Audi is taking steps to dispel the notion of dodgy mechanics making up or exaggerating car problems to unsuspecting customers.

The car manufacturer has issued handheld video cameras to its UK mechanics as part of its ‘Audi Cam’ service that allows customers to see personalised clips explaining what work needs to be done to their car.

Now available in all UK Audi Centres, the service allows specially trained workshop mechanics to record narrated video clips of their vehicle inspections and propose solutions to any problems they find.

The problems are then itemised, graded as ‘urgent’, ‘advisory’ or ‘for info’, and the video clips uploaded to a secure, PIN-protected, web page.

From here the customer can then watch each short clip and see a VAT-inclusive quote for the work required, and either click a button to accept or reject the job, or request a workshop callback for more information.

Audi Cam is part of the Direct Reception technology rolled out across the Audi Centre network last year.

Direct Reception gives customers audio-visual access to their cars from the comfort of the Audi Centre reception area as they are worked on by mechanics equipped with head-mounted cameras and two-way audio links.

Customers can talk to the mechanics directly and service advisors are on hand to answer any questions that arise.

Paul Sansom, Head of After-sales and Service for Audi UK, said: “By effectively beaming the workshop to our customers’ homes or smartphones, Audi Cam greatly simplifies the service and repair process, and at the same time breaks down more of the barriers between the service bay and the customer that have traditionally fostered scepticism and suspicion.”