The Garage 361

ADAS
Thinkcar rolls out
collaborative remote
diagnostics
Access to vehicle manufacturer level diagnostics
has long posed a challenge for independent garages.
And yet, ever-advancing automotive technologies
have made them increasingly indispensable, even for
routine servicing and maintenance.
Thinkcar aims to address the ageold
issue of data access through
its pioneering remote diagnostics
offering. It’s a solution for workshops
that don’t have access to manufacturer
diagnostic platforms.
“With Thinkcar’s remote programming
services, no vehicle repair is beyond the
capabilities of an independent garage,” said
Alex Gillbanks Managing Director of Impact
Diagnostics, the supplier behind Thinkcar
UK. “Our aim is to empower technicians to
profitably service the needs of today’s car
parc.”
An ecosystem of Thinkcar workshops
support each other with access to vehicle
manufacturer level diagnostic platforms.
Queries can either be sent to the entire
network or to a specific garage.
“It means you benefit from other
garages that may already have access to
manufacturer diagnostic subscriptions,”
said Alex. “They’ll be able to programme,
calibrate and help through a direct
connection with the car via a Thinkcar
vehicle communication interface (VCI).
Users then agree a suitable fee for the
service, so it’s a win-win and we’re seeing
a lot of uptake.”
With something to suit every budget,
Thinkcar’s remote diagnostic solution
extends across a wide range of its devices,
including the Thinkcar Max, Thinkcar X10S,
Thinkcar X5, and the recently added Euro
Master X.
Technicians simply tap the ‘remote
diagnosis’ for access to technical support,
enabling the seamless initiation for
module replacement and calibration,
for example. Text, images and diagnostic
reports can be exchanged throughout the
process and, with the Thinktool X10S and
X5, video and voice guidance ensures it’s a
pain-free process.
“The Thinktool X10S and X5 serve as
the ultimate ‘phone a friend’ diagnostic
system,” said Alex. “They fully embody
Thinkcar’s philosophy of quick, easy, and
efficient diagnostics and repairs.”
Founded in Los Angeles, USA, Thinkcar
emerged from a collective of automotive
enthusiasts possessing expertise in vehicle
maintenance and mobile connectivity. The
brand quickly embarked on a mission to
pair traditional vehicle diagnostics with
mobile technology.
“From the outset, Thinkcar set its sights
on creating diagnostic tools that not only
boasted unparalleled functionality but
were also compact and cost-efficient,”
said Alex. “This focus on maximising
functionality while minimising costs has
been a hallmark of Thinkcar’s ethos,
ensuring that their tools are not only
advanced but also accessible.”
2022 marked a significant milestone
for Thinkcar with Impact Diagnostics, a
trusted name in the UK’s diagnostic and
remote programming sphere, officially
becoming the UK’s approved supplier.
The partnership propelled Thinkcar’s
multi-brand diagnostics and remote
programming services across the UK.
Thinkcar tools are available through a
network of distributors: https://www.
thinkcar.uk/authorised-dealers.html
For further information about Thinkcar
remote diagnostics and to view the
complete Thinkcar range visit: https://
www.thinkcar.uk/
28 THE GARAGE
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