The Mechanic’s Evolution Since the 20th Century
The work of a mechanic has evolved.
Before the induction of the assembly line and interchangeable car parts, cars were a luxury and mechanics were rare creatures. Their prices weren’t standardized, and their labor could be grueling and tedious. Each car was a customized, specific model for each buyer, and finding someone to repair your unique model was so expensive and time-consuming, it made having a car not worth it for the layman. Since then, the automobile industry has regimented and expanded worldwide, allowing for Ford and BMW repairs to take place on the same street, with company-trained mechanics in their respective shops. This made being a mechanic a viable source of income for a person and their family; its ubiquity in the community also led to shorter diagnosis times and faster, more reliable repairs. As we’re nearly 20 years into the 21st century, we’ve understandably developed much further from even that point.
From Henry Ford To Driverless Trucks
Henry Ford once boldly stated in 1909 that he would build a new type of that would “be constructed of the best materials, by the best men to be hired, after the simplest designs that modern engineering can devise. But it will be so low in price that no man making a good salary will be unable to own one – and enjoy with his family the blessing of hours of pleasure in God’s great open spaces.” Understandably the public, for the most part, were extremely skeptical as cars were deemed such a luxury product. However, Ford stayed to true to his promise. In just a few short years they were commonplace. Fast forward over 100 years – from Rudolf Diesel’s 75% efficiency engine, we’ve come to automated trucks that follow the master computer on the road. Trucks and cars are now designed the way computers are – GPSs, tracking systems, environmentally friendly accouterments. Naturally, with all this evolution, the modern mechanic must adapt and accept the changes necessary to make.
Don’t Worry Truckers, There’s A Place For You In The New World
Although it can seem like an older breed is dying, their skills are still relevant and the industry is even growing. The diesel mechanic industry has growth projected more than 15% in a year. More engineers and mechanics are needed to modify the computers that diagnose defects and to control the program that automates driverless trucks. Many things are still unable to be repaired remotely – a mechanic still needs to repair HVAC problems, engine issues, breaks, and more by human touch. Gone are the days when the mechanic industry was separated from the intellectual industry. New technology in vehicles promotes a blending of the two worlds, demanding new tiers of excellence from its automobile experts.
Middleton & Meads is your ONE STOP shop for ALL of your Vehicle’s NEEDS.
Need to repair your truck of bus? Contact Middleton & Meads today! Middleton & Meads. provides quality truck and bus repair, service, and fleet management for the Baltimore, MD area. We have over 90 years of experience in the trucking industry and will provide you with customer service like you have never experienced before! If you are interested in seeing how we can help your business, give us a call at (410) 752-5588 or visit us online today! For more articles and trucking tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, and LinkedIn.
