As auto making evolves and cars increasingly become simply computers on wheels, independent repair shops are facing a new kind of problem: trying to decode and read cars’ on-board computer systems in order to diagnose problems and hopefully repair them.

It’s common knowledge that automakers provide this type of information and the proper repair equipment to their own dealership service centers, yet independent repair shops must sometimes take extra steps to get that same information. This could lead to extra time and cost for consumers who prefer their independent mechanic over a dealer’s service center. 

That’s where the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act (HR 2057) comes in.

If passed, the legislation would require automakers to provide the same service information and tool capabilities to independent repair shops as they do for their franchised dealer networks.

All opposed

But this is already the case, according to Angie Wilson, vice president of marketing and communications at Automotive Service Association (ASA), the leading organization for owners and managers of automotive service businesses.  

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