Windshield Crack Repair and Replacement

Carwise 2 Comments Sep 29,2017 Auto Body Shop Consumer Tips, Glass Repair

A crack in your windshield or any window in your car can be extremely frustrating, as it is not a problem you can avoid fixing right away. Many small cracks in vehicle windows can easily grow into large, unrepairable cracks very quickly if not repaired quickly and properly. If you do have a small crack, or a crack that is less than 6 inches in length, it is likely you will not need to get a full windshield replacement. Many collision repair shops offer glass repair services and will be able to assess the crack damage to your window or windshield to quickly determine if it will require repair or total replacement. There are many at home auto glass repair options, as well, if you fancy yourself to be handy with repairs. It is recommended that you use these kits on very minor cracks that are not deep in order to ensure complete repair.

Windshield glass repair is a fairly simple process. The collision repair shop technician will first assess the total crack damage in the glass, taking into account the age of the windshield, depth, and length of the crack, and placement. Many times, if the damage is in the line of sight of the driver shops will recommend that a full replacement take place. Likewise if a crack is deep enough to penetrate the clear layer of plastic that prevents windshield glass from shattering. If they determine that the windshield can be repaired, they will clean the surface entirely before applying a sturdy glue that will dry clear. If done properly, windshield crack repair is a safe and permanent solution to a damaged piece of glass.

Consumers will also be happy to know that windshield glass repair is an affordable option. Most times, full auto glass replacement is also not an extremely pricey fix, either. Search Carwise.com today to find a collision repair shop near you that can perform auto glass replacement and repair.

When to Consider Paintless Dent Repair

Paintless Dent Repair is a popular and usually more cost-effective alternative to full replacement repairs at auto body shops. Paintless dent repair, or PDR, is a technique used to remove minor dents and dings from car panels, doors, and roofs while leaving the original paint intact. To do this, technicians will access the back side of the damaged panel and then massage and shrink the dent with unique and specialized rods and tools. Eliminating the time spent on ordering replacement parts, PDR is faster than conventional repairs and does not use traditional auto body methods like sanding, body fillers in order to maintain your car’s original finish.

Are you unsure if paintless dent repair is an option for you?

Dents in areas that suffered paint damage or, similarly, dents that have caused your vehicle’s paint to chip or crack are not eligible for paintless dent repair. It is possible that the process could still be completed, but the cost benefit of PDR may be nominal with the added expense of paint repair. These are important questions to ask a technician during your estimating process, as it can vary per repair. This method tends to work best when the affected area is on an original panel (has not been previously replaced), when the damage is not near the edge of a panel, and on newer cars, typically with model years of 1990 or later.

Book an appointment online using Carwise

Carwise 2 Comments Jun 30,2017 Auto Body Shop Consumer Tips

As many as 35% of online appointments are now made online after hours. This is why we have updated Carwise.com to include appointment booking, allowing you to complete the entire process of finding and making an appointment with a body shop in your area in one place. All open appointment slots at participating repair facilities will show up directly within the search results, so you can easily find both a shop and appointment time that work best for you, no need to pick up the phone or wait on hold with the shop.

Online booking gives you the flexibility to make an appointment online at the shop you choose, at any time of day. Plus, all appointment slots are updated in real-time, providing a smooth end-to-end experience for you.

How much does a car paint job cost?

Carwise 2 Comments Aug 3,2016 Auto Body Shop Consumer Tips

Are you thinking about getting a fresh color on your car, or just looking to patch up an area of rust or scratch on your hood? It’s hard to know what to expect in terms of cost, as this is not something we often do. Good news is many auto body and collision repair shops offer free estimates on paint jobs. We recommend getting quotes from a couple shops before making a decision, as costs can vary greatly.

So, you might be wondering, what all is involved in painting a car anyway? There are a few steps to the process. First, the car must be prepped for a new coat of paint. This includes a power wash, a layer of grease remover, and the car is sanded down completely. Then, the car is prepped with plastic covering to protect all areas that should not be painted; including: tires, windows, headlights, etc. Once complete, the car is ready for paint. The color paint is applied in even coats, then a clear coat is applied at the end. The clear coat is what gives cars a shiny finish, the color alone is a matte finish. Finally, the cars are parked in huge dryers, allowing the paint to set and dry completely.

A fresh paint job might be just what your car needs to make it feel new again either for your personal use or to help you spruce it up to sell.

Sources:

http://www.carsdirect.com/car-maintenance/how-to-properly-spray-paint-a-car-for-a-professional-look

100

Common Reasons Why your Car May Not be Starting

Carwise 3 Comments Mar 9,2016 Auto Body Shop Consumer Tips

Car won’t start? This could be caused by a variety of things, so we’ve compiled a list of some of the most common reasons and tips for troubleshooting the cause. Typically, there are subtle distinctions between the causes, as listed below, and it can save you some time at a repair shop if you know what the issue is upfront.
Here are the most common reasons your car may not start:

The battery is dead

If your car makes a clicking noise but won’t start, it is likely that your battery is dead. This is an easy fix, regardless if you need a new one, or to charge your existing battery.

The alternator is bad

The alternator is responsible for charging your battery while the car engine is running. There are a few signs of a bad alternator; including, dimmed headlights, illuminated dash lights, or a growling sound. If left untreated, you may find yourself with a car that won’t start, because the battery has not been charging properly.

Fuel system issues

If the engine cranks but won’t start it possibly caused by a blocked fuel filter or a fuel pump failure.

The ignition switch is bad

This switch is what sends energy from the battery to spark the starter and begin burning gas. If this switch goes bad, none of this process can start. This issue is typically characterized by flickering dash lights, and difficulty turning the key.

The starter is faulty

A faulty starter causes a high-pitched screeching sound, similar to that of when a car is running and the starter is accidentally hit again.

A repair shop in your area will be able to fully diagnose the issue and provide the solutions to get your vehicle up-and-running again. Be sure to browse reviews written by real customers on Carwise to find a shop that is best for your needs.

Paintless Dent Repair: Not just for hail damage

Carwise 2 Comments Nov 4,2015 Auto Body Shop Consumer Tips, Dent Repair

Finding small dents in your car can be incredibly frustrating. Taking it in for a repair at an auto body shop and contacting your insurance company seems like a hassle since you can still operate the vehicle.

Smoothing Out the Hail Damage Repair Process

Carwise 1 Comment Jul 4,2015 Auto Body Shop Consumer Tips, Auto Body Shop Owner Tips, Dent Repair

The calm after a storm is not so smooth when it has resulted in hail damage to your vehicle. In many cases though, getting the damage fixed is not so difficult.

The Pros & Cons of In-House Paintless Dent Repair

Carwise No Comment May 4,2015 Auto Body Shop Consumer Tips, Auto Body Shop Owner Tips, Dent Repair

Paintless dent repair is a repair option worth considering for auto body shop managers. Whether or not your shop is in an area that gets hit regularly by hailstorms, PDR is a relatively inexpensive way of repairing dents in vehicles. While it is likely that your future and existing customers will appreciate a less expensive option to repair dents, it is important for collision repair shops to evaluate their own cost benefit of setting up PDR in-house.

Connected Cars: Customer Satisfaction and Safety

Carwise 1 Comment Feb 27,2015 Auto Body Shop Consumer Tips, Auto Body Shop Owner Tips

The explosion of mobile technology has made staying connected easier than ever. And as that technology continues to expand its reach, car manufacturers are working to meet consumer demands for connectivity inside the vehicle. Which features are important to consumers, and what impact will those features have on customer satisfaction and safety?

Top 6 Reasons Why Auto Body Shop Reviews Are Important

Carwise 1 Comment Dec 8,2014 Auto Body Shop Consumer Tips, Auto Body Shop Owner Tips

Online auto body shop review websites like Carwise.com are important for your business. They not only help you communicate with your existing customers, but they can be a key component of a successful auto body shop’s marketing strategy. An online auto body shop review is a reflection of your reputation, plus online reviews can draw in new business to your shop.