There was a time back in the age of dinosaurs when car repairs were not that complicated–a good mechanic had the equipment and the knowledge to fix pretty much anything that went wrong with your car. A good mechanic is still worth his weight in gold, but in Massachusetts, he does not always have access to all the information and computer applications he needs to do his job.

A website called massrighttorepair explains a propsed law that would solve this problem. The website states:

Demand your right to repair your car where you want. “Right to Repair” legislation would give every mechanic access to the same information and tools that dealers have access to, so you can get your car serviced where you want to, and save hundreds of dollars.

No longer will independent technicians need to purchase expensive tools and software for cars they service only a few times a year. Instead, car owners and independent technicians will have up-to-date access to repair and diagnostic information for all makes and models of vehicles on the road using a universal interface system. The system would be accessible to anyone for a daily, weekly, monthly or yearly subscription. It’s as easy as downloading an app on your smartphone.

Cost savings for repairs can be passed along to consumers. Right to Repair will ensure that consumers always have a choice in where to service their vehicles. And when consumers choose independent repair shops over the big dealerships, they can save an average of $300-$500 each year.

More than 106,000 Massachusetts citizens have supported Right to Repair by signing the Right to Repair initiative petition for a 2012 ballot question. But the legislature can act now so we won’t have to wait that long. Tell your legislator to stand up for independent, small businesses, instead of big out-of-state corporations.

The website explains how the bill would work and how to get involved. Please follow the link above if you would like to cut the cost of repairing your car.