Bureau of Automotive Repair

The latest issue of the Department of Consumer Affairs’ Consumer Connection magazine has arrived, containing news, tips, and information you need to be an informed consumer. Here is what’s inside: COVER STORY: Expanding Support to Communities Through Licensing—Resources Available for U.S. Military Members and Their Families as well as Refugees, Asylees,…

A catalytic converter is a valuable and integral part of your vehicle’s emissions control system that converts smog-causing pollutants into less harmful compounds to help keep our air clean. But thieves find catalytic converters valuable for an entirely different reason. Why do thieves target catalytic converters? Because of the valuable…

The Department of Consumer Affairs’ (DCA) Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) has many resources that not only benefit consumers but also help improve the environment. One of those is the Smog Check Referee Program, which assists consumers with resolving special emissions situations, ultimately improving California’s air quality. Referees are conveniently…

Program offers eligible Californians up to $1,200 in repair assistance and $1,000 or $1,500 for vehicle retirement Great for the consumer and great for the environment, California’s Smog Check Program is an important part of the state’s efforts to improve the air we breathe while helping Californians. Smog Checks are…

Make a difference for your vehicle, your wallet, and even your life When was the last time you checked your tires? If you can’t remember, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has many reasons why you should make regular tire care a priority, including: Saving money—Properly inflating your tires…

Free app alerts you if your car—or even parts of your car—has recalls issued A quarter of vehicles currently on the road have an unrepaired recall, putting drivers, passengers, and even those around them at risk. That’s why the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) created the SaferCar app. This…

Eligible consumers may receive up to $1,200 in emissions-related repairs SACRAMENTO – The Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) has adopted emergency regulations updating the Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) to increase assistance contributions available to consumers during the ongoing state of emergency in California. The regulations increase the state’s contribution toward…

Licensed repair professionals can help keep your older car safe Birthdays are causes for celebration: another year in the rear-view mirror, but a new one just around the corner. Those annual recognitions go for your car, too, and added years mean added cause to make sure your vehicle’s running smoothly,…

Wear one and keep your car in safe shape with help from licensed professionals For most of us, it’s automatic: You get in your car, reach your hand over your shoulder, pull the seat belt down, and lock it in. But for some Americans, that’s still not happening, and too…

Regulation and oversight help keep consumers—and their cars—safe Having car trouble is trouble enough; getting it fixed shouldn’t be. That’s because, decades ago, California enacted robust car-repair legislation to protect you and your vehicle—protection that continues strong today. FIXING PAST PRACTICES In the early and mid-20th century, if you had…