A record number of Americans are traveling this week — and unfortunately some are going to have deal with breakdowns or fender benders.
Here are the facts:
- AAA expects to rescue over 400,000 drivers at the roadside this Thanksgiving.
- According to new statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, inflation has pushed car maintenance costs up 5.4% over last year.
- Yet, automakers increasingly use design patents to restrict basic car parts, leading to higher prices and less competition.
As Americans struggle to keep up with rising prices at the pump, vehicle owners want greater control over their repairs. Earlier this month, the CAR Coalition released a nationwide survey showing 78% of vehicle-owning voters support right to repair legislation that:
- Allows consumers to choose whether they want replacement parts made by the automaker or by an alternative parts manufacturer;
- Reduces from 15 years to 2.5 years the time that car manufacturers can enforce design patents on collision repair parts (i.e., fenders, quarter panels and doors) against alternative parts manufacturers; and
- Requires automakers to make vehicle data readily available to consumers and any repair shop they choose.
The bipartisan Save Money on Auto Repair Transportation (SMART) Act is one solution to help provide quality, affordable, and safe repair options.
Learn more, and find out how you can get engaged in our campaign HERE.
