Car Mechanic Simulator 2018

Car Mechanic Simulator 2018 (CMS 2018) is a highly detailed and realistic simulation game developed by Red Dot Games and published by PlayWay S.A. Released in July 2017, it is the third main entry in the bestselling series and marked a major leap forward in both graphical fidelity and gameplay features, offering players the chance to build and run their own automotive repair empire.

Core Gameplay: Detail and Immersion

The fundamental loop of CMS 2018 revolves around identifying, repairing, tuning, and restoring vehicles, all rendered in meticulous detail. Players operate their business from a first-person perspective in a fully 3D, upgradeable garage.

The primary activities include:

• Repair Orders: The player completes an endless stream of randomly generated customer jobs, ranging from simple oil changes and brake repairs to complex engine rebuilds and suspension overhauls. Diagnosing faults involves using specialized tools like the Test Path (for suspension/brakes) and the OBD Link (On-Board Diagnostics) to identify faulty components.

• Realistic Disassembly: Engines, chassis, and interiors are modeled with astonishing detail. To remove a component, the player must physically remove every connecting part in a realistic sequence, such as unbolting the intake manifold before accessing the valve cover. The game features over 1,000 unique parts, requiring precision and methodical work.

Expansion of the Empire

CMS 2018 significantly expanded the ways players could acquire vehicles and grow their business compared to previous titles:

• Barn Finds: A new module allowed players to search abandoned barns in the countryside, often discovering classic, rare, and heavily damaged vehicles which could be bought cheaply and restored for a massive profit.

• Junkyard: Players could also visit the junkyard to scavenge for scrap parts and rusty, salvageable chassis, offering a cheaper, riskier avenue for restoration projects.

• Car Auctions: Players could compete against other in-game bidders at car auctions to acquire vehicles for their personal collection or for lucrative resale.

• Car Editor and Mod Support: The inclusion of a robust Car Editor and Steam Workshop support allowed the community to add hundreds of custom-made, player-created vehicles, vastly increasing the game's variety and longevity.

Customization and Tuning

Beyond simple repairs, the game added deep customization and performance options. Players could unlock a dedicated Paint Shop to apply liveries and different paint types, and the Tuning DLC (later integrated) introduced a Dyno station and performance parts, enabling players to tweak engine components and gear ratios to maximize horsepower and torque, which could then be tested on the Race Track or Drag Strip.

With an initial roster of over 40 cars (and many more added through numerous officially licensed DLC packs from manufacturers like Dodge, Porsche, and Mercedes-Benz), CMS 2018 became the definitive benchmark for the automotive simulation genre.