Wirtz Law Blog

Getting a car repaired is stressful in the best cases. When you take a car in repeatedly for the same defect or even multiple defects, the frustration involved may increase.

Whether you’re taking a car in for a first repair or yet another attempt, it’s important to advocate for yourself and get the information you need. Here’s what to do when it’s time to take your car to the shop. 

Check Your Warranty

Your vehicle’s warranty covers repairs for several vehicle systems and issues. Yet warranties are typically only good for a limited time. Your warranty may have other limitations as well, such as a requirement to bring the car to the dealership. 

Both original manufacturer’s and certified pre-owned (CPO) warranties contain such conditions. Whether you bought or leased your vehicle, check your warranty to know what the automaker promises – and what you need to do to make the automaker follow through. 

Check your warranty before making repair decisions. Following the terms of your warranty is a must to preserve any claims you have under California lemon law. 

Head to the Dealership

In most cases, your warranty will require you to repair your vehicle at a dealership or other shop authorized by the automaker. Often, taking your car to the dealership where you bought or leased it is your best bet. This dealership will have all the paperwork related to the sale, lease, and delivery of your car already in its system. 

Most vehicle warranties become void if the vehicle is serviced at an independent shop – one not associated with the dealership. At the very least, you may be forced to pay repair bills from an independent shop that your warranty would otherwise cover. 

Get Everything in Writing

Require the dealership to give you a written estimate before they do any work on your vehicle. Make sure to read the work order they prepare before working on your car and ask the service advisor to put in the description you want of the problem. Tell them to note it is a repeat concern. Keep a copy of the estimate for your records. 

If you authorize the repairs, tell the dealership, “If my car needs any parts or labor over this estimate, call me before you do anything.” This way, you’ll stay informed of the work done on your vehicle and the associated costs. 

Keep copies of all paperwork given to you by the dealership. Store these in a safe place. Creating a digital backup, such as by scanning your paperwork, can also be beneficial. Keeping digital copies of our purchase records and other out-of-pocket expenses is also important.

Keep Records of Related Expenses

Often, a vehicle that breaks down repeatedly imposes extra costs on its owner. Even if all the repairs are covered by your warranty, you may still have to pay towing fees to get your car to the dealership. You may also have to pay extra costs for transportation, like renting a vehicle, buying bus passes, or paying for rideshare or taxi services. 

Keep a copy of your receipt whenever you pay for your vehicle’s breakdown. Take screenshots in rideshare apps, for example. Get copies of your towing bills and keep these with your other paperwork. If you rent a vehicle, keep copies of your receipts and rental agreement. If the dealership loans you a rental, keep copies of this paperwork, even if you are not charged for using the borrowed car.

In a lemon law claim, vehicle owners can seek compensation for “incidental and consequential damages.” These are costs you pay related to your vehicle breakdowns but that aren’t repair bills – like towing and alternative transportation. However, California law only allows you to recover losses you can prove. Your paperwork provides essential evidence that you did, in fact, pay those towing bills, spend money on a rental car, or face daily rideshare, bus, or taxi costs. 

Seek the Support You Need

If you have a lemon vehicle, don’t increase your stress levels by trying to negotiate with the automaker yourself. Talk to an experienced California lemon law attorney. 

California lemon law requires automakers to pay a car owner’s reasonable attorney’s fees if the lemon law covers the vehicle. This means you may be able to work with an attorney while paying little or nothing out of pocket. Call a lawyer to schedule a consultation if you have a lemon on your hands.