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Auto Crimes
How to Prevent Motor Vehicle Theft
- When you park your car, close the windows, lock the doors
and take the key with you.
- If you must leave a key with a parking attendant, leave
only your vehicle's ignition key.
- Install and use anti-theft devices, whether an alarm or a
protective device like a club or a collar. Be sure to activate
the device every time you leave your vehicle.
- Park only in well-lit areas near other vehicles.
- Keep valuables out of sight, preferably locked away in the
trunk.
- Don't hide a spare key in a magnetic key box; thieves know
all the hiding places.
- At home, if possible, put your car away in a locked garage,
or at least parked in the driveway.
- If you have two cars and one of them is easy to break into,
then park it in your driveway so it's blocked by the other car.
- When you park your car, turn the front wheels to the left
or right and put the emergency brake on. This locks the wheels,
making it difficult for a thief to tow your car.
Auto repair Rip-Offs
Every consumer, at one time or another, will face the need to get
their car fixed. Auto Repair rip-offs consistently rank very high
in consumer complaints throughout the nation. How can you avoid these
pitfalls and still keep your car in working order? Consider the following.
TIPS FOR CONSUMERS
- Find an auto repair shop before you need one. This will avoid the pressure of a last minute
choice. Ask friends, family members or co-workers to recommend repair shops they trust.
- Be certain the repair shop honors any existing warranty on
your car. If not, you may be paying for parts or labor covered
by your manufacture's or extended warranty.
- Be certain the shop is qualified to complete the necessary
repair. Ask if the shop has experience working on the same
type of vehicle as yours and has done this type of repair before.
Check the shop for certification from national organizations or
groups. If the shop employees are trained and certified they will
proudly display the certificates. Many factories and parts manufacturers
also provide certification and training.
- If the repair costs will exceed $50, you should require that the shop provide a written
estimate. Be certain the estimate specifically identifies
the condition to be repaired, the parts needed and the anticipated
labor charge.
- You should require the repair shop to contact you before exceeding the estimate
by $10 or 10% whichever is greater.
- Shop around for the best deal. Compare the estimates
of the shops.
- After the work is completed, you should require that the repair shop provide:
a legible copy of the repair invoice showing the repair work done
to correct the problem, an itemized description of parts and labor
charges, as well as any guarantees.
- Review the above document carefully. Ask questions if you do not understand
anything contained in the ESTIMATE or REPAIR INVOICE.
- If you have complaints: Contact your local consumer
protection agency
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