Losing the Right to Repair your Own Vehicle

[Geronimo]

Information regarding the Right to Repair Act should be on the counter of every independent garage and auto parts shop. As boring as the content might be, this is some serious stuff. If you think our economy is bad now, imagine what it'd be like if at least 50 percent of the independent garages in the U.S. had to shut their doors and people were forced to go to dealerships for their auto repairs. It would really suck to see this become a reality.

With the increased use of computers and electronics controlling nearly every system on late model vehicles, car companies now possess the ability to control access to the information and tools necessary for the independent service industry to stay competitive with the franchised new car dealers. Over two thirds of car owners patronize independent service facilities after their warranty has expired due to price, convenience and trust. Failure to enact right to repair legislation could jeopardize the ability of car owners to choose where they have their vehicle serviced and likely would lead to increased repair costs and reduced convenience. Ultimately, car owners and many small businesses would be harmed.

http://www.righttorepair.org/FAQ.htm

 

[RSLudlum]

quite interesting, esp. for those of us that are used to doing our own 'knuckle busting'

 

[Working Poor]

Ultimately, car owners and many small businesses would be harmed.

Isn't that why they are doing it to run over the little guy and uphold big corporations?

 

[Geronimo]

Isn't that why they are doing it to run over the little guy and uphold big corporations?

Basically.

 

[bg1654]

Let me get this straight... it is an act that would prevent current car companies from witholding information/equipment from independant repair shops so that they could repair those vehicles just as dealerships do? I have not heard of this being a problem. It sounds like useless regulation to me. An independant shop can buy the information and lease the equipment just like a dealership.

Even if a big car company did this, word would get out about the cost and inconvenience of repairs and smart people would simply buy other makes or older cars that could be repaired anywhere. The car company would be effectively shooting themselves in the foot if they did this. The only way they would not lose from this type of manuevering would be if all car companies did this at once.

 

[kyleAF]

Let me get this straight... it is an act that would prevent current car companies from witholding information/equipment from independant repair shops so that they could repair those vehicles just as dealerships do? I have not heard of this being a problem. It sounds like useless regulation to me. An independant shop can buy the information and lease the equipment just like a dealership.

Even if a big car company did this, word would get out about the cost and inconvenience of repairs and smart people would simply buy other makes or older cars that could be repaired anywhere. The car company would be effectively shooting themselves in the foot if they did this. The only way they would not lose from this type of manuevering would be if all car companies did this at once.

Or if the government somehow gets involved and subsidizes the concept...

 

[Highland]

Holy SH*** My dad is going to blow a gasket!

 

[amy31416]

Holy SH*** My dad is going to blow a gasket!

Ha!

Haynes, Chilton's and Bentley should have something to say about this.

 

[Geronimo]

An independant shop can buy the information and lease the equipment just like a dealership.

Nowhere is that etched in stone. The manufacturing companies have no obligation to sell repair information or tools to independent shops. Ask any mechanic. It's a bigger deal than you might think.

 

[tod evans]

and this is one reason my daily driver is a 1956 chevrolet

 

[thuja]

and this is one reason my daily driver is a 1956 chevrolet

ooooh! even older than mine! till i find that 46 chevy pickup truck, or 42 chevy deluxe coupe i am looking for.

 

[Roxi]

has RP said anything about this? we should inquire as to what he thinks.... if someone could PM me all the info on it i would be happy to make a flyer.... at least someone who knows about it should but if not i don't mind

 

[acptulsa]

It goes beyond this, and the insurance lobby is helping.

Let your insurance lapse because your car broke down, and many states will suspend your drivers license these days. Taking mass transportation for a time and saving your pennies to do the repair is becoming an option that can interfere with your job (if it involves driving a company vehicle) and cost you a hefty reinstatement fee.

Said extra hefty reinstatement fee amounts to a fine, of course. But they don't call it a fine because to levy such a fine on you without catching you driving your vehicle without insurance would be a clear violation of habeus corpus. After all, without that they can't even prove that any crime at all was committed. Thus, it is labeled a "fee".

Most states do allow this "fee" to be waived--provided you provide a receipt from an auto shop. Some require this shop to be certified. Do the work yourself, and what do you get? I'll give you a hint--you have to bend over for it...

 

[Geronimo]

Let your insurance lapse because your car broke down, and many states will suspend your drivers license these days.

Another reason to live in NH. Auto insurance isn't mandated.

I've done some searching on HR 2694 and Ron Paul and I can't seem to find anything.