Diagnotics 38 www.aftermarketonline.net JUNE 2026 How diagnostics is evolving in the workshop As vehicle technology continues to advance, the role of the technician is changing just as quickly. Modern vehicles are now highly networked systems of ECUs, sensors and software-driven functions, with diagnostics requiring far more than traditional fault-code reading. For workshops, this shift is not just about tools, it’s about capability, efficiency and keeping pace with evolving technical demands. AI-enabled diagnostics such as Thinkcar’s 394 and 399 are beginning to play a more significant role in supporting technicians through increasingly complex diagnostic processes. Another development influencing workshop practice is the integration of remote diagnostic capability. Rather than working in isolation, technicians can now collaborate with offsite technical specialists in real time. Through Thinkcar’s remote access functionality, workshops can share live diagnostic sessions with experienced technicians, receive guided support during complex fault diagnosis and access external expertise when dealing with unfamiliar systems. Alex Gillbanks, Owner at Thinkcar UK, commented: “A big part of remote diagnostics isn’t just the guidance – it’s being able to complete jobs that no other aftermarket tool can. We use both OEM tools and specialist aftermarket products to provide the widest possible coverage, aiming to support the OEM-level functions of as many mainstream vehicle brands as possible in-house. “When you plug the Ethernet cable into your Thinkcar VCI, it’s like giving our team of technicians a direct connection to the vehicle. Combined with our wider network of techs, this allows us to cover the vast majority of vehicles in the UK car parc.” www.thinkcar.uk Following the response to bringing the 360°/Around View Monitoring (AVM) calibration target mat set for MG vehicles into its product portfolio last year, remote diagnostics and ADAS solutions provider Core Diagnostics has now added similar kits for a wide range of vehicle brands. The 360°/AVM system – which stitches together feeds from cameras mounted in the front grille, at the rear of the vehicle, and in the door mirror housings to provide the driver with a seamless bird’s-eye view of the vehicle’s surroundings – is increasingly becoming standard equipment on new vehicles. As with all ADAS camera systems, precise calibration is required after many common repair procedures, including replacement or refitting of front and rear bodywork, door mirrors and door realignment. Failure to carry out this essential recalibration procedure can adversely affect the system’s performance, with implications for both vehicle safety and the workshop’s liability. OEM 360°/AVM calibration target mats can be prohibitively expensive and are frequently out of stock. Core Diagnostics’ calibration target mat kits offer an affordable and readily available alternative. Designed to OEM specifications, constructed from hard-wearing materials and printed with UV-resistant ink, the high-contrast mat patterns enable technicians to quickly and reliably calibrate AVM camera systems. The expanded range now covers manufacturers that include MG IM, BYD, Omoda, Jaecoo & Chery, Leapmotor, Lotus, Geely, Lynk & Co, Smart, VW/AUDI Group, PSA, XPeng, Changan-Deepal, Ora, Haval & Wey, Mazda and Toyota/Lexus Each calibration mat kit enables workshops to perform 360°/AVM recalibration in-house, eliminating the need to outsource the procedure or invest in expensive OEM tooling. www.corediagnostics.co.uk Calibration mat range to cover more popular vehicle models
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