Improvements in design, materials and manufacturing techniques have combined to produce vehicles that are, in general, very reliable. Many servicing and repair tasks, such as rebores, big-end repairs, gearbox overhauls etc., are no longer commonplace and this sometimes gives the impression that today’s vehicle technicians do not need the range of skills that once were necessary. It may be the case that the so called ‘traditional’ skills are less important, but the change in automotive technology that has resulted from the introduction of many computer controlled systems has meant that technicians require additional skills. These additional skills are discussed.