The National Motorist Association's (NMA) position on black boxes (EDRs) is that it is OK to use them for their alleged research function — but not OK to use them against vehicle owners.

In the 2020 decade, the ‘Automotive Expert Rabbit Hole’ in America will get much deeper.

Recently, I went to Wal-Mart and parked near the automotive section.

A friendly auto mechanic asked if I needed any help.

So I requested a quote on 4 tires.

He told me to come inside and get the best price.

I thanked him and asked, “How long have you been doing automotive?”

He replied, “Too long!”

I was taken aback a bit and not sure how to react or reply.

Then I said, “Well, things are surely changing fast in the automotive world”

He said, “Yep, electronic tools now!”

That got me thinking.

I wondered what he really knew and decided to continue our friendly conversation.

Perhaps we could both learn something.

Just so you know upfront, I am also deep in the automotive sector as a standards developer.

Therefore, I know the self-titled mantra— that everybody who talks about cars or trucks considers themselves to be an expert.

The problem is that nowadays we are all…