Every year across America millions of car bodies suffer from a noticeable condition called “polymer degradation” (PD). For many vehicles, the symptoms are as subtle as a slightly faded bumper. Others experience more serious signs like cracked trim or molding around their windows or wheel wells. And, if you operate a vehicle in an area that’s prone to excessive heat, sunlight, or air pollution, and it’s more than 5 years old, its exterior is probably already showing signs of PD. What exactly is polymer degradation, and is it preventable?

Auto Body Polymers and How They’re Used

As they relate to the auto industry, polymers are large manmade molecules that are chemically bonded together to create materials used for vehicle body components. Polymer materials include rubber, vinyl, and various plastics, and end up in exterior car parts like:

• Bumpers
• Black trim around windows, fenders, and windshields

• Spoilers, air dams, and other aerodynamic body features

Design engineers use polymers to improve a vehicle exteriors:

• Appearance (aesthetics)
• Design flexibility

• Functionality (corrosion resistance, strength, reduced weight, etc.)

You’ve probably noticed that some vehicles have more polymers incorporated into their designs than others, and oftentimes those parts are left unpainted for added curb appeal. Unfortunately, all polymers- painted or not- are vulnerable to environmental forces that can cause polymer degradation.

What Causes Polymers to Degrade?

Because of their composition, polymers tend to break down faster than the surrounding metal body panels when exposed to certain elements like sunlight, air pollution, road tar, oxygen, grime, and oil. And if your car sits outside in the heat and direct sunlight for lengthy periods of time, polymer degradation is accelerated due to a process known as “photodegradation”. Photodegradation is caused primarily by the sun’s UV rays and can speed up the degradation process caused by other forces including the ones mentioned above.

Why is Polymer Degradation Bad?

When a car’s body part, like a bumper, is made from a polymer and starts to degrade, it causes premature aging to that part which further leads to:

• Fading, discoloration, and loss of its glossy appearance
• Reduced strength  

• Decreased flexibility

• Less scratch resistance

• Cracking

Black polymer trim materials experiencing PD will start showing a faded gray look. PD is oftentimes confused with detailing polish, wax, or sealants that have been mistakenly allowed to dry on the polymer’s surface, leaving a chalky residue. And, that’s a whole different topic. In addition to just plain looking bad and compromising the intended function of the affected part(s), PD can also reduce the afflicted vehicle’s resale value.  

Is PD Preventable?

The good news is that polymer degradation is oftentimes preventable if you’re willing to invest the necessary time, elbow grease, and money. The important thing is to consistently and continually maintain the plastic, rubber, and vinyl surfaces of your car. That means keeping those areas clean of dirt, tar, dust, and other road debris, along with applying the right detailing product, based upon the material, to leave a layer of protection. And finally, keeping your car out of direct sunlight as much as possible is important.  

Certain detergents used for car washing are too strong for polymers, and can actually speed up the degradation process. Cheaper detailing products sold at big box stores may not be the best either, so read the labels carefully before applying those to your vehicle. For unpainted plastic parts, some of the best surface restorers and protectants are:

• Armor All
• TriNova
• Meguiar’s G15812
• Gtechniq C4
• 303 (30326)
• Forever Black

With-the-exception-of Armor All, which will need to be used more frequently, the other products should deliver reliable protection for up to 12 months after application. If any of your painted plastic parts, notable bumpers, have already started to noticeably fade, you may want to have them repainted by a pro.

Auto Body Shops Nearby Have the PD Cure

Unfortunately, many vehicles end up experiencing polymer degradation. If it’s happened to your car or truck, take it to a nearby auto body shop in the nationwide Carwise referral network. Technicians there have the professional detailing products, experience, and know-how to restore your vehicle’s polymer features like-new again promptly, reliably, and affordable. If you have areas that need to be repainted, they can expertly tackle that too!

Search your zip code now for a customer-reviewed auto body or glass repair shop nearby: www.carwise.com.

When speaking with your car’s mechanic, does it seem sometimes like they’re using a foreign language? Have you ever been at the collision repair shop and wondered what in the world the technicians were saying about your vehicle? In addition to being frustrating, you may miss out on some important information that could cost you later. Cutting through all the repair shop “lingo” isn’t difficult once you understand the jargon the technicians use. To help you along, here are some common “shop talk” terms you might overhear at a repair shop.   

Terms Mechanics Use

Mechanics go to school to learn the following terms, so as a driver getting “schooled” in them will help you communicate more effectively the next time your vehicle’s in the shop:

• Engine knock. This describes the metallic pinging noise made by your engine when there’s leftover fuel and air in the combustion chamber while the spark plug is firing. If you’re hearing this sound it could reduce your engine’s life, so take it promptly to a mechanic.
• Fast idle. This higher revving of your engine typically happens when its cold first thing in the morning, or after your car sits all day. The idle speed will automatically increase to maximize engine performance until it warms up.

• Fuel injectors. Decades ago, cars had carburetors to control the fuel and air mixture. Today’s vehicles use fuel “injectors” to deliver that mixture more efficiently into the intake manifold of your engine.

• Hesitation. This is the temporary loss of power you feel when you initially accelerate. If there’s too much hesitation it could mean a problem with the fuel and air mixture as it’s being delivered into the manifold.

• N/A. In “auto speak” terms, N/A refers to a “non-aspirated” engine, or, in other words, one that isn’t turbo or supercharged.

• Play. Used to describe the amount of slack you feel in the steering wheel before your wheels start to turn. Play is usually mentioned when referencing your car’s suspension or steering, notably when their components are getting worn.

• Pull. When applying the brakes or just driving down the road, if your vehicle tracks to one side or the other it is called “pulling”, and usually means that your car needs an alignment.
• Torque steer. Many cars today are front-wheel drive (FWD). During fast acceleration, if your steering wheel begins to turn in one direction this is called “torque steer”. Accelerating too quickly in a FWD vehicle can cause you to lose control when torque steering goes awry.

Body Shop Jargon

When you’re looking over your car’s collision repair estimate, or speaking to an insurance adjuster or shop manager, it would be wise to know these body shop terms:

Aftermarket parts. These are parts made and sold by companies other than the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of your vehicle. Most aftermarket parts meet the same quality standards that OEM parts do if the supplier is reliable. Be advised that the use of non-approved parts could jeopardize your vehicle’s factory warranty, so ask the shop manager or your insurance adjuster for details.  

Beltline. Also known as the “waistline”, the beltline describes the body area that separates the top of your car from the bottom, and is formed where the lower edges of your vehicle’s windows end.   

Betterment. This term is used by insurance adjusters to describe the fact replacement parts on your car are new, and therefore improve its overall condition. In rare instances, the insurance company may ask you to pay a portion of the repair costs because your vehicle’s market value increased.

OEM. As was mentioned earlier, the term “original equipment manufacturer”, or simply “OEM”, means that the repair parts for your car were made by the company that built it in the first place. If your Toyota Camry got a new OEM grill, the shop ordered it directly from Toyota, or from an authorized Toyota OEM parts supplier.

Collision Repair Shops That Speak Your Language      

If your car’s in the body shop for some accident repairs, the terms used there can be confusing. Simplify your life by taking your vehicle to one of the certified auto body and glass repair shops found in the Carwise nationwide network. The knowledgeable technicians there will clearly explain the work that’s required, and patiently answer your questions to put your mind at-ease. They’ll honestly “speak your language” while restoring your vehicle like-new again promptly and reliably.

Search your zip code now for a customer-reviewed auto body or glass repair shop nearby: www.carwise.com.

If you drive a newer vehicle it’s probably covered by a manufacturer’s warranty that’s designed to give you peace-of-mind if a mechanical problem arises. Warranties typically contain provisions with bumper-to-bumper and powertrain coverage, most are transferable, and all have mileage or time limits based on the manufacturer’s terms. The average factory powertrain warranty is usually good for 60,000 to 100,000 miles, or 4 to 6 years, while most bumper-to-bumper plans protect you for 30,000 to 50,000 miles, or 3 to 5 years. But does being involved in a car accident, notably a serious one, void the manufacturer’s warranty? The answer to that important question may lie in the collision repairs themselves.

Factors That Can Void a Warranty

Within the fine print of your warranty you’ll find several reasons why the manufacturer can void it when your vehicle sustains damage due to these factors:

Title Salvage Distinction

When your car or truck is involved in a serious accident and is subsequently given a “salvage” distinction by your insurer, which means it was a total loss, your entire warranty is voided.

Vehicle Abuse

This can be interpreted in many ways, and most often refers to using your vehicle for racing or subjecting it to other forms of excessive wear-and-tear, including off-roading. Potentially, any use outside of what’s considered “normal” can be interpreted as abuse by the manufacturer.

Natural Disasters

If damaged by an environmental disaster, sometimes referred to as “an act of God”, such as a fire, flood, tornado, hurricane or earthquake, your vehicle’s warranty is null-and-void.

Odometer Tampering

Also called “rolling back” your odometer, for obvious reasons your warranty will be voided if you engage in such practices.

Dirty or Improper Fluids

If you accidentally put diesel fuel in your gasoline engine, that’s not the manufacturer’s fault. Or, if you use the wrong type of antifreeze or oil that’s outside of what’s specified in the owner’s manual, it could invalidate the warranty.

Non-Approved Repair Parts

The use of aftermarket parts is a very gray area when it comes to warranties, and most often comes up after an accident when your vehicle is at the body shop for repairs. To ensure that your warranty stays in-force, ask the shop manager to only use OEM parts, or aftermarket ones that are manufacturer-approved.

It must be noted that under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975, warranty coverage cannot be denied unless the manufacturer can definitively prove that an aftermarket part in question caused specified damage to the vehicle.  

What About Accidents?     

In most cases when your vehicle is repairable, an accident has no bearing on the warranty. According to industry experts, the only way the accident itself can void a warranty is if the vehicle’s been given a title salvage designation after being declared a total loss by the insurer because the damages sustained would cost more in collision repairs than its assessed market value. According to Kelly Blue Book (kbb.com), factors that influence your vehicle’s assessed market value include:

• Age
• Color
• Condition
• Fleet or rental use
• Make and model
• Mileage, especially when it’s been excessively driven
• Non-standard and aftermarket features
• Transmission type (manual vs. automatic)
• Vehicle history, including past collision repairs and maintenance

Find a Warranty-Compliant Shop on Carwise  

Simply being involved in an accident won’t void your vehicle’s warranty. However, taking it to an unfamiliar auto body shop for collision repairs, one that might install non-approved aftermarket parts, could cause warranty problems later. Keep your warranty in-force by taking it to one of the body shops in the nationwide Carwise referral network. All collision and glass repair shops in the Carwise network are ASE-certified, and technicians there have the training, experience, and know-how to install manufacturer-approved parts that’ll keep your vehicle looking and performing like new again.

Search your zip code now for a customer-reviewed auto body or glass repair shop nearby: www.carwise.com.

Your car bumpers take a lot of abuse, from unexpected hazards like runaway parking lot grocery carts, flying chunks of road debris, and minor fender benders.  As a result, many drivers tend to ignore superficial damage to their vehicle’s bumper, and put off repairs to save some money and time. But is that a smart move when it comes to your safety in the long run?   For starters, having a bumper with cracks, scratches or dents just doesn’t look good after you get your car washed. In addition, there are several other reasons why you should promptly get your bumper fixed, even when it’s only sustained minor damage.  What follows are some of the more important ones.

Resale Value

Cars with damaged bumpers send up red flags to potential buyers, as it could mean you’re trying to hide more serious damage or even vehicle neglect.  Noticeable bumper damage can drop your vehicle’s overall resale condition from one category to another, for example, “good” to “fair”, resulting in $100s in lost value.  Even when trading it in at a dealership bumper blemishes are going to reduce what you’re offered, notably when your car or truck is newer. And, when you’re attempting to sell it outright most shoppers will probably pass once they see that damage.     

Safety

Auto bumpers are made to absorb the force of an impact sustained during either a front or rear-end collision while protecting the engine compartment, trunk, and most importantly, the occupants.  Even superficial damage can weaken the structural integrity of your bumper, notably its internal accident protection components like:

• Bumper absorbers.  These are usually made of Styrofoam or durable plastic and are located between the bumper cover and metal bumper itself.  Upon impact, the absorbers take the force and direct it outwards in all directions.

• Bumper bar.  Also called a “bumper reinforcement”, a bumper bar strengthens the bumper’s entire structure.  They are typically made of durable metal and painted to match the bumper cover’s color.

If either of these parts are weakened by a minor fender bender, when a subsequent collision occurs, especially a high-impact one, they could fail to protect the vehicle, driver, and passengers as designed.  Not only does this pose a serious injury risk to the occupants, but it could mean more extensive, and costly, damage to your vehicle.

Insurance Claims    

Let’s say that you decided not to have that minor front bumper damage repaired to save a

few bucks, and the absorbers and/or bumper bar were weakened without your knowledge.  Later, you’re involved in another front-end accident, resulting in serious damage to the engine compartment.  An insurance adjuster could potentially inspect the vehicle and notice the old bumper damage. They may then determine that the previous damage structurally compromised the bumper’s integrity, allowing the force of the most recent crash to cause more-extensive and “unnecessary” repairs.  In a worst-case scenario, your insurer has the right to decline your claim altogether, and then you’ll be forced to pay out-of-pocket for all the repairs.

Find Expert Bumper Repairs Nearby

As you can see, it’s smart to get even minor bumper damage repaired promptly after an accident to protect you, your vehicle, and your wallet.  Finding an auto body shop nearby that can expertly restore your bumper like new again is simple when you use the Carwise referral network. When you locate collision repair businesses in your area through Carwise, those shops employ technicians with the training, equipment, and experience to inspect your bumper- including any structural damage- expertly repair it, and have you back on the road again promptly and safely.  Most work directly with insurance companies so you don’t have to, and warranty their work to restore your peace-of-mind. To search your zip code now for a customer-reviewed auto body shop in your area, visit: www.carwise.com now!