With the Right-to-Repair Battle Ongoing, Here’s What You Need to DIY
The right-to-repair movement has been going on for years, but a bill introduced by the United States Congress in early 2025 suggests advocates might achieve victory sooner rather than later.
The measure received bipartisan support, which was more than a breath of fresh air in today’s political climate. It signaled that the original equipment manufacturers were losing ground and might have to give the public easier access to replacement components and repair instructions.
By February 2026, nothing on the federal level had been final. While the opposition has so far succeeded in delaying the passage of a national right-to-repair law, state legislators have been busy. Massachusetts led the way in 2012, inspiring lawmakers in California, Colorado, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, Texas and Washington to follow suit.
As everyone waits for state governments to enforce the requirements more strictly and for Congress to finally enact the federal version, you can begin preparing for a future where the right to repair is the law of the land.
Say you could tinker with your ride as you please, with no repercussions. Should you do anything you want? Probably not, as auto repairs still require specialized skills at the end of the day.
Overhauling the engine of your primary means of transportation or repairing its safety-critical systems, such as steering and suspension, are tasks that merit a trip to an auto shop, not garage projects. You may develop the skills to do these projects properly down the road, but it’s better to pursue mechanical repairs that are more DIY-friendly to avoid causing more harm than good.
For starters, focus on basic maintenance. Air filter swaps, fluid checks, oil changes and wiper blade replacements are simple tasks you can learn easily by reading the owner’s manual and watching video tutorials.
These easy wins should help you get a feel for car work. The more knowledgeable and confident you become, the better suited you are to handle challenging yet doable undertakings, such as changing the battery and rotating the tires.
Investing in proper gear should go without saying. The size of your toolkit depends on the types of maintenance tasks and repairs you intend to do frequently yourself. The core tools of most car enthusiasts who love to get their hands dirty include screwdrivers, socket sets and wrenches. Jack stands are essential for lifting, while gloves, wheel chocks, work lights and wraparound goggles are crucial for safety.
Add multimeters, OBD-II scanners and pliers once you’re ready to tackle more advanced tasks. Many automotive suppliers sell curated tool sets for specific maintenance tasks, such as oil changes, so that you can expand your equipment arsenal with minimal research and guesswork.
Interior restoration is another fulfilling DIY project. Car warranties typically cover only mechanical and electrical issues caused by manufacturing defects, so cosmetic improvements on carpets, headliners and seats are seldom warrantable.
Worn car interiors may require complete replacement. Carpets with degraded padding or dry rot are a good example. Sometimes, though, you can restore your vehicle’s beauty and comfort without ripping anything apart.
For instance, you can reglue minimally sagging headliners made of foam-backed cloth — a common material used in the ‘70s through the ‘90s — using a high-temperature spray headliner adhesive as long as it’s still pliable.
Interior touch-ups require different types of gear. Trim-related tools are usually for removal because you can conveniently screw the new pieces together and slide them in.
For carpeting tasks, a utility knife is the right tool. Seat foam and upholstery kits are widely available to give your vehicle a quick makeover.
DIY car projects, regardless of scope and complexity, require proper planning. Underestimating a task’s difficulty, using improper tools and forgetting a critical step can worsen the situation and make it more expensive to fix.
Right to repair is becoming a reality, and you should prepare for its possibilities and think about its limitations. Determine whether you’re up to a car repair or an interior restoration project before starting, so you can exercise this freedom fruitfully.
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Oscar Collins is the editor-in-chief of Modded, where he writes about auto news, next-gen tech and new innovations in the industry. He's written for Auto News, Gizmodo and similar publications, sharing his passion for cars with readers across the world. He currently lives on the east coast but travels often. For more of his work, check out Modded.
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Technology has changed so much since I was trained and competent to fix electro-mechanical devices that I wouldn't dream nowadays of opening anything up to fiddle with it.
Besides, never underestimate the physical duress of cranking one's body into a pretzel for access to so many components. Not for old guys, fer sher. But hopefully with age and careful living also comes the financial ability to just pay for young and updated pros to deal with stuff.
I really don't like to be talked down to by someone who doesn't understand the complexities of the subject matter. RTR gives you the RIGHT to make an informed decision. It also will keep independent garages viable alternatives to stealerships. When a dealership comes back with a "replace the wiring harness" diagnosis for a newer vehicle, they just don't want to do the job. This is where true independent diagnosticians come into play to fix the problem rather than throw money and time at a car. Too many customers have been told "there is nothing else we can do" after paying dealerships thousands of dollars and still not fixing the problem. Copart should not be a destination for a car that has a corroded ground or a bad relay.