Page 18 - AAA Northampton County – AAA Now! – Spring 2018

AAA
TM
AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES
WHAT HAVING AN APPROVED AUTO REPAIR PROGRAM
AVAILABLE CAN MEAN FOR AAA MEMBERS
By Bruce Phillips,
Approved Auto Repair Manager
In the mid 1970s, AAA found there was a need
for, and developed, an automotive repair facility recommendation program called Approved Auto Repair. Since then it has grown to a huge national program of more than 7,400 facilities that includes not only automotive repair shops, but also body shops, specialty repair shops such as transmission repair, and automotive glass installation and repair shops. AAA Northampton County has had an Approved Auto Repair program since the early 1980s and currently has almost 10 shops in an ever-growing number that is constantly expanding to cover the area that makes up AAA Northampton County's club footprint.
What does having an AAR program mean for AAA members? It means you have a reliable method to recognize a reputable auto repair facility that can help you maintain your family vehicle in an efficient and economical fashion. Also, as a AAA member you will receive certain benefits only available to you, which other customers don’t receive. And all shops in the program are continuously monitored to make sure they meet all the requirements of the program. So, what are some of those benefits and requirements that the shops have to offer?
When you present your AAA card, some of the benefits you can receive include
a free maintenance inspection when having other paid repair work performed. You will receive a written estimate, if requested by you, of any needed main- tenance or repair work. If the final cost of the work that is recommended exceeds the estimate by more than 10%, you will receive a revised estimate.
Also, on most repairs you will receive a 24-month or 24,000-mile warranty – whichever comes first – for parts and labor, unless you are advised in advance of a different warranty. If at the begin- ning of your repair you request all the old parts back, they will be returned to you, except those that may have a core value on them, in which case they will be retained for you to view.
Finally, AAA will assist in investigating a dispute between an AAA member and an AAR facility if formally requested by the member. AAA’s resolution is binding on the facility, but you are not bound
by the decision and may seek other recourse. All AAR shops offer a minimum discount to AAA members on service of 10% off labor to a maximum discount
of $50; restrictions may apply, so check
with the facility as to what they may be.
All AAR repair facilities must meet certain
requirements and then be recertified on a yearly basis during an inspection performed by the AAA club’s AAR field representative, who is typically an ASE-certified Master technician with quite a few years of technical experience. Some of those requirements are: AAR facilities must employ
either National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)-certified or a manufacturer’s trained technicians. They must also have courteous and efficient reception personnel trained to advise customers regarding vehicle maintenance or repairs, and a supervisor must be available to perform quality control checks.
AAR facilities must maintain a clean, professionally organized appearance, inside and out. Customer areas such as waiting rooms and bathrooms must be safe, clean and comfortable. All AAA-approved facilities must pass a background check from the attorney general’s office, the Better Business Bureau, and a financial rating service. They also must receive
a 90% or better approval rating on a AAA survey of recent customers. Additionally, they must carry a minimum amount of liability insurance to protect customers and their vehicles. Finally, they are continuously monitored throughout the year by numerous field visits, along with an annual recertification inspection in which all the previous year’s inspection is rechecked for compliance. All AAR shops provide minimum service, diagnosis, and repairs in maintenance/light repairs, gasoline engine performance, brake systems, and electrical systems. Other mechanical areas are optional and may not be offered at all AAR locations.
To find a list of AAR facilities, go to AAA.com/cars and driving/approved auto repair and it will list both local and national AAR facilities with contact phone numbers and information about the facility itself, such as hours and scope of service. If you as
a member know of a automotive repair facility that you would like to recommend for the AAR program, please send an email with their contact information to echampa@aaanc.com.
SAVE ON QUALITY MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS TODAY
SAVE 10%
ON LABOR (UP TO $50)
Restrictions apply1. See below.
SWIPE YOUR MEMBERSHIP CARD
AND SAVE!
Cannot be combined with any other discount or coupon.
AAA MEMBER BENEFITS:
• 24-month/24,000-mile repair guarantee
by the facility2
• Free 40-point AAA vehicle maintenance
inspection3 (with any paid service), an $80 value
• Worry-free repairs at AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities
AAA NORTHAMPTON COUNTY AREA
AAA APPROVED AUTO REPAIR FACILITIES.
Alex’s Tire Center, Inc.
102 Commerce Way, Stockertown
(610) 759-8473
A.R.M. Automotive
911 Lower South Main Street, Bangor
(610) 588-2761
Easton Auto Body H 1328 Elm St., Easton (610) 252-6502
Jeff’s Automotive Service
4110 Wm. Penn Hwy., Easton
(610) 253-6565
Midas Auto Svc. Experts
2914 Wm. Penn Hwy., Easton
(610) 253-9070
Midas Auto Svc. Experts
933 S. Broadway, Wind Gap
(610) 863-7777
Murante Auto Repair
128 W. Beil Ave., Nazareth
(610) 759-6121
T&D Automotive
1400 S. 25th St., Easton
(610) 253-0212
The Brake Shop & Auto Repair
3601 Sullivan Trail, Easton (610) 253-2566
Young VW Mazda H
Rte. 33 & Hecktown Rd., Easton (610) 991-9100
1. Members save 10% (up to $50) on labor at AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities, if discount is requested. Valid AAA membership card must be presented at the facility at time of service. 2. All repairs are guaranteed by the facility for 24 months or 24,000 miles, whichever occurs first, under normal operating conditions, unless otherwise stated in writing. Other restrictions may apply. See facility for details. 3. Available with paid service, upon request.
Free inspection is limited to items identified on the AAA Vehicle Maintenance Inspection form only. Cost of any repairs not included. Most passenger cars and light trucks are eligible. An appointment may be required. Contact the facility in advance for details. Valid AAA membership Card must be presented to the AAA Approved Auto Repair facility at the time of service. Other restrictions may apply. All rights reserved.
H indicates BOTH Approved Auto Repair and Approved Auto Body facility.
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3914 Hecktown Rd., Easton, PA • (610) 258-2371 • northampton.aaa.com
SPRING 2018
Now!
VISIT TODAY!