1. If your vehicle is having problems, take it to an authorized dealer for service. Each time you bring the vehicle in, get a ‘repair order’ which is mostly an estimate, describing your problems. It also is a record that they have your car. It is important to have documentation of your vehicle’s problems and to have a record of each repair attempt made.
  2. When making warranty repairs, be sure to bring your vehicle to a repair facility that is authorized by the manufacturer of your vehicle. You want to do this because you must give the manufacturer or its agents a “reasonable” opportunity to make needed repairs.
  3. Describe every problem you are having entirely and in detail to representatives at the repair facility. Do not attempt to ‘diagnose’ the problems yourself.
  4. Whenever you have service performed, be sure to get an ‘invoice.’ Make sure the invoice document contains at least the following information:
    • Accurately states your description of the problem that caused you to bring in the vehicle;
    • The odometer reading at the time of repair;
    • A description of precisely what was repaired; and
    • The date you initially brought in the vehicle.
  5. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended service and maintenance schedule. (Read the warranty and owner’s manual.)
  6. Keep a service record and retain all receipts for maintenance performed on your vehicle, no matter the location.
  7. Make sure that every repair attempt is documented with a repair order, even if no repairs are made. Whenever you take your car in for a repair, leave with some sort of documentation that you did so, even if it is just a handwritten note on a business card.
  8. Make a record of all contacts with the dealer and/or the manufacturer’s representatives, noting the date, person contacted and content of conversation.
  9. It is helpful to keep a chronological story of all repair attempts, telephone calls, letters or discussions you have had regarding your vehicle’s problems.
  10. Even if you feel really angry at your vehicle, treat it nicely. Warranty protection does not apply to defects caused by misuse or abuse. Remember, until a lawsuit is resolved, the vehicle is still yours.
  11. Do not stop making payments on your vehicle without consulting with an attorney.
  12. If you have any concerns or feel that repair attempts have not been successful, contactCalifornia Lemon Lawyers.