A new whitepaper has found the auto maintenance sector is grappling with many of the same issues facing the collision industry, including labour shortages, rising costs and increasing technical complexity.
Noregon Systems, a commercial vehicle diagnostics and repair software provider headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina, outlined these trends in its 2026 outlook for the commercial vehicle diagnostics and maintenance market.
The report identifies aging fleets as a primary driver of repair demand. Nearly 74% of trucks in the U.S. are now eight years or older, meaning more vehicles are staying on the road longer and requiring more frequent service. At the same time, the total number of trucks in operation continues to grow, increasing overall maintenance volume.
Repair and maintenance costs are also rising. These now account for roughly 9% of total operating costs for heavy-duty trucks, a 34% increase over recent years. With trucks staying in service longer, more components are wearing out, and repairs are becoming more frequent and more complex.
Labour shortages remain a persistent issue. Shops and fleets continue to report difficulty finding qualified technicians, while the work itself is becoming more demanding. The report shows a growing reliance on diagnostic tools, with the technician-to-tool ratio falling from 6:1 in 2016 to about 2.3:1 in 2026, reflecting increased dependence on technology to complete repairs.
Vehicle systems are also becoming more complex. Modern trucks rely on interconnected electronic systems, meaning faults often involve multiple components rather than a single part. This has made diagnostics more time-consuming and has reduced the effectiveness of traditional troubleshooting methods.
As a result, mechanical shops are adopting more advanced tools and systems. Integrated diagnostic platforms are replacing multiple standalone tools, allowing technicians to work more efficiently across mixed fleets.
