Can the government legislate independent auto
repair?
That’s what Representative Joe Barton seems to be thinking. Barton, who is chairman of the
House Energy and Commerce Committee, introduced the Motor Vehicles Owners Rights to Repair Act back in 2001 and
reintroduced it again in 2003 and 2005.
According to supporters, today’s vehicles are more complex than
those of yesteryear and require more specialized training and tools. Since both are provided by automakers, vehicle
owners are forced to go to dealerships or approved facilities for repairs which are usually more costly than
independent garages. Worse, says Barton, repair quality will actually worsen since such facilities would have no
competition.
Under the bill, auto manufacturers would, for example, be required to provide diagnostic
equipment to independent shops with equivalent capabilities as franchised repair facilities.