What is Right to Repair?
Right to Repair is a simple idea: it’s the belief that you should have the freedom to choose where to repair your car and have access to the information and parts needed to do so. It’s as simple as being able to take your car to any repair shop you trust or getting the parts to fix it yourself, instead of being limited to the dealership where you bought it. That’s what Right to Repair is all about.
Here’s why Right to Repair matters:
1. Access: Manufacturers have spent millions to try and keep important repair information away from you and the professionals who fix your car. They want to control who can access this data and how much it costs. But everyone should have a fair chance to repair their vehicles the way they want them repaired.
2. Cost: Fixing your car at the dealership costs 36% more on average than going to an independent repair shop. And with 77% of cars being over seven years old, repairs will be crucial. Without the Right to Repair, it is estimated that an extra $100 billion would be taken from drivers’ wallets.
3. Safety: Drivers are delaying maintenance on their vehicles at an alarming rate. In 2021, 21.3% of drivers reported that they put off repairs on their vehicles due to factors like cost and convenience.
4. Connectivity: By 2030, 95% of all new cars will have wirelessly-transmitted connectivity. But right now, the data from these connections usually only goes to the car manufacturer. This means they control who can access it and how much it costs to get that information.
What could go wrong without Right to Repair:
1. Limited Choices: You will be forced to go to the dealership for repairs, even if you would rather go somewhere else. That means you lose the freedom to choose where and how to fix your own car.
2. Higher Costs: Repair prices would increase drastically, making it harder for people in our communities to afford to keep their cars running. This isn’t good for anyone.
3. Harm to Businesses: Independent repair shops could suffer, which further hurts the people who work there and the communities they serve.
How can you get involved?
If you care about the future of our industry, there are a few things you can do to help. Be sure to email your legislators and ask them to support Right to Repair laws. Also, spread the word on social media about why Right to Repair is important. Together, we can make sure everyone has a fair chance to keep their cars running smoothly without breaking the bank.
