Whenever you take a vehicle to the shop:

• Choose a reliable automotive repair shop. Family, friends or an independent consumer rating organization may be able to help you. You should also check out the shop’s record with your state or local consumer protection office or Better Business Bureau.
• Describe the automobile's symptoms. Don’t try to diagnose the problem.
• Make it clear that work cannot begin on the automobile until you have a written estimate and you give your okay. Never sign a blank automotive repair order. If the problem can’t be diagnosed on the spot, insist that the shop contact you for authorization once the automobile's trouble has been found.
• Ask the shop to keep the old automotive parts for you.
• Follow the warranty instructions if a repair is covered under warranty.
• Get all automotive repair warranties in writing.
• Keep copies of all paperwork.