Certifications
Searching For A Reliable Auto Repair Facility?
Not always easy, is it? Searching for a reliable auto repair facility can be confusing business ... who can you trust? What do you do if
something goes wrong? AAA has the answers.
While there are many quality repair facilities, each Approved Auto Repair (AAR) facility is carefully screened and monitored to assure
it meets our tough standards and criteria. Sheet metal, paint, glass, and upholstery are not included in the AAR program, although some AAR
facilities may offer these services.
The facility listing used in the AAR Online Search is updated regularly. We recommend, however, that when you visit one of these shops, look for the official Approved Auto Repair Sign to be certain it is still part of the AAR Program.
All motorists, whether or not they are AAA members have the following protection provided by the AAR program:
- High standards - We regularly inspect each AAR facility for compliance with our stringent program standards.
- Guaranteed repairs - At AAR facilities, parts and labor on mechanical repairs are guaranteed for 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first under normal operating conditions.
- Reliable repair facilities are not far away - There are over 1,500 AAR facilities in California, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas and Utah to serve you!
There is an additional benefit to AAA members when using an AAR facility. AAR facilities have agreed to accept the Auto Club's decision when a member is concerned about the quality of repairs or service.
If you need assistance in resolving a problem about repairs performed by an AAR facility, and a satisfactory solution cannot be reached with
the facility management, contact us via e-mail; or if you prefer, call us at 1-800-797-4231, weekdays, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
ASC Code of Ethics
Mission Statement
The Automotive Service Councils of California, is an association primarily comprised
of independently-owned automotive repair facilities, it exists to promote
the continuing success of its members and to advance the professionalism
of the automotive industry.
Repair shops that become members of ASC-CA are expected to abide by the
following code of ethics:
- To promote good will between the motorist and the industry.
- To have a sense of personal obligation to each individual
customer.
- To perform high quality repair service at a fair and just
price.
- To employ the best skilled personnel obtainable.
- To use only proven merchandise of high quality distributed
by reputable firms.
- To itemize all parts and adjustments in the price charged
for service rendered.
- To retain all parts replaced for customer inspection, if so
requested.
- To uphold the high standards of our profession and always
seek to correct any and all abuses within the automotive industry.
- To uphold the integrity of all members.
- To refrain from advertisement which is false or misleading
or likely to confuse or deceive the customer.
ASE Profile
Until the early 1970's, consumers had no way to distinguish between incompetent and competent mechanics. In response to this need, the independent, non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) was established in 1972.
ASE's mission is to improve the quality of vehicle repair and service through the testing and certification of repair and service professionals.
At present there are about 438,000 professionals with current certifications. They work in every segment of the automotive service industry: car and truck dealerships, independent garages, fleets, service stations, franchises, and more.
Here's how ASE certification works: Prospective candidates register for and take one or more of ASE's 40-plus exams. The tests are grouped into specialties for automobile, medium/heavy truck, truck equipment, school bus, and collision repair technicians as well as engine machinists, alternate fuels technicians, and parts specialists, and collision damage estimators.
Upon passing at least one exam and after providing proof of two years of relevant work experience, the test taker becomes ASE certified. Certification, however, is not for life. To remain certified, those with ASE credentials must be retested every five years.
The tests, which are conducted twice a year at about 800 locations around the country, are administered by ACT, known for its academic and occupational testing programs. The exams stress knowledge of job-related skills. They are no cinch to pass; approximately one out of three test takers fails.
Consumers benefit from ASE certification. It is a valuable yard stick by which to measure the knowledge and skills of individual technicians as well as the commitment to quality of the repair facility employing ASE-certified professionals.
ASE-certified technicians usually wear blue and white ASE shoulder insignia and carry credentials listing their exact area(s) of expertise (brakes, engine repair, etc.), while employers often display their technicians' credentials in the customer waiting area.
