Consumer Tips

Vehicle Repair

1. Leave the diagnosis to the mechanic. Describe the symptoms as best you can, but don't try to impress the mechanic with your diagnostic skills. If you say the battery is dead, don't be surprised if you get a new battery - even if all you needed was a new fan belt to the alternator. Vehicles should be road tested with a mechanic to ensure that the symptoms or problems are understood by the mechanic.

2. Make an appointment that allows enough time for the job to be done properly. If you bring your car in on Saturday morning and you need it by noon hour, you're asking for slipshod work.

3. Report unsolved or new problems right away. If you had a tune-up and the engine still misses, ask for a re-check immediately.

4. Always give the mechanic a phone number where you can be reached. Ask how much the work will cost before starting any work. If the figure seems high, ask for a written quote and take the car to another shop for a further estimate so that you can compare.

5. As of July 1, 1996 any person working in B.C. as a mechanic, an automotive service technician, automotive collision repair technician or automotive painting and refinishing technician must be registered as an apprentice or journeyman.

6. It will be worth your while to shop around for a reliable person to work on your car. And when you find a mechanic who does good work, stick with him/her. When you call the shop for an appointment, remember to specify that he/she do the work.

7. Even when you know and trust the mechanic, though, you won't know everyone around the shop. So you're well advised to remove all valuables from the glove compartment and trunk when you leave your car on a garage lot - or anywhere, for that matter. You should also leave only the ignition key to the car. This will prevent anyone from making duplicates of your house or garage keys and will protect you in the event your keys are lost.

8. You should ask for all replaced parts to be returned to you so you have that evidence if it is needed to support your case in the event of a dispute.

IF YOU HAVE A DISPUTE:

1. You should pay for the work even if you can't settle the dispute, because if you don't, the repair shop can register a lien against the car and eventually seize it and sell it.

2. The first thing you should do, if there is a disagreement over the quality of the work or the charge, is to talk to the mechanic or the owner of the garage. If that doesn't work, contact the BBB or BCAA.

3. If the vehicle is 4 years old or less and still under warranty and you experience continuing problems, you may wish to contact CAMVAP, the Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration plan, for assistance. Call 1-800-207-0685.

For further information on this subject, contact DIAL-A-LAW at (604) 687-4680.