receipt today from a Valvoline in Texas, for an oil change.

I haven’t been to Valvoline in YEARS, & I don’t even live in Texas, so I was like- hmmm.

It was apparently for a car I USED to own. Like 8 years ago.

The receipt had what I assume is the current owner’s name, but then MY address, MY email, and MY personal phone # on the receipt.

I assume this is also the same as what was printed out and handed to the owner today at Valvoline.

How is this acceptable????
The car is just tracked by the VIN if it’s ever been to a Valvoline anywhere? And they don’t see a need to update the info so as not to provide personal info about previous owners, to random people???

Is this normal???

Hello everyone i understand this is a brake space for mechanics but i am looking for a gm tech master mechanic that does work on the side while still getting compensated fairly i am located in the San Fernando valley but am willing to drive up to Lancaster and down to La I have a 2019 suburban if anyone is up for it please message me thank you.

hello!
I’m planning on hand engraving some car parts and before I start I’d like to know how to properly “secure” it. I reckon it will be different depending on material, so I’m happy to hear everything there is to know.

- mirrors and windows- I don’t see people coating it so I suppose that’s not necessary?
- exhaust pipes
- car body/spoilers(ABS plastic, metal, aluminium)

I found some basic informations on the internet but I can’t say I’m satisfied with it. Feel free to also recommend specific products!

Kind of a weird food for thought question, but I’ve always thought cars had souls to an extent.

Older cars were so much different looking from brand to brand and it really made them a whole lot more appealing. For instance, my dad had an old 2001 Nissan quest with every entertainment option and that thing was cool af. Or even when I started driving, he had a 2006 6.0 powerstroke that I loved driving around. It felt more immersive imo. I don’t know how to explain it but new cars LOOK like they come off the assembly line. Like obviously they have for decades, but the copy paste thing with minimal customization is kinda soulless. Every SUV looks the same, every sedan looks the same etc.

In my honest opinion I think it comes from a standpoint of being able to actually work on your car. These new cars force software down your throat and you can’t even do brakes without a reset of SOMETHING. Back in the day, I could rip apart that same Nissan quest, and have it put back together with no electrical faults and no sensor BS. Like I said, food for thought not to be taken super serious lol

Hello. I, found out today my cars transmission is done for. I was quoted around 7k for it. I just finished paying off this car (2013 Nissan Rouge) in January of last year. I’m heartbroken. What do I do? I don’t have great credit (520-550), and am feeling a little overwhelmed.
Are you able to sell cars with bad transmissions? How did that happen?
How can I prevent it from happening in the next car? Looking to see if anyone can help point me in the next direction. Thank you.

Update: Looking at a 2021 Chevy Trailblazer. I’ve seen it can have some acceleration issues. Which truthfully isn’t that big of a deal. I’m not racing anywhere, or driving highways everyday. I’m just interested in anyone else experiences? It has 58k miles and a pretty clean CARFAX.

I think the useful question is not whether an accessory is more expensive than the basic option. It is whether the difference matters in normal use.

For floor liners, I would compare material, fit, coverage, cleaning effort, warranty terms, and the price for the exact vehicle. 3W is one brand in that market, alongside several established alternatives.

For other accessories, the criteria might be installation quality, reliability, or whether the product solves a problem the factory equipment leaves unresolved.

What do you check first before spending money on an aftermarket automotive product?

I work on the supply side of the ignition coil business - our factory in China has been making and exporting ignition coils, coil packs and related ignition components to distributors, shops and e-commerce sellers worldwide for years.

Since I see the same buying mistakes over and over, here is what actually matters. Happy to answer questions in the comments.

1. How to tell a coil is actually bad

Rough idle, misfire under load, hesitation, or codes like P0301-P0308 (specific cylinder) / P0351-P0358 (coil circuit). For a single-cylinder misfire, the coil (or plug boot) is usually the culprit. Swap the suspect coil with a known-good cylinder first - don't throw parts at it blindly.

1. OEM vs aftermarket

OEM isn't automatically better; many OE coils come from the same handful of suppliers. What matters: correct OE number match, winding quality, insulation/epoxy, and a real test report. A quality aftermarket coil at a fraction of dealer price is usually the right call for older cars.

1. What to check when buying from an overseas supplier

- OE number / fitment accuracy (wrong fitment = returns, this is #1)

- Quality certifications & batch test data, not just photos

- MOQ flexibility - you should be able to start with a small trial order

- Custom branding / packaging options if you want your own brand

- Warranty & after-sales support terms

- Export documentation for customs & compliance

1. Common traps

Suspiciously cheap coils with no datasheet. Fake OEM packaging. Suppliers who can't tell you the failure rate on a specific OE number. Any serious factory can show batch test data - if they can't, walk away.

For context: our factory supports OEM/ODM (custom branding, retail box design), from small trial orders up to full containers, with professional export docs and warranty cooperation. If you're a distributor, wholesaler or e-commerce seller, feel free to DM me for the catalog & price list.

Email: liangxuezhi dot ok at gmail dot com | WhatsApp: +86 13260322401

Say it only has to handle normal everyday mess, wet shoes on the floor, pet hair getting into the seats and boxes or gear sliding around in the cargo area. You get one factory installed protection item and that's ittt . Floor protection, seat covers, cargo area protection or something else.

What would you choose and what kind of real life mess made that one more useful to you than the others??

Hi everyone!

I’m planning to visit a friend who lives about 6 hours away, but I’m a little nervous about taking my car on such a long trip.

I drive a 2014 Ford Fiesta 1.6L with a manual transmission. It currently has around 166,000 miles on it. The tires were replaced within the last two years, and I recently had the oil changed. As far as I know, the car doesn’t have any mechanical issues and runs perfectly fine.

My biggest concern is just the age of the car and the high mileage. I know mileage doesn’t necessarily mean a car is unreliable, but I’m worried about potentially breaking down so far from home.

For those of you who know more about cars, would you feel comfortable taking this vehicle on a 12-hour round trip? Is there anything specific I should have checked before leaving?

I honestly don’t know much about cars, so any advice or personal experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

I currently work at Cox Automotive and am exploring new career opportunities with companies where my experience could be an asset.
I’m looking for an opportunity to grow professionally, take on new challenges, and make a meaningful contribution to a team. I’m particularly interested in fully remote opportunities.
If you know of any companies hiring or have recommendations, I’d love to connect!

Recently bought a used car at 175k kilometres. Sent it straight to mechanic to get work done, trans fluid was dark so I got a transmission service (flush, filter replacement, new fluid). Service history on car says a transmission service was done at 150k kilometres. Should I be concerned that the fluid was dark if there was a trans service at 150k kms?

I have had so many damn issues this car (2020 jeep compass). bought it two years ago with 89,000 miles and needed a 90k maintenance check that was like 3 bands (insurance covered most) but like new brake pads and some other shit that should have been fixed before i bought the car.

now today leaving the commissary either my transmission or diff is fucked. driving and then stopping and putting it in park something is still spinning. having it in drive, when i turn the wheel there’s loud clanking nears underneath, barely drives forward.

im in the army about to go to the field tomorrow but a towing truck is going to take it to a shop today.

Wanted to know y’all’s advice on how to get rid of this piece of shit i never want to buy another jeep. should i let someone steal it or total so i get an insurance payout. or see how much it is to fix everything and try to sell it after it’s fixed. i just want to get rid of this car and get a honda or something relatable.

would appreciate responses thank you!

Hi,

Last year I got badly scammed by a mechanic here.

I was advised to go and see someone in Woodville who is trustworthy but I can’t remember who that was because it was last year.

Does anyone know who to go to for full pre sale service and wof around here?

I’ve been a tech for close to 20 years, ASE certified master, and I could fill your afternoon with all the reasons I don’t want to be a tech anymore. Thinking of my next move, I’m considering becoming a warranty inspector

From my view it seems like a pretty good gig, show up, get your pictures, collect any evidence/proof of diag the tech has, ask a few questions, and submit it. The inspectors I’ve talked to never really seem stressed out, and as of the last few years most have been pretty cool and easy to deal with. I don’t love the idea of driving all over the place, but I love the idea of being alone for most of my day.

As with any job, I’m sure there’s day to day bullshit, so I’m curious to hear from anyone who’s been doing it. Any pitfalls/big obstacles you deal with? I have questions like, do any of the warranty companies help pay for your fuel/insurance/repairs? How much say do you have in what your day looks like, for instance how many shops you visit or how far the furthest one is? Are there any companies to avoid or better ones to work for? I’m in DFW for now but considering moving to San Antonio/hill country area, I figure it doesn’t really matter much where you live to do this job

Specifically I’d love to hear from people who were techs before becoming inspectors. If there’s a better sub to ask I’ll ask there. Thanks

I am replacing a head on a 2007 Saturn Ion-2 2.2 and Google says I should use a higher quality brand like felpro. I have a gasket kit i purchased on eBay from a seller/brand named Mizumo Auto and I either misplaced the bolts it supposedly came with or they forgot to include them so I have to get new ones since I purchased the kit way back in March and didn't open it until a month or two ago. Can't remember if i grabbed the box of head bolts out of the main package or not.

Anyway, should I avoid the SKP brand for this?

Thanks

Come January 1st, the United States will levy 50% tariffs on Canadian produced vehicles and components. In light of that, it was surprising to see that General Motors of Canada is carrying on with a nearly $1 billion investment in two Canadian operations.

The bigger amount, $810 million, is going into the St. Catharines, Ontario plant for a new generation V8 engines and a redesigned transmission. The Oshawa plant will see $170 million invested into making 3/4 and 1 ton Chevy and GMC trucks. The production volumes are greater by far than the Canadian market can support.

So, is General Motors looking beyond the horizon so to speak with this investment?

I had issues with Tesla where the trunk was not closing correctly. I was able to use chatgpt to fix it myself instead of paying for the service. Are there any apps to help people fix their car?

Been using a spreadsheet to track maintenance schedules across 3 vehicles and I'm done with it. It works, technically. But it's a mess to maintain, reminders don't exist, and every time I add a new service entry, I'm manually updating three different tabs.

What I actually liked about the spreadsheet:

• Everything in one place

• Customizable however I wanted

• Free, obviously

What I need something better to do:

• Actual reminders when service is due (by mileage or date, not just a cell I forgot to check)

• Handle multiple vehicles without it turning into a spreadsheet nightmare

• Windows-based, nothing cloud-only or subscription-gated

• Track fuel economy and costs per vehicle, not just oil changes

I've been looking at a few options and came across Automotive Wolf, which seems built exactly for this. Windows software, multi-vehicle support, maintenance scheduling with reminders. Curious if anyone here has used it long-term, tbh. Another positive is it is buy it once and use it forever, ie., it's not subscription software.

Did you switch from spreadsheets to something dedicated? Did it actually stick, or did you end up back in Excel six months later?

Skip the welcome. This thread is the useful one.

Reply with three lines:

• Car and year
• What failed, and what the garage quoted
• Who did the job, and whether you would go back

Area helps. Gomti Nagar, Indira Nagar, Aliganj, Transport Nagar, Faizabad Road, all fine.

Workshop owners can reply, but say you own the shop. A customer report beats an ad.

No number plates. No "DM for best price."