You must be extremely careful who you choose to service or repair your car, as vehicle repairs generate more consumer complaints than any other service industry. Repairs and servicing at new car dealers and service stations are the most expensive, while the cheapest are small, specialised repair shops, department store chains and general repair shops.
However, the quality of work can be extremely variable and it’s always best to choose someone who has been personally recommended by family, friends or colleagues. Shop around and compare prices, but don’t be taken in by low prices or gifts, as they may be worth little and may disguise hidden extras.
Repair shops are usually efficient and friendly, and most do servicing and repairs (however major) on-the-spot if you’re from outside the state. Some garages, however, carry out unnecessary repairs, replacing parts such as brake pads and exhausts needlessly, or even puncturing tyres so that they can sell you a new one or do a repair. These sharp practices are reportedly more prevalent in some western states, particularly at garages close to freeways and on cars with out-of-state plates. If you need minor emergency help, you should remain with your car while it’s being repaired, or the mechanic may replace the engine!
You generally have a better chance of redress with a new car dealer or a garage that’s a member of a trade association or approved by an automobile club. More than 4,000 car repair shops are approved by the AAA and provide AAA members with a guarantee of all estimates and work. Should a dispute arise between an AAA member and an AAA approved garage, the AAA arbitration service resolves the problem.
Garages and repair shops that are members of the Automotive Service Association (ASA, PO Box 929, Bedford, TX 76095-0929, 817-283-6205, www.asashop.org ) abide by a code of business ethics. Another safeguard is to check whether a mechanic has been tested and certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, in which case he is entitled to display the ASE certificate in his shop.
In some states, it’s difficult to find dealers or repair shops that can work on European cars, and obtaining spares is often difficult or impossible. The number and location of dealers in imported cars varies considerably from state to state and in some states, you may find that the nearest dealer is hundreds of miles away. It’s wise to carry a selection of basic spare parts, as service stations in small towns are unlikely to stock them and you may need to wait several days for them to be sent from another state. If you need spares, it’s cheaper to buy them from shops such as Sears or from major service stations such as Mobil and Shell than from small petrol stations or dealers.
When a car is under warranty, it must usually be regularly serviced by an approved dealer so as not to invalidate the warranty. Most dealers have a set price for regular services and certain repairs. Service stations don’t usually provide a loan (loaner) car while yours is being serviced, although you can usually rent a car cheaply. Some collect your car from your home or office and deliver it after a service, or drop you at a railway or bus station or in a local town and pick you up when your car is ready for collection.
This article is an extract from Living and Working in America. Click here to get a copy now.