AND CHECK THE TIRES: The major complaint...

AND CHECK THE TIRES: The major complaint to state officials about car repairs is “incompetent” work rather than high prices. . . . Increasing use of computers in autos means more gripes, the Bureau of Automotive Repair says. The bureau tries to negotiate settlements and “most of the shops go along” with recommendations, says deputy chief Doug Laue. . . . Criminal complaints of fraud or “bait and switch” scams sometimes prompt the state to send “undercover” cars through the shop to check what’s going on.

Just Fix It

In 1990, Orange County consumers complained to the state about repairs to their cars most often when fixed by:

Independent garage: 421

New car dealer: 400

Service station: 225

Chain store: 95

Transmission repair: 66

Source: Bureau of Automotive Repair