Mechanics May Soon Have Better Access to Car Information

This week, Secretary of State William Galvin gave the OK to the House Clerk to proceed with Right to Repair initiative, a question proposed for the 2012 election ballot. The initiative is one of four that Galvin certified has enough signatures (more than 68,911) from registered voters to proceed, according to The Boston Herald.

The Right to Repair legislation, according to Massachusetts Right to Repair, "would give every technician—not just dealers—access to the same information, so you can get your car fixed where you want to, saving $300-$500." As it stands, say advocates for the new leglsation, certain diagnostic equipment, information and tools are reserved for the manufacturer of the car, forcing the car owner to go to the dealer, rather than his or her chosen mechanic, when there is a problem.

John Incardone owns with his brother Joe. Incardone said he somewhat disagrees that information isn’t available, saying that most of the times it is, it’s just a matter of how much time and money the mechanic needs to put in to get it.

“What some people are saying is that they can’t repair customer’s cars properly because they don’t have the right information,” Incardone said. “There’s quite a bit of information available to us, it’s just a matter of having the time and money to get it.”

Incardone said that often times manufacturers will have information available for a price online, however that does not come cheap. He said in some cases it could cost $150 per hour, which can really drive up the cost of a repair.

The Legislature, according to The Boston Herald, has until May 2 to vote on the petition. If not approved by the lawmakers, 11,000 additional signatures must be gathered before the measure makes it to the November ballot.

Incardone said that he doesn’t necessarily see that people are for and against the bill, in his mind it’s people that are for it and people that believe it’s unnecessary rhetoric.

“I think it’s okay, I think it would help us access information and at less of an expense, that’s a good thing,” Incardone said. “We have had some trouble getting information, but if you spend a little time and make the right phone calls you can get anything you need.”

Incardone also said that he thinks this bill passing could help companies that sell parts.

“If the information is more easily available, then anyone will be able to look it up online. If people can look it up online then it’s easier for them to go to a parts store and get what they need.