GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A bill that will change how your car gets fixed at the repair shop is making its way through the state legislature.
Currently, repair shops have a choice when they buy replacement parts. Some parts are certified and some are not. That means they may not meet the automaker’s standards, ensuring your safety.
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House Bill 4344 updates the decades-old Motor Vehicle Service Repair Act. The change would require mechanics to get written permission from the vehicle’s owner before using a replacement part that’s not certified.
>>PDF: HB 4344
After several meetings and a compromise to limit the rule to vehicles that are under warranty, the bill passed the state House of Representatives on Wednesday with 84 yes votes and 22 no votes.
Supporters say regardless of the compromise, the bill creates awareness and puts the decision of which part to use on the vehicle owner instead of other entities.
Opponents say changing the law will drive up costs and not necessarily make drivers safer on the road.
The bill now moves on to the Senate Regulatory Committee.
