Although the Right to Repair campaign has gained excellent support following its introduction just one year ago, a number of consumers remain confused about certain provisions stated in the guidelines. Here’s a handy explanation of the areas which seem to attract the most questions.
- Your right to choose a service provider comes at the point of deciding whether or not to purchase a service plan. In fact, if you have purchased a plan, your vehicle may be serviced only by the provider named in the contract – consumers may not take the car to an independent service provider and then claim the cost of the service back from the manufacturer.
- You are entitled to service a vehicle purchased before 1 July 2021 at an independent service provider. However, this holds true only if the car was purchased without a service plan, or if the plan expired before the warranty.
- Warranties can be voided only where there is a causal link. For example, if your engine seizes after you have fitted an aftermarket tow bar, the manufacturer may not void your warranty because the tow bar is not an original part.
- There is no official list of approved parts. That said, motorists are advised to use non-original parts of traceable origin, which have been manufactured by an OEM parts manufacturer. It’s also a good idea to request an accompanying warranty.
To provide further information around motorists’ rights, Right to Repair has released a series of seven brief podcasts, available on the Right to Repair website and YouTube. Please like and share to play your part in educating our consumers.
