AUTO care services in Myanmar have developed noticeably over the last decade. This has translated into a greater use and reliance on technology as service centres move from primitive repair and service methods to using sophisticated computerised systems, which are now the industry standard.

Previously, auto care service centres relied solely upon the skills and knowledge of their mechanics. U Yan Chi, the owner of the Young’s Auto servicing centre in Yangon, said the change is a reflection of the more advanced cars service centres are servicing.

“Most of the latest models of luxury automobiles entering the country have advance computer systems installed and the software in these systems controls a lot of the car’s functions. So the skills of the mechanics are not enough anymore; we need more accuracy and reliability. So we have to use sophisticated machines to offer the best service for our clients,” U Yan Chi said.

“We import the machines and technology from Germany and Italy. The German experts came and trained our mechanics how to operate those computerised systems so we are now able to give our clients better, improved services,” he said.

Luxury brands from Europe, such as BMW, Mercedes Benz and Peugeot have been largely computerised since 1995 onwards. Japanese models, from Land Cruisers to Super Saloons have featured software control systems since about 2000.

This software controls many of the car’s functions; sound systems, ignition, lighting, braking and suspension. Security systems are also controlled by computerised software.

In particular, advanced braking systems have forced many service centres to upgrade their practices. Most cars produced from the late ’90s onwards feature the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), which reduces the likelihood of the brakes locking up the tyres, causing the vehicle to skid.

One owner of a car service workshop likened the methods maintenance centres now use on vehicles to a medical check-up performed on a patient in a hospital.

“It is like the medical check up, searching for some kind of disease. To be completely accurate in finding the defects in a car, we have to use high-tech computerised machines, which enable us to find each and every defect accurately and quickly and then mend it very precisely.

These precision techniques also help with body repairs, which were previously done by hand, the workshop owner said.

“We can repair any kind of luxury car. Regardless of the extent of damage, we can restore the care to its original condition and you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference,” he said, giving the example of a BMZW.

“Last year, a BMW was severely damaged in a collision. We restored it to its original condition, including the body paint, within half month. Nobody can notice that it had been severely damaged in the accident,” he said. “Now we have a similar service capacity and technology to western countries and I think all repair centres in Myanmar will soon be offering these services.”