Complaints about car repairs consistently rank in the top five problems handled by Ontario's Consumer Protection Branch. "While we successfully mediate many of these complaints, smart consumers who know their rights can avoid trouble with car repairs in the first place," says Chris Ferguson, Branch Director. Smart consumers start by finding a repair shop they can trust. Ask family, friends or co-workers for a good mechanic or garage.

The Consumer Protection Act provides consumers with rights. "It is important to know that you do not have to pay for any repair you did not authorize," says Ferguson. "It is equally important to know that you do not have to pay more than 10 per cent above the estimate."

To protect consumers from being sold unneeded parts or repairs, Ontario consumer law requires repairers to offer customers any parts that they remove from the car, in a clean container. If you have doubts, consider having those removed parts checked by another mechanic. Hang on to your finished work orders so that you have proof of exactly what repairs were done - and when - should problems arise later.

• Know whether new, used or rebuilt parts were used to repair their car.
• A three-month or 5,000-km warranty on repairs.
• Be paid by the original repairer for reasonable towing and repair fees if repairs fail far from home.
• Have the fee for examining the car and providing an estimate waived if they proceed with re-pairs.

  For more information about car repairs and your rights under the Consumer Protection Act, visit www.ontario.ca/consumerprotection or call toll-free 1-866-351-5655.

  Ontario Ministry of Government Services, Consumer Protection Program