The cost to consumers when they can only have their car repaired at the dealership is as much as 25 percent higher, said the AAIA in a release.
"Right to Repair merely seeks to restore a system that has been in place since the invention of the automobile," said AAIA President and CEO Kathleen Schmatz. "Clearly, using advances in technology to deny consumers their right to choose where they have their car repaired is a misuse of these computers and certainly not in the consumer's best interest."
Historically, independent repair shops have had access to repair information, but as computers become more prevalent on newer vehicles, car manufacturers are increasingly locking out these service providers from critical safety alerts as well as the information and software necessary to use on-board computers in order to complete repairs. The Right to Repair Act (HR 2694)offers protections for motor vehicle owners by making it illegal for vehicle manufacturers to withhold information necessary to diagnose, service or repair motor vehicles.
"Without Right to Repair legislation, many motorists may forgo important vehicle repairs due to higher dealer repair costs. This situation would be exacerbated if there is no dealership in the vicinity, dramatically increasing the cost of fuel and the travel time," continued Schmatz.
