CONSUMERS AND SMALL BUSINESSES: FIGHT FOR YOUR RIGHT TO REPAIR

As vehicle technology advances, automotive manufacturers have created new barriers to repair. Currently, one of those barriers is telematics, which provides data in real-time from a car’s sensors directly to auto manufacturers’ private servers. In less than 8 years, McKinsey and Company estimates that nearly 95% of new vehicles sold around the world will have this capability.

If small businesses are prohibited from repairing cars with telematics, small shops will close across the country and consumers will be forced to pay more to repair their vehicles.
 

The Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair Act (HR 906) or REPAIR Act, for short, would allow consumers access to affordable vehicle repair.

• Consumers should have the option and the right to repair their vehicles where it is convenient and cost effective.

• Independent businesses should have the certainty and ability to repair vehicles and supply parts now and in the future.

• According to the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association, currently 70% of vehicles are maintained at independent repair facilities.

• Tire Pros retail locations are small businesses averaging 10 employees each, that provide automotive services including tire repair and replacement as well as automotive repair. There are more than 600 locations nationwide, employing over 6,000 across the network

SOLUTION

Congress needs to enact legislation that would preserve consumer access to affordable vehicle repair. Such legislation must ensure that vehicle owners and independent repair shops have equal access to repair and maintenance tools and data as car companies and licensed dealerships. Congress should pass the REPAIR Act, H.R. 906. Visit our website for additional information or to contact a member of Congress: www.tirepros.com/right-to-repair.