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Show Fall CAR CARE, 2010 Page 7 Lemonade From page 4 From page 6 as a lemon. The owner needs to be in charge and aware of what is documented. "You must describe an unfixed defect the same, each time you take the vehicle in for repair, and you must make sure that your complaint is written on the repair order," states carlemon.com . It also offers a vehicle repair log with detailed sections to fill, from price and odometer readings to problem descriptions and vehicle information. After documenting the car's repair history, an informal dispute resolution through the manufacturer is an option a consumer may take. However, according to Steve Solomon, author of "The Good, the Bad and the Rest: State Lemon Laws and Protection for Consumers," from the journal of the American Bar Association, "The major criticisms of manufacturer-funded dispute programs are that they are comparable to the 'wolf guarding the chicken coop,' and that the results are more protective of car makers than of the consumer." Alternatively, you may consider hiring an attorney who works on lemon law cases and taking the manufacturer to court. The attorneys are paid by the manufacturer, not the consumer, so they have the consumer's interests in mind. Take advantage of consultations. Some websites provide resources to find attorneys for each state, such as lemonlawyers.net. Always be aware of state Lemon Laws before purchasing your next vehicle. Some states don't honor leased vehicles or have lemon laws that are more business friendly as opposed to consumer friendly. Make sure a used car dealer provides a CARFAX report and documentation alerting the consumer about a lemon car. Pay attention to anything that seems "off." If it's a new car with low miles at a used car dealership, it may be a lemon. As Meyers said, "If it's too good to be true, it probably is." If you pay attention before your next car purchase and keep detailed documentation of repairs, your lemons may turn into lemonade after all.— Lauren Baumbauer, Creators Syndicate CAR FACTS Important to keep your fluids up Engine oil Transmission fluid Brake fluid Power steering fluid Coolant (flush) Washer fluid Coolant (low surge tank) Coolant (low radiator) Coolant (leaks) Failure rate* 30% 26% 23% 21% 20% 180/0 16% 11% ■ ■ ■ ■ affect the safe driving performance of the vehicle and damage internal parts if not properly maintained. TRANSMISSIONS SOURCE: Car Care Council LIFETIME GUARANTEED MUFFLERS $15 State Inspections For as long as you own your car! 10% Student Discounts on Parts 753-7470 'Open Mon-Fri 8-5 - Sat 8-1 • 601 N Main • Logan AAMCO Transmissio & Complete Car Care Monday-Friday Sam- 6pm Best Warranty in the Business FREE Protect Check Our thorough 36-step performance system inspection $85 Value! 752-1940 BBB AVMS FR LIMN 111,111rollj Copley News Service / Paul Horn Foreign & Domestic FREE Brake Checks Shocks & Struts Lube & Oil Changes Brakes "Fix-It" Welding Trailer Hitch Installation Check Out Our New Store by Les Schwab ■ The cooling system protects against damage by keeping the engine operating within its correct temperature ranges. Dual & Custom High Performance Exhaust Specialists AAMCO *Failure = low, overfull, dirty, contaminated and/or burnt fluids ■ Low fluid levels can •Mufflers Installed While You Wait! • at a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility. AAA Northern California, Nevada and Utah has nearly 600 Approved Auto Repair facilities that can help make vehicle checkups, maintenance, and repairs more convenient and trouble-free, while keeping your car in good condition. The work at AAA Approved Auto Repair shops is guaranteed. To find a shop near you visit www.aaa.com/carcare or call (800) 645-4288. AAA Utah offers a wide array of automotive, travel, insurance, DMV, financial services and consumer discounts to more than 175,000 members. AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers since it was founded more than 100 years ago. In Oct. 2005, the Car Care Council held a voluntary inspection campaign for motorists in conjunction with their Fall Car Care month. Many participating vehicles failed basic maintenance goals. Here's a look at the results: Lubricants and fluids Alta Muffler & Brake AAA 75 E. 20(X) N. North Logan Locally Owned & Operated Transmissions Clutches Transfer Cases Brakes Tune Ups Shocks & Struts Cooling Systems "Over 35 Years In Business!" www.aamcologaricom |