CAR MECHANIC SIM

 

On the PS5, the primary title in this genre is Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 (often referred to simply as Mechanic Simulator). It is a deep, realistic simulation that tasks you with building a repair empire from the ground up.

While a newer, management-focused spin-off titled Car Mechanic Shop Simulator was released in late 2025, the 2021 edition remains the definitive choice for technical repair and restoration.

 

Key Gameplay Features

The core experience revolves around a highly detailed loop of diagnosing, dismantling, and repairing vehicles.

• Realistic Mechanics: Work with over 4,000 unique parts and 72+ cars. You’ll handle everything from replacing rusted spark plugs to full engine rebuilds and suspension tuning.
• Business Management: Start in a small garage and earn cash by completing randomly generated customer orders. Use your profits to upgrade your workshop with new tools, diagnostic equipment, and additional car lifts.
• Exploration & Restoration:
• Barn Finds & Junkyards: Search for abandoned "hidden gems" in barns or scavenge for salvageable parts in the junkyard.
• Auctions: Buy cars in various conditions to flip for a profit or keep for your personal collection.
• Customization: The game features a paint shop with various finishes and liveries, plus a dedicated "Car Configurator" for visual body mods.

 

PS5 Enhancements

The PS5 version offers several technical upgrades over the previous generation:

• Performance: Faster loading times via the SSD and smoother framerates during gameplay.
• Visuals: Enhanced photorealistic graphics that make engine components and paint finishes look significantly more detailed.
• DualSense Support: While the implementation varies, the haptic feedback provides more tactile immersion when using air wrenches or driving cars on the test track.

 

Available DLCs

One of the game's strengths is its extensive library of licensed content. You can add real-world brands and specialized kits to your garage, including:

• Brand Packs: Nissan, BMW, Porsche, Mazda, Lotus, Pagani, and Aston Martin.
• Specialized Content: Drag Racing DLC (adds tuning and a strip), Hot Rod DLC, and even Police/Taxi vehicle packs.

 

Quick Summary Table

Feature	Details
Release Date (PS5)	May 2, 2022
Developer	Red Dot Games
Genre	Simulation / Management
Complexity	High (Steep learning curve for non-car enthusiasts)
Replayability	Infinite (Procedural missions + Story mode)

Pro Tip: If you're new to the series, start with the Story Missions. Unlike the random orders, these provide structured goals that help you learn which parts connect to which systems without feeling overwhelmed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EQIPMENT

 

In Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 on PS5, your garage equipment is divided into three main categories: diagnostic tools you carry, stationary workshop machinery, and shop-wide expansions.

 

1. Portable Diagnostic Tools

These are handheld items used to identify broken parts without dismantling the entire car. You unlock these via the Skill Tree using Ability Points.

• OBD Scanner: Plugs into the car's computer to find electronic and engine faults.
• Electronic Multimeter: Tests the battery, alternator, and starter.
• Compression Tester: Measures the health of engine cylinders and pistons.
• Fuel Pressure Test: Diagnoses issues with the fuel pump and fuel rails.
• Tire Tread Tester: Checks the percentage wear of tires.
• Tablet: The most essential "tool"—it allows you to buy parts directly while standing at the car, rather than walking back to the garage computer.

 

2. Workshop Machinery

These are the heavy-duty stations located around your garage used for specific tasks.

• Two-Post Lifts: Raises the car to allow work on suspension, exhaust, and the undercarriage. You can eventually unlock up to three lifts.
• Tire Changer: Removes tires from rims so you can replace either component.
• Wheel Balancer: Essential after mounting a tire to a rim; a wheel cannot be put back on a car until it is balanced.
• Engine Stand: Allows you to pull an entire engine out of a car and rebuild it comfortably at eye level.
• Engine Crane: Used to physically lift the engine block out of or into the engine bay.
• Oil Drain: Used to catch old oil. If you remove an oil pan without using this first, you’ll be fined for the "mess."
• Spring Puller: Required to disassemble shock absorbers to replace the springs or struts.
• Brake Lathe: Allows you to "refurbish" old brake discs to increase their condition (unlocked via garage expansion).
• Battery Charger: Recharges dead batteries to 100% condition.

 

3. Garage Expansions & Specialized Rooms

As you level up, you can spend credits to unlock entire new sections of your facility.

• Car Wash: Allows you to clean the interior and exterior of cars (crucial for increasing resale value).
• Paint Shop: Used to respray body parts or change the entire color of a vehicle.
• Dyno (Dynamometer): Tests the car's horsepower and torque, and allows for ECU tuning.
• Test Path: A diagnostic floor that checks the condition of brakes and suspension by vibrating and braking the car.
• Repair Bench: A table where you can attempt to fix broken parts (like radiators or rim) rather than buying new ones.
• Scrap Salvage Container: Allows you to break down unsalvageable parts into "Scrap," which is used to upgrade the quality level of other parts.

 

4. The Welder & Detail Cart

These are specific for restoration:

• Welder: Repairs the "Frame" condition of a car (the only way to fix a rusted chassis).
• Interior Detail Cart: Cleans the inside of a car, significantly boosting its value.

Would you like a breakdown of which equipment you should prioritize unlocking first to maximize your early-game profits?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CARS

 

 

In Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 on PS5, there are over 72 base game cars (fictionalized versions of real vehicles) and dozens of officially licensed vehicles available via DLC.

 

1. Base Game Cars (Fictional Brands)

These cars are inspired by real-world counterparts but use fictional names to avoid licensing costs in the standard edition.

In-Game Name	Real-World Inspiration
Bolt Atlanta	1969 Chevrolet Chevelle
Hinata Moon MK1	Mitsubishi Eclipse / Eagle Talon
FMW Panther	BMW M3 (E46/E92)
Salem GW500	Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Sakura Takumi	Toyota AE86 Trueno
Luxor Baronne	Cadillac Fleetwood
Mayen M8	Audi R8
Ribbsan Starline	Nissan Skyline R34
Olsen GTR	Nissan GT-R (R35)
Edgewood Hellcat	1970 Dodge Challenger

Other notable base brands include: Castor, Chieftain, DC, Delray, Echos, Elenti, Emden, Katagiri, Lacroix, Mioveni, Morena, Rino, Royale, Sceo, Sixon, Tempest, Vallsen, and Zephyr.

 

2. Licensed DLC Cars

These are authentic, real-world vehicles with 100% accurate branding and engine layouts.

Supercars & Performance

• Nissan: 370Z Nismo, GT-R (R35), Silvia (S15), Fairlady Z (S30).
• Porsche: 911 Carrera 4S (991), 911 Turbo S (964), 911 Carrera GT.
• Pagani: Huayra, Zonda Revolucion.
• BMW: M1 Procar, M3 (E30), M4 GTS, 2002 Turbo.
• Mercedes-Benz: SLS AMG, 300SL Gullwing, 500E (W124).
• Mazda: RX-7, RX-3 (Features unique Rotary engine mechanics).

Classics & Muscle

• Ford: Mustang GT (2017), Mustang Mach 1 (1971), GT40.
• Dodge/Plymouth: Challenger SRT Hellcat, Charger R/T, Barracuda, Roadrunner.
• Jaguar: E-Type, XJ220, XJS, F-Type R.
• Lotus: Elise S1, Esprit S1.
• Aston Martin: DB5, DBS, Vantage, DBX (SUV).

Utility & Off-Road

• Land Rover: Defender 90, Range Rover Sport SVR, Discovery.
• Jeep/RAM: Wrangler, Grand Cherokee SRT8, RAM 1500/3500, Willys Military Jeep.

 

3. Special Vehicle Packs

• Electric Car DLC: Adds unique EV drivetrains with batteries and electric motors (includes the Atom 330 and Autotutto Lavetino).
• Drag Racing DLC: Adds specialized dragsters like the Arezzo Cortona and high-performance tuning variants.
• Police & Taxi DLCs: Adds emergency and service vehicles, including specialized light bars and interior equipment.

 

Where to Find Them

• The Salon: Brand new, 100% condition cars (expensive).
• Auctions: Varying conditions; great for finding mid-range flips.
• Barns: Hidden, rusty "survivor" cars found with maps.
• Junkyard: The cheapest way to find "totaled" shells for full ground-up restorations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SKILLS

 

 

In Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 on PS5, the skill tree is divided into six primary branches. You earn one skill point per level up, and there are roughly 126 total nodes to unlock, though you will max out the most essential functions around level 32.

 

1. Renovator (Part Repair)

This is arguably the most important tree for late-game profit. It allows you to fix parts on the Repair Bench instead of buying new ones.

• Levels 1–6: Gradually unlocks the ability to repair different part types (e.g., rims, body parts) and increases the success rate of the repair mini-game.
• Ultimate Goal: Reaching 60% base repair success (which can be further boosted by high-quality scrap).

2. Fast Hands (Screwing Speed)

These skills reduce the time it takes to mount and unmount parts.

• Screwing Speed: Increases how fast you can tighten or loosen bolts.
• Unmounting Speed: Decreases the time taken to remove parts from the vehicle.
• Mounting Speed: Decreases the time taken to put parts back on.

3. Eagle Eye (Examination)

This branch improves your ability to diagnose parts without tools.

• Examination Speed: Speeds up the "Check Mode" where you look at parts to see their condition.
• Instant Examination: Gives a percentage chance to instantly identify the condition of a part just by looking at it once.

4. Strong Arms (Movement & Handling)

Focuses on physical movement and lifting efficiency.

• Movement Speed: Increases how fast you walk/run around the garage.
• Mounting/Unmounting Speed (Heavy): Specifically speeds up the handling of heavy components like wheels and engines.

5. Runner (General Efficiency)

• Sprint: Unlocks or improves your ability to sprint longer or faster.
• Tool Usage: Speeds up the animation and transition between various garage tools (like the tire changer).

6. Money & Perks (Business)

These focus on the financial side of running your shop.

• Discount: Offers a 5% to 15% discount on all parts purchased through the computer or tablet.
• Value Expectancy: Reveals the potential resale value of a car before you buy it at an auction or in a barn.
• Experience Boost: Increases the amount of XP you gain per action/job, helping you level up faster.

 

Unlockable Tools (Skill Point Requirements)

While most equipment is bought with cash, these specific handheld tools require skill points to "learn" how to use:

1. OBD Scanner (Diagnostic)
2. Electronic Multimeter (Battery/Electronics)
3. Compression Tester (Engine Health)
4. Fuel Pressure Test (Fuel System)
5. Tire Tread Tester (Tire Wear)
6. The Tablet (Crucial: Allows you to buy parts from anywhere in the garage).

Strategy Tip: Most veteran players recommend maxing out Screwing Speed and the Tablet first to speed up the gameplay loop, then focusing on Renovator once you start buying cars from the Junkyard to flip.

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOOLS

 

In Car Mechanic Simulator 2021, your diagnostic tools are the most efficient way to pinpoint "Undiscovered Parts" without taking the entire car apart.

Here is a breakdown of which specific parts each tool is capable of scanning:

1. OBD Scanner (Diagnostics)

This tool focuses on the car's computer-managed systems, sensors, and modern engine components.

• Associated Parts: ABS Module, ABS Pump, ECU (Engine Control Unit), Air/Fuel Ratio Sensor, Oxygen Sensors, and various electronic sensors related to modern fuel injection and emissions.

2. Electronic Multimeter (Battery/Electronics)

Used specifically for the starting and charging systems.

• Associated Parts: Battery, Alternator, Starter, and the contents of the Fuse Box (Relays and Fuses).

3. Compression Tester (Engine Health)

This tool measures the physical health of the internal combustion assembly.

• Associated Parts: Engine Block, Engine Head(s), Pistons, Piston Rings, and Valves.

Note: If a part here is red/broken, you usually have to strip the engine down to the block to replace it.

4. Fuel Pressure Test (Fuel System)

Focuses on the delivery of gasoline from the tank to the engine.

• Associated Parts: Fuel Pump, Fuel Filter, Fuel Tank, and Fuel Rails.

5. Tire Tread Tester (Tire Wear)

The simplest tool, used exclusively for the rubber.

• Associated Parts: All four Tires (Standard, Sport, Slick, etc.).

Note: It does not check the condition of the Rims; those must be checked visually or in Examination Mode.

6. The Tablet (The Mobile Shop)

The Tablet doesn't scan parts, but it is the single most important efficiency upgrade.

• Associated Parts: Every part in the game. * Function: It allows you to open the Main Shop, Tuning Shop, Tire Shop, and Electronics Shop from anywhere. Without it, you are forced to walk back to the stationary Computer Desk every time you realize you forgot to buy a single spark plug.

 

Important: What these tools CAN'T see

Some parts are "invisible" to tools and must be checked using Examination Mode (holding the "Examine" button while looking at the car) or by physically removing them:

• Rubber Bushings: The most common "undiscovered" part that tools won't find.
• Brake Pads & Discs: These require Examination Mode or the Test Path machine.
• Serpentine Belts & Idler Rollers: Usually checked visually in Examination Mode.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CAR PARTS

 

There are thousands of individual components in Car Mechanic Simulator 2021, but they are logically organized into specific categories found in the Main Shop and the Assembly Menu.

Here is a categorized overview of the parts you will encounter.

 

1. Engine Components

This is the largest category, split into several sub-systems depending on the engine type (e.g., V8, I4, Rotary).

• Block & Internal: Engine Block, Crankshaft, Pistons with Conrods, Piston Rings, Crankshaft Bearing Caps.
• Cylinder Head: Engine Head, Camshafts, Valves, Rocker Arms, Camshaft Caps, Spark Plugs, Ignition Coils.
• Timing & Belts: Timing Chain/Belt, Serpentine Belts, Idler Rollers, Belt Tensioners, Water Pump Pulley.
• Fuel & Intake: Intake Manifold, Throttle, Fuel Rail, Fuel Filter, Air Filter (Base, Cover, and Element), Turbocharger/Supercharger.
• Cooling & Lubrication: Radiator, Radiator Fan, Oil Pan, Oil Filter, Water Pump, Thermostat.

2. Suspension & Steering

These parts are responsible for the car’s handling and ride height.

• Front Suspension: Front Suspension Crossmember, Steering Rack, Inner/Outer Tie Rods, Sway Bar, Lower/Upper Suspension Arms.
• Rear Suspension: Rear Suspension Crossmember, Rear Suspension Arms, Leaf Springs (on classics), Solid Rear Drive Axle.
• Damping: Front/Rear Shock Absorbers, Springs, Shock Absorber Caps.
• Wheel Assembly: Front/Rear Wheel Hubs, Wheel Hub Bearings, Wheel Hub Caps.

3. Brakes

• Mechanical: Brake Discs (Ventilated/Standard), Brake Pads, Brake Calipers, Brake Caliper Cylinders.
• Hydraulic: ABS Pump, ABS Module, Brake Servo, Brake Master Cylinder.
• Drum Brakes (Classics): Brake Drums, Brake Shoes, Drum Wheel Cylinders.

4. Drivetrain & Gearbox

Everything that transfers power from the engine to the wheels.

• Transmission: Gearbox (RWD, AWD, or FWD variants), Clutch Plate, Clutch Pressure Plate, Clutch Release Bearing, Flywheel.
• Drive Shafts: Front/Rear Drive Shafts, Driveshaft (Main), Axle Knuckle Housings.

5. Exhaust System

• Manifolds: Exhaust Manifold (found in Engine shop), Heat Shields.
• Piping: Front Exhaust Pipe, Catalytic Converter, Middle Muffler, Rear Muffler.

6. Body & Exterior

These parts are specific to each car model and found in the Body Shop.

• Panels: Hood, Trunk, Front/Rear Bumpers, Fenders, Doors.
• Glass: Windshield, Rear Window, Side Windows.
• Lights: Headlights, Taillights, Turn Signals.
• Trim: Side Mirrors, License Plates.

7. Interior & Electronics

• Interior: Steering Wheel, Driver/Passenger Seats, Rear Bench.
• Electronics: Battery, Alternator, Starter, Fuse Box (Base and Cover), Relays, Fuses.

8. Wheels & Tires

• Rims: Hundreds of styles (Classic, Modern, Off-road).
• Tires: Standard, Sport, Slick, Off-Road, Racing.

 

Quick Reference: Repairability

Not all parts can be fixed. Here is a general rule of thumb:

Category	Repairable?	Tool Used
Metal Engine Parts	Yes	Repair Bench
Suspension Arms	Yes	Repair Bench
Brake Discs	Yes	Brake Lathe
Body Panels	Yes	Body Repair Station
Tires & Windows	No	Must buy new
Filters & Belts	No	Must buy new

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Report: The Intersection of Virtual Simulation and Applied Engineering

Subject: Comparative Analysis of Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 and ASE Competencies

Introduction

For an engineering professional, the transition between theoretical mechanics and digital simulation offers a unique vantage point on the "gamification" of industry standards. Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 (CMS 21) serves as more than a recreational title; it is a high-fidelity sandbox that mirrors many of the core principles taught within an Associate in Science in Engineering (ASE) curriculum. This report explores how the game’s architecture aligns with the technical rigor of your degree from CCRI and how it serves as a digital bridge between mechanical engineering and your interests in software development.

 

Mechanical Accuracy and Systems Engineering

At the heart of the ASE degree is an understanding of how complex systems interact. CMS 21 replicates this through its modular engine architecture. When you are dismantling a V8 OHV or a modern I4, the game demands a sequential understanding of torque transfer and fluid dynamics.

The game’s diagnostic suite—specifically the OBD Scanner and Electronic Multimeter—parallels the real-world electrical engineering modules of an ASE program. Identifying a fault in the alternator or a parasitic draw in the fuse box requires the same deductive logic used in circuit analysis. For a student of engineering, the game reinforces the "systems thinking" necessary to troubleshoot interconnected components where a failure in the cooling system (thermostat) can lead to catastrophic failure in the mechanical assembly (warped engine head).

Software Engineering and Game Physics

Given your background in Unreal Engine 5 and C++, the value of CMS 21 extends beyond the garage floor into the realm of technical design. The game is a masterclass in Object-Oriented Programming (OOP). Every one of the 4,000+ parts is an object with specific attributes: condition percentages, weight, and mounting dependencies.

Your experience with algorithms allows you to see the "skeleton" of the game—the logic gates that determine if an engine will start based on a Boolean check of essential parts. This perspective turns a repair task into a study of database management and collision physics, providing a practical look at how complex mechanical data is translated into a user-friendly interface.

Professional Synthesis: Engineering and Cybersecurity

The "Renovator" and "Business" skill trees in the game simulate the resource management side of engineering projects. However, the most profound connection lies in the diagnostic process. The methodology used to identify "Undiscovered Parts" in a rusted barn find is remarkably similar to the Cyber Threat Management and Penetration Testing protocols you have studied. Both require:

1. Enumeration: Scanning the system for known entities.
2. Vulnerability Assessment: Using tools (Compression Testers/Multimeters) to find weak points.
3. Remediation: Replacing or patching the fault to restore system integrity.

 

Conclusion

Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 is a rare piece of software that respects the intelligence of an engineering mind. While it simplifies certain physical labors, it maintains the integrity of the diagnostic and assembly processes that are foundational to your ASE degree. Whether you are analyzing a suspension geometry in-game or coding an LMS for violin mastery, the underlying logic remains the same: understanding the small parts to master the whole machine.