New Auto Technology a Headache for Independent Mechanics

Modern automobiles are increasingly packed with fancy feature packages, special options, and new technology that makes them more attractive to consumers. But even without all the bells and whistles, new technologies in auto manufacturing have resulted in all new cars relying to some extent on internal computer systems to control an array of basic functions. These technologies are welcomed by consumers, because they have a positive impact on the drivability and economy of the car. But the increasingly complex technology is proving to be a headache for independent auto repair shops. And there's a legal fight about the issue looming on the horizon in Congress.

Many independent auto mechanics do not have thousands of dollars necessary to purchase the specialized equipment and manuals they need to repair the computer-controlled functions in new technology cars. Many cars have multiple computers that control everything from the steering wheel to the brakes, and the only automakers and dealer repair shops hold the key to diagnosing problems when they occur. Often replacement of a part requires that the computers controlling it be reprogrammed - which is a nearly impossible task for mechanics who don't have the software codes necessary or the graphic diagrams showing the electrical wiring of the vehicle.

Independent mechanics say that repair information for newer cars is updated constantly, so they have a steadily increasing, overwhelming amount of data to sort through to find the answers they need to keep up with technology. But doing so can cost them thousands of dollars, particularly because each vehicle has its own manual and specific parts can require specialized tools. For that reason, many independent mechanics are having to turn jobs down and refer their regular customers to dealerships for repairs. And the consumer is getting squeezed in the middle, because their options are limited and dealer repair shops are more expensive. Mechanics and consumers feel that automakers have an unfair advantage.

These issues are at the heart of a bill currently in Congress called the Right to Repair Act. Supporters of the bill say that automobile manufacturers have created a monopoly on the parts and repair industry because they share critical tools and information only with the dealership shops they own. The bill, if approved, would require all automakers to provide repair shops with any information they need in order to diagnose problems and service vehicles.

Opponents of the bill say that the information is intellectual property, and the people and companies who design the products shouldn't have to hand the information over for free. Automakers spend millions of dollars in research and development, and they balk at the idea of giving away the intellectual property that results from their investment. They claim that the purpose of the bill is simply so that the auto parts and repair industry can get their hands on patented information that will allow them to design and produce their own generic parts and then sell them for less money. Spokesmen for the auto industry say that the bill is akin to Coke being required to hand over the recipe for making Coke. Supporters of the bill say that the requirement would be comparable to giving doctors the information they need to treat patients.

The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association conducted a study that found that car repairs cost an average of 34% more when performed by new car dealerships than they would cost at independent service shops. This means that consumers are paying $11.7 billion more in repair costs each year, simply because the manufacturers refuse to hand over necessary information to independent repair shops. The Association includes members such as Jiffy Lube, Autozone, and other chain auto repair shops, and they say that automakers oppose the bill so that they can continue charging consumers outrageous prices for having their cars repaired. Aaron Low, the association's vice president, says that consumers who pay a lot of money for their cars should have the option to decide where they want to have it repaired.

The bill has been stalled in a House committed for months, and it is unclear when or if it will ever come to a vote.