THE USE OF DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT IN THE MAINTENANCE SERVICES OF AUTOMOBILES AND ITS IMPACT ON THE WAYSIDE GARAGE (A CASE STUDY IN THE ACCRA METROPOLIS)

ABSTRACT

In Ghana, most of the vehicle maintenance and repair jobs are performed by wayside mechanics and they use what is termed the ‘try and error’ to repair almost all automobile. Based on this the study assesses the use of diagnostic equipment in the maintenance services of automobiles and its impact on the wayside garage in Accra Metropolis. The specific objectives of the study were to: find out the knowledge level of the wayside mechanics on diagnostic equipment, ascertain the reasons car owners send their cars to wayside garages, assess the challenges faced by wayside mechanics in the advent of automobile technology, and determine the effect of diagnostic equipment on the maintenance services of wayside garages in Accra Metropolis. Survey research design was used for this study. Purposive sampling technique was employed to select 186 owners of roadside garage in Accra Metropolis. Questionnaire was used as data collection instrument. The study found that wayside garages do not have adequate diagnostic tools and equipment, and not experienced on the use of diagnostic tools and equipment. The study further indicated that car owners send their cars to wayside garages because of low workmanship charges, good service and can negotiate the service charge.The study revealed that lack of required equipment (OBD scan tool), complexity in the usage of diagnostic scan tools, and lack of proper upgrading are the major challenges faced by wayside mechanics in the advent of automobile technology. Based on this, it was concluded that diagnostic equipment affects customers patronage of services provided by wayside garages, survival of the business and the quality of repairs of wayside garages in Accra Metropolis. It was recommended that wayside mechanics should be given every opportunity to undergo a series of training to upgrade their technical knowledge in the use of the On-Board-Diagnostics tool (OBD).