Contact:	Angie Wilson (800) 272-7467, ext. 216 angie@asashop.org
For Release:	Immediate News Bulletin ASA-05 Feb. 16, 2004

Pyle Provides Consumer Tips on CBS Morning TV Program

BEDFORD, TEXAS, Feb. 16, 2004 - Ron Pyle, president and chief staff executive of the Automotive Service Association (ASA), got an opportunity recently to educate consumers nationwide on how to find quality auto repair facilities. Pyle shared his recommendations when he appeared on CBS-TV Thursday morning, Feb. 12, for an interview by Harry Smith on "The Early Show."

"ASA has been the leading organization for owners and managers of automotive service businesses that strive to deliver excellence in service and repairs to consumers," said Pyle. "Helping consumers locate these superior facilities serves not only the consumers, but our members, as well. By following a few simple guidelines, everybody wins. The ultimate goal is to provide high-quality service and repairs that ensure consumer safety."

Pyle told viewers the cleanliness and appearance of a facility can be an indicator of its level of professionalism. Pyle also explained to viewers that the practice of obtaining three estimates is outdated and burdensome to consumers. In addition, he emphasized that consumers have the right to select any repair facility they choose, and recommended that consumers learn about their insurance policies and coverage issues when they purchase the policy, rather than have to deal with those issues following a collision.

"Viewers who heed the advice provided by ASA on 'The Early Show,' and who take the time to properly maintain their vehicles, will be ahead of the game in terms of the life of their vehicle and the safety of its passengers," said Pyle.

ASA also offers the following guidelines for finding a professional collision repair facility:

• In addition to looking for a clean facility, consider whether its employees are genuinely concerned with your questions and if their answers are direct, to the point and reasonable.
• Look at the credentials of the business and the employees who will service your vehicle. Most shops will post educational certifications or accomplishments and professional business affiliations in their waiting areas. Some affiliations to look for include trade association membership, such as ASA, and membership in the Better Business Bureau. Look for certification or education offered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) and the Automotive Management Institute (AMI).
• Ask about the equipment used to diagnose and perform the service. Is it up-to-date and are the technicians educated in the proper use of equipment?
• Make sure a written estimate is provided prior to letting the business begin the repair. A good rule of thumb is to request approval on any changes to the original estimate that exceed 10 percent.
• Ask about the shop's warranty. Most automotive service facilities will warranty their parts and labor either in writing or in shop-posted announcements.
• Ask family, friends and neighbors for their recommendations. Word-of-mouth referrals are the shop's best form of advertising.

Pyle appeared on "The Early Show" following a "CBS Evening News" segment on insurer-owned shops. ASA opposes insurance companies having an ownership interest in automotive repair facilities and views such interest as being in direct conflict with the consumers' right to choose. ASA has historically supported the consumers' absolute, unequivocal right to choose a repair facility for a collision or mechanical repair.

The Automotive Service Association is the largest not-for-profit trade association of its kind, serving more than 12,000 businesses and approximately 70,000 professionals from all segments of the automotive service industry. ASA's headquarters is in Bedford, Texas.

ASA advances professionalism and excellence in the automotive repair industry through education, representation and member services. Additional information about ASA, including past news releases, is available on the ASA Web Site on the Internet (http://www.asashop.org).

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