Fighting for the Right to Auto Repair and Truck Repair

Auto repair and truck repair can be quite expensive. In times of financial crisis when every cent counts, vehicle owners seek the most affordable ways to maintain their vehicles. Those who have automotive knowledge prefer to do their own auto repair and truck repair, except for more complicated engine repair or car transmission system repair. Others have trusted mechanics in Tampa who do professional work at reasonable costs.

With many new vehicles, though, not much can be done by owners themselves or by regular automotive shops except perhaps auto oil change. Because of extensive computerization, repairs can only be done in the dealership at much higher costs of up to 34 percent more. With the automotive manufacturers’ monopoly of knowledge over the car increasing, perhaps even auto inspection may no longer be possible outside the dealership. And with computerized car parts, suppliers like AC Delco may not be able to produce counterparts and all vehicle owners may be forced to buy only from manufacturers themselves.

Many car dealerships are closing nationwide. What happens if a vehicle owner cannot find a dealership close by? It should also be noted that many automotive owners are losing their jobs all over the country. They may soon not be able to afford to have their vehicles repaired in expensive dealerships even if one is nearby. This poses a great risk to consumers. Will they be forced to continue to use their vehicles even when in need of repair?

According to Pete Kischak, the monopoly is also destroying the independent automotive service industry and car parts industry. There are 240 million registered vehicles in the United States with 201 million licensed drivers. They are served by 5 million people working in the independent automotive service industry and car parts industry. This segment represents 2.6 percent of the American work force. They generate some $267.1 billion in sales every year, representing 2.4 percent of the gross national product of the United States. In New York alone, there are 94,000 people working in these industries, representing 1.1 percent of the work force in the entire state. They generate sales of about $14.7 billion every year. When these industries are forced to shut down, the economy will definitely suffer, not to mention the people.

The Right to Repair Act of 2009 is a legislation that will oblige automotive manufacturers to provide consumers and independent automotive maintenance shops with the same tools and service information that they provide to their dealership service centers. It will also authorize the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to enforce and oversee the bill by promulgating regulations protecting the consumers and promoting fair competition in automotive maintenance and repair.

In effect, the Right to Repair Act of 2009 recognizes the right of vehicle owners to have their vehicles repaired and maintained in repair shops of their choice, and to have replacement car parts of their choice.

Contrary to the fear of automotive manufacturers, the Right to Repair Act of 2009 does not require the disclosure of trade secrets and proprietary manufacturing processes. The automotive manufacturers’ intellectual property rights are recognized and protected.

The same campaign has already succeeded in the European Union where the Right to Repair has been passed. A similar campaign is being aggressively pursued in Canada. The issue has reached global proportions and many other countries may soon take up the cause.

Any monopoly is bad for the economy and the people. Vehicle owners should indeed have the right to auto repair and truck repair on their own terms. Technological advances in the automotive industry should benefit everyone and not just vehicle manufacturers.