AAA Provides Tips on Choosing an Auto Repair Facility

MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 27, 2004 -- In recognition of its annual October Car Care Month, AAA urges motorists to be aware of their automobiles' maintenance schedule and develop a trusting, long-term relationship with a reputable repair facility.

"According to the national Attorneys General Task Force, auto repairs top the consumer complaint list nationwide," said Dawn Duffy, AAA spokesperson. "Many of these consumer complaints involved the "Four Cs" - lack of communication, inadequate competence, complex technology and consumer fraud.

  AAA offers the following tips when choosing a repair facility:

  -- Ask friends and relatives for recommendations.

  -- Contact a local consumer organization or the Better Business Bureau to
     identify any unsatisfactory complaint histories.

  -- Look for a neat, well-organized facility with polite service personnel
     willing to take the time to discuss your concerns.  Observe the parking
     lot, since the model years and makes of vehicles represent a snapshot
     of the vehicles they are accustomed to servicing.

  -- Talk to the service staff.  A top-quality facility will welcome the
     opportunity to meet you and learn more about your automotive concerns.

  -- Check for affiliation with recognized associations.  AAA has a network
     of more than 7,800 Approved Auto Repair facilities in North America.
     Any repair location displaying this symbol has passed strict
     quality standards, as well as achieved a minimum 90% positive response
     during a survey of 200 past customers. AAR facilities offer a special
     set of benefits, including written estimates, guarantees, free vehicle
     inspections and dispute resolutions.

  In addition, when bringing a vehicle to a repair facility, AAA recommends:

  -- Don't accept high pressure or scare tactics.

  -- Trust your instincts.  If you feel uncomfortable or feel you are being
     taken advantage of, get another (professional) opinion.

  -- Obtain an estimate once the diagnosis has been made and request updates
     if additional work is necessary.  You should expect to pay for time
     spent on diagnostic procedures.  However, the facility should be able
     to keep you informed during that process, too.

  -- Describe your vehicle's symptoms and problems.  Be specific with as
     many details as possible when describing noises, vibrations and other
     unusual observations.  Resist the temptation to "diagnose" the problem.
     This can lead to serious misunderstandings and unnecessary repairs.

  -- If possible, go on a road test with someone from the service staff and
     discuss the conditions as they occur.  This will assure attention is
     given to the problem you want addressed.

Finally, read the vehicle's owners manual, become familiar with the basic components and systems, follow the manufacturer's service schedules, have small problems repaired before they become major headaches, and keep good records.

AAA offers automotive, travel, insurance and financial services to more than 45 million members in the United States and Canada. AAA Minnesota/Iowa is part of The Auto Club Group, which has 4.1 million members in eight Midwest states. AAA Minneapolis serves more than 173,000 members in Hennepin County.