Auto repair might feel like something that has always existed, but it is a relatively new science. It is always improving. Understanding the short history of this trade can help consumers understand how the changes the industry has experienced impact modern automotive repair in Waunakee, WI.
In the Beginning
The evolution of auto repair began with the first commercially available vehicles. These hit the road at the end of the 19th century. Those roads were bumpy, uneven, and designed for horse-drawn carriages. That means repairs were straightforward: repairing damage to the wheels and body of the vehicle caused by poor road conditions and patching up cars to keep them moving.
Mid-Century Modernization
The 1950s and 1960s saw a huge, post-war boom in the American and many European economies. This meant a higher demand for cars since more adults could afford to buy them. That increased demand for vehicles led to an increased need for auto repair.
Repair became a more complex process during this time, with mechanics better able to service vehicles inside and out. Mechanics could keep cars running longer, as well as make them look better with improved paint and body repair techniques. As the industry moved forward into the 1970s and 1980s, these techniques were further refined as cars were produced on an even larger scale.
Millennial Movers and Shakers
As the century turned again, technology became integrated into automotive design. Younger designers brought fresh ideas to vehicle design and gave drivers the ability to access everything from satellite navigation and hands-free calling, all from touch screens in the car’s dashboard.
This means that auto repair now involves computers too, as digital diagnostic tools help mechanics provide more accurate services in less time and for less money. As time continues moving forward, auto repair will move with it – and continue to improve its approach to giving drivers what they need.
