AAA Provides Tips on Choosing an Auto Repair Facility

MINNEAPOLIS, 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 Dawn Duffy, AAA 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. AAA Minneapolis serves more than 175,000 members in Hennepin County.