Car SOS host reveals major problem with cars built after 2000

Car SOS star Tim Shaw has blasted manufacturers over one simple problem seen on cars built after the year 2000. Tim argued that car brands were installing specialised parts, stopping budding mechanics from “having a go” at fixing and restoring their cars at home.

The TV star explained that car brands often fit components that require “specific tools” to access. He stressed this often forces road users to take their cars into dealerships and garages, which could have previously been done on their driveway.

Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, Tim said: “Car manufacturers have been shrewd over the years, particularly since the 00s where they’re bringing out specific tools and making specific bolts and attachments that you need to have a specific tool to remove it.

“Also coding in headlight switches to airbags to ECUs under the seats, You can’t even change a headlight on a modern car without taking it to a dealership and trying to persuade somebody to code it for you.

“Unless people are bringing out weird Raspberry Pi’s that can actually read this stuff and recode it as we get older which maybe they will, I’ll be interested to see if there is a classic car scene of modern cars post 2000s because of the complexities of coding headlights on even BMW’s e46s and e92s and onwards from there.”

Methods used by some car firms to restrict repairs on cars include the fitting of special logo-shaped fasteners that cannot be removed with standard tools. Some vehicles also rely on manufacturer-specific diagnostic tools to pair parts, meaning that replacing components such as batteries or sensors that can lead to software locks.

Some newer vehicles may also block third-party diagnostic tools from accessing vehicle data, which could be a major blow to road users.

Tim added: “I hate the fact that the car industry has done its best to prevent people from having a go at home.”

Known for classic car restorations, Car SOS has worked on some newer models in its latest series. The team will get to work fixing a 2000 Land Rover Defender that had been sidelined by serious mechanical failure.

The duo is also set to work on a 2001 Mercedes SLK 230 with huge sentimental value in episode two which airs later in March.

Car S.O.S Season 14 airs exclusively on National Geographic every Thursday at 8pm.