ARA urges Congress to pass Right to Repair Act
To the editor:
The Automotive Recyclers Association strongly urges Congress to pass the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act (S 3181/HR 2057) to ensure that the automotive repair industry remains competitive so that vehicle owners can affordably and conveniently have their vehicles serviced.
Car owners and independent shops need full access to the information, parts and tools necessary to accurately diagnose, repair or reprogram today’s modern vehicles, yet vehicle manufacturers are making access to such vital information increasingly difficult and costly to obtain for independent repair shops and their customers. Without access to critical safety and repair information, motorists will be forced to patronize new car dealerships which may not be convenient or easily accessible to a car owner.
The Right to Repair Act will allow independent repair facilities and automobile recyclers to compete on a level playing field and foster healthy, fair competition. Now, our members are forced to turn customers away everyday who want to use affordable recycled auto parts because it has become increasing difficult to obtain the information needed to re-initialize the car’s computer from the vehicle manufacturers. Contrary to their claims, Right to Repair would not require disclosure of the manufacturers’ processes and trade secrets, and would not affect the dealer’s warranty agreement.
The Right to Repair Act has bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress. Please send a letter urging your members of Congress to support the Right to Repair Act by visiting www.righttorepair.org.
Michael E. Wilson
CEO of ARA
Manassas, Va.