Auto Care Association Urges Industry to Act Now: Time Is Running Out to Protect Right to Repair
BETHESDA, Md. – Jan. 6, 2026 – With the current United States Congress coming to a close after this year, the Auto Care Association is urging automotive aftermarket businesses from every part of the supply chain to take immediate action to protect drivers’ Right to Repair by contacting their members of Congress now – even if they have done so before.
Right to Repair is simple: vehicle owners and independent repair shops should have the same access to diagnostic data, tools, and software needed to safely repair modern vehicles as dealerships do. Without it, drivers face fewer choices, higher costs, longer wait times, and reduced access to trusted local repair professionals.
Data access is increasingly being restricted
As vehicles become more connected and software-driven, access to repair information is increasingly being restricted. The REPAIR Act (H.R. 1566 and S. 1379) protects access to vehicle repair data and ensures American vehicle owners get to have the final say in: who gets to repair their car; how the car is repaired; and when it can be repaired. If Congress does not act soon, over 900,000 independent repairers—and the 289 million American drivers they serve—risk being locked out.
“This is a critical moment,” said Auto Care Association President and CEO Bill Hanvey. “Lawmakers need to hear from the industry now. If we wait, it may be too late this Congress.”
Every message to Congress makes a difference—especially right now.
- Lawmakers are making final decisions before the end of the congressional session
- Constituent outreach directly influences legislative priorities
- Silence can be mistaken for agreement with restrictions on repair access
- The aftermarket’s voice is strongest when it acts together
Send a letter today
To make it easy, the Auto Care Association has created a pre-populated letter that can be sent to legislators in just 30 seconds. Supporters can personalize it or send it as-is—either way, the message is delivered directly to elected officials who need to hear it now.
Right to Repair protects:
- Consumer choice;
- Fair competition;
- Small and local businesses;
- Affordability and convenience for vehicle owners, and
- A safe, sustainable repair ecosystem.
The window for action is closing fast. The Auto Care Association urges everyone in the automotive aftermarket to act today and ensure Congress understands that Right to Repair is not optional—it’s essential.
Take 30 seconds. Send the letter. Protect the future of repair.
For more information and to take action, visit repairact.com.