The Motor Vehicle Owner’s Right to Repair Act
Monday, April 6th, 2009These days, car owners are trying to wise up, foregoing the acquisition of a new car and turning to other means to keep their vehicles afloat, the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act is back in the spotlight as car companies seek to reduce overhead and car sales continue a rapid decline.
With motorists keeping vehicles longer and dealership service bays closing at a swift pace, growing numbers of car owners are expected to turn to independent auto repair shops for service, according to Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA).
Because vehicles are becoming increasingly sophisticated with virtually every system either monitored or controlled by computers, servicing these vehicle systems to keep them in safe and efficient working condition requires ready access to complete and accurate repair information from the car companies.
The Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act offers protections for vehicle owners by making it illegal for vehicle manufacturers to withhold information necessary to diagnose, service or repair motor vehicles.
“Without the Right to Repair Act, millions of motorists would be forced back to fewer dealers for service, making convenient and affordable local auto repair a thing of the past. In fact, many motorists may forgo important vehicle repairs because there is no dealership in the area,” continued Schmatz. “Clearly, using advances in technology to deny motorists and their trusted repair shops the ability to service vehicles is a misuse of computers and certainly not in the best interest of consumers. Passage of the Right to Repair Act will ensure that car owners can conveniently and affordably have their vehicle serviced at the repair shop of their choice.”
(Source) Press
Tags: accurate repair, advances in technology, auto repair shops, automotive aftermarket, best interest, car companies, car sales, independent auto repair, motor vehicle owner, motor vehicles, motorists, new car, service bays, vehicle manufacturers