Yes. Some states (like California) have rules for the inspection and repair of vehicle systems such as brakes and certain emission control components. There are also federal rules that prohibit tampering or disconnecting emission control. But for the types of general repairs, there are no official regulations, standards or guidelines in most cases.
However, this changes. In an attempt to “clean up” auto repair industry were “voluntary” standards developed and adopted by many organizations provide. But these voluntary standards are not universally accepted.
Until recently there were no such standards or guidelines for inspection or repair process. If a mechanic check the vehicle or a repair, it has more or less it was his own way. He usually followed the “accepted practices,” but the truth of the matter was that the accepted industry standard practices vary widely.
In response to consumer concerns on this issue and head off threatened legislation, would have dictated guidelines for the inspection and repair techniques for the automotive repair industry, led the Automotive Aftermarket Association (APAA), a coalition of automotive suppliers, service , retailers and vehicle manufacturers in 1992 to the “maintenance program to raise awareness.” The coalition eventually create its own nonprofit organization and was renamed the “Program vehicle insurance” or MAP (see related question 133) was.
“Guidelines for uniform controls”, hammered cover the following areas of automotive service and repair MAP:
* Brake
* Anti-lock braking system
* Exhaust system
* Steering and suspension (including tire and alignment)
* Engine maintenance and performance (including the cooling system, ignition, fuel and emission control)
* Engine Repair (internal mechanical components)
* The electrical system (battery, starter, alternator)
* Heating, ventilation and air
* Transmission & Gear
Each set of guidelines for items to be inspected are, how each element should be tested, and criteria for determining whether a component is good or bad. The bottom line in most cases is whether a component is damaged, broken, broken or exceed vehicle manufacturer’s wear limit specified, must be repaired or replaced. The guidelines clearly state that certain types of repairs are needed, and if such repairs are not absolutely necessary, “suggested” or recommended.
Necessary repairs
Following the guidelines of the MAP, is a “necessary repair” is necessary when:
* An item no longer meets its target (that is, it is defective or not). This includes things like a brake hose is leaking or dirty coolant, a muffler with a hole in it, a broken timing belt, spark plugs, a failed engine sensor, etc., can not you running the engine running or brake properly (or safety), unless , such repairs are made.
* An article is not a “design specification” regardless of whether it still works or not. This includes items that exceed the wear and tear to the vehicle manufacturer or operating system. Examples may include things like worn brake shoes or pads, loose joints or tie rod ends, a wheel, which include non-alignment, etc. If something is worn, loose or incorrectly adjusted, it must be replaced or corrected.
* An item is missing. This could include elements of the abatement, that someone (such as the catalyst) removed, or others who have an important function to fulfill, or necessary for the vehicle is functioning properly, responds to questions of government and / or safety requirements.
Recommended repairs
MAP identifies certain types of repairs can be recommended or recommended when:
* A component at the end of their useful life, is very close to close to the wear limit specified by the manufacturer or refuse is to deny, or needs replacing soon (even if it still works or, as currently specified). The argument here is, why wait until fail to something that, if they should now be resolved to replace or substitute?
Two issues are at stake: the reliability and comfort. If the party is to be denied, not replaced or corrected, it can not leave or cause other problems or damage. For example, a radiator hose for eight years and was never replaced. That sounds good, but full of cracks that can not be seen outside. If the hose fails, the engine will overheat (in addition to causing a crash can also cause damage by heat from the engine!). While the technician may recommend replacing your old pipes, the preventive maintenance.
As for convenience, can be done today with a repair to eliminate the need for a second date, if the vehicle already in service and other repairs. In some cases this can actually save you money by reducing labor costs if the party (s) that need to be replaced is the one link to another part will be repaired or replaced. For example, instead of the clutch requires a lot of disassembly. It is always better to fail so to all the major components of the clutch (pressure plate, disc and throw it away camp) to be replaced, if the work is done, it must not renew his, when one of these parties will not be replaced, and later .
* It would be beneficial to the customer or the customer requests it. For example, say your brakes are working well, but they are loud. A technician may suggest replacing the brake pads and resurfacing rotors to cure your noise problem. Another type of repair that would fall into this category of “upgrades” you might be wondering how to install different springs or shock or severe air-to help you if you are towing a trailer will replace your existing tires with performance- tires, all season tires or winter tires, etc.
* It is necessary to comply with the schedule of the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended maintenance. A new car engine or powertrain warranty in force, the vehicle manufacturer suggests that you have maintenance performed in certain specified mileage and / or time intervals must. This includes things like changing your oil and filter regularly, replace the spark plugs, and so on. If you do not care, they do not honor the warranty if you have a problem later – and this can be a very costly mistake!
* If the analyst believes that a repair or adjustment would be of benefit based on his own experiences. The implication is that the technician often knows better. If he thinks that the replacement or adjustment of a component to help solve or prevent a bit of a problem, it was probably a good reason to tell. It does not necessarily mean that he is correct, but it is on past experience with similar conditions in other vehicles. An example could be a recommendation to replace the existing battery with a greater reliability for improved cold starting. Your old battery may still work correctly. But when the engineer saw the cold-start problems in other cars with a battery of the same size as yours, they can have a very good reason to recommend a more powerful battery.
In any case, you have no fear for the service technician or why, if a repair or adjustment of some questions proposed. That should be able to give a satisfactory explanation. If they can not, then you might be well advised to seek someone else for a second opinion.
One last point on WFP guidelines: The guidelines say that before a service is performed on a vehicle, the appropriate system of inspection should be performed. The results of this test, the customer explained and documented (in writing) on a form (work order or inspection form) to the status of the studied objects display. In addition, the form must clearly indicate which parts need attention, what parts or services may be required
