According to the internet, 14% of Americans can’t read. Unfortunately that is a real travesty. The automotive industry (and other parts of the work force) needs Technicians that can read and write proficiently in order to repair today’s cars. One of the biggest aspects of diagnostic repair is the comprehension of what is being read in order to perform an effective repair. I am from the old school when you could use a screw driver, a hammer and a pair of pliers to fix cars. These days you need a Computer and a Volt meter and an Oscilloscope and a Scan tool to repair these cars. Technology evolution has taken over and we are now entering the Jetson’s age. It is amazing how lazy we have become that now we need to push a button to place the seat back where it was when we lent the car to someone. All these cars are tricked out with what I like to call Ginger bread so we can have a great experience while driving along. Where does it go from here? Pretty soon we get in and say “Take me to work” and we snooze on the way there while the car does all the work? I don’t know about you but that scares me to death. I like listening to the engine and transmission do its thing and pay attention to potential problems that may occur and catch them before they happen, also being in control of the vehicle at all times. No snoozing for me. But one thing is for sure, we will need people who can read and comprehend what the service manual tells us along with TSB”S (Technical Service Bulletins) to repair the problems that occur and believe me they will. I think the problem is a pride issue that people don’t want to acknowledge they need help. We all need help and those that don’t ask for it will be left behind and that’s not right. Tell someone you can’t read it’s not a shame anymore and there are more people in the same boat as you. Rise above it and ask for help and there are a lot of people out there with resources to get you going and enjoying what you do. Trust me everybody has the ability to be the best at what they do, you just have to work hard at it and it will happen. Good Luck and Happy Motoring!
