On June 29, 2026, President Donald Trump signed a presidential memorandum with the goal of expanding consumers’ ability to repair their own vehicles. This memo aims to reduce regulatory barriers that can increase repair costs and give drivers more options when it comes to vehicle upkeep.

The main directives of the memo include getting the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to clarify what owners can legally do when repairing the emissions systems on their cars. It also directs the EPA to make alternative certification pathways available for aftermarket emissions components. The final objective is to get the EPA to stop prioritizing enforcement against drivers who are doing what they can to restore their vehicles’ emissions systems to their original configuration after a modification.

While these changes could potentially make repairs more affordable and accessible, they are not massive, sweeping reforms. They also do not make any changes regarding vehicle warranties or service contracts. Knowing what has changed and what hasn’t will help you make the right decision when the time comes to get a repair done on your car.

Why This Is Happening Now

​The memorandum comes amid the broader national debate over consumers’ right to repair their own vehicles. Consumers, repair shops, and aftermarket part manufacturers have been arguing for years that vehicle owners should be able to work on their own cars without restrictions from manufacturers or other regulators. This follows a June 2026 White House meeting where Trump said General Motors and Ford executives, along with officials from the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), had pushed for legislation that would restrict consumers’ ability to repair their own vehicles—a position Trump publicly pushed back on.

The right-to-repair debate generally focuses on things like vehicle telematics, diagnostic software, and access to data needed for repairs, which can be inaccessible without special authorization from a dealer. This new memorandum, though, focuses mainly on EPA enforcement and the certification of aftermarket emissions components. It represents a step in the right direction for the right-to-repair movement, but it is certainly not a sweeping law that is going to change everything for consumers.

What This Means for Aftermarket Parts and Repair Costs

​One of this memorandum’s more significant provisions has to do with the certification of aftermarket emissions components. Many emissions-related aftermarket parts rely on certification through the California Air Resources Board (CARB), the approval process the White House memo criticizes as slow and costly — California has said the program, in place for 50 years, averages about 90 days, though the administration argues even that adds unnecessary cost and delay for consumers nationwide.

The memo directed the EPA to encourage, expedite, and evaluate alternative certification pathways so that aftermarket manufacturers are not reliant on a single recognized approval process. If it is successfully implemented, it could make compliant aftermarket parts more widely available and bring the overall cost down. In turn, this could also result in lower repair costs and shorter wait times when replacing emission components. Independent repair shops could also benefit by having more approved options and being able to service more customers in a relatively short period.

The EPA moved quickly. On July 1, 2026, just two days after the memo was signed, the EPA issued guidance reaffirming repair-information requirements under the Clean Air Act and separately recognized SEMA’s Certified Emissions (SC-E) Program as an acceptable way to demonstrate that approved aftermarket products comply with federal emissions requirements.

Can You Fix Your Own Car Without Voiding Your Coverage?

​For many drivers, the biggest question is not about EPA regulations, but about whether fixing their own vehicle and using aftermarket parts could jeopardize their warranty or vehicle service contract. Fortunately, federal law already provides consumer protection.

Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, manufacturers generally cannot void an entire warranty just because an owner performs maintenance or chooses an independent shop instead of the dealership, and the same goes for aftermarket parts. If, however, an aftermarket component causes a mechanical failure, the manufacturer could still deny coverage for that repair, though it falls on the automaker to demonstrate that connection.

When it comes to vehicle service contracts (VSCs), like those provided by Endurance, are separate agreements with their own terms, conditions, exclusions, and repair requirements, so coverage depends on the specific contract. Depending on your contract, certain repairs may need to be completed by a licensed repair facility, and replacement parts may need to meet certain standards. Some contracts may have greater flexibility than others, while certain repairs performed at home may not qualify for coverage reimbursement.

Where the Memorandum Falls Short: What It Doesn’t Change

​Although the “Freedom to Fix” memorandum has gotten quite a bit of attention, it does not address many of the right-to-repair movement’s issues. Perhaps most importantly, the memorandum does not create a broad new right of access to all vehicle telematics or connected-vehicle data. EPA’s July guidance reaffirmed existing access requirements for emissions-related service information and diagnostics, but the larger debate over access to vehicle-generated data and other proprietary digital systems remains.

It also does not replace existing state right-to-repair laws. States are free to continue adopting their own policies, which may mean that some drivers get the benefits while others do not. Aftermarket emissions components must still comply with applicable Clean Air Act requirements, and the memorandum does not authorize emissions tampering or the use of noncompliant parts. This means that all vehicle owners need to make sure that replacement parts meet all the legal and quality standards that they always needed to.

What Smart Vehicle Owners Should Do Right Now

​For most drivers, the best thing to do regarding this new memo is to remain informed before making repair decisions. Start by reviewing your current vehicle service contract and understanding any requirements that are in place regarding repair facilities, replacement components, and documentation. It can also be helpful to be aware of any protections that are provided by the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. Knowing the difference between the manufacturer’s warranty and a vehicle service contract will make it much easier to know what rights you already have.

If you perform maintenance or repairs yourself, or if you use an independent repair shop, it is incredibly important that you keep detailed records of all the work that is performed. This includes things like receipts, invoices, and any information about the parts used for replacements.

You should also keep in mind that even experienced mechanics will run into repairs that require specialized tools, diagnostics, and expensive components. An Endurance vehicle service contract can help reduce the financial impact of eligible covered repairs, subject to the terms and conditions of your contract.

Get Top-Notch Coverage for Repairs With Endurance

​The Freedom to Fix memo could eventually make certain repairs more affordable, but it doesn’t eliminate the need to understand your warranty, vehicle service contract, or the legal requirements related to your vehicle. Having a plan in place for when breakdowns occur is your best bet for peace of mind. Endurance offers a range of service contracts for cars and drivers of all kinds, including vehicles that other providers may not cover, such as Canadian Gray Market cars, vehicles with salvage or rebuilt titles, and cars used for commercial purposes like rideshare or delivery.

On top of auto protection, Endurance customers also get extra perks like 24/7 roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and travel interruption protection. Plus, you also get a year of Endurance’s Elite Benefits, including tire repair or replacement, windshield coverage, and key fob replacement—a $2,000 value, included for free.

To get the best protection for your vehicle, get in touch with Endurance plan advisors at (800) 253-8203 for a FREE quote. You can also shop online to see a price preview and recommended plans.

For more helpful resources like this, check out the Endurance Warranty blog. There, you will find DIY tips and tricks, provider comparisons, and much more.