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Get more
than one estimate, and get them in writing
- Make it clear
that work cannot begin until you have authorized it.
- Do not authorize
work without a written estimate or, if the problem cannot be diagnosed
on the spot, insist that the shop contact you for your authorization
once the trouble has been found.
- Do not sign
a blank repair order. Make sure the repair order reflects what
you want done before you sign it
Is the repair
covered under warranty?
Ask the shop
to keep the old parts for you. Some car manufacturers may be willing
to repair certain problems without charge even though the warranty
has expired. Contact the manufacturer's zone representative or the
dealer's service department for assistance. Keep copies of all paperwork.
Follow
the warranty instructions (see Warranties).
Lemon Laws
Almost every
state has a new car "lemon law" that allows the owner a refund or
replacement when a new vehicle has a substantial problem that is
not fixed within a reasonable number of attempts. Many specify a
refund or replacement when a substantial problem is not fixed in
four repair attempts or the car has been out of service for 30 days
within the first 12,000 miles/12 months. If you believe that your
car is a lemon:
- Contact your
state or local consumer protection office for information on the
laws in your state and the steps you must take to resolve the
situation;
- Give the
dealer a list of symptoms every time you bring it in for repairs;
keep copies for your records;
- Get copies
of the repair orders showing the reported problems, the repairs
performed and the dates that the car was in the shop; and
- Contact the
manufacturer, as well as the dealer, to report the problem. Some
state laws require that you do so to give the manufacturer a chance
to fix the problem. Your owner's manual will list an address for
the manufacturer.
- Some states,
cities and counties have special laws that deal with auto repairs.
For information on the laws in your state, contact your state
or local consumer protection office.
  
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