AAA Approved Auto Repair Requirements

Approved Auto Repair is a AAA member benefit designed to help direct a member to a pre-screened reputable automobile repair facility for quality auto repairs. AAR facilities sign agreements to provide reliable, high-quality service performed by ASE certified technicians, to perform free maintenance inspections for members who schedule service and to abide by AAA decisions in service disputes.

SERVICE STANDARDS

Staff Qualifications and Training

• Must have an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified technician for each area of service offered by the facility.
• A garage supervisor must be available during all hours of service operation for member contact and quality control purposes.
• The facility must have a formal training system for keeping employees up-to-date on new automotive systems.
• The facility must have technically competent service reception personnel who are trained to advise customers regarding repairs and service.
• The facility must comply with all State and Federal Certification requirements which may apply to AAR categories.

Customer Satisfaction Requirements

• All service staff must be qualified, courteous and efficient
• Visible identification must be worn by all reception staff
• Clean safe and customer facilities

Facility Appearance

• External appearance of facility must be clean, uncluttered and professionally organized
• Must display Approved Auto Repair sign, certificate and member benefits poster

Community Reputation

The facility must have an acceptable community reputation as determined by a review and analysis of:

• Bank financial or equivalent report
• Local or state Consumer Protection Agency report
• Inquiries of past customers randomly selected by AAA

Insurance

The facility must carry adequate insurance including:

• Garage Keepers Legal Liability
• General Liability
• Garage Liability

Guarantee

AAA-approved facilities guarantee the effectiveness of repairs, parts or components for under normal operating conditions. 12 months or 12,000 miles.

If, because of the age or condition of the vehicle, it is determined there is a risk that the repair might not be fully satisfactory, the approved facility will immediately advise the member of this, in writing. If the approved facility offers a warranty that exceeds AAA's minimum standards, it must honor such warranties to AAA members.

Written Estimates

Upon request, you will be provided a written estimate of the cost of all work to be performed on your vehicle. Request for a written estimate must be made before any work is done on the vehicle. The cost of work performed on your vehicle may not exceed the written estimate by more than 10 percent unless authorized in advance. Local and state regulations will take precedence regarding notification of repair costs.

Returned Parts

As evidence of work performed, all replaced parts are returned to you upon your request, with exception of those that must be returned to the manufacturer under a warranty or exchange program. Request for returned parts must be made prior to beginning work on the vehicle.

Dispute Resolution

AAA will investigate any dispute between a member and an approved facility. AAA's resolution decision will be accepted by approved facilities. You are not bound by AAA's decision and may seek recourse through other avenues.

Vehicle Inspections

Upon request, participating approved facilities will perform a maintenance inspection at no charge when servicing AAA members' vehicles. With the extreme driving conditions of winter upon us, this service will provide an opportunity for members to make sure their cars are in peak condition before venturing out into the snow, ice and frigid weather.

Guaranteed Check Acceptance

AAA guarantees check acceptance (up to $500) by the approved facility from traveling AAA members who require repairs. This agreement covers costs of mechanical repairs and necessary parts to put a member's vehicle in safe operating condition.

EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

General Equipment

• Hoist/Lift/Rack
• Lubrication equipment
• Parts washer
• Safety stands
• Service manuals or electronic access to information
• Torque wrenches (in. and lbs.)
• Welding equipment (where ordinance allows)
• Vernier caliper or 0-1" micrometer

Engine Performance/Gas

• Compression tester
• Vacuum pump
• Engine analyzer with display capability or equivalent
• Timing light
• Exhaust gas analyzer - HC/CO
• Dwell meter, tachometer
• Fuel injection pressure tester
• Injector pulse tester
• Computer code scanner
• Cylinder leak down tester

Engine Performance/Diesel

• Diesel tachometer
• Diesel compression guage
• Nozzle tester
• Pump timing tools

External Engine Repair/Parts Replacement

• Hand held tools
• Valve refacer and seat grinder (not required if sublet)

Brakes

• Brake drum and disc lathe (not required if sublet)
• Brake drum guage
• Brake disc micrometer
• Dial indicator
• Pressure bleeder

Electrical

• Digital voltmeter/ohmmeter/ampmeter
• Battery load tester
• Battery charger
• Starting/charging system tester

Tires, Steering, Suspension

• Alignment rack/tables (not required if sublet)
• Wheel balancer (not required if sublet)
• Coil spring compressor
• Tire changer (not required if sublet)
• Tools for disassembly and assembly of steering joints

Heating and Air Conditioning

• Radiator and cap pressure tester
• A.C. manifold gauge set
• A.C. leak detector
• Freon recovery/recycling equipment
• Cooling system thermometer
• A.C. thermometer

Automatic Transmission

• Pressure gauge 300 psi
• 30 inch hg. vacuum gauge
• Transmission jack
• Related special tools
• Bushing cutter/remover
• Bushing and seal driver set
• Seal puller
• Various snap ring pliers
• Hydraulic press

Manual Transmission and Rear Axle

• Axle puller
• Hydraulic press (not required if sublet)
• Clutch aligning tools

Major Engine Repair

Conventional and/or diesel Engine Repacement

• Engine repair stand
• Engine crane/hoist
• Puller set

Engine rebuilding

• Valve refacer and seat cutter (not required if sublet)
• Cylinder hone
• Cylinder bore gauge
• 0-4" micrometer