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Auto Repair
The best way to avoid auto repair rip-offs is to be prepared.
Knowing how your vehicle works and how to identify common car problems is a
good beginning. It's also important to know how to select a good technician,
the kinds of questions to ask, and your consumer rights.
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the American Automobile
Association (AAA), and the
National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG), this kind of information
about your automobile may help you keep a lid on mechanical mistakes.
REPAIR INFORMATION
How to Choose a Repair Shop
What should I look for when choosing a
repair shop?
Ask for recommendations from friends, family, and other people you trust.
Look for an auto repair shop before you need one to avoid being rushed into
a last-minute decision.
Shop around by telephone for the best deal, and compare warranty policies on
repairs.
Ask to see current licenses if state or local law requires repair shops to
be licensed or registered. Also, your state Attorney General's office or
local consumer protection agency may know whether there's a record of
complaints about a particular repair shop.
Make sure the shop will honor your vehicle's warranty.
How to Choose a Technician
Is one technician better than another?
Look for shops that display various certifications - like an Automotive
Service Excellence seal. Certification indicates that some or all of the
technicians meet basic standards of knowledge and competence in specific
technical areas. Make sure the certifications are current, but remember
that certification alone is no guarantee of good or honest work. Ask if the
technician or shop has experience working on the same make or model vehicle
as yours.
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