Trading in a socket wrench for a software patch

The good old days of taking your car to the repair shop down the street and hoping for the best as Mr. Fix-It rolls up his sleeves, grabs his toolbox, and looks under the hood will soon be a thing of the past.

When it comes to automobile repairs in the future, technicians will be carrying laptop computers and handheld devices that will connect to the car they are fixing, as well as the entire dealer network. This technology will enable technicians to seamlessly link to the car's onboard diagnostic system, its internal software and computer coding, as well as the automaker's electronic parts and service catalogs and the manufacturer's design network. With this electronic exchange of information, technicians will be able to digitally communicate with the vehicles they are fixing to determine what repairs are needed, quickly order the necessary parts, and complete the service faster and more efficiently than ever before.