Independent garage owner Dean Lomas, otherwise known as The Neurodivergent Mechanic, recently joined Delphi’s Ben Spencer and Luke Garratt at the Delphi Academy in Warwick for a hands-on look at the technologies reshaping today’s aftermarket.
What followed was part training session, part open conversation about the realities facing independent garages as the car parc shifts towards new powertrains. From hydrogen to Teslas, the session highlighted both the challenges and the surprising opportunities waiting for switched-on workshops.
WHY WATCH
Dean Lomas and Delphi give independents a hands-on look at the realities of today’s (and tomorrow’s) powertrains. From hydrogen fuel cells and safety basics to Tesla Service Mode’s accessible diagnostics, this video shows garages what’s coming and how to stay prepared, all with Dean’s trademark humour.
Hydrogen on the horizon
Hydrogen fuel cells were front and centre during the visit. Delphi’s trainers demonstrated how fuel cells generate power, the design of hydrogen refuelling nozzles, and the safety systems every technician will need to understand.
While hydrogen remains a niche compared with battery-electric vehicles, Delphi Academy is investing in hands-on training courses to prepare technicians for what could be the next wave of alternative fuels. For garages, this means new servicing routines, new safety considerations – and new business opportunities.
Tesla Service Mode
But perhaps the biggest eye-opener came when the conversation turned to Teslas.
Like many independents, Dean assumed the cars would be locked down and inaccessible without factory tools. Instead, he was shocked to discover Tesla’s built-in Service Mode, available directly through the infotainment screen.
Tesla Service Mode
– Live data and system-specific fault codes that clear automatically once issues are fixed.
– Step-by-step procedures for air-con self-tests, coolant drain routines, and brake servicing.
– A dedicated brake burnishing mode that disables regenerative braking and walks the technician through bedding in new pads.
– On-screen instructions for ADAS calibration, including where to place the targets.
