From the ABC
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-09-07/4wds-too-high-tech-to-survive-in-outback-expert/5725856
Four-wheel drive vehicles are becoming too dependent on high-tech software to be reliable out in the bush, according to an industry commentator.
The editor of 4x4 Australia magazine, Matt Raudonikis, believes that while the new technology is making the vehicles better to drive, there are growing concerns that if something goes wrong in a remote area, no one can fix them.
"In the old days, a bush mechanic could have a look at something and see what was wrong with it and hopefully get it fixed," he said.
"Now it's a matter of plugging in a computer to be able to diagnose what the problem is.
"So a lot of bush mechanics will just call a truck and get the vehicle to take it to the nearest capital city."
Mr Raudonikis said people driving in remote parts of the country need to be aware of the risk of getting stranded.
"If you're in a place where you can't get fixed, it could totally ruin your holiday," he said.
"Or it could even be life-threatening if you're in a remote enough place."
Mr Raudonikis said some drivers are opting to upgrade their older cars, rather than risk a high-tech
breakdown in the bush.
"We're seeing a trend towards people keeping their cars that are 10 years old, or even older," he said.
"They're spending the money on updating them to keep them up to capability and refreshed, because they're something that might be able to be worked on out in the bush."
Bush breakdowns could spell peril for unwary
Bush mechanic Neville Hernon knows first-hand the perils of bush breakdowns.
For 15 years, he has run the only tyre repair business on the
Gibb River Road, the kind of rocky bush track that four-wheel drives were originally designed to handle.
Video: Are 4WDs too high-tech for the bush? (7pm TV News WA)
The 700 kilometre red dirt road cuts through the central
Kimberley, and features deep water crossings, roaming cattle and long stretches between fuel and supply stops.
While in recent years the road has been graded more frequently - leading some hardcore four-wheel drivers to turn up their noses - a bumper sticker proclaiming "I survived the
Gibb River Road" remains a badge of honour.
Every day, a stream of hot and bedraggled travellers turn up at Mr Hernon's door.
They have often hitched a ride from their broken-down vehicle, or arrive in the hope of replacing torn up tyres.
"During the dry season months, I can see up to 10, 12 cars," he said.
"People often arrive pretty stressed or upset because they think their holiday might be ruined because of losing a tyre or whatever.
"But usually we can get them fixed up no problems and send them on their way happy."
Most improvements for the better, mechanic says
Over the years Mr Hernon has noticed the changes in car design.
The tyres have gotten bigger, and there is an increased reliance on computer technology to operate safety and steering systems.
"At first I was a bit worried, thinking 'does this mean I won't be able to fix up the cars'," he said.
But once a computer is playing up, you're in strife, I don't have the software or the computer to diagnose a lot of that stuff.
"Most of the time it's not a problem, it's just a matter of turn off the system, give it a few minutes and she's right.
"But once a computer is playing up, you're in strife. I don't have the software or the computer to diagnose a lot of that stuff."
Most of the improvements, he said, have been for the better.
"Most of the cars are actually really
well designed," he said.
"They're safer and they're more comfortable.
"Usually it's the same old problems - a busted tyre, a battery - that I can get sorted no problem."
I can certainly see the appeal of the Keep-It-Simple-Stupid approach, especially with remote area travel.