Car SOS host admits major issue with 'all modern cars'

 Car SOS star Fuzz Townshend has revealed owners are likely to encounter one serious issue with modern vehicles that separates them from older classics. The host of the popular car restoration show explained that more modern cars are harder for mechanics to work on due to the increase in electronics.

He stressed that bringing older vehicles back up to scratch relied solely on manpower, such as welding and panel beating. However, he explained that more modern vehicles have a lot of complicated electronics which could make it difficult for non-specialists to get their hands dirty.

Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, Fuzz said: "You need to be or have an electronic expert to hand if you're working on more modern cars.

"You've got to understand electronics. There's no point going in there saying 'I can do all the mechanical things. I can weld, I can panel beta, I can thread a wire from one side of the car to the other'. You've got to understand more than that. That's where I'm learning but I'll never know enough."

Modern cars are now complex electronic systems packed with numerous Electronic Control Units (ECUs) to control almost every element of the car. Modern vehicles can feature over 100 ECUs, with just one single fault having the potential to impact multiple systems in a major blow.

Electronic components now run everything from the car's powertrain to infotainment, system and road safety tech. It means mechanics must now have a background in advanced software tools to operate things such as VIN-locked module replacements and pair new components.

However, more high-tech cars often bring higher bills as motorists cannot easily fix issues at home like they could with older cars. This is because certain jobs will require the skills of specialized technicians or be locked behind specific dealer software.

The duo is used to fixing classics but has tried their hands at two more modern vehicles in the latest series of Car SOS airing this Spring. The pair get to work on a 2001 Mercedes SLK 230 2001 that until now had been locked away, plagued by mechanical problems.

Later in the series, Fuzz and co-host Tim Shaw also get to work on restoring a 2000 Land Rover Defender struggling with severe rot, a full gearbox and a drivetrain rebuild.