California's Lemon Laws

California lemon laws side with the consumer when it comes to the purchase of defective products. They specify that once a defective product was bought, the consumer has the right to return it. The safety of the passengers and driver is most important in the eye of the law and should not be messed with.

The law in California specify that used or new car buyers that purchased a defective automobile, will be allowed to receive a replacement or a refund, once they proved the existents of a defect.

Here are some specified information one should know about California lemon laws:

Be smart and educated

knowing the law is the key for successful life in society. Researching lemon laws guidelines will help to determine whether a car is defected or not. Raise your guard when a sales person claims the car is not a lemon. Sales person are not objective. If a sales person deems a car as lemon, his or her sale would fall through. Search the world wide web and law libraries for lemon law guidelines in California.

Determination of a lemon

California Lemon Law specify that a car is considered a lemon  when it has been repaired four times and the defect has not been fixed within the period of 18,000 miles or 18 months (whichever comes first). Two repair attempts are given to defects that may cause injury or death.

Act

After seeing the defect do not wait. Act immediately because the longer you wait the higher the chance your right for a refund or repair will be revoked. File your claim ASAP.

Reading the manual

Follow the instruction in the car manual. Do not use the car in a fashion that is specified to be risky and revokes the manufacturer warranty. If you use the car in a harmful manner you won't be able to claim for a refund or return. It won't matter if the problem was unrelated, the manufacturer will blame the defect on the misuse of the vehicle.
The law in California specify that the owner must prove that the defect is not his or her fault.

Keep records

Record all the dealing you had repairing the car. Document will prove essential when proving your claim.

Authorized service center

Repair your car only at authorized service centers. California Lemon Law specify that buyers should have a defect repaired by the manufacturer through its service centers and no other place. They must inform the manufacturer of the need for repair.

Handling the claim

Give notice of your claim by sending a letter. The California lemon law specify sending a letter makes the legal process start. Use certified mail so it will be documented. The law in California offer the possibility of arbitration. If that fails seek the aid of a lawyer.