Page 19 - AAA Central Penn - AAA Now! Winter 2014

19 january/february 2014
By Bruce Phillips - Approved Auto Repair Manager
In the mid-1970s, AAA developed Approved
Auto Repair (AAR), an automotive repair facility
recommendation and inspection program
comprising more than 8,000 automotive repair
shops, body shops, specialty repair shops (for
example, transmission repair), and automotive glass
installation and repair shops throughout the U.S.
and Canada. AAA Central Penn has been part of the
AAR program since the early 1980s. Currently, there
are more than 75 AAR shops covering the nine
counties that make up our club footprint.
What does having an AAR program mean for
you, our member? It means you have an easy and
reliable way to find a reputable auto-repair facility
that can help you maintain your family vehicle
efficiently and economically.
All AAR repair facilities must meet certain
requirements for eligibility. AAR facilities must
employ either National Institute for Automotive
Service Excellence (ASE)-certified technicians
or manufacturer-trained technicians. Reception
personnel must be qualified to advise customers
regarding vehicle maintenance, and a supervisor
must be available to perform quality-control checks
on any work performed.
In addition, AAR facilities must
meet AAA standards for appearance,
cleanliness, technical training, ASE
certifications, tools and equipment,
financial security and insurance
coverage. Shops must also receive a 90
percent or better approval rating on a
AAA survey of recent customers. AAR
facilities are monitored throughout
the year by AAA representatives and must undergo
annual recertification inspections.
AAA members receive a written estimate,
if requested, on any needed maintenance or
repair work. If the final cost of the work that is
recommended exceeds the estimate by more than
10 percent, you will receive a revised estimate. On
most repairs, you will receive a 12-month or 12,000-
mile warranty (whichever comes first) for parts and
labor. Replaced parts will be returned, if requested
at the start of the repair, except those parts required
to be returned to the manufacturer. AAA members
may also receive a free maintenance inspection
when other paid repair work is performed.
If any dispute between a AAA member and an
AAR facility arises, AAA will assist in investigating
and resolving the issue. AAA’s resolution is binding
on the facility, but you are not bound by the
decision and may seek other recourse.
In the Central Penn area, all of the AAR facilities offer
a ShowYour Card & Save discount on your automotive
repairs. Discounts vary, so be sure to check prior to
your repair with the facility doing the work.
To find a list of AAR facilities, go to AAA.com/aar.
If you wish to recommend an automotive repair
facility for the AAR program, please send an
e-mail with the facility’s contact information to
bphillips@aaacp.com.
Service is not available in all areas. Battery costs vary by make and model of vehicle. Stock is limited to conventional lead-acid batteries, with coverage available for most vehicles
excluding hybrids. Certain vehicles due to the location of the battery may require both additional time and labor cost to install. Member savings are off non-member price.
For more information, please visit AAA.com/battery.
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