Guides
Your rights at a California auto repair shop: estimates, consent and invoicesWhat the Automotive Repair Act requires before, during and after a repair: written estimates, tear-down estimates, consent to go over the estimate, old parts and the invoice.Smog Check in California: when you need one and which station to useBiennial and change-of-ownership Smog Checks, exemptions, test-only vs. test-and-repair vs. STAR stations, the $8.25 certificate fee and what to do if you fail.How to check a California auto shop's BAR registrationWho must register with the Bureau of Automotive Repair, the signs and online ad details to look for, how to look a shop up and how to read each listing.Vehicle safety systems inspections for revived salvage vehicles in CaliforniaWhich vehicles need a BAR safety systems inspection before DMV registration, what is checked, common failures, costs and advice for buyers of rebuilt cars.