Independent Mechanical Failure Investigation and Expert Reports
Scott Auto Consulting provides independent mechanical failure investigations and expert reports for insurers, legal professionals and private clients across Australia.
✅ Mechanical failure investigations and forensic analysis.
✅ Independent Expert reports for insurance and legal disputes.
✅ 35 + years' hands on experience across automotive, civil and mining industries.
✅ Vehicles, trailers, heavy plant and mining equipment.
About the Consultant
Scott Auto Consulting is led by Brent Scott, a qualified Motor Mechanic with more than 35 years of hands-on industry experience across the automotive, transport, civil and mining sectors.
Brent commenced his mechanical apprenticeship in 1990 and qualified as a motor mechanic in 1994. Throughout his career he has worked across a wide range of light vehicles, heavy machinery and mining equipment, developing extensive experience in mechanical diagnostics, engine and driveline rebuilds, structural repairs and complex fault investigation.
In addition to his automotive background, Brent has worked extensively within the civil and mining industries as a Diesel Fitter and Drill Fitter, maintaining and repairing large-scale plant and heavy equipment including drilling rigs, earthmoving machinery and specialised mining equipment.
Brent holds an Advanced Diploma of Engineering, which supports his practical trade background with formal technical and analytical training.
Through Scott Auto Consulting, Brent provides independent mechanical investigations and expert reports to insurers, loss adjusters, legal professionals and private clients across Australia.
Brent Scott
Professional Experience and Industry Background
I am a qualified motor mechanic with over 35 years of experience across the automotive, transport, mining and heavy equipment industries.
After commencing my apprenticeship in 1990 and qualifying in 1994, I spent the early part of my career working on a wide range of light vehicles within the Australian market. My work included routine servicing, complex diagnostics, engine and driveline rebuilds, structural repairs and performance vehicle modifications. During this time I regularly worked with automotive engineers to ensure vehicle modifications complied with the Australian Design Rules (ADRs) and relevant regulatory requirements.
I also held accreditation as a NSW RTA Authorised Examiner under the AIS and AUVIS inspection schemes, conducting roadworthiness and compliance inspections in accordance with registration and safety standards.
In 2000 I transitioned into the heavy mining and civil equipment industry, working across Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Queensland in both hands-on and supervisory roles. Positions held during this period included Diesel Fitter, Drill Fitter, Field Service Foreman and Maintenance Supervisor across large mining and civil fleets.
Over the following two decades I developed extensive experience in the diagnosis and repair of large diesel engines, hydraulic systems and heavy mechanical equipment, including blast hole drills, hydraulic excavators, haul trucks, loaders, dozers and on-highway heavy vehicles. My work frequently involved complex fault-finding on high-pressure hydraulic systems and electronically controlled equipment.
In January 2024 I established Scott Auto Consulting, providing independent forensic mechanical investigations and expert reports for insurers, legal practitioners and private clients across Australia. My work involves detailed inspection of failed vehicles, engines and mechanical equipment to determine the root cause of failure, supported by engineering principles, industry standards and evidence-based analysis.
I am also an Accredited Approved Person with Queensland Transport, authorised to inspect and certify modified vehicles in accordance with the Queensland Road Vehicle Modification Handbook (QRVM) and the National Code of Practice (VSB14 / VSB6) for both light and heavy vehicles. This accreditation enables me to assess vehicle modifications and compliance matters relating to the Australian Design Rules (ADRs) and state regulatory frameworks.
In addition to my professional work, I have extensive personal experience operating four-wheel-drive vehicles and towing caravans during long-distance travel throughout Australia. This provides practical insight into real-world operating conditions including vehicle loading, towing dynamics, off-road operation and the limitations of manufacturer weight ratings. This experience assists in investigations involving towing capacity, GVM/GCM compliance, caravan stability and modification disputes.
Through Scott Auto Consulting I provide independent expert opinions, forensic mechanical investigations and technical reports relating to vehicle failures, machinery damage, modification compliance and mechanical disputes.
Below is a brief overview of the types of failures and faults I have been engaged to provide Expert Reports and professional opinions on:
· Caterpillar C15 engine - failed shortly after a rebuild.
· MAN, D38 engine - engine failure causing catastrophic fire.
· Toyota Hilux - severe strut failure causing chassis damage.
· VW Kombi camper conversion - ADR compliance verification.
· Caravan - Swaying and stability concerns.
· Toyota 1VD-FTV engine - failed shortly after fitting new engine.
· Porsche 911/996 - engine failure post IMS bearing replacement.
· Liebherr PR776 Dozer - hydraulics overheating at high ambient temperatures.
· Hyundai Santa Fe - engine failure at low kms.
· Isuzu HK4 engine - engine failure 100kms post rebuild.
· Ferrari 246 Dino - engine failure following rebuild.
· CASE Excavator - extensive damaged during hire period.
· Lusty HV trailer fire - sticking trailer brakes causing tyre fire.
· Caravan - manufacturing defects.
· Nissan RB32 Engine - engine failure during roll racing event.