AUTO REPAIR |
2. INITIAL AUTO REPAIR ESTIMATES - WHEN YOU FIRST TAKE YOUR CAR TO AN AUTO REPAIR SHOP OR LICENSED SMOG CHECK STATION
WRITTEN ESTIMATE REQUIRED: You have a right to be given an initial written estimate
for the work originally discussed. Your car's ODOMETER READING
must be an the written estimate. The shop must then obtain your signature on the estimate and immediately give you a copy of what you signed.
RIGHT TO RETURN/INSPECTION OF REPLACED PARTS: You also have a right to any parts replaced on your car returned to you if you make this request when you first come in. In the event replaced parts can not be returned to you still have a right to inspect the replaced parts. UNUSUAL CIRCUMSTANCES: When your vehicle is dropped off while a shop is closed or towed in, the shop must first prepare a written estimate just as if you are there and contact you (by phone, fax, or email) give you all of the information/price on the written estimate. If you authorize the shop to go ahead, the shop must note the date/time of the phone authorization on the estimate.
DIAGNOSTIC AND "TEAR-DOWN ESTIMATES": A shop is allowed to charge to diagnose a problem in order to prepare a correct estimate for repairs. In the
event some portion of your car (such as engine or transmission) has to taken apart in order to give a correct estimate for repairs a shop must give
you what is termed a "tear down estimate". The shop must prepare an estimate for what it will take to completely dissamble the part and inspect it
and then reassemble it (in the event you decline the estimated repairs). This estimate must include any gaskets, seals, etc. that would normally
destroyed during the dissambly process. The shop must also disclose if the dissambly/re-assembly will prevent the part from being restored to its
prior condition. The shop must also state in writing how many DAYS it will take to reassemble your car in the event you decline repairs. |
