Sooner or later, no matter what you’re driving — from a classic Mustang to a new hybrid — it’s going to need repairs. When the inevitable happens, vehicle owners have always had several clear options: Head back to the dealer, trust it to the local garage guys or fix it yourself.

As vehicles become highly computer-integrated with more complex emission systems, the choices may not be so simple. Congress has been contemplating a bipartisan bill that could affect where cars can be repaired in the not-too-distant future. Your wallet may find it interesting.

The Right-to-Repair Act of 2009, which was introduced in April and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, has attracted support from a number of players in the aftermarket industry.

The bill requires vehicle manufacturers to provide owners with any information necessary to “diagnose, service, maintain or repair” their vehicle.

It also stipulates that tools and equipment must be made available to the owner and service providers, not just franchised dealers.

Manufacturers would also have to provide information to aftermarket tool companies, enabling them to manufacture tools with the same function.

The bill attempts to put everybody on a level playing field so that owners have a choice of where to have vehicles repaired, and hopefully, some price options.

“A lot of people don’t realize that the computers on their cars — from ‘94 and newer — control repairs — everything from airbags, tire pressure, check engine lights and electronics to ignition keys,” said Sandy Bass-Cors, executive director of the Coalition for Auto Repair Equality, a nonprofit organization representing aftermarket companies and consumers. “This bill allows motorists to have their cars repaired anywhere. We’re fighting for consumer choice.”

If a vehicle were to break down far away from home, and there’s no dealership nearby, this bill would ensure that the motorist could get prompt service from any independent service provider, Bass-Cors said. “The after market is the alternative medicine for higher price new car dealership repairs.”

Recent consumer attention has been focused on “Cash for Clunkers,” which offers up to a $4,500 incentive to trade an aging gas-guzzler for new vehicle.

The Right to Repair act hasn’t spent any time in the spotlight, possibly because it doesn’t translate to instant money in consumers’ pockets.

For someone buying a brand new car, repairs aren’t an immediate concern.

In fact, the legislation has gotten so little attention that several franchises and service stations contacted by the Business Journal weren’t yet aware of the legislation or how it would affect them.

Tony Wallace, service manager of Jud Kuhn Chevrolet in Little River, said he is aware of the legislation, but won’t know how it will affect his employer until he attends upcoming industry meetings.

Anthony Gesmondi just opened Dr. Transmission & Auto Repair on Seaboard Street in Myrtle Beach three weeks ago. The 55-year-old has been working on cars since he was a teenager, but doesn’t have enough hours in the day to keep up with legislation, too.

Several technicians who work in one- or two-person shops echoed his sentiment.

Support for Right to Repair

“As of July 31, the Right to Repair bill had 37 co-sponsors, mostly Democrats,” said Bass-Cors. “The American Automobile Association is a big supporter and Consumer Reports Magazine endorsed it.”

RetireSafe, an advocacy group for older Americans, supports the bill because seniors living on fixed incomes, like many money-conscious groups, need affordable alternatives for car repairs, Bass-Cors said.