Maintenance and repairs
Regular maintenance and repairs help keep your vehicle safe and reliable. It’s important to choose a licensed auto shop for these services to ensure the work is done right. You should also know what options and resources are available to take care of your vehicle.
Maintenance
Maintaining your vehicle offers big benefits. It can help you avoid expensive repairs, improve fuel efficiency, and stay safe on the road. It also helps your vehicle last longer and run cleaner. Common maintenance services include oil changes, brake checks, tire rotations, and battery tests. Fluid top-offs and engine tune-ups are also part of regular maintenance.
Here are some key tips and tools to help you maintain your vehicle:
Follow your owner’s manual. Your vehicle owner’s manual is a key resource for keeping your vehicle running its best. It includes the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule and other important vehicle information. It also explains your vehicle's warning lights and what to do if they come on. Manuals are available online. Visit the manufacturer’s website to find yours.
Use the service reminder system. Many modern vehicles include built-in reminder systems. These systems alert you when it’s time for service, like oil changes, brake inspections, and more. When you see a reminder, consult your owner’s manual and schedule your vehicle for the needed service.
Perform regular maintenance checks. Take care of simple maintenance you can do yourself. Check your tire pressure and tread. Top off fluid levels. Pay attention to how your brakes feel. It’s also a good idea to prep your vehicle for seasonal changes—check your air conditioning in the summer and antifreeze in the winter.
For more resources, check out the Car Care Council. They offer car care guides, videos, and do-it-yourself tips.
Repairs
Timely repairs by a licensed auto shop keep your vehicle running its best. Whether it’s a routine fix or a major repair, it’s important to know what to expect. Here are some things to know when getting repairs.
Find a licensed auto shop
Licensed auto shops are registered with BAR and must follow laws that protect you. This means you get an estimate before any work starts. You also get clear explanations of the repairs and can file a complaint if something goes wrong.
Find an auto shop: Use our Auto Shop Locator to find a licensed auto shop near you. Search by city, ZIP code, or your current location, and filter results by the type of services you need. You can choose from general repairs, maintenance, Smog Check, mobile repairs, and more.
Check the license: If you choose a shop recommended by a friend or family member, be sure to check the shop's license. You can look up the license status and see if there's any disciplinary history.
Check your warranty coverage
When taking your vehicle for repairs, make sure you understand your warranty coverage. The warranty is a repair contract that covers defects or damages from regular use. This helps protect you from paying out-of-pocket fees if your vehicle needs repairs.
Here are some important things to know about vehicle warranties:
Your warranty does not cover regular maintenance or parts that wear down with normal use. The warranty period is a set amount of time or miles—often three years/36,000 miles. But you may have more coverage for emissions parts and repairs. Find your warranty details in your owner's manual or by contacting the manufacturer.
You can get warranty repairs at any auto shop, not just the dealership. You do not need to take your vehicle to the dealership for warranty repairs. By law, your vehicle warranty will stay in effect if you get repairs or maintenance at another auto shop. The shop must use appropriate parts and procedures. Learn more about your vehicle warranty rights.
You may consider an extended warranty or service contract. Dealerships offer these at an extra cost for new and used vehicles. Be sure to carefully review the terms and conditions before you commit. The California Department of Insurance can help you choose the option that is right for you. The Federal Trade Commission also offers guidance you may find helpful.
You may get a replacement or refund under California's Lemon Law. The Lemon Law protects you when your new or leased vehicle has a major warranty defect. The manufacturer has a reasonable number of attempts to fix the defect. If they cannot repair the defect, you may get your vehicle replaced or repurchased. Learn more about California's Lemon Law.
Pay attention to safety recalls
A safety recall happens when a vehicle has a problem that could make it unsafe. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issues the recall. The vehicle manufacturer must fix the problem by repairing or replacing the part. Recall repairs are always at no cost to you.
If you get a safety recall notice, it's important to get the repairs done right away. Contact the vehicle manufacturer or local dealership to schedule the repair.
To check safety recall information for your vehicle, visit www.NHTSA.gov/recalls. You'll need your vehicle's 17-character vehicle identification number.
To get recall alerts for your vehicle, download NHTSA's free SaferCar app. You can also sign up for general email alerts.
Keep your repair records
Be sure to keep a copy of all service and repair records. These records show what work was done on your vehicle and when. They are also useful to show proof of warranty work or if you sell your car.
Know your rights
You have rights when you take your vehicle to an auto shop for repairs. In all automotive repair transactions you are entitled to:
Get an estimate first. The auto shop must give you an estimate that shows the expected cost of the work. This includes the estimated price for parts and labor (excluding sales tax).
For some problems, the auto shop may need to take apart your vehicle to give you an accurate estimate. This is called a “tear down.” Be aware that there may be a charge for a tear down, even if you don’t go ahead with the repairs.
Approve the estimate. You must authorize the repairs before the auto shop can begin work on your vehicle. You can give your authorization in written, oral, or electronic (e.g., email or text) form.
Be told about any changes. If the auto shop finds more problems with your vehicle after starting the work, they must contact you. You must authorize any additional repairs. You may name someone to authorize any changes for you.
Return of any replaced parts. You can ask the shop to return any parts they replaced in your vehicle. Be sure to ask for those parts before authorizing the repairs.
Get a final invoice. Once all repairs are complete, the auto shop must give you a final invoice The invoice includes:
The auto shop's name, address, and license number
A list of all repairs performed, including any work done at no charge
A list of all parts supplied, indicating parts that are used, reconditioned, or rebuilt
The total cost for parts and labor
If you have a problem
Most consumers have a positive experience getting vehicle maintenance and repairs. But if you have issues with an auto shop and can’t resolve them with the shop's management, you have options:
File a complaint. We’ll look into the issue and help mediate a resolution.
Request a no-cost collision repair inspection. Most collision repairs are hidden by the vehicle's panels. This makes it hard to tell if the work was done right or done at all. If you have concerns about your vehicle's collision repairs, we can help. Our Auto Body Inspection Program can check the repairs to ensure the safety of your vehicle.
Get financial help with emissions repairs. Our Consumer Assistance Program offers repair assistance if your vehicle fails Smog Check. You can also retire your vehicle, even if it passes Smog Check. You and your vehicle must meet eligibility requirements to participate.