The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries – the body that represents car companies – has issued its own voluntary code of conduct on car servicing that blocks independent repairers from getting access to complete maintenance data and specialist tools to fix modern cars.

Small mechanics claim the code threatens to strip away the basic rights of consumers by blocking access to critical information as cars become more complex “computers on wheels”.

They have labelled the code a ploy to lock motorists into more expensive dealership servicing programs.

“We believe consumers should have the right of choice,” Tamworth’s Steven Duffy Auto Repairs owner Joy Duffy said.

“We have highly qualified staff but sometimes you just need that extra data.”

The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, the peak lobby group for car companies, insists the new car servicing code provides independent repairers with access to maintenance data.

However, the Australian Automobile Association, the peak body of the NRMA and other motoring clubs, which represent seven million motorists, says there needs to be a clearer definition of how much information is provided.

Dealer-principal of Woodley’s Motors Tamworth Mark Woodley said dealers were the “meat in the sandwich”.

“The manufacturer will make the car and spend a lot of money on making and designing the engine,” Mr Woodley said.

“As dealers we then have to pay for a massive amount of staff training and manufacturers then require us to build flash showrooms and workshops.

“They also charge us for the manual and special devices to repair cars.

“Dealers are just trying to recoup some of that cost.”