Industry Tips
Auto Repairs
If something seems to be wrong with your car, first read the owner's manual. You may discover that what appears to be a major problem is something you can correct yourself. Next, determine if your car is still under warranty. When repair work is to be done under the terms of the manufacturer's warranty, it almost always must be done by an authorized franchised dealership that sells your make of car.
If you cannot correct the problem yourself and your car is not under warranty, shop around for the best deal and best repair shop. One way to be sure about the competency of work done on your car is to find out if the shop employs mechanics certified through the National Institute for Automotive
Service Excellence.
Before you take your car in, make a list stating all the troubles precisely, and take it along with you. Include your name and telephone number where you can be reached during the day and give it to the mechanic. Let the shop do the diagnosis; requesting a specific repair may not always solve the problem. A repair order will normally be written up by a service advisor. When signed by you, this becomes your authorization to have the garage make the repairs or adjustments listed, regardless of price unless you specify otherwise. Ask what the price will be.
Read over the entire repair order before you sign it and find out how long it will take.
If you do not like a mechanic's diagnosis you can always get a second opinion.
These are your rights under the "Motor Vehicle Repair Shop Registration Act":
*Inspect a repaired vehicle before paying for repairs
*Receive a written estimate of the parts and labor for each repair, if you request it (there may be a charge)
*Know whether labor costs are computed by the hour or on a flat rate
*Have repairs done only after you have authorized it, and this authorization has been written on the work order
*Be given a detailed invoice before you pay.
For more information, contact:
Better Business Bureau
(800)
828-5000
www.upstateny.bbb.org
This information is general in nature and is not to be interpreted as a Business Review on any particular product, service or company.