Think Car empowers technicians with secure gateway access for VAG

Think Car is strengthening its support for independent garages and technicians with enhanced access to Volkswagen Group (VAG) Secure Gateway systems, enabling advanced diagnostics, coding, adaptations and online functions on VW, Audi, SEAT and Škoda vehicles protected by modern security protocols.

As vehicle manufacturers implement more stringent security gateways to protect onboard control units, independent garages and workshops can find themselves locked out of key diagnostic and service functions unless they use authorised tools with genuine gateway access.

Think Car’s solution ensures technicians can confidently service even the newest VAG-protected vehicles without having to refer jobs back to dealers – helping to keep more work in-house and boosting diagnostic capabilities.

Alex Gillbanks, Owner at Think Car UK, commented: “Access to vehicle data is one of the biggest challenges facing independent workshops today. Our aim is to make sure technicians can safely and legitimately access the functions they need to diagnose, repair and maintain modern VAG vehicles, using professional tools they already trust.”

Modern vehicles are increasingly software-centric and access to secure gateway systems is becoming mission-critical for advanced diagnostics. Think Car is committed to helping technicians access the data and functions they need on today’s cars - safely, legally and without unnecessary delay.

Many VAG vehicles built since around 2020 use security gateways that restricts coding, adaptation and programming functions to authorised devices. Think Car’s Secure Gateway access solution gives independent workshops the ability to perform advanced operations that would otherwise be blocked or require dealer-level systems.

By registering and activating a Secure Gateway licence through authorised channels, technicians can unlock full diagnostic access to protected modules and maintain full workshop control over jobs that would otherwise have to be outsourced.

Think Car’s Secure Gateway access comes with its expert, remote technical support, ensuring workshops are not only able to gain access, but also receive guidance when working on complex systems.

The company’s diagnostic tools - from entry-level units through to advanced tablets - are designed to work seamlessly with VAG Secure Gateway workflows, helping garages stay productive and up-to-date as vehicle systems continue to evolve.

Gillbanks added: “We’re committed to ongoing development to expand gateway coverage and support newer secure authentication protocols as they emerge, further future-proofing workshop capabilities.”