These Auto Body Shop Rust Repairs Save Money

Carwise No Comment Apr 25,2018 Auto Body Shop Consumer Tips

Your older car has developed some rust spots and it’s got you worried. Not only does it look bad, but as the rust spreads underneath the paint it can cause significant damage to your vehicle’s body panels and frame. Penetrating holes underneath your car can also allow dangerous exhaust fumes to invade the passenger compartment, placing you and your passengers at risk. You really like your vehicle, it runs great and is paid off, so you would rather not replace it and start making car payments again. What should you do? To keep you driving the car you enjoy, collision repair shops can expertly fix that unsightly rust without draining your bank account. What follows are some of the money-saving rust repairs that body shop specialists can perform. But first, let’s examine why your car has rust to begin with.

What Causes a Car to Rust?

It’s an unwelcome sight for any car owner—rust on your vehicle. While no one wants to see rust on their car, it is a problem many owners experience, especially those living near bodies of water or in snowy climates. Such conditions create an ideal environment for rust to take hold. If you’re seeing rust on your car and wondering, when is it necessary to remove it? The answer is likely, sooner rather than later, as it can pose a threat to your cars’ structural integrity and safety if left untreated.

When your car’s paint gets weakened by road salts, chemicals and dirt, the underlying metal eventually gets exposed. Scratches and dents that go unrepaired, like from a minor fender bender, also promote rust formation, and even on newer vehicles. When bare metal combines with iron, water and air it corrodes through a chemical reaction known as oxidation- which you see as rust. Cars are more prone to rust near the ocean or where road salt is routinely used. Much like an iceberg, a small surface rust area may be an indication of more serious corrosion festering underneath. Body shops have special equipment to evaluate the extent of the corrosion, and once the problem is diagnosed they will determine what type of rust repair works best.

Small Area Rust Repairs

These are used when the affected area is minor, as the name implies, and the rust hasn’t yet penetrated through the metal. In other words, there’s no significant damage to your vehicle’s body panels or supporting structures. Smaller rust patches commonly result from a neglected slight dent or deep scratch in the paint. The most cost-effective small area repair involves a technician sanding away the corrosion and some of the surrounding paint. The exposed metal is then carefully primed and repainted to accurately match your car’s original finish.

Large Scale Rust Repairs

When the rust has spread to a larger and/or deeper area, more extensive bodywork is needed. This type of rust damage commonly occurs near the bottom of your car, and when the metal has corroded through. In these situations, a section of the body’s metal must be cut out and replaced, and then a bonding material is utilized to fill in around it. Sometimes the entire body part must be switched out for a new one. In either case, the repaired area is then sanded, primed and painted to blend seamlessly with the rest of your car’s exterior.

Rust Prevention Tips for Repaired Areas

Some car owners might be tempted to tackle the problem on their own, however, auto body repair shops that perform rust removal can offer auto owners peace of mind and more knowledge about the impact the rust is having on the car. Rust that is not removed can continue to spread, possibly eating into the car’s body and causing rust-outs when the pits from the rust turn into holes. Since rust tends to spread and poses a threat to a car’s structural integrity and safety for the road, it’s a good idea not to delay in removing the rust and making sure it doesn’t spread.

Even if the rust damage is not extensive, it’s better to move quickly and bring the car in at the first sign of rust. While insurance may not cover the cost of rust removal, getting it removed may be a good investment, particularly if your car is newer or you plan to resell it. So, if rust spots pop-up, don’t despair, but work quickly on getting it removed. This can keep your car in good condition on the outside and inside and ensure a longer driving life for your vehicle.

Once the shop is done with your rust repairs, your car will look great. To protect the freshly-painted area(s), experts recommend washing and waxing your car regularly. Many commercial drive-through car washes target underneath your car, which removes corrosive materials. In addition, it’s a good idea to have it professionally detailed at least annually, as the detailing protectants permeate all of your car’s tiny nooks and crannies that trap rust-forming substances. Reliable auto detailing is another service that most collision repair shops offer to customers.

Body Shops in Your Area do Rust Repairs

No car owner likes to see rust on their “baby”. Rust can show up on cars of any age when they’ve experienced paint scratches, minor dents, or have been exposed to corrosion-inducing materials. When rust appears on your vehicle, it’s best to eliminate it promptly with some top-quality auto body shop rust repairs. Driving around in a rusting car can also place you and your passengers at risk for more serious safety issues. Restore your peace-of-mind by having it inspected and the rusted area professionally repaired by specialists at a reliable body shop. Doing so can also save you a lot of money over buying another car. To search your zip code for a dependable auto body shop nearby that does rust repairs, visit: www.carwise.com now.

Protecting Your Car’s New Paint After Collision Repairs

Carwise No Comment Apr 19,2018 Car Care Tips

If your car has been at the collision repair shop after an accident, it will likely return to you with newly-repaired surfaces. Auto body technicians use a meticulous process to ensure that the freshly-painted parts match the rest of your car’s original factory finish. That involves applying several coats of primer, paint and clear coat, and then the finish is carefully buffed out to give it that like-new glossy appearance. But when the body work is completed it’s your responsibility to protect your car’s new paint, notably within the first 30 to 90 days. That’s because the fresh paint needs time to cure and harden. Not protecting it properly could damage the paint’s finish, leading to noticeable imperfections which the shop will not be liable for. To keep your car’s finish looking great, use these paint protection tips for at least the first month after the collision repairs are done.

Avoid Commercial Car Washes

Okay, you’ve had your car out of the shop for a few days and now it’s dirty again. Your first instinct is the take it through a local car wash to remove the dirt. Not a good idea, as most commercial car washes use stiff brushes or sponges that can scratch the delicate new finish. Instead, only wash your car using these recommendations for the first 30 days:

Hand-wash your vehicle with cool water and a very mild car wash solution employing a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid using dish soap or laundry detergent.
Use only water that’s clean and fresh.
Wash your car in the shade and not direct sunlight.
Never “dry wipe” your car with a cloth.

In addition to these precautions, avoid waxing or polishing your car for 90 days after a new paint job as that can damage the finish and cause paint discoloration.

No Scraping or Chipping Allowed

Let’s say it’s wintertime when you pick up your car from the body shop and you wake up one morning to find it covered in snow and ice. Of course you need to scrape off your vehicle’s windows, but that’s as far as it goes. Don’t use a hard scraper on the new paint job or you’re asking for paint scratches, and that includes chipping ice on the repaired area. Use a soft brush or your hand instead. Try pouring warm water on any ice buildup to melt it away.

Chemicals and New Paint are a Bad Mix

If you’re vehicle needs some engine work done right after it’s had body work, be extra careful not to allow automotive solutions or chemicals to come in contact with the finish. Those include antifreeze, oil, gasoline or transmission fluid. Even windshield washer solution can harm fresh paint. If your vehicle is going in for some routine engine maintenance or repair work, point out to the technicians where the repaired areas are, and politely ask them to be extra careful. Also be cautious when filling up your gas tank at the pump. When spillage occurs, use a soft wet cloth or dampened sponge (never dry!) to immediately wipe it off.

Steer Clear of Gravel Roads

The next thing to steer clear of when your car has been freshly painted is loose gravel. Avoid gravel roads as much as possible, along with driving through construction zones. The new paint’s finish is vulnerable to chips from flying rocks because it hasn’t had enough time to harden into a protective barrier. Deeper paint chips can even expose your car’s metal to water and promote rust formation.

Reliable Body Shops Share Paint Care Tips

Any collision repair technician worth their salt takes a great deal of pride in their work, and that includes the paint job. They want you to be pleased with the outcome, and when you pick up your car someone at the body shop should explain how to protect the finish for the first few months after the repairs are completed. To ensure that your vehicle’s paint looks great for many years to come, carefully follow their instructions. In addition, you should get your car’s exterior professionally detailed at least once a year, and that’s another service that many body shops offer to their customers. To search your zip code for a reliable collision repair shop in your area, visit: www.carwise.com now.

How Body Shops Protect their Workers’ Health and Safety

Carwise No Comment Apr 13,2018 Auto Body Shop Owner Tips

There are over 180,000 auto body and glass repair technicians in the U.S., and most find their profession to be highly rewarding. But due to the nature of their work, collision repair professionals are oftentimes exposed to potentially unhealthy and dangerous workplace conditions. As customers, we only see the transformative outcomes produced by body shop technicians and not the behind-the-scenes, daily physical hazards they face. In an effort to safeguard their workers, reputable body shops create safer work environments using numerous health and safety measures. Most are mandated by the Federal Government’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), while others are just plain common sense.

Although driving a car can be dangerous, it is not as dangerous as it once was compared to the peak of over 54,000 motor vehicle fatalities in the early 70s. Much of this decline is a result of improved automobile designs and federal regulation requiring special design components and safety features such as seat-belts, airbags, and sensing devices.

Cars have become less dangerous for vehicle owners over the years, but what about the safety risks faced by the auto body workers who repair these vehicles?

While workers in many industries face safety hazards, the auto body repair industry has more risks than average. Fortunately, there are agencies like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a division of the US Department of Labor, who are tasked with ensuring the safety of U.S. auto body workers.

Physical hazards threatening auto body worker safety include repetitive stress, overexertion, and other ergonomic injuries, high-volume noise, oil and grease on walking surfaces, and cuts and lacerations from working with machinery. Workers in auto body shops are potentially exposed to a variety of chemical hazards that include volatile organics from paints, fillers, and solvents.

Auto body shop workers have the right to a safe workplace. The law requires employers to provide their employees with working conditions that are free of known dangers. The OSHA law also prohibits employers from retaliating against employees for exercising their rights under the law if the auto body worker wants to file a complaint, raise a health and safety concern, or report an injury. Agencies like OSHA are responsible for protecting the safety of auto body workers and have implemented numerous standards over the years to protect those workers.

Your car is much safer today than it was a few decades ago, and you can be assured that auto body workers are safer as well.

Here are a few of the more important safety precautions auto body shops use to protect their technicians.

Auto Body Painting Safeguards

Body shop professionals routinely work with fillers, solvents, paints, primers, and polishes while prepping and painting a car’s exterior. Repair jobs also require a lot of sanding and metal grinding. All these processes produce dust, vapors, and fumes that contain harmful chemicals, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), that can damage a technician’s lungs, skin and eyes. As a result, the painting and finishing are done in special spray booths that meet strict ventilation standards. Technicians also wear protective clothing to shield their eyes and skin and use oxygen-supplied respirators so they won’t breathe the airborne chemicals produced during surface preparation and painting. If a paint spill occurs, technicians are directed to promptly wipe it up to avoid accidents.

Workplace Noise Exposure Precautions

If you’ve ever been around a body shop, you know how loud the mechanical sounds can be. Now picture a technician who works in that noise level every day. Grinders, sanders, lifts, sprayers, compressors and other tools of the trade are constantly in use, generating loud noises that put auto body professionals at risk for hearing loss. To protect their ears technicians are required to don earplugs or earmuffs while out in the shop area.

Slip and Fall Prevention

According to OSHA, roughly 30 percent of all workplace accidents in the U.S. are related to slips and falls. Within a body shop setting, spilled grease, paint and other liquids on the floor create potential hazards, along with tools that were not properly put away after use. Technicians know that a tidy work area is a safer one, and are instructed to clean up spills immediately, stow away their tools when not in use, and to also wear shoes with non-slip soles for added traction.

Avoiding Mechanical Injuries

Auto body and glass technicians routinely work with compressors, sprayers, winches, pulling chains, lifts and other types of heavy equipment. Most contain movable parts like gears, sprockets, and belts which can result in bodily harm if the proper safety precautions are not followed. When accidents strike it’s easy for a collision repair professional to sustain cuts, crushed hands and feet, broken digits, burns and other injuries from the mechanical tools they’re using. As a precaution, prudent shops require their technicians to wear protective clothing, shoes, gloves, and headgear to safeguard their bodies from mechanical injuries.

Auto Body Shops Near You Value Safety

Reputable auto body and glass repair shop owners and managers understand the potential workplace risks posed to their technicians and have implemented health and safety precautions to protect them. They’ve put in place safeguards, whether OSHA-mandated or not, to ensure that their workers enjoy safer, healthier and happier careers while getting your vehicle restored like new again. Lower on-the-job injury rates also lead to higher shop productivity. And from a customer’s perspective, a cleaner and tidier shop just simply looks more professional and efficient. To search your zip code for a reliable collision repair shop in your area that also values a safe and healthy working environment, visit: www.carwise.com now.

Sources

NSC.org
OSHA.org

Why Are Electronic Safety System Recalibrations So Important?

Carwise No Comment Mar 15,2018 Safety Tips

Many newer cars come with mandatory electronically-controlled safety systems like airbags, along with optional collision avoidance features like forward crash, lane departure and blind spot detection alerts. The combined objective of those high-tech systems is to avoid accidents, save lives or, at a minimum, reduce impact severity. But even with these innovations wrecks still occur that require auto body repairs. And when a car with any of these newer safety features is involved in even a minor fender bender every driver alert system’s sensor alignment and overall performance must be tested and recalibrated before the collision repairs are completed. The same holds true for the vehicle’s airbag system, whether it deployed or not.

Experienced technicians realize that failing to conduct a thorough recalibration on these ultra-sensitive electronic systems could jeopardize the safety of occupants later on. To ensure that doesn’t happen, there are several recalibration steps involved using special diagnostic equipment once your vehicle arrives at the shop. As a driver you also need to be educated on what should be done when your vehicle is undergoing repairs. With that in mind here are some important points about electronic recalibrations that could someday save your life, or that of another.

Electronic System Recalibrations Require These Steps

Electronic safety systems operate when a signal is sent from a sensor or camera to an onboard computer. Like most electrical systems in your car, the airbag deployment and collision avoidance ones have dash warning lights to alert you when communication is interrupted. But sometimes after an accident these lights don’t come on when they should. And even when a system is not disconnected during repairs that doesn’t necessarily mean it will perform optimally. Additionally, merely reading diagnostic test codes won’t always reveal that there’s a problem. As a result, your car’s sensitive electronic safety systems need to be tested and recalibrated using these 3 vital steps:

Scanning the vehicle-specific codes for error messages through the OBD port
Clearing those diagnostic codes
Recalibrating or “resetting” the sensors according to the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure they are not misaligned or out of focus

A simple OBD port scan cannot determine if the system’s sensors, which typically use laser, radar or camera technology, are aimed correctly. Special diagnostic and calibration equipment is needed in most cases, and not all body shops have that. To assist in system recalibrations there exist outside specialty companies that will come to the shop, or sometimes the car is taken to a certified local dealership to get the reprogramming done. When recalibrating your electronic systems, trained technicians use online websites like I-CAR, ALLDATA or OEM to access the correct reprogramming specifications set forth by the vehicle’s manufacturer.

Routine Collision Repairs Can Disrupt Electronic Signals

In addition to damage from the accident itself, there are several routinely-done collision repairs that can disrupt your vehicle’s sensitive onboard electronic systems including:

Windshield replacements
Disconnecting the battery wires and/or electrical rewiring
Bumper repairs and replacements
Grill assembly repairs and replacements
Painting plastic bumpers and other body panels

Most safety sensors are covertly located on the front or rear of your car. If a bumper or grill assembly is not correctly reinstalled during repairs it can cause a sensor misalignment or even signal disruption interference. Any freshly-painted surfaces that cover sensors, for example a plastic bumper, must have a specified maximum paint thickness, measured in “mils”, over those sensors to ensure they work properly.

Finding the Right Body Shop is Always Important

When your vehicle is involved in an accident and it has airbags or some of the newer accident avoidance technology, it’s important to ask the body shop manager about conducting scans and recalibrations on those electronic systems. On the flipside, better collision repair shops usually follow these recalibration procedures anytime a car comes in with those safety features. If they don’t the shop could be liable if one or more of those warning systems fails later on. As a driver, it’s important for the continued safety of you and your passengers to take the lead on ensuring that the proper scans and recalibrations are done. To locate an auto body shop in your area that will do the electronic recalibrations right, search your zip code now at: www.carwise.com.

Technician and customer standing next to car talking

What Should I Do Right After an Accident?

Carwise No Comment Mar 8,2018 Safety Tips

Bam! Your car was just involved in a minor collision with another vehicle, and you can feel your adrenaline kicking in. You’re a little shaken up but not seriously hurt, and as the initial shock wears off your mind begins to clear. Now that you’ve been involved in an accident, what should you do next? It’s important to stay calm and focused, and to never leave the scene prematurely or admit fault, even if you did cause the wreck. Obviously, if someone in either vehicle sustained serious injuries you need to call 911 immediately. If that’s not the case, then follow these important steps right after an accident occurs.

Clear the Vehicles and Call the Police

The safety of everyone at the scene is of the utmost importance. If the damaged vehicles are drivable, move them out of traffic to the side of the road. Shift them into park, turn the engines off and the hazard lights on. If you have any safety items in your car like flares, cones or warning triangles, set those up around the vehicles. Double check all people involved for injuries, and if someone is complaining of serious back or neck pain they need to stop moving around until qualified medical personnel arrives. Call the police and ask for a unit to come out even if the accident is minor. Police reports are very important in the insurance claim process when determining who’s at fault. Many state laws require that the driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury, death, property damage in excess of $1500, or the towing of any vehicle, must file an official accident report with the state within 72 hours after the accident.

After the car accident, the other driver involved might not want to call the police and may want to settle things between just the two of you. Ignore their request and call the police, even if it’s just a minor car accident, because:

1) In most states, you are required to call the police by law after a car accident.
2) An official police report is one of the most credible documents the insurers will use to determine fault.
3) Officers are trained at detecting staged a car accident and can help protect you from fraud.
4) Emotions can run high after a car accident, and a police presence can be there to act as an impartial referee can make sure that things don’t get too heated.

Police officers are trained to handle various situations that might happen after a car accident. Even though you may not think are physically injured, you may be in shock, and your emotions may make it hard to think clearly. A police officer can assess the situation and determine if medical assistance is required.

Exchange Information at the Scene

Oftentimes due to the initial post-collision shock drivers forget to obtain the crucial information they should. Involved parties should exchange this information:

The names and contact information for all drivers and passengers
Vehicle descriptions including the make, model, year and color
Driver’s license and license plate numbers
Insurance company names and policy numbers
Accident scene location or address
The names and contact information for any eyewitnesses
The police officer’s name and badge number

Remain respectful and courteous at all times, and do not admit fault. Take pictures of the vehicles involved including the damage, and the scene itself whenever it’s safe to do so. Only sign a document if it’s for the police or your insurance company.

Things may be chaotic after a car accident, and it can be difficult to remember things later. Take written notes as soon as possible after the car accident, and be as specific as possible. Use your cell phone to take pictures and document the car accident. The more pictures, the better. If there are any witnesses, get their name and contact information. Ask for a brief summary of what they saw and take notes.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Before leaving the scene of the accident you should call your insurance agent or other representative and explain what happened. Be as truthful as possible, because not doing so could result in some serious problems later including claim denial. Is your car safe to drive? If not, let them know. The insurance company will direct you on the next action to take, including towing. They may even inquire as to whether you have a preferred body shop, and will tell you immediately if they are in their approved network.

You will then be instructed to either drive the car home, or have it towed to an insurance claims center or collision repair shop nearby. If a police citation was issued at the scene, the recipient will probably be deemed “at-fault” during the insurance review process. Within a couple of days, a claims adjuster will be in touch with you to explain your repair options moving forward. If you are found to be at-fault for the accident, you’ll have to pay your policy’s deductible when picking up the vehicle from the body shop. Some other long-term things to consider:

If you seek follow-up medical care, keep accurate records.
Don’t agree to close out an insurance claim too soon, especially if the other driver was at-fault and you were injured.
Hire an attorney as a last resort if the other party was at-fault and their insurance company is non-responsive.

In the end, following these guidelines right after an accident occurs will help the entire process go more smoothly.

What to Do if You are Hit By an Uninsured Driver

If you are involved in a car accident, you should first make sure everyone is okay and, if possible, pull off the road or get to a safe place. Then, call 911 to let the police know your exact location. If the accident is minor and there are no injuries, you can check for car damages and check to see that all parties involved are insured drivers while you wait for law enforcement to arrive.

If you are hit by an uninsured driver, there are several things you should do while at the scene of the accident. Request to see the other driver’s identification or ask for their name. Use your mobile phone to take photos of the vehicles, vehicle damage, and the other driver’s license plate. Most people cannot remember all the details of the car accident after it happens, so carefully write down what happened while it is still fresh in your mind.

If the uninsured driver doesn’t want to give their identification or name to you, or you feel unsafe or uncomfortable gathering information in the presence of the uninsured driver, wait for law enforcement to arrive.

UNINSURED DRIVER STATISTICS

In the United States, approximately 1 in 7 drivers (PDF) are uninsured without even basic coverage, according to a 2011 study by the Insurance Research Council.

Uninsured drivers cost the car insurance industry and insured drivers billions of dollars each year. The Insurance Research Council estimates that almost 14% of all U.S. drivers are uninsured at any given time.

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR DAMAGES WITH AN UNINSURED DRIVER?

At the scene of the accident, tell law enforcement what happened, and if there are any witnesses, have the police take down their testimonies as well. Let the police issue citations or determine who is at fault, and then ask for a copy of the police report.

If you are hit by an uninsured motorist, and it was determined that it was not your fault, your auto insurance should cover the damages as long as you have the extra under-insured or uninsured motorist coverage on your policy. If you don’t have the extra coverage on your policy, you may have to sue the uninsured driver to collect damages, and you will probably have to pay your auto insurance deductible out of pocket. If you’ve been hit by an uninsured driver and need your car damage repaired, your auto insurance company may also attempt to recover damages from the other driver. You may have to appear in court, as a witness and the victim, to testify about the accident.

Get Your Car to a Reliable Body Shop

When an accident strikes, it’s stressful. Locating a reliable collision repair shop to do the work can also be a challenge. Your insurance company will provide input on which body shops are approved in their network. From that list, you can then decide where you want to take it. Most all collision repair shops work directly with insurance providers to ensure a more seamless and stress-free process for you. They will update you on the status of your vehicle, and notify you when the repairs are done. Taking the initial steps outlined in this article will go a long way in ensuring that you’ve done your part to get the process started. To search your zip code for a list of auto body shops near you, visit www.carwise.com now.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED FOR YOUR WINTER CAR KIT

Just as you may have a tornado or severe storm kit in your basement, it’s a good idea to keep an emergency kit in your car in case of extreme conditions. In the winter months especially, there are many items that could prove to be very useful in an unfortunate weather-related situation or accident that causes you to be exposed to extreme temperatures.

Start your kit with some basic essentials, such as non-perishable food items (i.e. canned goods or snacks), and bottled water. Pack enough for all the people typically in your car.

Next, a few handy tools to add to your kit include:

A windshield ice scraper
A multi-purpose utility tool, such as a pocket knife
An LED flashlight with spare batteries
And a bag of cat litter

Yes, you read that right. Cat litter is a great, lightweight alternative to salt or sand that can be used to free your car from snow banks or icy patches.

A classic first-aid kit may be in your car already, but it’s worth a second look to ensure it still has a full supply. Lastly, tucking a warm blanket in your trunk is also a good idea in case your car won’t start, or you have to wait for assistance in cold temperatures.

Take a look at which of these items you already have in your car, and consider adding the ones you don’t. You will be happy you did if you ever come across a situation when you need them. Leave a comment below with any items you would add to our list!

WHAT YOU WILL NEED FOR YOUR WINTER CAR KIT

Start your kit with some basic essentials, such as non-perishable food items (i.e. canned goods or snacks), and bottled water. Pack enough for all the people typically in your car.

Next, a few handy tools to add to your kit include:

A windshield ice scraper
A multi-purpose utility tool, such as a pocket knife
An LED flashlight with spare batteries
And a bag of cat litter

Yes, you read that right. Cat litter is a great, lightweight alternative to salt or sand that can be used to free your car from snow banks or icy patches.

Sources:
USSA.com
NAIC.org
OSBAR.org

Esurance.com

Carsdirect.com

5 Everyday Things that Damage Your Car’s Paint

Carwise No Comment Feb 28,2018 Car Care Tips

When your car first rolled off the assembly line its paint job was immaculate, with a glossy finish comprised of several layers of primer and paint. If you’ve been in an accident recently that required collision repairs, when you picked it up from the body shop your vehicle’s paint also looked like new. But unfortunately there are a number of things that cars are exposed to on a daily basis that dull, fade and otherwise damage your once-pristine paint job. Some are obvious, but others might surprise you and oftentimes strike unexpectedly. With that in mind, here are 5 everyday things that can damage your car’s paint, along with advice from auto body shop pros on how best to protect your vehicle’s prized finish.

Splattered Bugs

Splattered flying bugs and car fronts just seem to go together, especially during the summer. Those dead bugs might appear harmless, but they actually can do serious damage to your vehicle’s paint due to their bodies’ acidity. Not removed immediately, bug body imprints can actually become etched permanently into the top layers. Experts advise washing them off right away using a bug and tar remover, soft wash cloth and old-fashioned elbow grease.

Bird Droppings

Most of us like watching our feathered friends, but how many of us have had bird droppings bombard our cars? In addition to being unsightly, bird droppings contain traces of acidic berries and seeds, along with grainy textures that can stain, dull and scratch your paint. Professional auto detailers recommend promptly using a soft microfiber cloth wetted with spray wash to gently wipe away the droppings while employing a lifting motion to prevent grit-induced scratching.

Coffee and Soda

Have you ever placed a cup of coffee or soda on your car’s roof while in a hurry, and then watched in horror as it tipped over spilling the contents onto your paint’s surface? Both beverages contain acid that can damage your car’s finish, and colorings that stain when dried. Those in the know say wipe the spilled liquid off immediately and completely with a soft cloth and then wash the area with soapy water right after.

Sunlight

The sun’s UV rays cause our skin to age prematurely, and have the same effect on vehicle paint finishes. Dulling and fading can occur if your car spends many hours a day exposed to direct sunlight. Auto body paint professionals advise that you keep your car garaged, parked in a shady area, or that you use a car cover when possible to prevent sunlight-related damage.

Tree Sap

Have you ever parked your car under a tree only to later notice annoying tree sap splotches on its roof, hood or trunk? Tree sap contains chemicals that can interact with your car’s painted surface making it not only difficult to clean off, but it also can damage the paint permanently. Experts say that the best way to remove tree sap is to immediately wipe it off using a soft cloth wetted with an indicated polish or rubbing compound. Then wash the area several times with soap and water until all traces of the sap are gone.

If Your Car’s Paint Gets Damaged Help is Nearby

Your car’s paint is also vulnerable to other everyday things like rocks, eggs, tar, air pollution, gasoline and human skin. To safeguard your car’s finish from dulling or fading you should wash it frequently and also wax it at least annually with a high-quality, carnauba-based paste. Auto body shop professionals know about paint-damaging factors and how to prevent them from ruining your vehicle’s finish. Most collision repair shops also offer expert painting and detailing services that help your car’s finish look like new all year long. When you need some reliable paint care tips or auto body painting done, contact a reputable collision repair shop nearby. To search your zip code for a list of auto body shops near you, visit: www.carwise.com now.

Are Do-It-Yourself Auto Body Repairs Wise?

Carwise No Comment Feb 8,2018 Auto Body Shop Consumer Tips, Car Care Tips

Your car recently sustained some damage while rear-ended at a traffic light. The other driver was found to be at fault, and their insurance company cut you a check for the collision repairs. However, you’ve decided to forgo taking it to an auto body shop, do the work yourself, and pocket most of the insurance money. But is that really wise? Even minor car accidents can cause hidden problems that may not present until later. And, if you’re not experienced at auto body work the results may reflect that. With this in mind, here are some potential problems with do-it-yourself collision repairs.

Matching Auto Paint Is Difficult

Matching the original paint for even minor scratches on your vehicle is difficult. Newer cars use formulas that require two or three coats of different colors or special finish treatments to give the paint job its unique look. Metallic and pearl finishes are very hard to match. When you’re done, you may end up with dull or faded patches of mismatched paint. Also, breathing auto body paint fumes, especially those containing Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), can be very hazardous to your health. Body shops use restorative paint finish processes and safety precautions that may be unavailable to you.

Hidden Vehicle Electrical Problems

Even minor fender benders can jar loose hidden electrical wiring connections. If you don’t have the equipment and expertise to check the electrical systems, you could later experience problems with your lights, battery, stereo, power windows, seats and door locks. Some of those could take a while to show up, and then cost you a lot of money to diagnose and fix.

Unseen Frame and Alignment Damage

Even low impact car accidents can cause minor frame bending. It also doesn’t take much to knock a vehicle out of alignment. Regarding the body’s frame, if it’s even slightly bent it reduces your vehicle’s ability to absorb an impact at any speed. Bent frames can also interfere with normal airbag deployments during an accident. Auto body shops have equipment that measures how straight your frame is, and then straightens it if necessary.

When your car is misaligned, it will pull to the right or left while driving. In addition to poor steering, a vehicle that’s out-of-alignment causes uneven tire tread wear and more frequent tire replacements. Most do-it-yourselfers don’t have the ability to check their vehicle’s alignment, and will have to spend some out-of-pocket cash to have it aligned properly.

Windshield Replacements Are Tricky

Let’s say you were involved in a front-end impact that cracked the windshield and you’ve decided to replace it yourself. Windshield replacements aren’t hard, but they can be dangerous if you don’t have the right tools. For one, a windshield is very heavy and can easily be dropped. Or, when installing it you could set it into place incorrectly, unknowingly creating a crack that may grow into a larger one later on. The windshield must also be sealed properly against moisture and wind or you’ll have leaks. That’s why windshield replacements are best left up to experienced technicians.

Auto Body Shops Nearby Do It Right

When your car needs some collision repair work done, auto body shops in your area stand ready to answer the call. Afterwards, your car will look better, drive safer and perform as it should. They have the tools, equipment and expertise to get the job done right. And, body shops near you have the safe working conditions and waste disposal capabilities that you probably don’t at home. In fact, do-it-yourself auto body repairs could cost you a lot more in the end when something goes wrong. To search your zip code for a better collision repair shop near you, visit www.carwise.com now.

Does Auto Detailing Increase My Car’s Value?

Carwise No Comment Jan 29,2018 Car Care Tips

Have you ever noticed how amazingly clean your car is, inside and out, when you pick it up from a collision repair shop? That’s because body shop technicians know that professional detailing keeps your vehicle looking like new while protecting its interior and exterior. And, many auto body shops provide in-house car detailing services, including exterior, interior and engine bay. But will getting your vehicle detailed enhance its worth? Let’s take a more in-depth look at the three types of detailing, and if they actually increase your car’s value.

Exterior Auto Detailing Restores & Protects

Weather elements and the sun’s UV rays cause your car’s paint to fade and dull. In addition, your finish experiences scratches, oxidation (rust) and parking lot dings. Wheel surfaces also get quite dirty, and all these factors can lower your car’s resale value. To counteract those, professional detailers use these steps to restore and protect car exteriors:

Wash and scrub the outside with a deep penetrating brush, including the wheels
Dry all surfaces with a soft, microfiber mitt
Gently polish out light scratches, oxidation & swirl marks
Wax the paint, usually with a high-quality, carnauba-based paste product
Methodically clean & then apply protective polish to rubber trim areas

Professional detailing products contain UV inhibitors that protect paint while extending its life. When a car exterior’s finish is restored to its original condition, it’s not only eye-catching, but it also projects an image that the vehicle was well taken care of, inside and out. In the end, that adds overall value to your car.

Car Interiors Benefit from Detailing

Auto interior carpeting, upholstery, trim and mats are constantly subjected to wear-and-tear, including food and beverage spills, cigarette smoke, mud and pets. Additionally, the sun’s UV rays can fade your upholstery, trim and dash. Professional detailers know how to restore the original beauty of leather, fabric and carpeting using various cleaning and sanitizing processes.

First they thoroughly vacuum and shampoo the inside of your car, and then use high-quality, commercial-grade products to clean and protect the seats, trim, and carpeting. On leather seats and trim, they first deeply scrub the material and then use special conditioners. All of these detailing tricks prolong your car interior’s life and removes unwanted odors. As a result, this adds value to your vehicle.

Detailed Engines Boost a Car’s Value

Have you ever popped the hood on a used car that you’re looking at and the engine was spotless? Seeing a clean motor instills confidence in a potential buyer. That’s why dealers have their detailers carefully clean the engines as they prep used cars for sale. And if you’ve had auto body repairs done, notably for a front-end collision, you’ll see a professionally- detailed engine when the work is finished. That makes you feel more confident in the repairs, right? When you are selling or trading in your vehicle, the emotional impact is the same.

Mechanics also love to work on vehicles with clean engines, as it allows them to assess and diagnose problems more easily. Here’s how most detailers clean up grimy car engines:

They gently clean off loose dirt with a light water spray
Then they wipe down the engine components with a commercial degreaser, and rinse it off again
After drying completely, all rubber, silicone and plastic engine components are “dressed” with special protective compounds to prevent cracking

A clean engine compartment will add value to your car by making it more attractive to a potential buyer or when trading it in at a dealership.

Body Shops Near You Provide Auto Detailing

According to used car experts, annual professional detailing can boost the market value of your vehicle by up to 15%, depending upon the make, year and overall condition. Without question, auto detailing increases your car’s worth, especially when it’s over five years old. Not only that, but as long as you continue driving it, detailing will protect the finish from the elements and the inside from wear-and-tear. And, when a mechanic needs to do some repairs, a detailed engine increases the odds that they will be performed correctly the first time! As was mentioned earlier, most collision repair shops offer professional detailing services. To search your zip code for one in your area, visit www.carwise.com now.

Can Minor Fender Benders Conceal Serious Problems?

Carwise No Comment Jan 17,2018 Auto Body Shop Consumer Tips, Auto Body Shop Owner Tips

Your car was recently involved in a low impact fender bender which dented the bumper and scratched some paint. Because the accident was so minor, you’ve decided to skip taking it to an auto body shop. But is that wise? Even minor fender benders can cause more serious underlying problems to your car that may not show up until later. And when those issues finally present themselves, repairs can be costly. Whenever your vehicle sustains body damage that’s more than paint scratches it’s wise to have it inspected at a collision repair shop. Here’s why.

Potential Electrical System Failure

Your car’s electrical wiring is delicate, and even a minor jolt could have loosened wires. Those won’t be noticeable at first, but could potentially cause a short. Shorts can lead to power windows and door locks that malfunction, along with your vehicle’s antitheft system. In the event of a front-end fender bender, a battery connector could get knocked loose, meaning that the battery may not recharge properly and/or the aforementioned electrical components on your car may start acting up. A body shop technician can inspect your wiring after removing the damaged body panel or bumper cover.

The Alignment May Be Off

This occurs more frequently in front-end fender benders, as they commonly will cause misaligned tires. As a result, your car could begin pulling to one side or the other, or the ride will seem rough and uncomfortable. This could lead to uneven tire tread wear and vehicle handling difficulties. And, replacing a set of tires is an expensive undertaking. After a fender bender of any kind, your alignment should be professionally checked.

Your Car’s Frame Could Be Bent

If your auto is involved in even a low speed accident, the frame could sustain damage. Although unnoticeable by you, a slightly bent frame can cause your vehicle’s structural integrity to be compromised. When that happens, it can adversely alter how effectively your air bag deploys in an accident. Additionally, your car’s ability to absorb an impact, especially a more serious one, is jeopardized. Collision repair shops have equipment that can measure how straight your car’s frame is, and whether it matches OEM factory specifications.

Other Lingering Fender Bender Issues

In addition to the fender bender issues mentioned above, there are other lingering and potentially expensive problems that may be concealed from your view. Those include:

Transmission problems- All-wheel drive (AWD) autos are especially susceptible to these even when rear-ended slightly. AWD cars have drive shafts that can easily get pushed into the vehicle’s transmission, creating the potential for expensive repairs.
Rust opportunities- Even minor scratches or dings may expose underlying metal, as paint serves to protect the body from water. When it comes in contact with water or road salt, your car’s metal structural materials can rust.
Wheel well rubbing- If your car’s body panel gets manipulated at all during a fender bender, metal or plastic material could possibly start rubbing a spinning tire and cause damage to it.
Suspension & steering problems- On most vehicles these are very delicate and even low speed impacts can knock them out of whack. That will negatively affect how your car handles or rides. Hitting a pothole can also cause damage to your suspension and/or steering systems.
Engine mechanical performance- If you are involved in even a low speed front end accident, modern engine components are complex and intricate. Minor damage to any of those systems can cause more serious mechanical issues later.

Get Your Fender Bender Damage Checked by a Pro

Even low impact fender benders can disrupt your car’s mechanical performance and compromise safety. And, any required future repairs can be costly as opposed to getting your car immediately inspected. When a fender bender strikes have your car checked out by a professional auto body technician right away. To search your zip code for a reliable collision repair shop nearby, visit www.carwise.com now.

How Do I Inspect My Car When the Body Work Is Done?

Carwise No Comment Jan 11,2018 Auto Body Shop Consumer Tips

Your car was involved in a pretty serious accident, and it’s been at the collision repair shop for a few weeks. They’ve just called to let you know it’s ready, and you will be anxiously picking it up soon. At this point you are a little nervous that the repairs were done right, and are wondering what to look for when you get there. Upon arrival, a technician should carefully walk around the car with you using a written checklist while explaining what was done and why. Ask them about the shop’s warranty, as many reputable collision repair shops guarantee their work for one-year or 12,000 miles. That said, it’s still important for you to conduct your own inspection before driving off. Here are some key inspection tips to use:

Is Your Vehicle Clean?

Dirt hides imperfections and that’s why your car should be spotless inside and out when you pick it up. Make sure that it has been washed and vacuumed out thoroughly so that you can easily inspect the areas that were repaired. Even your floor mats and engine should be clean. In addition, the technicians shouldn’t have left any old parts lying around in the trunk, engine compartment or interior; not even a single nut or bolt. When you pick up a clean auto it presents the shop more professionally, and gives you less reason to doubt their work. Once you’re satisfied with the initial “eye test”, a more careful inspection comes next.

Inspect Your Car’s Repaired Area(s)

Let’s say for illustration purposes that your car sustained some major front-end damage. That means not only were body panel replacements and painting required, but also repairs to the suspension, frame and engine components. Inspect the following:

The body panel seams for uneven gaps
Open and close the doors, hood and trunk to notice the fit while listening for strange rubbing sounds. Make sure they open easily and close securely.
If an air bag was deployed was it replaced?
Check the distance between the tires and fenders and compare those from side to side
Ensure that all hoses and wires are connected
Turn on your headlights and inspect the beam alignment
If the frame needed straightening request a copy of the frame spec printout and have the before and after numbers explained to you

If all those check out, now it’s time to carefully inspect your car’s paint and finish.

How do I Find Auto Paint Job Mistakes?

Even when technicians have the factory paint codes, one of the hardest parts of the collision repair process is matching paint to the rest of your car. Existing paint fading dictates that technicians still have to add a little tint to get your car’s restored finish perfect. Most vehicles on the road have what’s called an “orange peel” paint texture that’s sometimes hard to match. These are all reasons to pick up your vehicle during the day and look at it in the bright sunlight. Do so up close first, and then step back several paces from the vehicle to pick up any panel paint inconsistencies. Look for imperfections due to hairs, dirt specs or overspray.

Other Collision Repair Flaws to Look for

Performing these inspection steps will go a long way in ensuring that the collision repairs were properly completed. Also it’s important to test drive your vehicle before approving the work, and look for strange noises, poor performance and questionable handling. Does it drive and steer okay? Are there strange rattles or shimmies? If something just doesn’t seem right, ask a technician at the shop what could be wrong.

If you aren’t satisfied with their answers, request to speak with the owner for clarification and/or refuse to sign off on the work until it’s repaired satisfactorily. Some problems may not show up until later, such as uneven tire wear from a poor alignment, or fluid leaks where it’s parked. Don’t forget that most reputable shops offer warranties up to 12,000 miles and one-year. In the end, conducting your own inspection when you pick it up goes a long way in guaranteeing the job was done right. For a list of better collision repair shops in your area, search your zip code now on: www.carwise.com.