Consumer Services

Auto Service Tricks of the Trade

When it comes time to taking your car to get serviced, chances are you are in a rush to get the job done. We rely so much on our vehicles that when they break down, it becomes a major inconvenience. Without our cars, it can be a hassle just to get to work, drop the kids off at school or even go to the store.

The Miami-Dade County Consumer Services Department (CSD) works on your behalf to make sure you don't get taken for a ride. Knowing the protections afforded you by the Miami-Dade County Motor Vehicle Repair Ordinance (MVRO) and exercising some common sense can greatly reduce the likelihood of experiencing difficulties when having your vehicle repaired. Before you get into high gear, watch out for common rip-offs and follow these important recommendations.

Common Rip-offs (from ConsumerReports.org):

1. Flushing the engine or transmission. Those are common ways for dealers to pad their maintenance bills. Automakers recommend against flushing the engine.
2. Automatically charging for "severe" maintenance. Some shops assume you need the car's severe-use maintenance service, which typically involves changing filters and fluids more frequently than the regular service schedule recommends. See your owner's manual for details; most drivers need to follow only the normal schedule.
3. Frequently replacing different parts. A mechanic who keeps charging you to replace different parts to solve the same problem is probably having trouble diagnosing your car. Even if the mistake is an honest one, you shouldn't have to pay for it. Ask the mechanic to refund the cost of the first repair, which probably wasn't necessary. Otherwise, replace the mechanic.
4. Replacing the same part over and over again. That might indicate shoddy workmanship or a poor-quality part; neither should cost you extra. The Internet makes it easy to see whether a model is prone to certain problems. Search for your model in forums. Check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's website for automaker service bulletins and consumer complaints.
5. Insisting that only dealerships can perform maintenance. Legally, you can have maintenance performed at any mechanic without affecting your warranty. Just keep thorough records in case of a warranty claim. The only services that need to be performed at dealerships are warranty repairs, recalls, or post-warranty work that you want the manufacturer to pay for.

Consumer Smarts
The Miami-Dade Consumer Services Department licenses and regulates motor vehicle repair facilities, mechanics and technicians in Miami-Dade County. Any person or entity who performs repairs, including new and used car, truck and motorcycle dealers, garages, service stations, truck stops, and paint and body shops are required to be registered. Each facility must pass an inspection by the CSD demonstrating that it maintains the required specialized equipment, garage liability and garage-keepers insurance, and employs licensed mechanics and technicians.

1. Check the maintenance schedule in your car's owner's manual. It is the automaker's prescription for keeping the vehicle in good operating condition.
2. Choose a repair shop carefully. Look for an auto repair shop before you need one to avoid being rushed into a last-minute decision. Compare prices and warranty policies.
   Research a shop's complaint history by contacting the CSD Mediation Center at (305) 375-3677 or consumer@miamidade.gov.
3. Ask about repair charges. Before you arrange to have any work performed, ask how the shop prices its work.
4. Get the estimate in writing. You have the right to a written estimate for repairs exceeding $100. In Miami-Dade County, a 2' X 3' sign must be prominently posted in English, Spanish and Creole advising you of your right to a written estimate.
5. Review the invoice. You are entitled to a legible invoice containing an itemized description of all labor, parts and merchandise supplied and the associated cost of each item.
6. If the estimate is exceeded, the shop must contact you if the repair costs will exceed the estimate by $10.00 or 10%, whichever is greater.
7. Keep good records after the repair. Keep all paperwork associated with repairs, including warranties. If the service was not all you expected, don't rush to another shop. Discuss the problem with the service manager, owner or president of the company. Give the business a chance to resolve the problem. Reputable shops value customer feedback and will make a sincere effort to keep your business.

If you do not receive satisfaction, contact the Miami-Dade County Consumer Services Department Mediation Center via telephone at 305-375-3677 or e-mail consumer@miamidade.gov.