Are Fewer Independent Shops Able to Service Today’s Vehicles? – UnderhoodService

Are Fewer Independent Shops Able to Service Today’s Vehicles?

Independent repair shop owners in the Bradenton, FL, area are concerned that vehicle owners will soon be forced to take their vehicles back to the dealerships because independent shops will no longer being able to service today's high-tech vehicles. One shop owner estimates that he already sends 10 percent of his customers back to dealerships.

Independent repair shop owners in the Bradenton, FL, area are concerned that vehicle owners will soon be forced to take their vehicles back to the dealerships because independent shops will no longer being able to service today’s high-tech vehicles. One shop owner estimates that he already sends 10 percent of his customers back to dealerships.

Below is the article as it appeared on the Bradenton Herald website.

Mechanics seek fair access to automakers’ repair codes

By GRACE GAGLIANO
Published: Saturday, Aug. 07, 2010

Chuck Mattingly, owner of Mattingly’s Auto Services, says he loses about 10 percent of prospective customers because manufacturers won’t release key instructions and codes that auto shops need to fix newer models. A federal bill up for consideration called the Right to Repair Act would require manufacturers to release that information.

BRADENTON — Marc Guttentag estimates about 10 percent of the vehicles that come through his Bradenton auto shop have to be turned over to a dealership for repair.

As more modern vehicles are controlled by computers and electronics, fewer independent service centers have the capability to repair them.

Mechanics say that’s because manufacturers aren’t disclosing the diagnostics and software required to make repairs. Automakers, however, say they have a right to protect proprietary information from widespread distribution.

Legislation before the U.S. Senate — the Right to Repair Act — seeks to settle the issue by siding with repair shops and requiring automakers to provide vehicle owners and service providers complete access to safety and repair information.

Mechanics can now connect a laptop to an automotive computer that will diagnose the problem for a fee, but the bill would allow access to all coding needed in automotive repair.

“If things don’t change, everybody’s going to be having to take their cars to the dealerships,” said Guttentag, owner of Marc’s Auto Repair & Service, at 1218 29th Ave. W. “And I don’t think too many people relish the thought of having to bring their car to the dealership.”

To read the entire article, visit the Bradenton Herald website at http://www.bradenton.com/2010/08/07/2489710/mechanics-seek-fair-access-to.html.

You May Also Like

Auto Care Association Launches REPAIR Act Video

The goal is to emphasize the need for federal REPAIR Act legislation, according to the Auto Care Association.

The Auto Care Association launched a new Right to Repair video campaign, featuring independent repair shop owners from across the United States share their stories and shed light on the increased challenges independent repair shops are facing with accessing repair data to service their customers’ vehicles. 

The video campaign emphasizes the need for the Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair Act (“REPAIR” Act), which ensures vehicle owners and repair shops have access to tools and data needed to keep cars and trucks on the road safer, longer.

ASE Education Foundation, Goodguys Continue Partnership

Goodguys is one of many industry relationships the foundation has developed to help solve the technician shortage.

Valvoline Celebrates Female Service Center Employees

As women make up more than half of all drivers in the United States, Valvoline is taking steps to increase their vehicle care confidence.

UniClutch Launches Clutch System in the United States

From Australian manufacturer Clutch Industries, UniClutch is a clutch system that delivers uncompromised performance.

Automotive Hall of Fame Announces Class of 2024 Inductees

Six honorees whose efforts helped shape the automotive and mobility marketplace will be recognized.

Other Posts

Castrol Turns 125, Debuts New Market Strategy

As part of the new strategy, Castrol will explore opportunities in battery thermal management, digital and service solutions and data center immersion cooling.

Valvoline Global to Debut Ad During Super Bowl Pre-Game

The company will showcase its Restore & Protect motor oil in a 30-second ad before Super Bowl LVIII.

Litens Adds Distribution Footprint via Acquisition

With the acquisition, Litens is set to improve its overall customer experience through enhanced communication capabilities and increased flexibility that enables Litens to further meet diverse customer demands with ease.

Advance Auto Parts, Baker Mayfield Partner for Super Bowl

If there is a false start penalty during Sunday’s Big Game in Las Vegas, fans can win free DieHard batteries for life.