Lynn mechanics endorse new Right to Repair Act

LYNN-The Senate passed the Right to Repair Act Tuesday, and the legislation will now move to the House of Representatives for a final vote.The right to repair bill protects consumer choice and saves drivers money by requiring major automobile manufacturers such as Toyota, GM and Ford to share relevant safety information with local mechanics and repair shops.Ramon Gomez, owner of Meineke Car Care Center at 411 Broad St. said having access to the codes will be good for business.?If I have access to the information it means we are going to be able to stay in business and fix the cars,” Gomez said. “If we have don?t have access we are limited to what we can do. If it goes through we will be able to diagnose the problems and it will effect us a lot.”Art Kinsman of the Right to Repair Coalition said strong support in the senate show consumers want to be able to choose where they get their vehicles fixed. Michael O?Connell, manager of Midas Maintenance and Repair at 555 Lynnway said he thinks passing the bill is a great idea.?It?s going to help the consumers save money,” he said. “I don?t know if it will increase my business, but it will help my business because I will be able to get the information I need from the manufacturers that they are holding back.”Though the bill will protect consumer rights, it will also protect automakers? proprietary information, which will prevent after-market part production. The vehicle security codes will also be protected by the legislation.?The bill only requires manufacturers to release codes that are necessary to make repairs and crucial service bulletin issues,” said Kinsman. “It?s good for everyone – consumers and automakers are protected.”