I. MAP's recommendations are based upon the following definitions:

System Failure: Parts/system indicated are out of manufacturers' specifications, have failed or are unable to perform their normal function as intended or designed by the manufacturer. Service or replacement is required.

Preventive/Scheduled Maintenance: Parts/system are scheduled for service/replacement per industry standards or are near the end of their useful life and repair/replacement is recommended in advance of parts/system failure. Service or replacement is suggested.

Improved System Performance: Parts/system indicated are recommended for repair/replacement to enhance/improve the vehicle's ability to perform as intended or designed by the manufacturer, or as requested by the customer. Service or replacement is suggested.

II. Training/Criteria

Shop personnel have acquired auto repair expertise through formal education or work experience. Where appropriate, personnel are moving toward certification (e.g. vehicle manufacturer, ASE, etc.) for the services performed.

Continuing education is supported by all MAP participants.

III. Appropriate Company Approved Inspection

Shop will perform an appropriate inspection based on MAP Uniform Inspection & Communication Standards.

IV. Written Estimates

Written estimates based on inspection, in compliance with state and local regulations, will include parts (dollar amount), labor (dollar amount), and the total estimate.

V. Work Authorization

No work will be performed without the customer's prior approval.

VI. Limited Warranty

Shop offers a minimum limited warranty for 90 days or 4,000 miles, whichever comes first, covering parts and labor.

VII. Returned Parts

All customers will be entitled to the return of old parts, or if they choose, they may examine the parts prior to leaving the store. Where failed parts are required to be returned to the manufacturer in order to honor the warranty, the customer will be allowed to examine the parts.

VIII. Classification of Parts

Replaced parts will be identified as new, re-manufactured, rebuilt or used. MAP participants will inform the customer and indicate on the estimate and invoice whether a part is new, re-manufactured, rebuilt or used.

MAP's Service Requirements and Suggestions

1. It is MAP policy that before any service is preformed on a vehicle, an inspection of the appropriate system must be performed; the condition of the COMPONENT, CODES and PROCEDURES are determined according to the Uniform Communication & Inspection Standards.

2. The results of the inspection must be documented on an inspection form and explained to the customer. The inspection may indicate that service or parts replacement are "Required" because the part in question is no longer providing the function for which it is intended, or does not meet the vehicle manufacturer's recommended design. The inspection may indicate that service or parts replacement are "Suggested" because the part is close to the end of its useful life or addresses a customer's need, convenience or request. If a customer's vehicle has one of these conditions, the procedure may be to only suggest service.

3. A customer, of course, has the choice of whether or not a shop will service their vehicle. He or she may decide not to follow some of your recommendations. However, when a repair is "Required" a MAP Participating Shop must refuse partial service on that system if, in the judgment of the service provider, proceeding with the work could create or continue an unsafe condition.

MAP Repair Codes

Reasons to "Require" Repair or Replacement

A - Part no longer performs intended purpose
B  -  Part does not meet a design specification (regardless of performance)
C  -  Part is missing

Note: When a repair is required, the shop must refuse partial service to the system in question, if the repair creates or continues an unsafe condition

Reasons to "Suggest" Repair or Replacement

1  -  Part is close to the end of its useful life (just above discard specifications, or weak; failure likely to occur soon, etc.)
2  -  To address a customer need, convenience, or request (to stiffen ride, enhance performance, eliminate noise, etc.)
3  -  To comply with maintenance recommended by the vehicle's Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)
4  -  Technician's recommendation based on substantial and informed experience
5  -  To comply with maintenance recommended by AMRA/MAP

Note: Suggested services are always optional. When presenting suggested repairs to the customer, you must present the facts, allowing the customer to draw their own conclusions and make an informed decision about how to proceed.