Auto

When purchasing a car:

• Do business only with reputable dealers.
• Get everything in writing and read the fine print.
• Take the vehicle for an extended test drive.
• If a dealer does not provide you a title within 30 days of the purchase date, contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office .
• If you trade in a vehicle, confirm with the lender that the lien is paid.
• Ask about prior damage, defects, and repair history. Check out the vehicle’s history through the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System at www.nmvtis.gov.
• Remember, in most cases, you can’t return a car once you drive it off the lot.
• Ohio’s Lemon Law generally does not apply to used cars. It only covers vehicles within their first year or first 18,000 miles of use, whichever comes first.
•  Ask a trustworthy mechanic to check the car for problems.
• “AS IS” means the car is not covered by warranty. You will generally be responsible for repairs.

When getting your car repaired:

• Do your homework. Check out a repair shop’s reputation with the Ohio Attorney General, the Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org, or the Ohio Board of Motor Vehicle Collision Repair at www.collisionboard.ohio.gov.
• Ask about warranties and ensure your agreement is put in writing.
• If the repair costs more than $50, ask for a written estimate. Your permission is required if the cost is more than 10 percent of the original estimate.
• Save copies of estimates, invoices, work orders, receipts, guarantees, and warranties.

When buying tires:

• Make sure you are buying from a reputable seller. Check for complaints on file with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and the Better Business Bureau. Also ask for recommendations from family and friends.
• Keep in mind that tires can degrade over time. Even if a tire looks new and has never been used, it could be several years old and more prone to failure.
• Check a tire’s age by reviewing the identification number on the sidewall of the tire. This number begins with the letters “DOT.” The last four digits represent the week and year the tire was manufactured. On newer models, the number can be found on the outside wall. On older models, the number is located on the inner sidewall. Some vehicle manufactures recommend that consumers replace tires every six years, regardless of use.
• Contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for more information on tire safety.
• File a complaint with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office if you believe you have been treated unfairly.