On its April 30^th filing, Chrysler became the first major American automaker to seek bankruptcy protection since Studebaker did so in 1933. General Motors, another fallen icon of the American auto industry followed suit by filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on June 1, 2009. With Chrysler and GM’s bankruptcies, many of their dealerships repair shops will have to be close down and in most cases forcing users with GM and Chrysler car owners to go to repair shops that do not have access to tools that are need to accurately diagnose their problems. Without access to critical information and tools, motorists are not only forced to patronize new car dealerships, which may not be convenient, simple because they are closed. Moreover, the lack of competition and consumer choice will inevitably lead to higher repair prices. Failure to perform necessary maintenance for any reason will result in unsafe and high-polluting vehicles populating the nation’s highways.

So, what is Motor Vehicle Owners Right to Repair Act you might ask? The Motor Vehicle Owners Right to Repair Act prevents vehicle manufacturers and others from unfairly restricting access to the information and tools necessary to accurately diagnose, repair, re-program or install automotive replacement parts. The Act would require the Federal Trade Commission to promulgate and enforce regulations that ensure competition in the vehicle repair business. In addition, the bill would permit the FTC, car owners and independent repair facilities to take legal action to ensure all information and tools are available and affordable. The Right to Repair Act does not affect the dealer’s right to perform any services, including warranty work and does not unconstitutionally take the manufacturer’s intellectual property or require them to disclose trade secrets.

Modern cars and light trucks contain advanced technology that monitors or controls virtually every aspect of the vehicle including: lubrication, brakes, steering, air bags, fuel delivery, ignition, theft prevention, emission controls and in some cases, tire pressure. Car owners and auto repair shops must have full access to the information and tools necessary to accurately diagnose, repair, or re-program these systems. This information and equipment is necessary to ensure vehicle safety, performance, and environmental compliance.

Visit Auto Shop name regularly for more update on The Motor Vehicle Owners Right to Repair Act
and register as an Agent by including your auto repair shop related business to their outstanding searchable database.