Will I have to wait longer?
The answer is yes.
Automotive, like many industries across Australia, has suffered from a skills shortage for some time.
COVID-19 has compounded this, thanks to a cut-off of international skilled labour – which industry relied upon to top-up local apprentice intakes.
Mechanics, panel beaters, and auto electricians are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to a tightening labour pool in automotive.
As a result, if motorists want to avoid lengthy wait times, they may need to get into gear and arrange vehicle servicing well ahead of time.
And if you are considering nipping around to a ‘backyarder’ to jump the queue, a word of warning – vehicles are more involved than you think. Cars today are packed with electronics, computerised components and complicated systems designed to avoid accidents and save lives.
Electronic brakes, Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) sensors and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) systems are just some of the neural networks that operate in most modern cars. And they require expert knowledge.
Without the right tools or up-to-date training you run the risk of modules and sensors being checked incorrectly or not calibrated back to manufacturer settings. This could be dangerous.
Understandably, you want to get back out on there but putting road safety in the hands of an amateur isn’t the answer. Book into a proper repair shop and get the job done right. It may take a bit longer, but your safety – and that of your passengers and other road users – is the most important thing.
Words: VACC CEO, Geoff Gwilym. As featured in the Herald Sun 30 April 2021.
Share your thoughts! E: ceo@vacc.com.au