Should an independent advertising themselves as VAG specialists have VAG-COM

[barefootin]

Hi,

Quick one. There seem to be a lot of VAG specialists but I wonder how specialist they are? Several I've been to don't have VAG-COM and use the mandatory OBD tool instead. Surely they're missing out on vital information.

Having been 'caught out' this way I think it would be a good tip to all VAG owners to ensure that their specialist is using this tool.

[towcestervag]

as long as they have a good diag tool and know what they are doing its no problem!
i dont have a vag com as yet but i do have a 1552
its product knowledge you are getting with a specialist at a reasonable cost hopefully

[barefootin]

Agreed - but when 'Specialist' says they've been searching the forums...you kinda wonder whether they really are specialists or just time served mechanics..

[Crasher]

I use VCDS as it is almost dealer level by most generic diagnostic tools are just as good although a lot more expensive. Some VAG specialists will have a generic fault code reader as they will do “other” brands as well, mostly I turn non VAG work away unless it is for friends.

[a8 tech]

i would look more for information on so called specialist for example are they accredited with vag or imi which will list approved qualified workshops.I have 20 years certified vag training and specialise in r8,rs models and so on with qualifications and mimi certification to proof my competence and it costs thousands of pounds to gain these qualifications and retain them.For a workshop to gain approval from vag there are stringent regulations on workshop equipment and qualifications of technicians there are licenses required to repair certain models and also certain areas like transmission and petrol management which require specialist status with a training plan and exams to become a specialist in the chosen area.
to search local ata techs/workshops look here http://www.automotivetechnician.org....ers-motorists/
or http://myaudi.audi.co.uk/centresearch/startSearch.do
http://www.volkswagen.co.uk/find-a-retailer

[towcestervag]

no disrespect to you a8tech but ive been with the vag group for 30yrs from apprentice to senior/reporting tech and some so called licenced techs are very clever up top but cant do the job with spanners!
alot of a techs knowledge comes from yrs of experience not jusy pieces of paper
and yes it does cost the dealer thousands of pounds
and yes i am imi qualified

[a8 tech]

Yes i agree with you there are plenty of clever people with no mechanical or diagnostic skills out there but there are so many poor indi workshops about its truly shocking and sticking a vag badge on there garage door means sod all as so may of these workshops struggle with the networks on 4f a6 god help them when they start dealing with 8k a5/a4 and A8 is just going to boggle them.At least in the dealers if there is a skill shortage they can contact tech support for assistance most of my day is spent these days answering indi workshops queries which i don't mind but there are so many who are clueless against the good workshops who keep in close contact with myself as they share my interests and we have a laugh.I will add the level of apprentices entering the audi network is very promising these days and i deal with some fantastic young techs who outshine 20 to 30 year service and cambelt lads so its either in your blood or its not in my experience.Audi run training for the indi network and tech support but its costly and the only dealing i have had with a bosh support engineer was a joke as he was convinced as was the indi they had fixed a 18 t tt after spending £1000 of pounds on a lean multiplication fault code and it was a collapsed breather pipe lol.I rate Crasher highly and Ian Birch who used to run Dub Sport some time ago and that's it

[towcestervag]

i will aggree with that ive been playing with motorbikes since i was 8 yrs old then i was the last fully endentured apprentice at my local VW/AUDI DEALER as it was then.
as i have a good raport with most of the service tech guys at VAG through the years i think they would vouch for my technical ability.
but as i said its not just a piece of paper
i know a old boy in his 70s who would do and mend anything and i meen mend strip repair and rebuild just like the good old days not like now replace

[a8 tech]

I agree with the piece of paper but there are some with the piece of paper who fair better than those who don't and i avoided the final stage of master tech for years until i was pushed by Audi uk to take the test which i passed first time and i must say it improved my skills but as we know live in the age of most bus and lin bus etc mechanical skill is not enough and for sure we still strip and repair but the policy is dictated by cheapest means of repair and having carried out some of the biggest repairs you can get on the larger engine models there is no option for repair due to the construction of the engine block etc so again the piece of paper represents a competence level but the individual holds the skill level and correct attitude to deliver,you will not budge me from qualification as the depth of knowledge needed to diagnose the massive variations of Audi platforms requires constant training and development as well as a good strong diagnostic head as most people can strip engine and reassemble but not all understand what and why they are doing it.I am old skool converted by the need to stay in front as the models i fix today the indi gets in 3 years and there are some real changes thet will catch them out unless they develop there skill set.I also rate the ross tech support lads Sebastian and co very highly

[shahid1973]

Do you know any decent independents in Manchester re VW?

Thanks