4. RIGHTS AS TO CERTAIN SPECIALIZED REPAIRS - BALL JOINT REPLACEMENT, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, AIR CONDITIONING, AND BODY WORK

Because customers are at more of a disadvantage when having certain automotive services/repairs performed (as opposed to others) regulations have been adopted to insure that customers are fully informed and that those repairs are performed in a workmanlike manner.

BALL JOINTS: Before a shop can tell a customer that their ball joints are worn out and in need of replacement the shop must FIRST measure the wear or looseness with a properly calibrated instrument (usually called a "dial indicator") and state that measurement in either thousandths (.001) of inches/millimeters. Those measurments must be stated on the Final Invoice along with the ball joint manufacturer's specifications. If the ball joint has an internal indicator for excessive wear this must be noted on the Final Invoice.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS: Prior to any removal of the automatically transmission for repairs an inspection must be performed to determine if a minor service/repair can fix the problem. If the transmission is electronically controlled an electronic diagnostic must be performed which includes retrieval of any trouble codes. If the transmission is to be removed for further inspection a "tear down estimate" must be given to you. Any time a shop uses the words (on an estimate or in advertising) "exchanged", "rebuilt", "remanufactured", "reconditioned", "overhauled", or similar words, the transmission must have had certain specific parts replaced and specific services performed.

AIR CONDITIONING: If a shop uses the words air conditioning "service", "inspection", "diagnosis", "top off", "performance check", or similiar words in advertising or on an estimate, it must mean that the shop will perform specific procedures and services.

AUTO BODY REPAIR: Auto Body shops are govern by the same general laws and regulations that other repair shops are. They are also required to perform all repairs in accordance with manufacturer/OEM standards. Installation of any "air bag" that has been previously inflated is strictly prohibited. Because so many auto body shops depend on referrals from insurance companies, customer complaints tend to be quickly resolved between the shop, customer, and insurance company.