What makes an automotive technician worthy of your trust?

Given that the OBD II standard started from California and became a worldwide standard

We will set our sights on California as a model from which interesting lessons can be learned.

Stay tuned

The governing board or body is known as BAR

California Bureau of Automotive Repair

The Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) is part of the California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA), whose mission is to promote and protect the interests of California consumers. BAR provides a wide range of consumer protection services, including:

Registers and regulates approximately 36,000 California automotive repair dealers

Licenses Smog Check stations, technicians, and inspectors

Licenses brake and lamp stations and adjusters

Mediates automotive repair complaints, saving California consumers millions of dollars each year in the form of direct refunds, rework, and bill adjustments

Investigates and takes disciplinary action against licensees who violate the law

Administers and enforces the Smog Check Program

Helps to keep California’s air clean by reducing air pollution produced by motor vehicles

BAR was established within DCA in 1972 following enactment of the Automotive Repair Act (Act) (Senate Bill [SB] 51 [Beilenson, Chapter 1578, Statutes of 1971]). In response to consumer and industry concerns about fraud and incompetence in the auto repair industry, the Act established BAR as the licensing and regulating authority over automotive repair dealers. The Act also gave BAR authority to license and regulate stations and individuals that perform services in the areas of lamp and brake inspection and repair.

In 1982, California became the 20th state in the nation to adopt a vehicle inspection and maintenance (Smog Check) program. Pursuant to authority granted by SB 33 (Presley, Chapter 892, Statutes of 1982), BAR became the administrator of the California Smog Check Program in 1984.

For more than 40 years, BAR has helped to protect California consumers. From its headquarters in Rancho Cordova and 12 field offices stationed throughout the state, BAR serves many functions and administers various programs aimed at protecting Californians.

BAR licenses and regulates automotive repair dealers and official stations and technicians in the areas of lamp, brake, and smog device inspection and repair.

BAR mediates complaints, investigates violations, and takes action against licensees and unlicensed individuals who fail to comply with the Act or regulations adopted pursuant to the Act.

BAR educates and trains auto repair and Smog Check technicians and auto repair dealers. BAR fosters voluntary compliance with auto repair laws through conferences, presentations, and training.

Just as automotive technicians have rights and responsibilities, their clients have rights and responsibilities

4 key responsibilities:

1. Read and follow your owner's manual.

2. Select a repair shop before you need one, but be sure it is registered with BAR.

3. Know your rights as a consumer.

4. Keep this guide in your car and refer to it before taking your car in for service (that is A Consumer's Guide to Automotive Repair in California)

BAR created the guide for the following reasons:

1. In recognition of the fact that a vehicle is a utility, in their words "like most Californians, you depend on your vehicle."

2. To help road users get service and repair that is quick, correct and of reasonable cost

3. To guarantee a that "you can keep your vehicle in good condition"

4. For a smooth/ "good working relationship with your auto repair shop."

5. "help you understand your rights if you have a problem with a repair shop"

About Your Owner's Manual

Your owner's manual explains what your car's warning indicators mean and what to do if they come on. Paying attention to those indicators can keep small problems from becoming big ones.


Besides warning lights, you should also pay attention to how the car performs as you drive each day. Note anything out of the ordinary and deal with it as soon as possible. Most mechanical problems get worse with time.

Remember that simple and inexpensive procedures like oil changes help your car last longer. Follow the manufacturer's recommended service schedule for oil changes and other maintenance, including fluid or flush services, to help prevent serious problems. The service schedule is in your owner's manual.

Don't feel pressured to agree to any service offered by your repair shop.

Ask the technician why the service is needed and if it will void any vehicle warranties.

If you are still unsure, decline the service until you can do more research.

Contact the manufacturer or ask for a second opinion if your owner's manual doesn't provide you with an answer. In addition, keep good records of all services done on your vehicle.

If you don't have your car owner's manual, check with your local car dealership or look online for a copy.

Select a Repair Shop Before You Need One


Ask family, friends, and co-workers which repair shops they like and why.

Verify that the shop you are considering is registered with BAR, and check to see if there has been any disciplinary action taken against it. You can verify a license online at, verify a license, or call (800) 952-5210.

Try out a repair shop with a minor maintenance job, such as an oil change. If you're happy with the service you receive, you may have found a shop that's right for you.

Here are some things to consider when selecting a repair shop:

1. License and Registration
2. Professionalism
3. Shop Appearance
4. Personnel
5. Guarantees
6. Shop Specialty
7. Meeting with the Service Writer

We have a long way to go in Nigeria.


CAC company name search & reservation is now FREE. Check out the thread below :

https://www.nairaland.com/4603245/cac-reloaded-2-free-name

AutoTechNG:
About Your Owner's Manual

Your owner's manual explains what your car's warning indicators mean and what to do if they come on. Paying attention to those indicators can keep small problems from becoming big ones.


Besides warning lights, you should also pay attention to how the car performs as you drive each day. Note anything out of the ordinary and deal with it as soon as possible. Most mechanical problems get worse with time.

Remember that simple and inexpensive procedures like oil changes help your car last longer. Follow the manufacturer's recommended service schedule for oil changes and other maintenance, including fluid or flush services, to help prevent serious problems. The service schedule is in your owner's manual.

Don't feel pressured to agree to any service offered by your repair shop.

Ask the technician why the service is needed and if it will void any vehicle warranties.

If you are still unsure, decline the service until you can do more research.

Contact the manufacturer or ask for a second opinion if your owner's manual doesn't provide you with an answer. In addition, keep good records of all services done on your vehicle.

If you don't have your car owner's manual, check with your local car dealership or look online for a copy.

My take on the above

Many car issues that come to nairaland are as a consequence of failure to monitor the instrument panel

Other issues are as a consequence of falling in love with one's vehicle...when one is in love, he or she takes notes of little things, any change in behavior or appearance or attitude, people just drive, they don't take note of what is going on with the car or around the car

Manufacturer guidelines are observed in breach not compliance

They accept whatever a technician says without questioning - like it is Gospel

Some feel that since a technician is infallible, one must go ahead with any and all recommended repairs

Rarely have I heard of any car user contact the manufacturer to discuss his or her options

Most don't even ask why a technician recommends a repair and some technicians refuse to give reasons for repair, on the assumption that if it comes from me, take it as gospel....meanwhile just as manufacturers have been documented to recommend repairs to fatten their bank balances, technicians have been guilty of the same, without questioning the process, was the recommendation in your own very best interest? Is there a better way? Is the way adopted the technician in his recommendation that better way?

Instead of researching and discussing the research with a couple of technicians and narrowing down the choice of technician by the feelers obtained by such a conversation, the majority want canned answers to their problems (and that for free), so they do no thinking at all, except that thinking involved in driving the car to the technician and writing him a cheque and coming back to get the car once the work is certified complete

Very few if ever get a second opinion. Even in medical circles, the power/value of a second opinion when faced with serious complications is well documented and in car circles. Getting a second opinion would save a lot of pain and grief and sometimes cash and this is well-documented in automotive car circles and journals

Most don't have the manual for their car, and among those who have even fewer have read those...

And then the bane of Nigeria, the country is poor at record keeping, and its citizens have adopted same procedure, very few keep meticulous records of repairs done

Is it any wonder why cars that last 20 years overseas go bad within 2 years of hitting Nigerian soil

Three levels of licensing exist:


Auto repair

Smog Check, if applicable

Lamp and brake inspections, if applicable

Is the shop or its proprietor a professional?

Two tests for that:


Membership in an automotive trade organization

Technician certifications

What does the appearance of the shop tell about those behind the shop?

Three tests to look out for:


Neat, well-organized service floors

Modern equipment

Clearly posted and easily explained policies on labor charges, guarantees, and accepted methods of payment

How does the shop treat customers and potential customers?

Three tests to employ:

Courteous, helpful staff

A service manager willing and able to answer your questions and resolve disputes

Qualified technicians with professional certifications such as Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) or other advanced training

Do they stand by their work OR do they prefer to stand by your money?

Ask the service writer if the shop guarantees its work. If so, ask for a copy of the guarantee.

Is the shop a general practitioner or a specialist?

Ask if the shop's technicians regularly work on the make and model of your car or truck, and are comfortable doing the repair you need - especially if your vehicle needs major work.

Next your responsibilities when informing a shop that you need a repair done to your vehicle

Responsibility 1:Describing the problem fully

Between the wife and the child, who knows the husband/father better?

Between a personal assistant in the office and the wife, who knows the CEO better? Don't tell me about the side chick, she only knows what he tells her or shows her, the wife at home knows the husband way way better

Remember, you know your vehicle better than anyone. When something is wrong, try to pinpoint the symptoms before taking the car in for service.

What is involved in describing the problem fully?

Describe the problem fully part 1 :Report any Unusual sounds, odors, leaks, warning lights, or smoke

Where in the vehicle is the sound coming from?

When does it happen?

When the engine is running?

When the engine is cold?

When you're accelerating?

Braking?

Turning?

Going above or at a certain speed?

Describe the problem fully part 2 : Problems in handling or braking

Do you feel vibrations in the steering column or the brake pedal?

Does the steering pull to the right or the left?

Are your tires wearing unevenly?

Describe the problem fully part 3: Changes in performance


Has your engine performance decreased?

Is your fuel economy falling?

Do you regularly have to add coolant or oil?

Are belts or hoses wearing out faster than they should?

PRECAUTIONS TO OBSERVE WHEN DESCRIBING THE PROBLEM FULLY

1. be as detailed as possible

2. Don't rush

3. Don't let yourself be intimidated (if he intimidates you, he is not the tech for you!)

4. Although the technician or service representative probably can't diagnose your problem on the spot, ask questions. If you don't understand the answers, ask for clarification. (if his answers don't make you feel comfortable, he is not the tech for you!)

5. Be sure the repair shop has a number where you can be reached. If the technician is going to call you later with a diagnosis, ask when. If you're going to call the shop, be sure you know the number and best time to call.

Next, what are your rights as a consumer of automotive repair services

IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR
ACT OF 1974, A CUSTOMER IS ENTITLED TO

1. A WRITTEN ESTIMATE FOR REPAIR WORK.

2. A DETAILED INVOICE OF WORK DONE AND PARTS SUPPLIED.

3. RETURN OF REPLACED PARTS, IF REQUESTED AT THE TIME A WORK ORDER IS PLACED.

QUESTIONS CONCERNING THE ABOVE SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE MANAGER OF THE REPAIR FACILITY.

UNRESOLVED QUESTIONS REGARDING SERVICE WORK MAY BE SUBMITTED TO THE BUREAU OF AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR.

Doing the Paperwork

By law, the auto repair shop must provide a written estimate before doing any work. Ask if there is a charge for the estimate. After you have received the estimate, feel free to go to another shop for a second opinion.

A written estimate must include the total estimated price for parts and labor for a specified repair or service. The estimate must also itemize the parts to be used and the method of repair. The repair shop must stick to the method of repair and the parts listed unless you agree in advance to any changes.

In addition to the total amount, the estimate may itemize the parts to be used and the method of repair. If so, the repair shop must stick to it. They may not legally substitute parts or change the repair method without your consent.

The technician will ask you to sign the estimate/work order, which gives the shop permission to proceed with the work. If you want any of the parts returned to you, be sure to say so when the technician gives you the estimate.

Before you sign, be sure you understand the work the technician will do. Your signature means you agree to pay for the repairs up to the amount specified. Do not sign a blank work order.


Newer cars often need a diagnosis before repairs can be done. A diagnosis uses procedures established by the auto manufacturer to determine the cause of the malfunction. The estimate may cover the cost of the diagnosis alone, or the cost of diagnosis and repair.

If some of the work will be done at a different shop, it must be noted on the written estimate or work order. For example, auto body shops sometimes have auto glass shops replace damaged windshields. If so, the shop must get your permission, unless you cannot reasonably be notified.

Diagnosis, Then Repair


After the technician finishes the diagnosis, the shop will call you to describe the repair work that is needed and to give you the estimated cost of the labor and parts. The shop representative will ask for your permission to do the work as described.

You do not have to give your authorization over the phone, but if you do, the shop must make the following notations:

On the Invoice


The name and telephone number of the person who gave the approval, and the date and time it was given. After the repairs are completed, you may be asked to sign or initial the following statement on the final invoice:

"I acknowledge notice and oral approval of an increase in the original estimated price."


Instead of verbal authorization, the shop may use fax or e-mail approval. If so, a copy of your e-mail reply or fax authorizing the repairs and/or cost must be attached to the final invoice.

When the Repairs Cost More Than the Estimate


If the technician later determines that it will take additional work and will cost more to fix your car than the original estimate, someone from the shop must contact you, describe the additional work and cost, and get your permission to proceed.

You may designate someone to authorize additional parts or labor for you. The approval must be noted on the estimate and invoice.