THE Jamaica Automobile Association(JAA), Wednesday, launched the Approved Auto Repairer (AAR) programme to improve motor vehicle services offered by repair shops and garages across the island.

According to JAA chairman, Earl Jarrett, gone are the days of the “shade tree mechanic” who could simply grab a chisel, spanner and a hammer, sometimes to repair a car.

“It is important that we have trained and competent mechanics. Under this programme, standards in technicians’ work to repair vehicles transporting people, our valuable assets, need to be certified,” he said at the launch held at the JAA headquarters in Kingston.

Jarrett added that granting approval and certification to the country’s garages would not only promote professionalism, but set a performance standard in the auto repair service industry.

Under the JAA programme, technicians of participating motor vehicle repair establishments are required to be certified by relevant schools and training institutes, such as the HEART Trust/NTA and the Jamaica German Automotive School.

Each garage that meets the requirements to provide motorists with quality maintenance and auto-care services will be provided with a special logo that may be used in displays advertisements by the auto repair business. Names of the approved garages will also be published on the JAA website, Jarrett said.

Four auto shops in the Corporate Area have already been approved — Ankara Limited, Andre’s Auto Supplies Limited, Auto Maintenance Limited and Everett Fenton’s Garage Limited.

The programme which is expected to provide motorists with better quality maintenance and auto-care services, will available to JAA members who will have access to free inspections among other benefits.