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Modern Automobile Vehicle Repair Practices in Micro, Small and Medium Scale Garages in Ghana

Received: 19 November 2014     Accepted: 6 December 2014     Published: 6 January 2015
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Abstract

This paper assesses the modern automobile vehicle repair and maintenance practices in the micro, small and medium scale garages in Ghana. In the study, the various vehicle repair and maintenance practices were investigated using a questionnaire administered on vehicle repair garages in the country. In addition, some amount of data was generated through personal observations and informal discussions. The survey revealed that a large number of the auto-mechanics in the garages in the country have considerable years of auto repair working experience, but lack the ability to inspect and repair modern automobile vehicles due to low educational and technical levels. The auto mechanics also lack the ability to identify and use modern diagnostic equipments, manufacturers’ manuals, computers and internet which have characterized modern vehicle repairs, in their repair practices. They also lack adequate tools, equipments and other logistical supports. To enhance modern vehicle repair practices in the country, training institutions and organizations such as the universities, polytechnics, the Ghana Institution of Engineers, Gratis Foundation, National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI), the government and so on, should extend assistance particularly in the form of education, training and equipments to these local garages. This is to enable them remain in business and prevent garage closures due to their inability to repair modern automobile vehicles.

Published in International Journal of Science, Technology and Society (Volume 2, Issue 6)
DOI 10.11648/j.ijsts.20140206.19
Page(s) 216-222
Creative Commons

This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.

Copyright

Copyright © The Author(s), 2015. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Ghana, Modern Automobile Vehicles, Repair, Practices, Garages

References
[1] D. Agyapong, “Micro, Small, Medium and Large Enterprises’ Activities, Income Level and Poverty Reduction in Ghana- A synthesis of Related literature”, International Journal of Business and Management, Vol. 5, 2010, pp. 198-199.
[2] A.O. Akinola, “Parts Standardization in the Motor Industry”. B. Eng. Thesis, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering Federal Univ. of Technology, Akure, Nigeria, 1995.
[3] B. Akinola and T. Ogedenge, “Basic Automobile Technology”, Olajuyin Printers, Akure, Nigeria, 2005.
[4] Modern Riders, 2014, Factsheet: How Modern Cars Engines are Different. [Online]. Available at http://www.modernrides.com/how-modern-car-engines-are-different. [Accessed on 20th August, 2014].
[5] Chron, 2014, Factsheet: What Kind of Equipment Does an Auto Mechanic Use? [Online]. Available at http://www.work.chron/kind-equipment-auto-mechanic-use-25000.html. [Accessed on 30th August, 2014].
[6] J. POWELL, “Survey of Engineering Manufacturing Industries in Ghana. Technology and Enterprise Development Project”. A Report for DFID, London, UK., 1995.
[7] Industrial Areas in Ghana, 2014, Factsheet: Map for Industrial Areas in Ghana. [Online]. Available at https://www.google.com.gh [Accessed on 30th August, 2014].
[8] Automotive Body and Related Repairers, 2014, Factsheet: Career Information: Available at https://www.collegegrad.com/careers/insta06 [Accessed on 20th August, 2014]
[9] Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics, 2014, Factsheet: Career Information: Available at https://www/collegegrad.com/careers/insta08 [Accessed on 20th August, 2014]
[10] Chron, 2014, Factsheet: What kind of Equipment does an auto mechanic use: Available at http://www. work.chron.com/kind-eqiuipment-auto-mechanic-use-25000.html. [Accessed on 10th August, 2014].
[11] T. Jaarsma, Car repair in the Suame Magazine, thesis submitted to KNUST, 2009, pp. 23-74.
[12] Kumsi Center, 2003, Factsheet: Suame Magazine Fihankra Project: Available at http://www.kumasicenter.wordpress.com/2012/10/17/suame-magazine-fihankra-project/ [Accessed on 20th July, 2014].
[13] Car Diagnostics-FAQs, 2013, Factsheet: Hallmark Volvo: Available at http://www.hallmarkvolvo.com/car-diagnostics-fags/Hallmark
[14] J. Jones, J. Burdess, J.N. Fawcett, Vehicle Electronic Systems and Faults Diagnosis, Routledge, 2013, pp. 20-50.
[15] How to Open an Auto Repair Shop, 2014, Factsheet, Appointments: Available at www.appoitment-plus.com/articles/how-to-open-an-auto-repair-shop.php
[16] J. M. Mutmansky, R.V. Ramani, 11th US/North American Mine Ventilation Symposium, CRC Press, 2006, pp. 89-110.
[17] Providing Hands on Automotive Care, 2013, Factsheet: Diesel Mechanic, [AcademiCINFO], Available at http://www.academicinfo.net/online-course/diesel-mechanic.
[18] E. J. Duffy, and R. Scharff, “Autobody Repair Technology”, Cengage Learning, 2003, pp. 234- 250.
Cite This Article
  • APA Style

    Akpakpavi Michael. (2015). Modern Automobile Vehicle Repair Practices in Micro, Small and Medium Scale Garages in Ghana. International Journal of Science, Technology and Society, 2(6), 216-222. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijsts.20140206.19

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    ACS Style

    Akpakpavi Michael. Modern Automobile Vehicle Repair Practices in Micro, Small and Medium Scale Garages in Ghana. Int. J. Sci. Technol. Soc. 2015, 2(6), 216-222. doi: 10.11648/j.ijsts.20140206.19

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    AMA Style

    Akpakpavi Michael. Modern Automobile Vehicle Repair Practices in Micro, Small and Medium Scale Garages in Ghana. Int J Sci Technol Soc. 2015;2(6):216-222. doi: 10.11648/j.ijsts.20140206.19

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  • @article{10.11648/j.ijsts.20140206.19,
      author = {Akpakpavi Michael},
      title = {Modern Automobile Vehicle Repair Practices in Micro, Small and Medium Scale Garages in Ghana},
      journal = {International Journal of Science, Technology and Society},
      volume = {2},
      number = {6},
      pages = {216-222},
      doi = {10.11648/j.ijsts.20140206.19},
      url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijsts.20140206.19},
      eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijsts.20140206.19},
      abstract = {This paper assesses the modern automobile vehicle repair and maintenance practices in the micro, small and medium scale garages in Ghana. In the study, the various vehicle repair and maintenance practices were investigated using a questionnaire administered on vehicle repair garages in the country. In addition, some amount of data was generated through personal observations and informal discussions. The survey revealed that a large number of the auto-mechanics in the garages in the country have considerable years of auto repair working experience, but lack the ability to inspect and repair modern automobile vehicles due to low educational and technical levels. The auto mechanics also lack the ability to identify and use modern diagnostic equipments, manufacturers’ manuals, computers and internet which have characterized modern vehicle repairs, in their repair practices. They also lack adequate tools, equipments and other logistical supports. To enhance modern vehicle repair practices in the country, training institutions and organizations such as the universities, polytechnics, the Ghana Institution of Engineers, Gratis Foundation, National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI), the government and so on, should extend assistance particularly in the form of education, training and equipments to these local garages. This is to enable them remain in business and prevent garage closures due to their inability to repair modern automobile vehicles.},
     year = {2015}
    }
    

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    AB  - This paper assesses the modern automobile vehicle repair and maintenance practices in the micro, small and medium scale garages in Ghana. In the study, the various vehicle repair and maintenance practices were investigated using a questionnaire administered on vehicle repair garages in the country. In addition, some amount of data was generated through personal observations and informal discussions. The survey revealed that a large number of the auto-mechanics in the garages in the country have considerable years of auto repair working experience, but lack the ability to inspect and repair modern automobile vehicles due to low educational and technical levels. The auto mechanics also lack the ability to identify and use modern diagnostic equipments, manufacturers’ manuals, computers and internet which have characterized modern vehicle repairs, in their repair practices. They also lack adequate tools, equipments and other logistical supports. To enhance modern vehicle repair practices in the country, training institutions and organizations such as the universities, polytechnics, the Ghana Institution of Engineers, Gratis Foundation, National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI), the government and so on, should extend assistance particularly in the form of education, training and equipments to these local garages. This is to enable them remain in business and prevent garage closures due to their inability to repair modern automobile vehicles.
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Author Information
  • Mechanical Engineering Department, Accra Polytechnic, Accra, Ghana

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