Over 90% of American households have a car. According to the Federal Highway Administration, more than 280 million vehicles were registered to drivers in the U.S. in 2023. Each year, that number grows, as does the number of households and small businesses that own multiple cars. With each passing year, the technology in our vehicles becomes more advanced. Our vehicles require much more data and analytical tools to repair, tools that are often protected by automakers and other big businesses.

This leaves local auto repair shops in a bind. There are more vehicles on the road than ever, but the information they need to diagnose and fix the machines we rely on most is not readily available. Our communities’ independent repair businesses and your freedom to pick your preferred auto-repair provider are at risk, unless Congress takes action.