Trump signs memo to make it easier to repair your own car. Here’s what to know
A trip to the mechanic can quickly turn into a repair bill that’s much higher than expected.
Now, President Donald Trump has signed a memorandum aimed at making it easier for people to repair their own vehicles, which the administration says could eventually help lower repair costs.
While the order doesn’t immediately change existing laws, it could eventually give drivers more choices when it comes to repairing their vehicles.
Here’s what to know.
How could Trump’s memo make car repairs easier?
According to the memo, the Environmental Protection Agency has 30 days to issue guidance explaining what repairs vehicle owners can legally make under the Clean Air Act while remaining in compliance with federal emissions laws.
The memo also directs the EPA to look for ways to make certain replacement parts available more quickly.
The Trump administration says making those parts easier to get could increase competition among repair shops, give you more repair options and eventually help lower repair costs.
In addition, the memo instructs the EPA to consider easing some civil enforcement against people who repair their own vehicles in good faith and restore them to their original operating condition.
The memo doesn’t change the Clean Air Act or other federal laws governing vehicle repairs. Instead, it begins a review process that could result in future policy changes without Congress passing a new law.
What rights do I already have when it comes to repairing my car?
According to the Federal Trade Commission, you can generally choose where to have your vehicle repaired and aren’t required to use a dealership or use brand-name replacement parts to keep your vehicle’s warranty in effect.
That means, in most cases, you can already repair your own vehicle or take it to an independent repair shop.
There is one important exception. Some repairs, particularly those involving emissions systems, are still subject to federal regulations under the Clean Air Act.
The Trump administration says uncertainty around those rules has discouraged some people from repairing their own vehicles and limited the availability of certain replacement parts.
