Any automotive repair shop in the state of California must be registered with the B.A.R.
, and should be able to provide their licensing information to you upon request. Requiring the automotive repair shops to be registered and licensed provides accountability.
Do mechanics lie to make more money?
Car mechanics are notorious for lying to their customers in order to gain extra work for things that don't really need doing or for charging extra for things if they can tell someone doesn't really know what they are talking about. Sadly, this can lead to people spending lots of money without actually needing to.
Who regulates auto repair shops in California?
- Registers and regulates approximately 36,000 California automotive repair dealers.
- Licenses Smog Check stations, technicians, and inspectors.
- Licenses brake and lamp stations and adjusters.
What should you not say to a mechanic?
How long can a mechanic legally keep your car to fix?
How long can a mechanic keep my car?
There is no legal limit
to how long a mechanic can keep your car. If you are unsatisfied with your service, you can always take your business elsewhere and try to find another mechanic.
Do you need a mechanic license to open a shop in California?
Licensing Requirements for the Automotive Repair Industry
Any automotive repair shop in the state of California must be registered with the B.A.R.
, and should be able to provide their licensing information to you upon request. Requiring the automotive repair shops to be registered and licensed provides accountability.
Do mechanics have to warranty their work in California?
A repair shop is not required by law to guarantee its work
, but many shops do. If a guarantee or warranty is provided, it shall be in writing and a legible copy shall be delivered to the customer with the invoice itemizing the parts, components, and labor represented to be covered by such guarantee.
Do mechanics have to give you the old parts?
As the owner of the vehicle,
you are entitled to keep any parts that are removed from your car during a service or repair, regardless of their condition.
How do I not get scammed by mechanics?
- Recommend a Friend. While mechanics can be intimidating, most people can usually find one they trust. …
- Ask for Proof. Don't be afraid to speak up. …
- Service Centers Tell All. …
- Customer Satisfaction Policy. …
- Record Keeping in Essential.
Can you negotiate with mechanic?
Most people simply don't realize
they can negotiate auto repair work
. And while some itemized charges may stand firm (like some parts prices), others have significant wiggle-room (shop mark-ups are often as much as 200% to cover operations).
Why do mechanics charge so much?
Also, the cost of becoming a mechanic can be expensive.
Mechanics must put themselves through school and the common practice in the auto industry is for mechanics to supply their own set of tools
. “Every mechanic's got at least $25,000 in tools that they own. They've had to pay for them themselves,” said Larsen.
Is it rude to call a mechanic for an update?
Calling Repeatedly for Updates
As the old adage says, patience is a virtue. More often than not, your mechanic isn't hiding anything from you; they're simply busy working on your vehicle or someone else's.
Calling repeatedly can slow them down and ultimately take longer for you to get your car back
.
Do mechanics make up problems?
Unfortunately,
some honest mechanics will exaggerate a legitimate problem in order to convince a skeptical owner that the problem really does exist
. Even worse, a shady mechanic may point out a problem that doesn't exist!
Can you call a mechanic for a quote?
Under California's Automotive Repair Act, you are entitled to: An estimate –
Before beginning any repairs, the auto shop must provide you with an estimate showing the estimated price for parts and labor and obtain your authorization
.
Do I have to pay a garage if they don't fix my car?
If you told the garage to do whatever needs to be done to fix the car, then you gave them the right to decide what work to do.
You'll have to pay if the work was necessary and the price is reasonable
.
How does Florida lemon law work?
Under Florida Lemon Law,
vehicles are eligible if they suffer from defects that haven't been repaired “within a reasonable number of attempts” by the car dealership
. After these attempts, consumers must send a final opportunity for the manufacturer to repair the defect if they wish to take action under the Lemon Law.
How long do cars stay in the shop?
There are many factors to take into consideration as to how long it should take to get your car repaired, otherwise known as “cycle time.” Cycle time is usually measured from the day your car is dropped off at the repair facility until the day it is picked up. The current nationwide average for cycle time is
12 days
.
Do you have to be a qualified mechanic to open a garage?
Do mechanics/repair garages need a licence?
There is no legal requirement to obtain a licence to run a garage
. That said, gaining qualifications will give you additional confidence to do a good job and enhance your reputation.
How do I become a licensed mechanic in California?
To become ASE certified
you must have at least 2 years of experience and pass one test within a series
. To achieve Master Automobile Technician certification you must pass eight tests within a specified series. To ensure that you are up-to-date on your skills and knowledge, you must be recertified every 5 years.
How long does it take to get an ASE certification?
To become certified, you must: Gain hands-on work experience. You'll need
two years of on-the-job training
. As a UTI graduate you will automatically receive one year of that two-year requirement.
How long can a dealership hold your car for repair in California?
Legally a dealership has
30 days
to fix your car. If the dealership doesn't know what's wrong with your car, doesn't have the mechanic or parts to fix the problem, they may hold your car for a long period.
Can a repair shop charge storage fees in California?
According to California regulations and the Bureau of Automotive Repair,
a shop can't start charging for storage until they invoice the customer for work performed
.
Do I have to have my car serviced at a main dealer?
It's important to mention that
you don't have to use a main dealership to service your car
. But doing so ensures the correct parts are used and the right jobs are carried out at the right time.
What happens if a garage damaged my car?
A garage has a legal duty to take care of your car while it is in their possession. If the car is damaged due to staff negligence,
the garage will be responsible for carrying out the repairs at no cost to yourself or compensating you for having the repairs done elsewhere
.
How many opportunities does the trader have to fix a fault?
This must be carried out within a reasonable time and without causing you significant inconvenience.
You do not have to give the trader more than one chance
to repair or replace the part if it is faulty.
What to do if a dealership sells you a faulty car?
- Contact the dealer as soon as you notice the problem – in person if possible.
- If the dealer offers to fix the problem, make sure you understand any costs involved. …
- If all else fails, you can reject your car as long as you tried to resolve the issue with the dealer first.
