Uniform Inspection and Communication Standards
BRAKE SYSTEMS
OVERVIEW
The Motorist Assurance Program is the consumer outreach effort of the Automotive Maintenance and Repair
Association, Inc. (AMRA). Participation in the Motorist Assurance Program is drawn from retailers, suppliers,
independent repair facilities, vehicle manufacturers and industry associations.
Our organization's mission is to strengthen the relationship between the consumer and the auto repair industry.
We produce materials that give motorists the information and encouragement to take greater responsibility for
their vehicles through proper, manufacturer-recommended, maintenance. We encourage participating service
and repair shops (including franchisees and dealers) to adopt (1) a Pledge of Assurance to their Customers and
(2) the Motorist Assurance Program Standards of Service. All participating service providers have agreed to
subscribe to this Pledge and to adhere to the promulgated Standards of Service demonstrating to their customers
that they are serious about customer satisfaction.
These Standards of Service require that an inspection of the vehicle's (problem) system be made and the results
communicated to the customer according to industry standards. Given that the industry did not have such
standards, the Motorist Assurance Program successfully promulgated industry inspection communication
standards in 1994-95 for the following systems: Exhaust, Brakes, ABS, Steering and Suspension, Engine
Maintenance and Performance, HVAC, Electrical Systems, and Drive Train and Transmissions. Further,
revisions to all of these inspection communication standards are continually re-published. Participating shops
utilize these Uniform Inspection & Communication Standards as part of the inspection process and for
communicating their findings to their customers.
The Motorist Assurance Program continues to work cooperatively and proactively with government agencies
and consumer groups toward solutions that both benefit the customer and are mutually acceptable to both
regulators and industry. We maintain the belief that industry must retain control over how we conduct our
business, and we must be viewed as part of the solution and not part of the problem. Meetings with state and
other government officials (and their representatives), concerned with auto repair and/or consumer protection,
are conducted. Feedback from these sessions is brought back to the association, and the program adjusted as
needed.
To assure auto repair customers recourse if they were not satisfied with a repair transaction, the Motorist
Assurance Program offers mediation and arbitration through the Better Business Bureau and other non-profit
organizations. MAP conducted pilot programs in twelve states before announcing the program nationally in
October 1998. During the pilots, participating repair shops demonstrated their adherence to the Pledge and
Standards and agreed to follow the UICS in communicating the results of their inspection to their customers.
To put some "teeth" in the program, an accreditation requirement for shops was initiated. The requirements are
stringent, and a self-policing method has been incorporated which includes the "mystery shopping" of outlets.
We welcome you to join us as we continue our outreach with your support, both the automotive repair industry
and your customers will reap the benefits. Please visit MAP at our Internet site www.motorist.org or contact us
at:
1998 Chevrolet Pickup C1500
Uniform Inspection and Communication Standards BRAKE SYSTEMS
1998 Chevrolet Pickup C1500
Uniform Inspection and Communication Standards BRAKE SYSTEMS