There have been massive changes in the motor vehicle industry over the last decade. From the driving capabilities, diagnostics, and general functionalities, cars have been transformed radically.
As a result of this transformation, how people buy and drive their cars must change. Mechanical changes are also expected and this may mean a big impact on the motor vehicle industry. The disruption of the motor vehicle industry as a result of the switch to electric vehicles may not be even because of the need for normal maintenance work.
The EV evolution
One of the top automotive industry trends is the adoption of machine learning technology to design greener vehicles. These may see pollution levels reducing and roads becoming less noisy. Arguments may start regarding what may happen to the petrol-propelled engine cars that were introduced earlier.
Electric vehicles may dictate the future of the automobile industry and how the car owners and mechanics may adjust themselves. Advanced battery technology means that vehicles can move faster under a single charge. The switch may also impact people’s lives with petrol stations creating space for charging facilities.
EV and the tyres
The tyres are going to benefit a lot because electric vehicles wear tyres faster than ordinary vehicles. The EV tyres carry heavier loads and must withstand rapid torque that causes the tyres to wear faster. Therefore, vehicles need to be fitted with tyres with stronger rubber compounds and stronger constructions.
Increased inertia and greater mass are associated with longer braking distance, which means that a lot of emphases must be placed on the better grip. With the increased weight and high impact torque, it may mean tyre replacement to make the cars efficient.
There is a concern about the powertrain effect. The level of tyre consumption by EVs is higher than that of the internal combustion cars. That is why some people may replace their car tyres every 10,000 miles. Whereas the EV customers may visit service shops less often, they need to replace tyres more often.
The visibility
The visibility products of EVs such as wipers, headlights, bulbs, windshield glass, and cleaning fluids are in the same category as the tyres regarding their usage. This is because they use onboard technology like cameras and sensors. For the advanced driver assistance features (ADAS) to operate efficiently, they must be kept clean.
The cooling needs for EVs are also high. The vehicles must be very efficient in-cabin cooling to avoid heavy impact on the vehicle range. To prevent thermal losses, EVs have more efficient materials and glass structures. The visibility of these vehicles is expensive because of the need for larger moonroofs and windshields.
Visibility is an exciting investment and innovation area in motor vehicles. It is a profit hub for suppliers, chemical companies, and mechanics. Technology may reduce the profits of the players in the industry because a hard coating or thin film may mean lesser sprays and reduced need for wiper passes.
The surface area, which is the visibility domain, has a greater surface area. What initially meant headlights and windshields would soon translate to numerous sensors and surfaces that need machine-verified and clear visibility.
Less work for mechanics
All the players in the motor vehicle industry, including the mechanics, are trying to be part of a shift to electric cars. Mechanics replace water pumps, belts and perform other maintenance-related work. However, most repairs of electric cars are done by the dealers and this means a big blow to the mechanics.
Servicing and maintaining electric cars is different from what many mechanics know. An electric vehicle has very few moving parts compared to an internal combustion vehicle. The EVs have lower wear and tear than the gasoline vehicles that provide locomotion using explosive force.
The replacement of parts is less frequent than those of the internal combustion engine automobile. Low maintenance needs of EVs may translate to the closure of repair shops in the UK. These include dealer repair locations, general repair shops, and department store locations.
EVs will still require repairs on parts such as windshield wipers, suspension, and brakes. In many instant oil change locations, teams are deployed to get cars serviced as fast as possible. With EVs, such services may not be needed, and soon the mechanics will have to adapt.
Unlike gasoline vehicles, EVs don’t need ordinary oil changes, spark plug replacement, fuel filters, and emission checks. Car owners can forget about changing transmission fluid, differential fluid, and timing belts.
Conclusion
The switch to electric vehicles may lead to less demand for mechanics in the future. In as much as the tyres and the visibility parts of EVs wear out faster, this may not mean a lot of work for the mechanics.
Most repair shops rely on customers who come for regular maintenance and routine checks. There is the risk of closure of those shops because EVs require minimal or no maintenance work.
Author Thomas Jackson is a professional freelance content writer working on academic orders from the best essay writing service. He’s also an active member of several writing clubs in New York. – Photo by Charlotte Stowe on Unsplash
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