In our last post, we told you about the basics of the “Right to Repair” bill going through legislation procedures right now. This bill has produced many rumors and half-truths as it moves along the proper channels. We’d like to clear up some of those myths and let you know the truth about some of the rumors behind this bill.
Myth: Auto manufacturers have to reveal their trade secrets to independent auto repair shops under this new bill.
Reality: Nearly two million people in need of auto repair are turned away by independent auto repair shops simply because they do not have the tools and knowledge to properly diagnose what needs to be fixed. This new bill would only require the automakers and dealerships to provide the repair shops with access to the same tools, computers and other information needed to properly diagnose a vehicle and the repairs that it needs.
Myth: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is opposed to this bill.
Reality: The FTC is officially neutral on the Right to Repair legislation. The FTC does not receive many complaints in this area because independent repair shops would not complain to the FTC about this type of issue and consumers do not know about this option. Even if they did, they usually do not realize the reason for the misdiagnosis of their vehicle’s problem so they would not think the FTC would be the place to complain.
Myth: Auto manufacturers and dealers already provide the needed information through the National Automotive Service Task Force (NATSF), so the Right to Repair legislation is unnecessary.
Reality: While the NASTF was created so automakers and dealers could share information with independent repair shops, it does not work very efficiently or effectively. It can take weeks or even months for some information to reach the repair shops even when the shop needs the information on the same day because the vehicle is in for repairs. The NASTF falls short of the goals listed in the Right to Repair legislation.