Consumer: I purchased a new car a few months ago. It’s been in the dealership repeatedly for repairs. I think it’s a lemon. What can I do?

Attorney General Rob McKenna: Buying a new car is exciting. But when your four-wheeled baby spends more time in the repair shop than on the road, your mood can turn as sour as – pardon the pun – a lemon. Washington’s “Lemon Law” is designed to help vehicle owners who have continuing problems with warranty repairs.

The law allows owners to request an arbitration hearing through the Attorney General’s Office anytime within 2 1/2 years of the vehicle’s original retail delivery date. To qualify, your car must either be new or have less than 24,000 miles when you purchased or leased it.

If you think you have a lemon on your hands, you must try to resolve your dispute with the manufacturer prior to requesting an arbitration hearing. You should send the manufacturer a written request to replace your vehicle or buy it back from you. The manufacturer has 40 days to respond.

More information about the Lemon Law program can be found on the Attorney General’s Office Web site at (www.atg.wa.gov/consumer/lemon). For questions or to request an informational brochure with instructions on submitting a claim, contact the Lemon Law program at (800) 541-8898 or (lemon@atg.wa.gov).