Car Repairs: Difference between revisions

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{{DEMOWARNING}}
{{REVIEWEDPLS | reviewer = [https://www.carboncure.com/ Mario Garcia], CarbonCure Technologies |date= October 2022}} {{Dial-A-Law TOC|expanded = cars}}
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Vehicle repairs can be complex and expensive. You can avoid or minimize problems with repairs by following these tips.


Cars are complex, expensive machines. You can avoid or minimize many problems with car repairs if you follow the steps below.
==Protect yourself!==


==What can you do before a repair?==
===Tips to minimize problems===
#Shop around for a reliable mechanic and compare price estimates from various repair shops. Ask friends for names of reliable mechanics. Check any repair shop you might use with the Better Business Bureau ([http://www.bbb.org www.bbb.org]) to see if there have been any complaints against the shop.
A good mechanic is like a bald eagle in the wild: rare, beautiful, and elusive. Until you find a shop that you fully trust, be a good consumer and think about the following.
#When you decide on a repair shop, let the mechanic figure out what to repair. Describe the problem as clearly as possible, but don’t try to guess what’s wrong. If you do, you may end up getting something you don’t need. Go for a road test with the mechanic to point out the problem.
#Ask for a written estimate of the repair cost and the time that repairs will take. Tell the mechanic not to proceed if the repair is going to cost more than the estimate—until the repair shop calls you and only if you then approve the higher cost.
#Give the mechanic a phone number to reach you in case of problems or questions.
#Allow enough time for the repair—if you rush the mechanic, the repair may not be done well.
#Remove all valuables from your car and leave only the ignition key with the mechanic. You don’t know who works at the repair shop—protect yourself against theft or someone copying your keys or losing them.
#Ask the mechanic to return all replaced parts to you. You may need them in court if there’s a problem with the repair. You may have to pay a charge for some replaced parts (like starter motors). That is because manufacturers put “core” charges or deposits on some parts. The repair shop has to return the old part to the manufacturer or pay the core charge. If you want to keep these types of parts, you may have to pay that “core” charge to the repair shop.


==What can you do after a repair?==
===Shop around===
#Report unsolved or new problems to the mechanic right away. For example, if you got a tune-up, but the car still doesn’t run well, tell the mechanic immediately.
Beat the bushes for a reliable mechanic. Ask friends for names of good mechanics they’ve used. Compare price estimates from various repair shops.
#If you have a problem with the work, or the cost of it, talk to the mechanic or the owner of the repair shop and try to solve it.
#If you can't solve the problem, pay for the work - if you don't, the repair shop can register a lien (claim) against the car and eventually seize and sell it.
#Contact the Better Business Bureau ([http://www.bbb.org www.bbb.org]); it may be able to help even if the repair shop is not a member.
#The BC Automobile Association (BCAA) ([http://www.bcaa.com www.bcaa.com]) has an Approved Auto Repair Services program for its members to ensure they get quality service at a fair price. BCAA inspects repair shops in the program to verify the quality of their equipment and service. If you're a BCAA member and you use a mechanic approved by BCAA, you can ask BCAA for help if you have a problem. Otherwise, you should ask to see a mechanic’s licence—to ensure they passed the exam to a licensed mechanic.
#Contact the Automotive Retailers Association (604.432.7987, [http://www.ara.bc.ca www.ara.bc.ca]). Only some repair shops and dealers belong to this voluntary organization.
#Contact Consumer Protection BC, a not-for-profit organization independent of government ([http://www.consumerprotectionbc.ca www.consumerprotectionbc.ca]). It administers the ''Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act'', available at [http://www.bclaws.ca www.bclaws.ca]. This law covers deceptive acts and practices and it may apply if a car repair shop has:
#*given you an estimate of the repair cost that is much less than the actual repair price - unless you agreed to the higher price before the repairs were done
#*said the vehicle needed a certain part or repair that was actually not required
#*taken advantage of a consumer's physical or mental infirmity, ignorance, illiteracy, age or inability to understand the language
#*charged a price for the repair that grossly exceeds the price other repair shops charge for similar parts or services
#;If one of these cases describes your situation, you may be able to sue the repair shop—item 8 below has more on this. To see if Consumer Protection BC can help, call 604.320.1667 or toll free 1.888.564.9963.
#Lastly, you can see a lawyer for legal advice, or take the case yourself to Small Claims Court—or to Supreme Court if your claim is for more than the $25,000 limit in Small Claims Court. Check scripts [[What is Small Claims Court? (Script 165)|165]] to [[Getting Your Judgment Paid (Script 169)|169]] on Small Claims Court. You should have a lawyer if you choose Supreme Court because the procedures are more complicated.


Ask to see a mechanic’s credentials to ensure they’re experienced. For any repair shops you’re considering, check with the Better Business Bureau to see if there have been any complaints against them. Visit the [https://www.bbb.org/ca/bc BBB's website].


[updated July 2014]
The BC Automobile Association (BCAA) has an approved auto repair services program for its members to ensure they get quality service at a fair price. BCAA inspects repair shops in the program to verify the quality of their equipment and service. [https://www.bcaa.com/automotive/approved-auto-repair See their website for details].


===Let them diagnose===
Let the mechanic figure out what to repair. Describe the problem as clearly as you can, but don’t try to guess what’s wrong. If you do, you may end up getting work you don’t need.


----
You can also suggest a road test with the mechanic to point out the problem.
----


Allow enough time for the repair — if you rush the mechanic, the repair may not be done well.


Give the mechanic your phone number in case of problems or questions.
===Get a written estimate===
Ask for a written estimate of the repair cost and the time it will take. Tell the mechanic to stop working if the repair is going to cost more than the estimate — unless they call you and you approve the higher cost.
===Keep replaced parts===
Ask the mechanic to return all replaced parts to you. You may need them to prove a problem with the repair. You may have to pay a charge for some replaced parts (like starter motors).
==Take action==
===The steps involved===
There are a handful of steps you can take to resolve a problem with a car repair.
'''Step 1.''' Let the mechanic know right away
'''Step 2.''' Pay for the repairs
'''Step 3.''' Contact a consumer agency (not always applicable)
'''Step 4.''' Tell your story on social media
'''Step 5.''' Take legal action
===More on each step===
'''Step 1. Report any problems right away'''<br>
Report unsolved or new problems to the mechanic right away. Brakes still grinding? Engine smell funny? The sooner you report, the less of a chance they can say it was your fault!
If you have a problem with the work, or the cost of it, talk to the mechanic or the owner of the repair shop and try to solve it. Be firm, but polite.
You can talk to them in person. But many people are more comfortable sending a letter. We have tools to help you build a letter for your situation. [https://www.peopleslawschool.ca/letter-complain-poor-servicing-car/ See this letter about poor servicing] or [https://www.peopleslawschool.ca/letter-complain-garage-charges/ this one about excessive charges].
If the business won't own up to the mistake, you can write a review online describing your experience. Stick to the facts, and avoid making personal attacks. Sometimes, a negative review will compel them to act.
'''Step 2. Pay the repair bill'''<br>
If you can't solve the problem, you should still pay for the repair work. If you don't, the repair shop can register a '''lien''' against the vehicle.
That’ll make it hard to sell your vehicle, and the mechanic could have the right to seize it from you and sell it.
'''Step 3. Contact a consumer agency or industry association'''<br>
If you're a member of the BC Automobile Association (BCAA), and you use a BCAA-approved mechanic, you can ask BCAA for help if you have a problem. [https://www.bcaa.com/ Visit the BCAA website].
You can contact the Better Business Bureau, which receives complaints about local businesses. At the very least, future consumers can be warned about that shady mechanic. [https://www.bbb.org/ca/bc See the BBB website].
You might want to contact the Automotive Retailers Association. [https://www.ara.bc.ca/ See the ARA's website]. Only some repair shops and dealers belong to this voluntary organization. Or, if the repair was done by a dealer franchise, you can call the head office to lodge a complaint.
'''Step 4. Take to social media'''<br>
Consider telling your story on social media. Be factual and truthful about what happened — using foul or insulting language may work against you.
Social pressure is powerful. The mechanic may be eager to make things right to protect their reputation.
'''Step 5. Consider legal action'''<br>
If you can’t solve the problem with the above steps, your next option may be to take legal action to recover amounts you feel you’re still owed.
For claims of under $5,000, you can apply to work out your dispute with the Civil Resolution Tribunal. This is a cheaper and faster option than going to court, and you don't need a lawyer. [https://civilresolutionbc.ca/ Visit the CRT's website].
==Who can help==
===Legal advice===
There are options for free legal advice.
:'''Lawyer Referral Service'''
:Helps you connect with a lawyer for a complimentary 15-minute consult to see if you want to hire them.
:Call 1-800-663-1919
:[https://www.accessprobono.ca/our-programs/lawyer-referral-service Visit Website]
:'''Access Pro Bono's Free Legal Advice'''
:Volunteer lawyers provide 30 minutes of free legal advice to people with low or modest income.
:Call 1-877-762-6664
:[https://www.accessprobono.ca/get-legal-help Visit Website]
===Go deeper===
For more on this topic, see our in-depth guidance on car repairs. We take a closer look at your rights, and explain each step in more detail. [https://www.peopleslawschool.ca/problem-car-repair/ See our in-depth info].
{{Dial-A-Law_Navbox|type=consumer}}
{{Dial-A-Law Copyright}}
{{Dial-A-Law Copyright}}

Latest revision as of 06:33, 30 September 2023

This information applies to British Columbia, Canada. Last reviewed for legal accuracy by Mario Garcia, CarbonCure Technologies in October 2022.

Vehicle repairs can be complex and expensive. You can avoid or minimize problems with repairs by following these tips.

Protect yourself!

Tips to minimize problems

A good mechanic is like a bald eagle in the wild: rare, beautiful, and elusive. Until you find a shop that you fully trust, be a good consumer and think about the following.

Shop around

Beat the bushes for a reliable mechanic. Ask friends for names of good mechanics they’ve used. Compare price estimates from various repair shops.

Ask to see a mechanic’s credentials to ensure they’re experienced. For any repair shops you’re considering, check with the Better Business Bureau to see if there have been any complaints against them. Visit the BBB's website.

The BC Automobile Association (BCAA) has an approved auto repair services program for its members to ensure they get quality service at a fair price. BCAA inspects repair shops in the program to verify the quality of their equipment and service. See their website for details.

Let them diagnose

Let the mechanic figure out what to repair. Describe the problem as clearly as you can, but don’t try to guess what’s wrong. If you do, you may end up getting work you don’t need.

You can also suggest a road test with the mechanic to point out the problem.

Allow enough time for the repair — if you rush the mechanic, the repair may not be done well.

Give the mechanic your phone number in case of problems or questions.

Get a written estimate

Ask for a written estimate of the repair cost and the time it will take. Tell the mechanic to stop working if the repair is going to cost more than the estimate — unless they call you and you approve the higher cost.

Keep replaced parts

Ask the mechanic to return all replaced parts to you. You may need them to prove a problem with the repair. You may have to pay a charge for some replaced parts (like starter motors).

Take action

The steps involved

There are a handful of steps you can take to resolve a problem with a car repair.

Step 1. Let the mechanic know right away

Step 2. Pay for the repairs

Step 3. Contact a consumer agency (not always applicable)

Step 4. Tell your story on social media

Step 5. Take legal action

More on each step

Step 1. Report any problems right away
Report unsolved or new problems to the mechanic right away. Brakes still grinding? Engine smell funny? The sooner you report, the less of a chance they can say it was your fault!

If you have a problem with the work, or the cost of it, talk to the mechanic or the owner of the repair shop and try to solve it. Be firm, but polite.

You can talk to them in person. But many people are more comfortable sending a letter. We have tools to help you build a letter for your situation. See this letter about poor servicing or this one about excessive charges.

If the business won't own up to the mistake, you can write a review online describing your experience. Stick to the facts, and avoid making personal attacks. Sometimes, a negative review will compel them to act.

Step 2. Pay the repair bill
If you can't solve the problem, you should still pay for the repair work. If you don't, the repair shop can register a lien against the vehicle.

That’ll make it hard to sell your vehicle, and the mechanic could have the right to seize it from you and sell it.

Step 3. Contact a consumer agency or industry association
If you're a member of the BC Automobile Association (BCAA), and you use a BCAA-approved mechanic, you can ask BCAA for help if you have a problem. Visit the BCAA website.

You can contact the Better Business Bureau, which receives complaints about local businesses. At the very least, future consumers can be warned about that shady mechanic. See the BBB website.

You might want to contact the Automotive Retailers Association. See the ARA's website. Only some repair shops and dealers belong to this voluntary organization. Or, if the repair was done by a dealer franchise, you can call the head office to lodge a complaint.

Step 4. Take to social media
Consider telling your story on social media. Be factual and truthful about what happened — using foul or insulting language may work against you.

Social pressure is powerful. The mechanic may be eager to make things right to protect their reputation.

Step 5. Consider legal action
If you can’t solve the problem with the above steps, your next option may be to take legal action to recover amounts you feel you’re still owed.

For claims of under $5,000, you can apply to work out your dispute with the Civil Resolution Tribunal. This is a cheaper and faster option than going to court, and you don't need a lawyer. Visit the CRT's website.

Who can help

Legal advice

There are options for free legal advice.

Lawyer Referral Service
Helps you connect with a lawyer for a complimentary 15-minute consult to see if you want to hire them.
Call 1-800-663-1919
Visit Website
Access Pro Bono's Free Legal Advice
Volunteer lawyers provide 30 minutes of free legal advice to people with low or modest income.
Call 1-877-762-6664
Visit Website

Go deeper

For more on this topic, see our in-depth guidance on car repairs. We take a closer look at your rights, and explain each step in more detail. See our in-depth info.

Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International Licence Dial-A-Law © People's Law School is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution - NonCommercial - ShareAlike 4.0 International Licence.