Shop talk

Q: Greg, I’m wondering if I take my new car to my local garage, will I be voiding the warranty? I’ve been getting oil changes, tune-ups and tires at the same garage for 30 years. Thanks. — Betty K., retired, New Port Ritchey, Fla.

A: Betty, first, you will not void your warranty. Second, we’re going to use your letter to lead us to some important information regarding your independent garage. We spoke with Jerry Shantz of the Alliance of Automotive Service Products in Harrisburg, Pa., and here’s what he had to say.

“If we’re not careful, you might lose your right to get your vehicle serviced at your neighborhood repair shop and be forced to take it to a new car dealership. Why? Because today’s modern vehicle is a high-tech machine, and nearly every system on it is controlled and monitored by computers. It takes technical information, software and tools to diagnose, service and repair these vehicles.

“The problem is that the big car companies are not making enough profit selling new cars and need to make more money selling parts and service. To capture a bigger piece of the service and repair business, they are trying to ‘lock out’ the independent repair shops from the information and tools needed to work on your car so you will have to return to the dealership.

“You can fight for your right to choose by contacting your congressman and urging them to support the Motor Vehicle Owners Right to Repair Act (HR 2048). It’s easy and takes only a couple minutes to go to www.righttorepair.org and send a letter.

“(This) bill requires that the same information and tools car manufacturers provide to their dealerships to service and repair your vehicle should also be available to your neighborhood repair shop.”

Thanks, Jerry. Let’s hope we all can do some good and save our independent garages.