Know Your Rights: Auto Repair

Cars have gotten more sophisticated and so is the repair work. It's harder and harder for us average Joes to know what work is being done and why. It's time to know your rights when it comes to auto repair work. I'm Stephanie Schaeffer and this is Know Your Rights TV. Auto Repair Keep up routine maintenance; oil changes, checking tire pressures, fluids etcetera. Failure to do so could invalidate your warranty. It's best to search for a mechanic suitable to you before you need one. Calling from the side of the road is not the best way to interview mechanics. Certain state laws require repair shops to be certified or licensed. Don't be afraid to ask to see that license and be sure to get a written estimate for the condition to be repaired, the parts needed and the anticipated labor charge. Sadly, there is no standard warranty on auto repairs. So you should be sure you understand exactly what your repair shop intends to cover under your warranty and be sure to get that in writing. After the work is done, you're entitled to a completed work order. That work order should include things like the parts provided, the cost of those parts, any necessary labor and a complete description of the work that was done. Additionally, you should be sure that the odometer readings when you brought your car in and when you picked it up are also listed. You should hang onto that for future reference in case you sell your vehicle. Your own failure to keep up routine maintenance on your vehicle could invalidate your warranty. Don't be afraid to ask proof that an auto repair shop is state certified/licensed. You're entitled to complete work order describing all repairs performed. Be sure to include odometer readings from before and after the job. Keep this for when you sell your car. Get a written estimate for work to be performed including labor charges. Make sure you understand what the shop intends to cover under your warranty, and make sure you have this in writing as well. To know your rights, subscribe to our show. I'm Stephanie Schaeffer and this is Know Your Rights TV.