If you own a race car, a project car, or anything connected to the race or performance space, you’ve probably popped the hood on that vehicle (literally or figurately) more than once since taking ownership. And what about a daily driver? According to analysis by Aftermarket Insight Data, the average age of cars and light trucks in the U.S. rose to a new record of 12.6 years. In the current economy, fixing your own stuff or taking it to a local and trusted shop is an essential part of ownership. It’s called Right to Repair, and it’s currently under threat. Organizations like the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) are advocating for an end to all that claiming that aftermarket diagnostic data and tools threatens put owners at risk of cybersecurity and privacy issues or claiming that intellectual property is being violated. So, where does that leave consumers. Needing a voice, that’s where. And diagnostic and scanning tool manufacturer, Topdon USA, CEO Chad Schnitz is one of those voices.
When asked about an example of the need for Right to Repair, Schnitz had a real world experience right at hand. “I’ve got a Mercedes Sprinter van and I live in the middle of nowhere. I am two and a half hours away from the nearest Mercedes dealer. If my work van goes into DPF regen (Diesel Particulate Filter regeneration) and it gets stuck, I have to take it to a dealer. Now, I have to tow it two and a half hours to the dealer and then I have to wait for them to fix it, which is usually just a programming session and then I have to get it back. So now my work van is down for a week plus.” The solution? Allowing local shops, technicians and small town repair facilities access to the information necessary to fix a fairly basic issue locally.
The problem? OEMs do not want to release proprietary information outside of dealerships, leading to a conundrum for consumers, shops and ultimately the dealers themselves. If you have to take your vehicle into the dealership with the accompanying costs in time and money, are you still going to invest in purchasing that vehicle.
This is part of why Schnitz has been a long time advocate for Right to Repair, a movement and potential legislation that allows consumers (and in most cases shops and technicians) access to the information necessary to fix vehicles locally. Topdon is known for its scanning and diagnostic tools which serve both consumers and repair professionals, so both the company and Schnitz have a vested and personal interest in this idea. And Schnitz has hands-on experience in this field, starting his career as an auto technician before moving up through the ranks.
The argument FOR Right to Repair seems obvious, but Schnitz and the committees he serves on see a variety of pushback from vehicle manufacturers, including claims that the aftermarket isn’t trained correctly. Those claims, according to Schnitz and others, are false or at the very least fixable. “In the the recent conversations that we’ve been seeing from the OEs, they’re saying that the aftermarket is not properly trained or don’t have an understanding about these new systems and how they work and how to properly fix them. That the aftermarket doesn’t right training to do calibrations on these safety systems. But from an aftermarket standpoint, I think that we have proven that we can absolutely push back on that.”
Adequate training on systems is a necessity for both the aftermarket AND dealerships, many of which are also not receiving the required training from larger OEMs. Topdon itself is a big supporter of aftermarket training, starting in vocational programs like those offered by Wyotech and other schools. Topdon puts its money where it’s mouth is in these cases, actively partnering with schools to provide tools that aid in diagnostics and training. In addition, Topdon supplies trainers to attend industry events and programs to provide aftermarket training on systems.
It isn’t simply a matter of training, but tools. An OEM diagnostic tool can be out of the budget of a small shop or repair facility. However, Topdon and other manufacturers are working with OEMs to develop aftermarket tools that are within reach of those small businesses who then serve the local consumer.
So what can consumers and business do to advocate for Right to Repair? Schnitz recommends joining associations like the Auto Care Association, which is an advocacy group which “s dedicated to helping every one of those vehicles last longer, perform more efficiently, and keep drivers safe.” Schnitz, himself, serves on the Auto Care board and has spoken about the need for Right to Repair on Capitol Hill. These organizations, and others like SEMA, have a legislative voice which helps consumers and businesses reach out to their local, state and federal representatives to let them know that Right to Repair is important to them. He also recommends connecting with NASTF, the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) which helps automakers and the independent aftermarket to identify and resolve gaps in Service information, Tool Information and Training.
Consumers and businesses can have a voice in the conversation, and Topdon (and Schnitz) are helping them access that voice.
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