Difference between revisions of "Car Repairs"

Car Repairs (view source)

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-{{REVIEWEDPLS | reviewer = Emma Naismith, Consumer Protection BC |date= June 2018}} {{Dial-A-Law TOC|expanded = cars}}
+{{REVIEWEDPLS | reviewer = Mario Garcia, CarbonCure Technologies |date= October 2022}} {{Dial-A-Law TOC|expanded = cars}}
-'''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.
+Vehicle repairs can be complex and expensive. You can avoid or minimize problems with repairs by following these tips.
-==Prevent problems==
+==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===
-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.
+Beat the bushes for a reliable mechanic. Ask friends for names of good mechanics they’ve used. Compare price estimates from various repair shops.
-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.
+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].
-===Let the repairer diagnose the problem===
+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].
-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.
+===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 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.
+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
-===Let the repairer complete the work===
+'''Step 2.''' Pay for the repairs
-Allow enough time for the repair — if you rush the mechanic, the repair may not be done well.
+'''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.
-Give the mechanic a phone number to reach you in case of problems or questions.
+'''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.
-{| class="wikitable"
+That’ll make it hard to sell your vehicle, and the mechanic could have the right to seize it from you and sell it.
-|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 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].
-===Step 1. Report any problems right away===
+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].
-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.
+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 2. Pay the repair bill===
+'''Step 4. Take to social media'''<br>
-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.
+Consider telling your story on social media. Be factual and truthful about what happened — using foul or insulting language may work against you.
-===Step 3. Contact a consumer agency or industry association===
+Social pressure is powerful. The mechanic may be eager to make things right to protect their reputation.
-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].
+'''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.
-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.
+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].
-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.
+==Who can help==
+===Legal advice===
+There are options for free legal advice.
-===Step 4. Consider legal action===
+:'''Lawyer Referral Service'''
-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:
+:Helps you connect with a lawyer for a complimentary 15-minute consult to see if you want to hire them.
-*in the [https://civilresolutionbc.ca/ Civil Resolution Tribunal], for up to $5,000
+:Call 1-800-663-1919
-*in [http://www.smallclaimsbc.ca/ Small Claims Court], for over $5,000 and up to $35,000
+:[https://www.accessprobono.ca/our-programs/lawyer-referral-service Visit Website]
-*in [http://www.supremecourtbc.ca/ Supreme Court], for over $35,000
-See our information on [[Suing Someone in Small Claims Court (No. 166)|Small Claims Court]] (no. [[Suing Someone in Small Claims Court (No. 166)|166]] to [[Going to Trial in Small Claims Court (No. 168)|168]]).
+:'''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]
-If you don’t have a lawyer, there are options for [[Free and Low-Cost Legal Help (No. 430)|free and low-cost legal help (no. 430)]].
+===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}}

Difference between revisions of "Car Repairs"

Car Repairs (view source)

Revision as of 04:21, 27 September 2023

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