The modern car is increasingly a computer on wheels, and that reality is reshaping the repair industry from the ground up. Software, not just hardware, now defines vehicle performance—and how it is serviced.

Software is a service item. Faults are as likely to be resolved with a software update or reconfiguration as with a wrench. Workshops need tools that can safely read, update, and program vehicle systems.

Remote and over-the-air. Connected diagnostics let technicians pull data and even push fixes without the car in the bay, opening new service models and reducing downtime for customers.

Cybersecurity and access. Secure gateways now protect vehicle networks, meaning shops need authorized tools and credentials to work on modern cars—raising the bar for equipment and training alike.

For suppliers, the shift is profound: the most valuable tools increasingly combine hardware with secure, always-updated software platforms built for a connected fleet.