Difference between revisions of "Car Repairs"

Car Repairs (view source)

Revision as of 05:36, 9 February 2019

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-Cars are complex, expensive machines to repair. And government does not regulate the car-repair business. You can avoid or minimize many problems with car repairs if you follow these steps:
+Vehicle repairs can be complex and expensive. And the vehicle repair business isn’t tightly regulated by government. You can avoid or minimize problems with vehicle repairs if you follow these tips.
-==What can you do before a repair?==
+==Prevent 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 shops you might use with the [http://www.bbb.org/ Better Business Bureau] to see if there have been any complaints against them.
-#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 work 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 unless they call you and you 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 or losing your keys.
-#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.
+Shop around for a reliable mechanic. Ask friends for names of reliable mechanics they’ve used. Compare price estimates from various repair shops. Ask to see a mechanic’s licence — to ensure they passed the exam to be a licensed mechanic. Check any repair shops you are considering with the [http://www.bbb.org/ Better Business Bureau] to see if there have been any complaints against them.
-#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.
+The [http://www.bcaa.com/ BC Automobile Association] (BCAA) has an [https://www.bcaa.com/automotive/approved-auto-repair 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.
-#Contact the [http://www.bbb.org/ Better Business Bureau]; it may be able to help even if the repair shop is not a member.
-#The [http://www.bcaa.com/ BC Automobile Association] (BCAA) has an [https://www.bcaa.com/automotive/approved-auto-repair 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.
+===Let the repairer diagnose the problem===
-#Contact the [http://www.ara.bc.ca/ Automotive Retailers Association] (604.432.7987). Only some repair shops and dealers belong to this voluntary organization.
+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 work you don’t need. Go for a road test with the mechanic to point out the problem.
-#Contact [http://www.consumerprotectionbc.ca/ Consumer Protection BC], a not-for-profit organization independent of government. It administers the ''[http://www.bclaws.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/04002_00 Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act]''. This law covers some aspects of consumer transactions, including contract requirements and deceptive acts and practices. Its [http://www.consumerprotectionbc.ca/ website] has [https://www.consumerprotectionbc.ca/2012/03/automobile-repairs/ more information], including [https://www.consumerprotectionbc.ca/consumer-help/start-a-complaint/ how to file a complaint]. But Consumer Protection BC cannot sue a repair shop for you. You can call Consumer Protection BC at 1.888.564.9963.
-#You can see a lawyer for legal advice.
+===Get a written estimate===
-#You can sue, as follows:
+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 unless they call you and you approve the higher cost.
-#*in the [https://civilresolutionbc.ca/ Civil Resolution Tribunal], for claims up to $5,000
-#*in [http://www.smallclaimsbc.ca/ Small Claims Court], for claims over $5,000 and up to $35,000
+===Let the repairer complete the work===
-#*in [http://www.supremecourtbc.ca/ Supreme Court], for claims over $35,000
+Allow enough time for the repair — if you rush the mechanic, the repair may not be done well.
+Give the mechanic a phone number to reach you in case of problems or questions.
+{| class="wikitable"
+|align="left"|'''Tip'''
+Remove all valuables from your vehicle 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 or losing your keys.
+|}
+===Get the 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). 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.
+==Deal with any problems==
+===Step 1. Report any problems right away===
+Report unsolved or new problems to the mechanic right away. For example, if you got a tune-up, but the vehicle still doesn’t run well, tell the mechanic immediately.
+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.
+===Step 2. Pay the repair bill===
+If you can't solve the problem, pay for the repair work. If you don't, the repair shop can register a '''lien''' (claim) against the vehicle and eventually seize 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 mechanic approved by BCAA, you can ask BCAA for help if you have a problem. Visit [http://www.bcaa.com/ bcaa.com].
+Contact the '''Better Business Bureau''', which receives complaints about local businesses. They may be able to help even if the repair shop is not a member. Visit [https://www.bbb.org/ca/bc bbb.org/ca/bc].
+Contact the '''Automotive Retailers Association''' at 604-432-7987 or [https://www.ara.bc.ca/ 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. It administers the ''[http://canlii.ca/t/84mr Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act]''. This law covers some aspects of consumer transactions, including contract requirements and deceptive acts and practices. Its website at [http://www.consumerprotectionbc.ca consumerprotectionbc.ca] has [https://www.consumerprotectionbc.ca/2012/03/automobile-repairs/ more information], including [https://www.consumerprotectionbc.ca/consumer-help/start-a-complaint/ how to file a complaint]. But Consumer Protection BC cannot sue a repair shop for you. You can call Consumer Protection BC at 1-888-564-9963.
+===Step 4. Consider legal action===
+If you can’t solve the problem with the above steps, your next step may be to take legal action. You can bring a claim:
+*in the [https://civilresolutionbc.ca/ Civil Resolution Tribunal], for up to $5,000
+*in [http://www.smallclaimsbc.ca/ Small Claims Court], for over $5,000 and up to $35,000
+*in [http://www.supremecourtbc.ca/ Supreme Court], for over $35,000
+See our information on [[What is Small Claims Court? (Script 165)|Small Claims Court]] (no. 165 to 169).
+If you don’t have a lawyer, there are options for free or low-cost legal help.
-Scripts [[What is Small Claims Court? (Script 165)|165]] to [[Getting Your Judgment Paid (Script 169)|169]] explain small claims court. You should have a lawyer if you choose supreme court, because the procedures are more complicated.
 [updated June 2018]
-'''The above was edited by John Blois.'''
+'''The above was last reviewed for legal accuracy by Emma Naismith, Consumer Protection BC.'''
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Difference between revisions of "Car Repairs"

Car Repairs (view source)

Revision as of 05:36, 9 February 2019

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