5 Strange Sounds that Could Mean Car Trouble

Carwise No Comment Aug 28,2018 Auto Body Shop Consumer Tips, Car Care Tips

You’re cruising across town one warm, sunny day with your window down, and as you approach a red light you bring your car to a stop. Suddenly, your ears hear some unusual rattling noises coming from somewhere underneath the vehicle. You immediately turn off the radio, but the strange racket is still there. A pit forms in your stomach as you imagine what could possibly be wrong with your car. Is it my engine? My brakes? Exhaust? Knowing the warning sounds of a potentially costly, or even dangerous, vehicle problem is important, and could help save you much trouble later. To assist your efforts, here are 5 strange noises that could indicate something’s wrong with your car.

Knocking or Pinging

As your engine runs, fuel is ignited inside each cylinder. A metallic knocking or pinging sound is probably due to an ignition malfunction caused by one or more of the following:

Clogged or defective fuel injector
Clogged or bad fuel filter
Misfiring spark plugs
Worn spark plug wires
Cracked distributor cap

When you hear a knocking or pinging noise originating from under your hood, it’s best to take it in promptly to a mechanic for a check-up.

“Popping”

There are several engine components that can start making a “popping” sound when something’s gone bad, including:

Dirty air filter
Spark plugs that are worn or corroded
Defective spark plug wires
Clogged fuel filter
Internal ignition wiring or related ignition issue

A popping sound when your car’s running is simply not good. Take it to an auto repair shop and have them give it a “once-over”.

Ticking or Clicking

Ticking noises are best left to clocks, and a clicking sound is great when you’re fastening your seatbelt. But when your car’s making these sounds while running, something’s usually wrong.

Ticking or clicking sounds can mean:

Low engine oil
Worn fuel injectors
Worn out struts
Bad pushrods

In this situation try a DIY fix of adding some oil to your engine first. If the clicking or ticking persists, take it into a shop and let a pro inspect your ride.

Grinding or Rubbing

More-often-than-not, when you hear grinding and rubbing, especially when you’re stopping your vehicle, it’s related to your brakes. Those sounds usually indicate your brakes pads are completely worn down, and that the metal calipers and rotors are rubbing together every time you apply the brakes. Besides the obnoxious metallic rubbing sound, other signs of excessive brake wear include:

Takes progressively longer to stop your car
Brake pedal goes almost down to the floor when braking
When you brake the pedal and/or steering wheel vibrate or pulsate

Brakes that are making grinding or rubbing noises are nothing to ignore. Take your vehicle immediately to an automotive technician and have them inspected.

Rattling Beneath Your Car

This is usually a symptom of a worn exhaust system, as they tend to rust out over time. Does your car’s engine also sound louder or “throaty” when you accelerate? If your exhaust system has sprung a leak, the exhaust fumes can filter up into the passenger compartment, and that’s not safe. Parts found within your exhaust system that may need to be replaced include:

Catalytic converter
A section of crossover or tailpipe
Muffler
Brackets and/or gaskets
Manifold

Once your exhaust starts to rattle and gets progressively louder, you run the risk of part of it falling off while driving. So, if you suspect that your exhaust system needs some repairs, take it promptly to a shop that specializes in those repairs.

We’ll Handle Any Accident-Related Noises

When your vehicle starts making the strange sounds listed above, take it to a mechanic and have it inspected. If you’re involved in an accident, bring it instead to a reliable auto body shop to have those damages repaired by technicians who specialize in accident-related noises. Pros at a collision repair shop nearby have the training, experience and equipment to restore your vehicle and peace-of-mind, and then get you back on the road promptly and safely. Most shops warranty their repairs, so if you hear an unusual noise after the work is done, simply bring it back in and they’ll get it resolved. Most body shops also work directly with insurance companies so you don’t have to. To search your zip code now for a better auto body shop in your area, visit: www.carwise.com.

Buying the Right Car for a College Student

Carwise No Comment Aug 2,2018 Auto Body Shop Consumer Tips

Over the next few weeks millions of students will be heading off to college; many for the very first time. And as that annual rite of passage plays out, countless American families will be scrambling to find safe and reliable transportation for their loved ones before they hit the road. Driving back and forth from college with passengers in tow through various driving conditions takes a toll on a vehicle, and then you’ve got other operating expenses to consider. As college costs continue to rise every year, the last thing you want is investing a lot of money into an unreliable vehicle. With all that in mind, here are some key factors to consider when buying the right car for a college student.

Reliability

In most cases, you’ll be purchasing a used vehicle for your college student. First, you’ll want to ensure that its reliable using these steps:

Inspect the vehicle

Walk around the car and look for signs of major body repairs, assess the condition of the tires, and then check underneath for any suspicious fluid leaks. Then pop the hood and look the engine over for any worn parts. Also inspect the interior for damage that indicates excessive wear-and-tear.

Check the vehicle history report (VHR)

VHRs serve as a kind of “rap sheet”, while revealing information like accidents, servicing and repair records, number of owners, and whether the vehicle was ever salvaged (“totaled out” by an insurer). Most sellers now provide a free VHR. If not, Carfax (carfax.com) offers them for a small fee.

Test drive it

Have the intended driver slide behind the wheel to get a feel for the pedals, controls, leg and headroom, and field-of-vision. Before hitting the road, test all the systems including the stereo, heater and A/C, lights, power windows and door locks. Then take it for a test drive with the radio off. Listen for strange noises, assess the ride comfort, steering and suspension. Does it shift smoothly? Do the brakes and cruise control work okay?

Consumer reviews

Read online reviews from actual vehicle owners for reliability feedback and any commonly-reported problems.

Have a mechanic inspect it

The final step is to pay a professional to inspect all the major systems, inside and out.

Affordability

To initially avoid overpaying for a vehicle, search the fair market value for similar cars in your area using the make, model and year on sites like Autotrader (www.autotrader.com) and Kelly Blue Book (www.kbb.com). Factors like higher mileage, multiple owners, and accidents can reduce the price. Other affordability issues to think about are:

Gas mileage

Notably, when your student will be frequently making long commutes, check out the miles per gallon (MPG) before buying. You really don’t need to buy them a gas-guzzling SUV when an economical 4-cylinder sedan or compact with ample room, notably a hybrid, makes more sense.

Insurance premiums

Check with your agent before signing on the dotted line about rates and then decide if the premiums will work within your budget.

Future upkeep costs

Read online mechanic blogs, driving enthusiast websites and consumer reviews to get a feel for what the future maintenance costs might be.

Safety

Obviously, this is important when you’re buying a car for any family member. When it’s for a younger, less-experienced one who’ll be driving through all types of weather, you’ve got to be extra cautious. To better ensure their road safety, look for these vehicle features:

Engine size

Bigger, more powerful engines will simply encourage faster driving, and they eat gas. Buy a vehicle with a smaller engine that delivers adequate performance.

Avoid ultra-light cars

While balancing fuel economy with this decision, stay away from extremely lightweight vehicles that will afford less collision protection.

Electronic stability control (ESC)

This is a must for younger drivers, as ESC helps the tires track better on curves and slippery pavement.

Other safety features

Look for cars with safety enhancements like multiple airbags, Bluetooth, lane change sensors, and other accident-avoidance systems.

We Wrote the “Textbook” on Collision Repairs

Even when taking all the safety precautions listed above, the car you purchase for your college student can still be involved in an accident. When that happens, rest assured that a good auto body shop in your area can expertly fix the damage promptly, and then get your loved one safely and reliably back to school again. They have the training, experience and equipment to get the repairs done right, and restore your peace-of-mind. Most shops will also work directly with insurance companies so you don’t have to. To search your zip code for a better auto body shop in your area that specializes in top-quality repairs, visit: www.carwise.com now.

Collision Repair Shops Nearby are Myth-Busters

Don’t Be Fooled by these 4 Collision Repair Myths

Carwise No Comment Jul 13,2018 Auto Body Shop Consumer Tips

The period right after you’re involved in a car accident can be confusing and stressful, especially when it’s your first one. And within a short amount of time you’ll be asked to make some important decisions about your damaged vehicle’s collision repairs. Unfortunately, there are a lot of myths floating around that can influence where and how you have your car repaired. As a car owner, it’s important to know the truth when it comes to getting your vehicle’s appearance and performance promptly and reliably restored like new again. To keep you from getting fooled, here are responses to 4 of the more common collision repair myths out there.

You Must Use a Shop Your Insurance Company Chooses

As an insured driver, you have the legal right to pick any body shop that you want. Insurance companies would prefer that you go to a less-expensive one, and most providers have agreements with specific shops in a given area to lower repair costs and speed up the process. But insurance adjusters know that you still can take your car to a body shop of your choosing, and they will honor your decision while covering any accident-related repair costs.

Only a Dealer Can Repair Your Car Right

Misconception number two is that only a dealership that sells the same vehicle make (Ford, Chevy, etc.) as yours has the ability and original (OEM) parts to fix your car the right way. That’s just simply not true. Non-dealer-affiliated collision repair shops can order the same parts and their technicians have the training, equipment and experience to work on all makes and models of vehicles… including yours.

A Damaged Frame Can’t Be Repaired

Even minor fender benders can cause frame damage, so if this myth were true cars would be getting totaled out by insurance companies all the time. If the frame was bent but not structurally weakened, it can probably be fixed. In fact, many newer vehicles have unibody frames which are routinely repairable. Your best bet is to have your frame inspected at a body shop to assess the damage and then they will repair it if can be done so safely.

Insurance Pays for All the Repairs

This final myth is one that many car owners fall for, as it depends completely upon your insurance policy’s terms. That’s why you should always read your policy over carefully, notably when your insurer has made changes. If the wreck was your fault, you’ll have to pay a specified deductible up front when picking up your repaired vehicle. If another driver was responsible, their insurance company should pay all your accident-related repair bills. For example, “collision” coverage under a policy pays for repairs resulting from the accident, but nothing that existed prior to it. “Liability only” policies will take care of the other person’s car if you caused the accident, but not cover your repairs.

Collision Repair Shops Nearby are Myth-Busters

When you’re involved in an accident, don’t fall victim to some of the collision repair myths out there. Bring it to a reliable collision repair shop in your area instead, where the shop manager can expertly answer your questions about any potential repairs, and what to expect when dealing with your insurance company. In fact, most body shops work directly with insurance adjusters so that you don’t have to. Local body shop technicians have the training, experience and equipment to repair your vehicle in a prompt and dependable fashion while getting you safely back on the road again. And having your car restored right the first time will save you time and money later. To search your zip code for the best collision repair shops in your area, visit: www.carwise.com now.

Is Custom Window Tinting Right for Your Car?

Carwise No Comment Jun 15,2018 Auto Body Shop Consumer Tips, Glass Repair

How many times have you gotten into your car on a hot summer’s day after it’s been sitting for several hours and it felt like a sauna? In addition to making you feel like a boiling lobster, the sun’s heat and powerful UV rays can also crack and fade your vehicle’s seats, dash and other upholstery features. A relatively inexpensive way to keep your car cooler is to have the windows custom tinted, an aftermarket service that most auto body shops provide. And if you stop by a local shop looking for a quote, don’t be surprised if the shop manager asks you several questions in return about your tinting goals. That’s because custom window tinting comes in a menu of colors, protection levels and tint types that can be specifically tailored to your individual needs. But before all that, you’ll need to decide if custom window tinting is right for your vehicle in the first place.

Benefits of Custom Window Tinting

If you are considering aftermarket custom window tinting for your vehicle, here are some of the benefits that it provides:

Sunlight heat protection. Studies have found that window tinting can lower your car’s interior temperature by nearly 30%. That’s not only more comfortable, but it also means using the A/C less during the summer, which improves your fuel economy.

Blocks UV rays. Intense UV rays can harm you and your vehicle’s interior. Window tinting forms a barrier that blocks up to 99% of those damaging rays from penetrating into your car. Not only is that safer for you and your passengers, but your interior will look newer and last longer, while boosting your vehicle’s resale value.

Reduces “smash and grabs”. Notably when you park your car in high crime areas, not being able to see your valuables inside will make it less likely for potential “smash and grab” thieves to target you.

Enhanced accident safety. Upon impact, rear and side windows can shatter into small pieces that have the potential to injure you and your passengers. Tinting helps hold the glass shards together, reducing the likelihood those fragments will do harm.

Custom Window Tinting Options

To start with, you’ll need to choose a tint color. Black is the most popular, as it never goes out of style and works well with all paint jobs. In addition, bronze and amber are also common color choice options. Next, you’ll be asked to choose a shade on a scale from 5%, which blocks out the most sunlight, to 50%, which inhibits the least. This is referred to by body shop technicians as the “visible light transmission”, or VLT, rate. Before choosing your shade level, always refer to your state’s DMV window tinting standards for windshields, side and rear windows, as they vary. With that said, these are the types of custom tinting that are available:

Dyed film tint: This is the most popular form of aftermarket tinting, and uses a thin polymer film that is custom-shaded with dyes based upon your preferences. Consumers can also choose between flat, reflective, metallic or mirrored film tint looks. Dyed film tinting is the least-expensive method, and will last about 5 years before you could see some cracking, peeling or discoloration.

Ceramic film tint: A little more expensive than basic film tinting, this process does not use dyes and won’t change color over time. Ceramic tinting also acts as a more efficient barrier against heat and glare than does a base film.

Metallic window films: The materials used in this process contain tiny metal particles that reflect the sun’s heat and UV rays very effectively away from your windows. However, some drivers have found that metallic film tinting disrupts GPS, radio, WiFi and cell phone signals.

Coating tint: As the name implies, a special solution is sprayed on your windows and dries as a protective coating. However, most body shops don’t provide this service because it requires removing the entire window before applying. Glass specialty shops are your best bet for coating tints, and it will cost more than the other processes. The upside is that coating tint will last longer when compared to other tinting methods.

Custom window tinting usually takes 24 to 48 hours to complete at a body shop, and the average cost will be $100 to $600, depending upon the number of windows you want tinted, the type of tint used, and size of vehicle you have.

Local Body Shops Do Custom Window Tinting

When you’ve finally made the decision to get your car windows custom-tinted, auto body shops in your area have the top-quality products, training and experience to get the job done right. The qualified technicians there will be happy to explain the various aftermarket tinting options available, and provide you with additional information like the manufacturer’s warranty and your state’s DMV tinting standards. To search your zip code for a reliable auto body shop in your area that does expert custom window tinting, visit: www.carwise.com now.

How Body Shop Car Interior Repairs Benefit You

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

It’s a fact that the average car interior experiences a lot of wear-and-tear. Pets, kids, sharp objects, mud, food, spilled beverages, and even the sun’s rays all team up to damage your vehicle’s interior. Body shop technicians collectively refer to a car’s interior features, including the seats, dashboard, steering wheel, carpeting, headliner, consoles, levers, knobs and visors, as its “upholstery”. When you combine the aforementioned factors with aging, your car’s upholstery is vulnerable to scratches, tears, cracks, stains, fading and scuffs. But the good news is there are several restorative techniques available that allow car care professionals to revitalize your vehicle’s upholstery, and keep it looking great for many years to come. Let’s take a look at a few of those now, along with how those interior repairs benefit you.

Interior Repairs Body Shops Provide

Your car’s interior features a wide-variety of materials and fabrics, and each requires a slightly different type of care. For example, seat covers can be made from natural fabrics, like leather or linen, or synthetic ones such as vinyl or nylon. Then there are plastic parts constructed from various polymers located throughout the passenger compartment. When those show signs of wear, here are some of the more common upholstery restorations that body shops provide:

Scratches and Scuffs– These can be found on your steering wheel, dash, door panels, consoles and more. Professionals remove these surface blemishes with special cleaners and buffing processes.

Carpet Reconditioning– Located on a vehicle’s floor, door panels or in the trunk, automotive carpeting is designed to be very durable and stain-resistant. But yours can still get worn and dirty. As a result, body shop professionals use special shampoos and extraction methods to target ground in debris and recondition your carpeting like new.

Leather Restorations- For anyone who’s owned a vehicle with leather inside, it looks great but has unique care challenges. Leather is used for seat and steering wheel covers, on dashboards, consoles and door panels. It can get dirty, scratched, cracked and faded, so detailers use special cleaners, brushes and conditioners to revitalize leather.

Seat Covers- Seat coverings are crafted from leather, vinyl, cloth, or a combination of those. When they’re stained, ripped, frayed or suffer a burn hole, technicians use various techniques to clean and repair the seat covers, while putting your mind at-ease.

Food, Beverage and Pet Stains- Let’s face it, if you have kids or pets you’ll have stains inside your car that are difficult to remove. Lingering odors sometimes accompany those stains which also need to be addressed. As a result, the pros use stain-dissolving cleaners, along with deodorizers and extraction techniques to get them out.

Plastic and Hard Vinyl Cracks- These can be particularly troublesome for a novice to repair, but body shops use special crack fillers and buffing tricks so you can’t even tell that the area’s been fixed.

Headliners- Located above the passenger compartment, this area of your upholstery often gets ignored. But headliners can get dirty, torn or start to sag. Body shops have the equipment to clean your headliner with special shampoo, or repair it if tears or sagging occur.

Industry insiders recommend having your vehicle professionally detailed inside and out at least once a year to stay ahead of some of the upholstery problems listed above. And that’s a service that most body shops provide.

How Interior Repairs Benefit You

Getting your car’s interior professionally cleaned and repaired returns the following benefits to you as its owner:

Improves your car’s ride comfort
Restores its appearance to “like-new” condition
Delivers a high return-on-investment by increasing its resale value
Interior repairs cost much less than replacements

On occasion, an upholstery component may be simply too damaged to repair. When that happens, a collision repair shop can affordably replace that part with a new one, and get you confidently on the road again.

Locate a Body Shop in Seconds

When your car’s interior starts showing signs of aging, take it to a reliable auto body shop nearby and allow them to clean, repair and restore the affected areas affordably and promptly. If you have some upholstery that needs to be replaced, body shop technicians have the expertise to get the job done right. Collision repair shops also offer professional detailing services that help protect your car’s interior year-around from wear-and-tear. In the end, don’t spend another day driving around in a car with an embarrassing interior. Instead, let an auto body shop in your neighborhood restore your peace-of-mind with some top-quality upholstery repairs. To quickly search your zip code now for body shops in your area that specialize in expert interior repairs, visit: www.carwise.com.

The Many Benefits of Body Shop Plastic Repairs

Carwise No Comment May 4,2018 Auto Body Shop Consumer Tips

Your car features a lot of plastic parts- many of which you may be unaware of. In fact, durable plastic polymers are now used for bumpers, body and door panels, trim, light covers, windows, equipment housings and more. Introduced on cars in the late 1960s, plastic parts reduce a vehicle’s weight while improving its fuel efficiency. In addition, plastics minimize corrosion, allow for more design creativity and are easier to recycle than metals. When your car is involved in a collision, naturally some of its plastic parts can get damaged and require repairs. Newer plastic repair innovations now allow body shops to oftentimes fix and reuse the original part rather than replacing it. Here’s how those plastic repair benefits play out for you.

You the Driver

When your car’s in the shop after an accident, it’s a hassle to be without it. For example, let’s say that your plastic bumper was cracked in a minor fender bender and needs to be repaired. In the past, a replacement bumper would have been ordered, a large batch of paint mixed and applied, and the new part installed. With the high-tech plastic repairs used today, body shop technicians can oftentimes patch the existing bumper and spot blend a little paint; which means faster turnaround times and lower bills. That’s important when you are paying out-of-pocket for repairs, and/or have to come up with the cash yourself for a rental car. The many benefits of plastic repairs for you as a driver include:

Faster turnaround time
Less stress
Increased resale value when original equipment stays on the vehicle
Overall higher satisfaction with the repair job

In the end, all of these factors add up to a more seamless and worry-free repair experience for the driver. But in addition to drivers, who else in the equation benefits from plastic repairs?

Body Shops Nearby Know Plastic Repairs

When your car’s in the body shop, plastic repairs on original parts in-lieu-of replacements benefits you, the shop and your insurance company. Reputable collision repair shops in your area have the training, equipment and know-how to make those plastic repairs happen, while restoring your car’s appearance like new. In the end, you should get your vehicle back faster while enjoying a higher level of overall satisfaction with the repair process. To search your zip code now for reliable body shops in your area that specialize in plastic repairs, visit: www.carwise.com.

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.

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.

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.