How to Prep Your Car for Winter Driving

No Comment Car Care Tips

For most of the U.S., winter is on its way or has already made an appearance with a snowfall or two. Winter can be a precarious season for driving, between ice storms, snow storms, fallen leaves and more. But with a few basic maintenance steps, you can make sure your car is road-ready, whatever weather may find you.

Prep Your Tires for Winter

Your tires are very important to your safety on the road and require routine maintenance, especially as seasons change. There are a few items to check off your list before winter arrives:

  • Check tire tread. Because winter roads can be so slippery, it’s important to make sure your tires have good traction. Check the tread on your tires to make sure it’s not too low and replace your tires if needed.
  • Check your tire pressure. When the temperature drops, so will your tire pressure. Make sure your tires are in proper range and fill up with extra air if the pressure is too low.
  • Consider snow tires. If you live in a particularly snowy or icy climate, you might opt for special winter tires. They may lower your gas milage but provide much better traction. You can swap them out at the end of the season.

Check Your Car’s Fluids, Brakes, Battery, and Blades for Winter

Once you know your tires are good to go, you should check other key components for your vehicle that will keep it running smoothly in cold weather:  

  • Check your fluids. Top off any fluids that may need it, including antifreeze and brake fluid. You should also change out your oil if it needs it, and consider purchasing winter washer fluid, which is less likely to freeze in very cold temperatures.
  • Inspect your brakes. Winter can be extremely hard on brakes, between slippery roads, salt and more. Make sure your brakes are in optimal condition and schedule any repairs or replacements that might be needed. Not sure if it’s time for a brake job? Here are six signs that your brakes may need replacing.
  • Check your battery. Car battery functionality goes down in winter, and negative temperatures can make it harder for it to start especially if the battery is older. Test the battery with a reader to make sure it’s performing well and replace it if needed.
  • Keep an eye on wiper blades. Ice easily wears down windshield wiper blades. Start the winter season out with a fresh pair and replace as needed – even consider keeping a spare set in your car in case you need new ones while on the road.

Prep Your Car for a Winter Weather Emergency

Finally, there are a few last items to keep in mind to ensure you’re ready for winter:

  • Pack an emergency kit. It’s good to be prepared for whatever may happen in case you end up stranded for a few hours or even a day. Make sure your car is packed with an emergency kit suitable for your particular needs and climate. Learn what to consider including in your kit in this article.
  • Keep your gas tank half full. In cold weather, moisture can build up in your gas tank, which can wreak havoc on your vehicle long term. Do your best to always keep your gas tank at least half full to help prevent this.

Once your car has been winterized, you can hit the road with confidence. If an accident happens on icy, snowy roads, follow these safety tips to collect accident information, submit a claim, and seek repairs. If you find yourself in need of auto body repairs over the winter or any time of year, Carwise  can help you find the perfect shop near you. Search Carwise.com and read reviews from real customers, find shop hours and locations, before and after photos, and certifications. With more than 21,000 shops to choose from, Carwise.com will help you find your perfect fit. Get started today: https://www.carwise.com/auto-body-shops/.

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Can Leaves Damage Your Car?

No Comment Car Care Tips

Autumn leaves are a beautiful sight to see, but they can wreak havoc on your car in all sorts of ways. Not only can fallen leaves be as slippery as ice, leading to more accidents, but they also can damage a car’s finish, clog air intakes or drain holes, scratch your car and more. Fortunately, there are a few simple things you can do to help your vehicle avoid damage, so you can continue to enjoy the beauty of autumn leaves without worrying about damage to your car.

Protect Your Car’s Finish From Leaves

Dead leaves often contain tree sap, which is acidic. Acid is no friend to a car’s paint job. If left to sit, leaves can slowly erode the clearcoat or even the paint itself. It’s best to remove leaves quickly from a car, and to do so by hand to avoid scratching your car’s paint.

Additionally, tree sap can be removed with rubbing alcohol dabbed onto a microfiber cloth, or you can purchase special tree sap remover. Always be sure to test any products on a small, hidden area of paint on your vehicle before starting, to make sure it doesn’t cause any discoloration.

After cleaning off your car, be sure to give it a good rinse or take it through a car wash. Getting a wax finish prior to fall can also help protect your car from leaf damage.

Clear Out Any Clogs Caused by Leaves

When removing leaves from your car, don’t forget about hidden areas where leaves can collect, such as under the hood, air intakes and drain holes around sunroofs. Leaves can clog all of these areas, causing issues down the road. Leaves left to sit can develop mildew or mold, or even lead to corrosion and rust over time. It’s best to periodically inspect your car for any hidden leaves to make sure these areas are clear of debris.

Avoid Scratches from Leaves on Your Windows/Windshield

Along with acidity, leaves are also abrasive and can cause scratches to your car. For example, if you turn on your windshield wipers, swiping dead leaves back and forth across can scratch the glass. It’s better to pick the leaves off by hand, or with a tool like a leaf blower or gentle brush.   To avoid scratches, make sure to clear off any leaves that land on your car before driving, and especially clear off the windshield before using the wipers. A car cover can also help protect your car from scratches, as well as preserve the finish. If you do decide to use a car cover, make sure to invest in a high-quality one; lower-quality covers can actually scratch your vehicle as well.

Find an Auto Body Repair Shop Near You

Sometimes despite our best efforts, leaves and other elements can damage a car’s finish. Carwise can help you choose a reputable auto body shop to fix your paint job from more than 21,000 shops nationwide. Search Carwise.com and find reviews from real customers, before and after photos, shop certifications, hours and locations. Start your search today: https://www.carwise.com/auto-body-shops/ .

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Four Things to Know About Maintaining Your Truck

No Comment Car Care Tips, Maintenance

Data shows that out of all the cars on the road, light trucks continue to be the most popular vehicle by sale. Light-duty trucks can be great for hauling, but all of that weight can also have an impact on different parts of the vehicle, from tires and brakes to the engine. Fortunately, routine maintenance you can help preserve the life of your truck. Below, find four tips to help your truck stay on the road for as long as possible.

1 – Change the engine oil and filter regularly.

If you’re using your truck to haul things frequently, like a boat or work equipment, it can put a strain on your truck’s powerful engine. While changing the engine oil and filter is important maintenance for every type of vehicle, it’s especially important for trucks because of the added stress it sustains from bearing extra weight – from the auto body itself, as well as your vehicle load. Information on how often to change these items can be found in your truck’s manual.

While in the shop, have them check the other fluid levels as well and top any off that are running low.

2 – Inspect the brakes frequently.

Brakes can wear out quickly on a truck, as the extra weight of heavy loads can strain them, so it’s always a good to ask for your brakes to be inspected when you’re getting other routine maintenance done, like an oil change. Generally, a truck’s brake pads will last around 50,000 miles – but it could be sooner, depending on usage.

Keep an eye out for signs that your truck’s brakes are wearing down: your truck’s indicator lights if you have a newer model, the thickness of the brake pads, or physical cues when you brake: vibrations, squeaking, or the scent of burnt rubber.

3 – Rotate tires routinely.

Rotating your truck’s tires regularly can help make sure they wear out at the same rate. Typically, tires should be rotated every 5,000-7,000 miles on a truck, though if you’re frequently hauling heavy loads in your truck or driving many miles, you might need a rotation sooner. Be sure to have the tires inspected during other regular maintenance.

4 – Prevent paint corrosion and rust.

One thing that can spell the end for any vehicle is corrosion and rust – and trucks may be especially susceptible if you take them off road or through muddy, gravelly conditions. If you do go through mud or get debris on your car, be sure to take it through a car wash or wash it yourself promptly to prevent damage to your car’s finish. Additionally, any scratches to the paintjob should be promptly repaired to prevent rust from beginning to form.

Find An Auto Body Shop Near You

As a truck owner, you want your truck to stay in the best shape it possibly can and you want it to be safe on the road. Still, accidents happen or sometimes you need auto body repairs to prevent further damage to your vehicle.  If your truck needs collision repair, auto glass repair, or auto body maintenance to repair rust or scratches, Carwise can help. To find a reputable auto body shop near you, search Carwise.com and read reviews from real customers, find shop hours and locations, before and after photos, and certifications. With more than 21,000 shops to choose from, Carwise.com will help you find your perfect fit. Get started today: https://www.carwise.com/auto-body-shops / .

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Repairing Scratches on Your Car – and When to Repaint

No Comment Car Care Tips

Even if you’re a very careful driver, scratches can happen. Sometimes it’s as simple as sliding a grocery bag off the top of your car or brushing against a bush as you pull into your driveway. Some minor scratches can be fixed at home, but keep in mind that repairing or repainting a scratch incorrectly can incur further damage. Here are a few tips on how to decide when it’s best to try a DIY repair or take it to a professional.

DIY Options for “Barely There” Scratches

If a scratch is minor or barely noticeable, there’s a chance you can fix it at home. If the scratch is shallow and the length or width is less than an inch, you may be able to buff it out yourself. A good test is to see if your fingernail catches in the scratch.

Scratch Repair Kits

A scratch repair kit is worth a try for those “barely there” scratches and can be purchased at most auto body shops, online, or in other retail stores. Most will come equipped with scratch repair polish and paste, touch up paint and buffers.

For all scratches, you’ll start by first cleaning the area with soap and water, using a microfiber cloth. This removes any debris that might cause further scratching. Next, apply the scratch removal paste to a microfiber cloth or the buffers the kit came with – not directly to the scratch – and gently buff the scratch to fill it in.

Then, use the scratch removal polish with another buffer or microfiber cloth to gently buff the scratch again. Take your time – this process can take a few minutes. Don’t repeat the buffing process more than three times, or it may erode the clear coating on the auto body.

Finally, remove any extra polish with a clean cloth, and touch up the paint as needed with the paint that came in your repair kit. Let the paint dry for 8 to 12 hours, then consider getting your car waxed to protect the paint once again.

Glazing Putty Kits

If a scratch is big enough to catch your fingernail, or that you can see bare metal, it’s a bigger job – and you should consider contacting a professional. However, if you want to attempt to fix it at home, you can try using glazing putty.

Glazing putty can be purchased at most auto shops and some retail stores. This putty can fill in bigger scratches, and it’s the best method if a scratch is deep enough to see the metal beneath the paint.

In this case, you’ll again clean the area, but this time use rubbing alcohol to remove any residual wax or dirt from the area. Next, apply the putty directly to the scratch on the car. Use a spreader tool to spread it evenly and fill in the scratch. Allow it to harden for several minutes before moving on.

Finally, you’ll remove any excess putty with a liquid paint leveler and a microfiber cloth until the scratch looks flat and the area around it seems transparent. Then, you’re ready to repaint.

The Challenge of Paint Matching

Keep in mind that the paint may not be an exact match to the color and finish of your vehicle. If the scratch is large enough, a mismatched paint job will be just as noticeable as the scratch itself, so you may want to seek paint repair from a professional auto body shop near you. Professional auto body technicians have the tools and resources to repair the scratch efficiently and match your vehicle’s color and finish.

Find a Professional Auto Body Shop Near You

Carwise.com can help you find a shop near you that can get your vehicle’s scratches fixed quickly and correctly the first time. Carwise has details on more than 21,000 shops, from hours and locations, to shop certifications, reviews by real customers, and before and after photos. Use Carwise’s shop finder tool to search your zip code for a customer-reviewed auto body shop nearby: https://www.carwise.com/auto-body-shops/.

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Eight Tips to Extend the Life of Your Car

No Comment Car Care Tips

Cars can be expensive – and if you have one you already love, you likely want to make sure it stays in the best condition possible for as long as possible and avoid the maintenance pitfalls that can lead to an accident. There are some simple things you can do that may help extend the life of your car, keeping it on the road for many years to come. Below, find eight simple tips to follow to make sure you’re doing all you can.

1 – Read the manual.

One very simple way to keep your car in its best shape? Read the user manual when you purchase it. The manual will tell you what maintenance your car’s specific make and model needs and how often, and it will even tell you particular things to look for in your specific car.

2 – Change your oil regularly.

Oil protects your engine and keeps it running smoothly. Oil should be changed every 3,000-5,000 miles or so. When in doubt, refer to the owner’s manual to see how often oil should be checked or changed.

3 – Routinely check and change your fluids.

There are many fluids in your car aside from oil; there’s also transmission fluid, radiator fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and others. These fluids should be checked at least once a month, and definitely checked with regular car maintenance. If they need to be topped off or changed, do this promptly.

4 – Check your tires often.

Tires are very important for not only your car, but also for your safety. Keep an eye on your tire pressure, which can fluctuate with outdoor temperatures. Tires that have too much pressure can pop while you’re driving, and too low pressure can damage your vehicle as well. Tire pressure can be checked at most gas stations, with air stations available if needed. Be sure to also keep tabs on the condition of your tires and have them rotated regularly, usually about every six months.

5 – Keep your car clean – inside and out.

Keeping your car clean isn’t just about appearances – vehicle cleanliness plays a role in protecting the auto body’s paint job, preventing rust and more. Go through a carwash regularly to keep the exterior protected, and get the undercarriage cleaned before and after winter, to protect it from salt build up from the roads. While you’re there, clean the inside of your car as well, to keep the interior materials in good condition.

6 – Avoid “cold starts” if possible.

Cold starts are when you turn your car on and immediately drive away, typically because you’re running behind schedule and want to get to your destination quickly. Ideally, you should turn your car on and wait about 30 seconds before you start driving, no matter the weather. In cold temperatures, engines collect condensation that can contaminate the oil and corrode the system. Giving your vehicle a few minutes to warm up before you hit the road can help condensation evaporate and avoid damage to the engine.

7 – Fix windshield & window chips.

Windshield and window chips may seem minor, but they can quickly turn into cracks. It’s best to fix a chip promptly so you can avoid having to replace all of the glass down the road – a much more expensive repair.

8 – Stay on top of repairs.

If an indicator light comes on in your dashboard or you know your car needs a repair, it’s best to not neglect it to keep your vehicle in top-notch condition and avoid accidents that incur more damage.

FIND A REPUTABLE COLLISION REPAIR SHOP NEAR YOU

If you need a paint job, window repair, or collision repair following an accident, Carwise can help. To find a reputable auto body shop near you, search Carwise.com and read reviews from real customers, find shop hours and locations, before and after photos, and certifications. With more than 21,000 shops to choose from, Carwise.com will help you find your perfect fit. Get started today: https://www.carwise.com/auto-body-shops/.

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Ten Things That Can Damage Car Paint

No Comment Car Care Tips

Whether your car is decades old or brand new, you want your car to remain looking as nice as possible for as long as possible, and keeping the paint job looking fresh goes a long way. But there are certain materials that can damage car paint. While many are repairable, some are not, so it’s important to be aware of them and take care of any messes promptly.

Below, read about 10 top items that can damage a car’s paint and learn what you can do to protect your own vehicle.

1 – Brake fluid.

As a car owner, you likely know how important it is to keep brake fluid at the proper levels – but even a little bit of non-silicone-based brake fluid can act like paint thinner and damage a paint job. If you spill brake fluid, wipe it up immediately by dabbing. Don’t spread it around. Then, wash the spot with soap and water.

2 – Animal and plant materials.

Bugs, bird droppings and tree sap can all be acidic and damage paint if they sit on a vehicle for too long, especially in the sun. Regular car washes by hand or at a commercial wash can help avoid lasting damage. If tree sap has hardened, it may need to be carefully scraped off – but be mindful not to scratch your car. And, be mindful that some types of commercial washes are better for your vehicle’s finish than others.

3 – Gasoline.

Gasoline can stain your car’s finish and be very difficult to remove if left for too long, so it’s important to be cautious when inserting and removing gas nozzles from the gas tank to avoid drippage. If you take care of spills and drips right away, it shouldn’t be an issue. Keeping your car waxed can also help protect the car’s surface from gas stains.

4 – Vandalism.

Whether a silly prank by a friend or a true act of vandalism, there’s no doubt it can damage your car. Items like silly string or shaving cream might seem benign, but if left in the sun, they can damage car paint. Other household items like certain cleaning fluids or acidic foods (tomatoes, vinegar, etc) can also leave damage. Be sure to clean up messes like these quickly with soap and water. If other vandalism occurs on your car – such as graffiti or scratches – contact your insurance agency, as the repair may be covered. In most cases, a local auto body shop will be able to color match your car’s paint and restore it to like-new condition.

5 – Shoe polish.

Believe it or not, shoe polish can be one of the most difficult stains to remove from a vehicle. Sometimes, it’s impossible. You might be wondering why someone would put shoe polish on a vehicle, but mistakes happen. If someone tries to test shoe polish on a worn part of their leather interior and rests the polish-soaked rag on the roof or hood of the vehicle even temporarily, it can cause damage. (It should also be noted that shoe polish is not recommended for cleaning or repairing leather car interior because it will not soak up the substance the way that shoe leather does.) If shoe polish gets on your car, go to your local body shop to purchase a specialized cleaner, or consult with a professional.

6 – Dust.

Dust or dirt on a car isn’t exactly attractive to begin with, but when dust mixes with rain, it can cause corrosion to the paint. Gentle car washes can help keep your car free of long-term dust and maintain the finish.

7 – Acid rain.

Acid rain is just that – acidic. Even after the rain evaporates, the acidic part remains on your car and can damage paint. Again, frequent car washes can help limit this exposure.

8 – Dirty towels & rags.

Washing your car can of course be great for the paint, but only if you’re using the right towels and rags. Be sure towels and rags are clean and ideally made of microfiber. Also, don’t set them down on pavement or gravel while working, as you could pick up dirt or debris that could damage your car’s paint.

9 – Coffee & soda.

Between the sugar and acidic nature of many coffee drinks and sodas, they can spell danger for your car paint. Simply wipe up these spills with a wet paper towel to avoid any lasting effects.

10 – Salt.

Salt helps keep vehicles safe on slippery winter road – but is one of the most corrosive things for car paint. If you live in a cold or coastal climate, it’s important to wash your car frequently to keep salt off your car long-term to reduce the risk of rust. Ideally, you should also treat your car with a wax sealant before the first snow as an extra precaution.

Find an Auto Body Shop Near You

If damage has already occurred to your car paint or you need a consultation with an expert, don’t worry. Carwise.com can help you find an auto body shop near you from more than 20,000 facilities nationwide. . Carwise’s shop search tool provides details on more than 20,000 auto body shops nationwide, including hours and location, certifications, real reviews from recent customers, and before and after photos. Get started today: https://www.carwise.com/auto-body-shops/.

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Taking Your Car to College? Make Sure it’s Road-Ready with These Tips

No Comment Car Care Tips, Safety Tips

Going to college is the first taste of true independence for most people – and bringing a car to college can provide even more freedom. But, before you hit the road, it’s important to prepare your car inside and out so that you don’t have to deal with car-related headaches throughout the semester, especially if your school is far away from home.

Use this checklist to make sure your car is ready to go before you set off.

1 – Get the Maintenance Done

Maintenance is key to keeping a car in shape for as long as possible. A few simple maintenance items include:

  • Get an oil change.
  • Get the brakes checked.
  • Check the head and taillights, as well as turn signals.
  • Check the tire pressure.
  • Check the car battery.
  • Windshield wiper replacements.
  • Replace or replenish the fluids, including transmission, break, coolant and windshield wiper fluid.

Although school semesters can get busy with classes, homework, jobs, and social events, remember to keep an eye on all of these things so that your vehicle stays road-ready. It takes less time and money for routine maintenance tasks than it would for a major repair because the oil wasn’t changed. 

2 – Complete Any Necessary Repairs

Some repairs are necessary for maintaining the safety of your vehicle. While accidents can happen, you may be able to avoid some dangerous situations by taking care of any needed repairs over the summer or winter break, before you head back to school. Repairs could include:

3 – Give Your Car a Good Cleaning

Who wants to worry about cleaning their car in the middle of a hectic semester? Cleaning may seem unnecessary, but in some cases can actually improve the safety of the vehicle, like cleaning the glass. Start each semester with a clean car and save yourself time by doing the following:

  • Clean the glass inside the car to reduce glares.
  • Clean out any trash and wipe down the steering wheel and center console.
  • Vacuum the seats and floors.
  • Have a bad odor in your car? Follow these tips for removing it.
  • Take your car through the car wash and get the undercarriage washed, particularly if you live in a cold climate with snow, to reduce the risk of rust.

4 – Take Preventative Measures

If something does happen while you’re away at school, it helps to be prepared. A few easy steps can help with this:

  • Get a AAA Membership or make sure you have tow services through your auto insurance provider. Make sure you have this information saved in a note on your phone, or that you have your provider’s mobile app downloaded. By doing this, you know that you’ll have roadside assistance wherever you are should something happen.
  • Update your insurance card if needed. Make sure it has the most up-to-date information and is stored in the glove compartment
  • Keep your car battery charged, and make sure the battery is holding a charge well.
  • Stock an emergency kit. This should include items like bottled water, shelf-stable food items, gloves and a warm blanket, flashlights, jumper cables, tire repair kit, basic tool kit, and even some cash. Think about the climate you’re in and what items you might need if you’re stranded for several hours.

Find an Auto Body or Auto Glass Shop Near You

Despite all of the above preparations, sometimes your car will still need work while you’re at school. You may not know the most reputable auto body or auto glass shop near your school, but Carwise.com can help you find a reputable auto body shop that fits your needs, even while you’re far from home. The Carwise shop search tool has details on more than 20,000 shops nationwide, from shop hours and location to real reviews from recent customers, before and after photos, shop certifications, and online appointment scheduling. Search more than 20,000 shops on Carwise.com to find your perfect fit: https://www.carwise.com/auto-body-shops/.

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What To Do If Someone Hits Your Parked Car

No Comment Auto Body Shop Consumer Tips, Car Care Tips

When you park your car while out and about, you probably assume your car will be there safe and sound when you return. But sometimes, accidents happen – even while you’re away from your vehicle. If someone hits your parked car and you return to find the damage, it can be confusing as to what to do next. The person responsible for the accident may not have stuck around or left a note to apologize and swap insurance information. What do you do if no one is around to take responsibility? 

What To Do If Someone Hits Your Parked Car

Here are some tips to help you navigate the process if your parked car has been hit:

  1. Document the damage. Documenting the damage with your smartphone will help speed up the process of filing a claim with your auto insurance and seeking any needed repairs from an auto body shop near you. If there is broken glass, be cautious as you approach the vehicle. Here are a few things you should be sure to document with photos and video:
    • Take photos of the vehicle and also any relevant details, like debris or tire marks.
    • Be sure to document the weather conditions, location and any nearby landmarks to help identify any factors that may have played a role in the accident.
    • If the driver left a note, make sure to take the note and take a picture of it as well, to ensure you have their information.
  2. File a police report. Whether the person who hit your car left a note or not, the first step should be to notify police so an accident report can be filed. In some cases, police may be able to track down security camera footage to help determine how the damage happened and who is responsible.
  3. Notify your insurance carrier. Depending on the type of insurance coverage you have, the accident may be covered by insurance. If the driver left a note, then the claims process will be similar to an in-person accident. If no note is left, then the accident may be considered a “hit and run” accident, which is a crime. If the damage is covered, ask if you can submit photos and video of the damage to kick off the process.
  4. Find an auto body or auto glass shop near you to repair the damage. If your car has been damaged, such as a damaged bumper, dent, or cracked window or windshield, you can contact an auto body or auto glass shop near you to discuss potential repairs. Ask if they accept digital photos of vehicle damage to generate a virtual estimate and kick off the repair process.

What To Do If You Hit a Parked Car

If the situation is reversed and you accidentally hit a parked car, don’t panic. Wait to see if the driver returns so you can provide them your information. If they don’t return, leave a note with your name, contact information and insurance information. You can also contact your own insurance company to start the claims process on your end. Whatever you do, don’t leave the scene without doing your due diligence to report the incident, otherwise it could be considered a crime by law enforcement.

How to Find a Collision Repair Shop Near You 

If you find yourself needing car repairs, Carwise.com is here to make the process easy from start to finish. Carwise.com makes it easy to find a repair shop near you, with details on nearly 22,000 shops – from real reviews by customers, to shop hours and locations, to shop certifications and before & after photos. Start your search today: https://www.carwise.com/auto-body-shops/

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Does Your Car Need a Paint Job?

No Comment Auto Body Shop Consumer Tips, Car Care Tips, Maintenance

When you first got your car, it was likely shiny and new, with a sparkling paint job. But over the years your car’s paint job may lose some of its luster, or may even become damaged due to rust, hail or asevere storm, or a traffic accident.

If you’re thinking about touching up your car’s paint or redoing the paint job entirely, it helps to understand what the repainting process entails. The cost of a vehicle paint job by your local auto body shop can vary widely based on the repair work needed beforehand and the size of the area being repainted, among other factors.

What Does a Car Paint Job Entail?

An estimator at a local body shop near you can go over the specific steps needed for your vehicle. Generally, the steps to repainting a car include:

  • Repairing damage. If your vehicle has rust, weather or accident damage, technicians may first treat the area before repainting – the technicians will sand down the rusty areas, repair a dent, or patch a crack, etc.
  • Prepping the car for paint. After making repairs, the technician wipes down the vehicle to create a smooth, clean surface for the paint to adhere, before masking the areas not to be painted with tape or plastic coverings. If the area that needs repainted is big enough, the technician may remove that panel from the car completely.
  • Selecting the right paint color. The new paint is matched to the original paint. A common way to do this is for the technician to use the color code marked on the vehicle.
  • Applying the primer. After the area has been sanded and dried, the car is painted with primer, up to three coats depending on the job, with each coat drying before applying the next layer.
  • Re-sanding. Next, your car may be re-sanded, to help provide a smooth base before applying the paint.
  • Painting the car. Up to three or four layers of the paint are applied on top of the primer, again with each layer drying before starting the next one.
  • Applying lacquer or a topcoat. After the paint is once again sanded with fine sandpaper and wiped down, a topcoat of lacquer can be applied, to give the car that flawless, shiny finish.
  • Buffing. Buffing the car evens out the finish and helps blend with the rest of the car.

Painting a car is a meticulous process, and it can take time to do it right. Paint jobs can start in the hundreds of dollars for a small job to several thousand or more, depending on any rust damage or other issues that may need to be resolved before painting or whether you are getting a custom paint job.

Get a Quote for a Car Paint Job from an Auto Body Shop Near You

Now that you have a better understanding of what a vehicle paint job entails, ask an auto body shop near you for a quote. You may even want to seek multiple quotes to get a better sense of how quickly you can expect it to get done.

When you request a quote, don’t be afraid to ask the auto body shop questions about their paint work, including:

  • What steps do you take when painting, and what’s covered in this quoted price?
  • Will you need to remove any panels on the car, or just mask them with tape or covers?
  • Can you show me previous examples of your work in this price range?

Ready to start scoping out a paint job for your car? Use Carwise.com to find auto body shops near you and start gathering quotes. Carwise has details on nearly 22,000 shops, from hours and locations, to shop certifications, reviews by real customers, and before and after photos. Use Carwise’s shop finder tool to search your zip code for a customer-reviewed auto body shop nearby: https://www.carwise.com/auto-body-shops/.

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Should I Get Those Small Rust Spots on My Car Fixed?

No Comment Auto Body Shop Consumer Tips, Car Care Tips

Now that it’s springtime and you’ve had a chance to wash the layers of road salt and grime off of your vehicle, you may be noticing some small rust spots and wondering if they’re something to be concerned about and how long you should wait before getting them repaired. The problem with rust is that it can grow over time when it isn’t mitigated. Here’s what you need to know about vehicle rust and when to seek repairs from an auto body shop near you.

What Causes Cars to Rust?

Exposure to dirt, salt and other chemicals can cause the top layers of your car’s paint to weaken, especially as the car ages. When bare metal is exposed to water, iron and air it creates a chemical reaction known as oxidation that causes the metal to corrode. Saltwater is the most common accelerant to oxidation and car rust; vehicles in coastal and cold-weather climates are most susceptible to this.

You can help protect your vehicle from rust by having your car professionally detailed regularly by a local auto body shop. The detailing products and techniques used by professionals can protect the paint’s finish. Getting your car washed regularly at a facility that will wash the undercarriage can also prevent buildup of oxidizing elements like road salt and dirt. Rust typically starts building around a car’s wheel well or near the bottom of the door.

What are the Risks of Car Rust?

Unrepaired dents and scratches can promote rust, even on newer vehicles, because the damage exposes bare metal to elements that can speed up oxidation. This is why it’s important to get minor damage repaired by a local auto body shop as soon as possible, because the damage can spread over time due to things like rust. If left unchecked, rust not only causes the paint to flake away and make your car look bad; it can corrode structural components and body panels, making the metal brittle and flakey, and therefore less resistant to the impact of a collision. Once the structural integrity of your vehicle is compromised by rust, any subsequent collisions can be even more damaging and dangerous. Rust underneath the vehicle can cause mechanical problems that will also make your car less safe to drive.

When you see small rust spots forming on your car, that’s a prime opportunity to take it in for an inspection at your local body shop to see how far the rust has spread, get an estimate on repairs, and hopefully mitigate the problem before it becomes a structural issue.

Get Small Rust Repairs to Mitigate Damage

Small rust repairs can help mitigate further damage when the damage is superficial and the corrosion hasn’t had a chance to penetrate through the metal. Small rust repairs are more cost-effective than big ones and take less time. The typical small-scale rust repair process usually works like this:

  • The auto body technician sands down the corroded area and the surrounding paint.
  • They coat the exposed metal with primer.
  • Once the primer dries, they repaint the area to match the rest of your vehicle.
  • They wash, wax and polish the vehicle.

When Larger Rust Repairs Become Necessary

Large-scale rust repairs become necessary when the rust has penetrated a larger or deeper area of the auto body, which can weaken the structural integrity of the vehicle.

Large-scale rust repairs typically include these steps:

  • First, the auto body technicians cut out the corroded metal section and then replaced. If the damage is extensive, it may be necessary to switch out the entire body panel.
  • Then they use a bonding material to fill in around the repaired area.
  • Then they sand, prime and paint the area to match the rest of the car.
  • They wash, wax and polish the vehicle.

Find a Professional Auto Body Repairer Near You

When you notice small rust spots on your car, take it in for an inspection at a local body shop. A professional technician can evaluate the damage and provide recommendations on repairs. Carwise.com makes it easy to find a reputable auto body shop near you and request an estimate for rust repair. From reviews by real customers to services and payment information, Carwise has details on nearly 22,000 repair shops. Use Carwise’s shop finder tool to search your zip code for a customer-reviewed auto body or glass repair shop nearby: https://www.carwise.com/auto-body-shops/.

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