AAA Recommends Motorists Carefully Choose Auto Repair Facilities

BURNSVILLE, Minn., Oct. 18, 2005 -- 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.

"Auto repairs complaints usually involve the "Four Cs" - lack of communication, inadequate competence, complex technology and consumer fraud," said Gail Weinholzer, AAA Minnesota/Iowa spokesperson.

  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 members a special set
    of benefits, including written estimates, guarantees, free vehicle
    maintenance inspections while the vehicle is in for scheduled service
    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 (www.aaa.com) 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, with 4.1 million members in eight Midwest states.