Wirtz Law Blog

Maintaining any car is important for several reasons. However, if you have determined that your vehicle is a Lemon—which is one that has numerous or repetitive issues impacting its use, value, or safety, proper maintenance is downright crucial. Part of diligent vehicle maintenance includes double-checking your repair orders to ensure that all issues are addressed correctly. 

What Is a Repair Order?

When you go to the mechanic to get your car serviced, when the vehicle’s ready to be picked up, the mechanic will give you a repair order. A repair order is a document that outlines all the parts used to work on your vehicle and provides a breakdown of the labor performed by the mechanic. For example, a repair order typically contains the following information:

• Your name, address, and contact information 
• The item to be repaired
• The nature of the problem
• The expected cost and duration of the repair
• The repair performed
• The parts supplied
• The cost of each part
• Labor charges
• The vehicle’s odometer reading when you brought the vehicle in, as well as at the time the repair order was completed
• Any additional services performed 

In essence, a repair order is akin to a detailed “receipt” in that it provides you with proof of the parts installed and services performed, as well as their cost. 

Why Are Repair Orders So Important for Lemon Owners?

Mechanics are legally required to hand you a repair order any time they work on your car. However, when you get a repair order, it’s important not to throw it in the trash or file it away without looking at it, as you should conduct a thorough review of the repair order. The best thing to do is scan it to a digital file.  There are several reasons this is especially important for vehicle owners who believe that their car, truck, or SUV may be a Lemon. 

Safety First

The most compelling reason to meticulously maintain your vehicle, especially if it’s a lemon, is safety. Cars with unresolved mechanical problems can pose serious risks to the driver, passengers, and others on the road. For instance, a faulty braking system or steering issue could lead to accidents. Regular maintenance and thorough check-ups can identify and rectify such issues before they become dangerous. Regardless of a potential Lemon Law claim, your safety and the safety of your family is paramount. 

Documentation for Lemon Law Claims

California’s Lemon Law protects consumers from defective vehicles. To benefit from these laws, however, owners need detailed records proving multiple attempts to fix the same issue without success. Retaining repair orders is essential for this documentation. These records serve as legal proof of the ongoing problems and repair attempts, strengthening your case if you seek a refund or replacement under lemon law protections.

Tracking Repair History

Lemon vehicles often have complex, recurring problems. Keeping a comprehensive record of all repairs helps in understanding the vehicle’s issues. This can guide future repair decisions and help identify malfunction patterns, aiding in more accurate diagnostics and more effective repairs.

Financial Implications

Repair orders provide a detailed account of the expenses incurred in maintaining the vehicle. This is important for budgeting and understanding the financial impact of owning a lemon. Additionally, if the vehicle is sold or traded in, a complete repair history can influence its value and provide transparency to the buyer. Again, you’ll want to have irrefutable documentation of the efforts you’ve gone through to repair your vehicle, as this will factor into the amount of damages you may be entitled to if your Lemon Law claim is successful. 

In summary, for owners of lemon vehicles, retaining and carefully reviewing repair orders is fundamental. It provides legal leverage, assists in effective vehicle management, has financial implications, and ensures quality repairs.

Are You Tired of Dealing with a Lemon?

If you recently purchased a new vehicle or a used vehicle that was still under the manufacturer’s original warranty, and you’ve experienced repeated problems necessitating multiple trips to the mechanic, you may have a Lemon. If this sounds familiar, the dedicated California Lemon Law lawyers at Wirtz Law APC, are here to help. At Wirtz Law APC, we specialize in handling Lemon Law cases on behalf of vehicle owners across the state. Over the years, we’ve handled countless cases, connecting our clients with more than $50 million in damages. We take a comprehensive approach to handling every case, which is why we’ve been able to successfully obtain compensation for our clients in over 97 percent of our Lemon Law cases. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation with a San Diego Lemon Law attorney today, give us a call at 858-259-5009. You can also connect with us through our online contact form.