Remember when you could actually see the engine bay in a car?

I was working on a 2002 Silverado yesterday and then a 2023 model today. The difference is crazy. The older one, you just pop the hood and everything is right there. The new one, it's all covered in plastic panels and shrouds. You have to remove like three pieces just to check the oil dipstick. It feels like they're designing them to keep us out. Anyone else miss the simple layouts?

3 comments

3 Comments

hannah_ross813d ago

That "eco-tech" cover story from hayden_rivera is exactly what I'm talking about. I had a 2021 Ford in the shop last month where the battery was completely hidden under a tray in the wheel well. You had to remove the front tire just to jump the car. It's not about looking clean, it's about making sure you take it to the dealer for every little thing. They're turning basic car care into a specialist job.

hayden_rivera14d ago

My last oil change turned into a two-hour puzzle because I couldn't find where the filter went. Turns out it was hiding under a decorative cover that said 'eco-tech'. I felt pretty silly when I realized the cover just snapped off.

masonm851d agoMost Upvoted

Watch this trend turn every simple repair into a paid service call.