Car Owners Say 'Yes' to 'Right to Repair'

CARSON, Calif., Nov. 22, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- A recent survey of car owners by AutoMD.com (www.automd.com), the most comprehensive and unbiased free online automotive repair resource, indicates that when it comes to leveling the auto repair information playing field, car owners are in support. The vast majority surveyed - including both DIYers (those who do most car repairs themselves) and DFMers (those who usually don't do their own car repairs) - indicate that they are in favor of passage of a bill like the 'Right to Repair Act,'** which requires that all the information and tools needed to diagnose and repair vehicles is available to consumers and repair shops.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101122/LA05680 )

"This snapshot of car owner sentiment clearly shows that when it comes to repair information, car owners want equal access for all," said Shane Evangelist, president of AutoMD.com, which has had over 2.5 million unique users since its launch earlier this year.  

According to the September 2010 AutoMD.com survey of over 2,800 car owners, 83% support passage of a bill like the 'Right to Repair Act', with 85% percent of DFMers, and 81% of DIYers, in support.

"While debate on the legislation is ongoing, at AutoMD.com we believe that empowering consumers to make the best, most affordable repair decisions is critical -- especially as car owners are holding onto their vehicles for record lengths of time, and more and more precious consumer dollars are spent on vehicle repairs," continued Evangelist. "To this end, AutoMD.com is committed to making the repair process as transparent as possible with easy-to-use repair diagnostic tools, fair pricing estimates, How-To guides for thousands of jobs and hourly labor rates for over 200,000 repair shops and dealerships across the country."

The Motor Vehicle Owners Right to Repair Act, which has been introduced into the U.S. Congress,** would require automakers to provide the same service information and tools to independent auto and maintenance shops, as well as to consumers, that automaker dealership service centers receive. It does not affect the automaker's warranty agreement with the dealer or disclose trade secrets. Currently, some of this information is restricted, meaning that consumers and independent repair shops do not have access to critical information needed to make repairs on some (usually later model) vehicles.

For more information about the AutoMD.com survey or for commentary from an AutoMD.com expert, contact [email protected].  For more information about AutoMD.com, click here.

*The full text of the question asked in the survey is as follows: "A bill called the Right to Repair Act was recently introduced on the floor of the US Senate and into the US House.  This bill requires that all information and tools needed to diagnose and repair vehicles is available to consumers and repair shops. (Some of this information is restricted by the automakers meaning that consumers and independent repair shops do not have access to critical information needed to make repairs on some vehicles, usually later model vehicles). Would you be in favor of the passage of a bill like this?"

**The Motor Vehicle Owners Right to Repair Act (S. 3181) was introduced into the Senate by Sens. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Sam Brownback (R-KS). The House version of the bill (H.R. 2057) was introduced by Reps. Edolphus Towns (D-NY), Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and George Miller (D-CA).    To read the full text of the senate version (S. 3181) of the 'Motor Vehicle Owners Right to Repair Act of 2010' click here: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:S.3181: To read the full text of the house version (H.R. 2057 ) of the 'Motor Vehicle Owners Right to Repair Act of 2009' click here: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.R.2057:

About AutoMD.com

AutoMD.com™ (www.automd.com), a wholly-owned subsidiary of U.S. Auto Parts Network, Inc., (Nasdaq: PRTS), is the most comprehensive and unbiased free online automotive repair resource designed to empower car owners with the best way to repair their vehicles. Backed by a team of automotive data specialists and certified auto mechanics who are advocates for the car owner, AutoMD.com allows both car owners and DIYers to 1. Troubleshoot car problems, 2. Know how much auto repairs should cost, 3. Understand the steps needed and the time it should take with How-to Auto Repair guides, 4. Find the right local auto repair shop at the right price for their issue, and 5. Get auto repair questions answered by the AutoMD.com community. AutoMD.com was named Best Automotive Website in the 8th annual American Business Awards, also known as the as the Stevie® Awards. AutoMD Mobile is available for the iPhone at http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/automd-mobile/id369361977?mt=8

SOURCE U.S. Auto Parts Network, Inc.