Marc Vincent’s Post

The growing trend of vehicle data restrictions is creating challenges for small independent repair businesses. According to a recent survey by the Auto Care Association, these restrictions limit the ability of independent repair shops to offer certain services and parts to customers. This can leave car owners with no other option than to seek repairs at dealerships, a concerning development given consumers' preference for independent shops over dealerships as highlighted by separate research from Consumer Reports. This issue has garnered bipartisan attention in Congress, with the REPAIR Act advancing out of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) also recently released a report outlining how vehicle repair restrictions can "disadvantage" independent repairers relative to dealerships. The survey involved 407 individuals from the independent auto repair sector and provides valuable insight into the ongoing challenges faced by these businesses. We must continue to advocate for policies that support a fair and open market for vehicle repairs, ensuring both independent shops and consumers have access to the services they need. #IndependentRepairShops #REPAIRAct #AutobodyNews

The auto repair industry is facing a critical juncture that could impact the 273,000 shops and 900,000 technicians across the United States. According to Bill Hanvey, President and CEO of the Auto Care Association, federal right-to-repair legislation is crucial for the survival of local repair shops. "Without change, local repair shops will be forced to turn away more and more business, leaving car owners with no choice but to foot outsized bills at the dealership," says Hanvey. The REPAIR Act is essential to protect America's vibrant network of local, independent repair shops, providing trusted service, convenience, and choice to millions of American drivers. As the industry continues to evolve, this legislation is vital for sustaining local businesses and ensuring consumers have access to fair, competitive pricing for their car repair needs. #automotive #repair #dataaccess #vehicles #autobodynews

#ICYMI: A new survey from Consumer Reports shows that consumers favor independent shops when seeking vehicle repairs. Dive deeper into their findings and learn why bipartisan, federal bills like #REPAIRAct & #SMARTAct are needed to protect independent shops and consumer choice: https://bit.ly/3TRE4JF

This just in! 👇🏼 ⚠️ 84% of independent repair shops view vehicle repair and maintenance data access as the top issue for their business, surpassing other timely considerations, like technician recruitment and retention and inflation. ⛔️The majority (63%) of independent repair shops experience difficulties making routine repairs on a daily or weekly basis. 📉Half of independent repair shops (51%) report sending up to 5 vehicles per month to the dealer due to vehicle data restrictions. 💲Vehicle data limitations cost independent repair shops an estimated $3.1 billion each year. 🔑 Winning the Right to Repair fight is critical to the success of every business in our industry. Read full press release here: https://lnkd.in/gX6HwPsX #autocare #automotiveaftermarket #righttorepair

In case you missed it, CAR Coalition member and President of the Automotive Body Parts Association Mike Dolabi penned an op-ed in The Dallas Morning News urging Congress to pass the REPAIR Act. “The REPAIR Act would ensure that consumers and independent shops alike can access the vehicle data, tools, parts and software needed to repair and maintain modern vehicles." “What’s more, the REPAIR Act would keep prices affordable for car owners by promoting a competitive vehicle-repair landscape. Independent repair shops offer consumers an affordable option for vehicle service compared to dealerships, which can be nearly 40% more expensive on average, while competition from aftermarket alternatives helps drive down OEM parts prices.” Read more on the Right to Repair below: https://lnkd.in/et4A-SUY

🚗💼 Unlocking Revenue Potential: The Power of Upselling Warranty and Paint Protection 💰 In the automotive industry, the key to boosting profits often lies beyond just the initial sale. By strategically upselling warranty and paint protection, dealerships can unlock significant revenue streams. 🔧 Warranty Upselling: This offers customers peace of mind while generating a reliable income stream for your business. It’s a win-win situation! ✨ Paint Protection: Emphasise the importance of maintaining a vehicle’s appearance and resale value. Paint protection packages are an attractive add-on for customers who care about their car. When you present these upsells with a focus on customer benefits, you’ll not only enhance customer satisfaction but also boost your profits. Start upselling today and see your revenue soar! 🚀 #PaintProtection #Warranty #SalesStrategy #CustomerSatisfaction #AutomotiveIndustry #Upselling #RevenueGrowth

Great article from Consumer Reports comparing independent repair shops, dealerships, and chain auto repair centers. In their survey of over 10,000 CR members, independent auto shops and Goodyear service centers ranked highest in overall satisfaction score! https://lnkd.in/evbZBz4g

Vehicle affordability issues are continuing to drive car owners toward maintaining what they’ve got. Given this demand, profitability from a dealership’s service lanes has never been more important. When customers can choose where to take their vehicles for service, dealerships need to deliver a better customer experience to win the business and develop loyal customers. AutoPay+PERKS can help. #dealerships #fandi #profitability #customerexperience

How Local #Mechanics Earn Consumer Trust A new survey reveals auto dealerships are losing ground to general repair shops, with consumers citing trust as the key reason. For the first time, the Cox Automotive service study found more vehicle owners (33%) preferred general repair shops to dealers (31%).  The survey, released in December, reported dealerships accounted for 30% of all service visits in 2023, down from 35% in 2021. General repair and service stations account for 28%, with tire repair stores, body shops and specialists making up the rest. Neighborhood Auto Repair Professionals (NARPRO.com) are independent, family-owned, full-service auto repair shops that have passed 26 rigorous tests. NARPRO shops can perform the same work as dealerships, often at lower costs.  How To Choose A Mechanic: • Ask family and friends for recommendations. • Check reviews. • Look for shops that display certifications.  • Ask about specific experience working on your vehicle. What A Written Estimate Should Include: • What needs repaired, what parts are needed and anticipated labor charge. • It should state that the shop will contact you before doing any work that exceeds the specified time or money. What You Should Know About Parts: • New parts are generally made to original manufacturer specifications. • Remanufactured, rebuilt and reconditioned parts have been restored to sound working conditions. • Salvage parts are taken from another vehicle. To ensure honest service, NARPRO recommends: Use the ‘Show Me’ Method • When the mechanic tells you something’s broken or worn out your reply should be, “Show me”. A lot of repairs are obvious - like holes and leaks. A reputable mechanic will gladly show and explain any needed repairs. Don’t Wing It • No one likes to feel vulnerable when it comes to money and cars so ask around before you need a mechanic. Be sure to use a mechanic that is ASE certified. Poorly done repairs can cost you down the road.  Know Before You Go • Take a few minutes to look over your car’s maintenance schedule. If you don’t have the original book that came with the car you can find the suggested maintenance schedule online. If a technician says you need fluid flushes, spark plugs or other things, you’ll have an informed response. Look Out For Fees • When you get a quote be sure to ask if it includes all fees and taxes. If you get a bill that’s higher than your estimate because the mechanic failed to include fees, you should ask them to honor the estimate. Track Your Maintenance • Whether you have the mechanic fill out the maintenance book that came with the car, keep all your car receipts in one folder, or track your service records online, having a system can help make sure you’re not repeating a repair that’s not needed. Good records may also help you get a better price when you sell your car.

It’s #firerecallfriday!! 🔥🔥 ⚠️Daimler Trucks North America LLC Recalls certain 2023-2024 Freightliner Custom Chassis XCR and 2024 XBS, XCM Chassis The recall addresses a potential issue where the remote fuel filter hoses may detach from the fittings, leading to a fuel leak and potentially causing a lack of fuel supply to the engine. This poses a fire hazard if a fuel leak coincides with an ignition source. Moreover, the lack of fuel supply could result in engine stalling, increasing the risk of a crash. Owners of the affected vehicles are advised to contact DTNA Customer Service promptly to arrange a free repair with a local dealer. The specific recall number for this issue is F1003. It is crucial to address this matter promptly to ensure the safety of the vehicle and its occupants. ⚠️Thor Motor Coach (TMC) Recalls certain 2025 Thor Tranquility and Sanctuary Motorhomes The reason for the recall is due to the incorrect installation of a 50 AMP circuit breaker instead of the required 20 AMP breaker. This error can lead to overheated wiring, creating a potential fire hazard. Owners of these motorhomes are urged to promptly contact TMC Customer Service to schedule a free repair. The designated recall number for this issue is RC000305. ⚠️myCharge Recalls 567,000 POWER HUB All-In-One Portable Chargers The reason behind the recall is due to the potential risk of overheating while charging, which poses fire and burn hazards. To ensure safety, owners are advised to discontinue using the affected portable chargers and reach out to myCharge Customer Service promptly to receive a free replacement portable charger. ⚠️Goal Zero Recalls Over 34,460 Yeti Link Modules with EC8 Cables The company has identified a potential risk where the connection between the modules and cables can overheat and melt, creating a fire and burn hazard. To ensure customer safety, Goal Zero advises all consumers to stop using these modules immediately. Customers are urged to reach out to Goal Zero Customer Service promptly to arrange for a free replacement kit. ⚠️StyleCraft Recalls Over 50,000 Instinct Cordless Hair Clippers The lithium-ion battery in the recalled clippers can overheat, posing both fire and burn hazards. If you own one of these cordless clippers, it’s recommended that you stop using it and visit StyleCraft for instructions to remove the battery and to receive a free battery replacement. For more information on these recalls or recalls that we’ve featured in the past, please visit this link: https://lnkd.in/e7WMD25 #jackwardfireconsultants #originandcausefireinvestigation #fireinvestigation #firerecallfriday #firerecalls #usecaution #spreadawareness #preventafire #daimlertrucksnorthamerica #thormotorcoach #mychargeportablechargers #goalzero #stylecraft