Three Things to Know About Minivan Maintenance

Carwise No Comment Sep 29,2021 Maintenance

For many families, minivans are one of the most practical vehicle types. They offer plenty of room for children, pets, and storage, plus they offer lots of safety features to boot. Yet they also pose vehicle maintenance challenges that you’ll want to keep in mind if you own a minivan. Below are three features of minivans to be mindful of if you want to keep yours in safe working condition for as long as possible.

Sliding Doors

One feature that minivans have that nearly no other car has is sliding doors. These are convenient when parking, are easier for children to operate, and allow passengers to exit the vehicle without the car parked next to the van.

However, sliding doors require maintenance – ideally on the same schedule as your oil is changed. The tracks need to be routinely lubed and cleaned to ensure the doors continue to open and close smoothly.

Sliding doors operate via an electric motor, and sometimes these components can malfunction and create safety issues if they don’t open or shut properly. It’s not only important that doors latch correctly to protect passengers while the minivan is being driven, but also that they open easily when passengers need to exit the vehicle – especially when an accident occurs. If you notice an electrical issue on the door, it’s best to treat it promptly. Trying to disconnect the sliding door motor or repair it yourself could lead to electrocution, so seeking professional help is strongly recommended.

Lower Auto Body

Because of how minivans are built, the auto body tends to be lower to the ground. A low center of gravity makes the body style safer, but it can also cause some maintenance challenges.

First, it’s important to keep this in mind when driving. Some items in the roadway may be easy for a normal vehicle to drive over, but for a minivan it could be dangerous. Drive carefully and be mindful of potholes, road debris and speed bumps to avoid damage to your vehicle.

Another challenge of being lower to the ground is that salt or debris can build up quickly on the auto body and undercarriage of your vehicle. It’s important to wash your minivan regularly to preventrust, particularly before and after the wintertime if you live in a snowy climate, or if you live in a coastal area where ocean salt can also erode the vehicle finish. Rust may not seem like a big deal at first, but left unattended, it can lead to major auto body and mechanical damage down the road.

Safety Features

Minivans come loaded with tons of safety features, giving many parents peace of mind. From extra airbags to safety sensors in front and rear bumpers, the goal of a minivan is safe transport for the whole family. Those extra safety features may provide security, but because they’re managed through sensors embedded in the auto body, they are susceptible to hidden damage after an accident, even minor fender benders. If you’re in an accident, be sure to ask your body shop to check for hidden damage before and after any repairs, to make sure all your safety features work properly should you ever need them.

Find an Auto Body Shop Near You

Whether you’re looking for sliding door repair, rust repair, or collision repair after an accident, a professional auto body shop near you can help restore your minivan to like-new condition. 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 / .

Six Signs Your Car May Need New Brakes

Carwise No Comment Aug 18,2021 Maintenance, Safety Tips

When it comes to safety on the road, one of the most important aspects of vehicle maintenance is the brakes. While just two percent of all accidents in the U.S. are caused by brake failure, it is still extremely dangerous and, in most cases, preventable with routine maintenance. Brake failure is often gradual, and cars show plenty of warning signs when brake maintenance is needed before your car’s brakes stop working completely. Industry experts recommend replacing the brake pads every 10 – 20,000 miles to keep wear to a minimum. Like with many car maintenance tasks, neglecting routine brake maintenance can incur further damage to your car’s mechanics or auto body, or it could lead to a serious accident. But if you’ve forgotten to take your car in for regular brake maintenance, or you’ve purchased a used car recently and aren’t sure what shape the brake pads are in, here are some telltale signs to look, listen, and sniff for.

1 – Squealing or clicking noises.

If you hear a squealing noise while driving your car that seems to stop when you brake, that is most likely a sign that your car’s brake pads need replacing. Brake pads make a very annoying sound when they’re worn down due to the wear indicators rubbing against the brake pad rotor.

Alternatively, if you hear a clicking noise when you press the brakes, that’s a sign that the brake pads could be loose. They should be inspected in this case as well.

2 – Take longer to break or being extra sensitive to braking.

If you notice that your car is taking longer to brake, that’s another sign that your brakes need to get checked out. Alternatively, brakes that are very sensitive or “sudden” could indicate a brake fluid level or other issue. Additionally, if you feel vibrations in the brakes when you use them, that can be another sign of a problem.

3 – Your car pulls to one side.

Keep note of how your car moves when you brake. If a vehicle tends to drift to one side when braking, this could mean that the brake pads are wearing unevenly. In that case, leaving the problem could cause damage to other parts of your car, like the ball joints or steering column. Be sure to replace both brake pads promptly to avoid further issues.

4 – Visible signs of wear.

Sometimes, knowing if your brakes need to be repaired is as easy as taking a look at the brake pads. You may have to remove the wheels to do this, but brake pads should be at least a quarter inch thick. If it’s thinner than that, it’s definitely time to have them inspected.

5 – Fluid leaks.

This sign may be more difficult to decipher because cars can leak fluid for all sorts of reasons, from the air conditioning to the transmission to the engine. Brake fluid is yellow or light brown, similar to vegetable oil. If you’re not sure, head to a mechanic.

6 – A burning smell.

The smell of burnt rubber after you hit the brakes is a strong indication that your brake system has overheated. Continuing to drive your vehicle when the brake system is overheating can damage the brake line and cause brake failure, which can be dangerous.

Neglecting Brake Maintenance Can Increase Risk of Accidents & Vehicle Damage

The bottom line? When in doubt, get your brakes checked out. While accidents due to brake failure are rare, and it is very rare for brakes to fail without warning, accidents can still happen, from minor fender-benders to severe collisions. The risks increase in inclement weather, especially on wet or icy roads.

If your brakes do fail while you’re driving, here are a few safety tips:

Try to remain calm and remove your foot from the gas.
Turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers.
Keep your wheel straight; do not try to crash into anything to stop the car from moving.
If your car has an anti-lock braking system (ABS), press the brake pedal down as far as it can go.
If your car does not have ABS, pump the brake as hard and fast as possible.
Shift the car into a lower gear; this will help the engine slow the car down.
Steer your car to a clear spot on the shoulder of the road.
Once your car has slowed down significantly, apply the emergency brake. Do this as gently as possible to prevent your wheels from locking up, which can be dangerous.
Once the car has stopped moving, turn the engine off and call for roadside assistance. Do not try to turn the car on or drive it until the brakes have been repaired by a mechanic.

If your brakes fail and cause you to get into an accident, be sure to follow these post-accident safety tips for gathering information from other drivers at the scene, contacting your auto insurer, and finding a local auto body shop near you.

Find a Collision Repair Shop Near You

If you are in a crash as the result of a brake failure, Carwise can help. To find a reputable 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/.

Three Maintenance Tasks to Do Before You Sell Your Car

Carwise No Comment Aug 11,2021 Maintenance

You’ve decided the time is right to sell your car. But, do you know how to make sure you get the most from the deal? While you may not want or need to invest a ton of money in a vehicle you’re hoping to sell, keep in mind that potential buyers will be inspecting your car to see if it’s a good investment for them. The better condition your car is in when you’re ready to sell, the more likely you are to get the most bang for your buck. There are a few maintenance tasks you can take care of that may make it easier to sell your car.

1 – Inspect & Repair.

Obviously, it helps to make sure there is nothing glaringly wrong with your car if you want to get the maximum value from selling it. If a windshield or window is cracked, consider replacing it – your insurance may cover this anyway. If there are scratches to the paint or rust spots, it might be worth it to have them touched up by a local auto body shop that can match the paint exactly.

If your car has suffered dents from a hailstorm or an accident, those could potentially be fixed through a process called paintless dent repair, which is generally more affordable than a dent repair requiring paint.

And if there’s major damage – the bumpers, for example – consider getting those repaired, especially if your insurance will cover it. You might be surprised which delicate electrical systems can be damaged by even a minor fender bender. Here are a few signs of hidden damage to watch out for.

2 – Replace & Replenish.

Before you start showing your car off to potential buyers, replacing and replenishing certain items on your vehicle may make it easier to sell. One simple thing you can do is replace or replenish any fluids, such as the oil, radiator, brake fluid, transmission fluid and windshield wiper fluid. If you notice your windshield wipers are worn or a bulb on head or taillight has burnt out, now is the time to replace them as well. Aside from being a courtesy to the future owner, these tasks can demonstrate that your vehicle has been well cared for and boost confidence with the potential buyer, whether it’s an individual or a dealership.

3 – Deep Clean & Detail.

A clean car will be more likely to make the sale. Start by clearing out any trash and personal belongings – don’t forget check the glove box! – but you should also consider taking it a step beyond that.

Paying for your car to be professionally detailed could truly pay off in the end, especially if your car’s interior has any stains or odors. Depending on the age and state of the vehicle, your local auto body shop may be able to restore the interior of your vehicle to like-new condition.

But if you’re going to clean your car yourself, be sure to vacuum any seats and carpeting, get into every crevice to remove dirt and crumbs, and clean the glass on the inside of the car, as well as the center console. If you’re trying to freshen the odor inside your car, follow these tips. Finally, take your car through the car wash and perhaps even splurge on a wax; it’ll give your car that extra sparkle that’s so appealing when car shopping.

Find an Auto Body or Auto Glass Shop Near You

If you’re ready to sell your car but do need some damage repaired, use Carwise.com to find a local auto body or auto glass shop for professional restoration, whether it’s a bumper repair, window replacement, or professional car detailing. Carwise provides real reviews from recent customers as well as shop hours and location, before and after photos, and certifications. Click here to get started: https://www.carwise.com/auto-body-shops/.

Basic Vehicle Maintenance Before You Take a Summer Road Trip

Carwise No Comment May 20,2021 Maintenance

Summer travel in 2021 is expected to bounce back from the historic lows during the COVID-19 pandemic, with many people making up for lost time to visit loved ones or take a long-awaited vacation. According to research from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), around 20% of all traffic accidents are the result of poor or neglected vehicle maintenance. If you’re one of the thousands of people planning to hit the road this summer, make sure that your vehicle is road-ready – especially if you weren’t driving it as often during the pandemic.

Here are some basic vehicle maintenance tasks you can do prior to your road trip to make sure that your vehicle is safe to drive.

Check your car’s battery, belts and hoses. You want to make sure your car’s battery connection is tight and free of corrosion. Make sure the belts are tight and that you’re not seeing any fluids leaking beneath the car.
Replenish fluids and replace filters. Check your car’s engine oil, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, and windshield wiper fluid, and top off any that are running low. If your car needs an oil change, most oil change stations will also change the engine air filter and top off other fluids if you ask.
Inspect lights and electrical equipment. Make sure that your car’s brake lights, turn signal lights and headlights are all working properly, and replace any bulbs that are out. Don’t forget to check the windshield wipers and replace them if necessary.
Check the brakes. If your brakes are squealing or making any sort of sound, the brake pads may be worn down and need replacing.
Inspect the tires. If your tires are worn, they may need replacing. Check the tire pressure as well, ideally when it’s cold out to get the best reading of any low pressure issues. Tires that aren’t in top shape can affect not only fuel economy, but also safety.
Got a chip or crack in your windshield? Make sure you get that repaired before you leave. Small windshield damage can quickly become big windshield damage if it’s not repaired quickly, impairing your vision or making a potential collision more dangerous.

Steps to Take After an Accident

No one wants to get in a car accident while on a road trip, but if one does happen, remember the protocol to follow after an accident:

Check for injuries. Check on anyone in your own car – including yourself – then check on the other vehicle(s) involved to see if the driver and passengers have any injuries.
Get to safety. Pull over to the side of the road if possible, or at least make sure you and anyone else involved are safely away from traffic if the cars cannot be moved.
Call 911 and wait for help. In some states, it’s required to call the police even for a fender bender, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. Notify the police and wait for them to arrive.
Document the accident. Take plenty of pictures from the scene of the accident if it’s safe to do so, to document any damage. Request a copy of the accident report from first responders or police.
Exchange information. You’ll need to exchange information with the other driver(s) involved, including: full names, contact information, insurance company and policy number, driver’s license and license plate number, type/color/model of vehicle, and the location of the accident.
Notify your insurance. You’ll need to notify your insurance carrier of the accident. You may want to do this while you’re still at the scene of the accident, in case your insurance provider has a mobile tool available to submit information digitally, should you choose to file a claim.
Find a collision repair shop near you. If your vehicle is damaged, you may need to find an auto body or auto glass repair shop near you.

How to Find a Reputable Collision Repair Shop Near You

We hope your summer travels are safe – but if you do get in an accident on your summer road trip, Carwise.com can help you find an auto body or auto glass repair shop near you – even when you’re several hundred miles from home. It’s as easy as entering a zip code into the Carwise shop finder tool. Carwise has details on more than 21,000 collision repair shops nationwide, including hours and location, shop certifications, and reviews from real customers. Find a shop today at https://www.carwise.com/auto-body-shops/.

Does Your Car Need a Paint Job?

Carwise No Comment Apr 28,2021 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/.

5 Simple Car Maintenance Tips for Winter

Carwise No Comment Nov 28,2018 Car Care Tips, Maintenance

Most drivers across the U.S. will face challenging wintertime driving conditions, including extreme cold, snow and ice. As a result, their cars need to be up to the challenge, especially with lengthy Holiday road trips just around the corner. Making sure that your vehicle is “winter-ready” only takes a few minutes, and can be a difference maker if you get caught in a nasty blizzard, or your car sits outside overnight in the bitter cold. To help ensure that you arrive at your destination safely, check off these 5 simple winter car maintenance tips first.

Antifreeze

Also known as your engine’s summertime “coolant”, the antifreeze in most newer cars is designed to last up to 5 years or 150K miles, so consult your owner’s manual for details. But if you drive an older vehicle that hasn’t had the antifreeze serviced for years, you may want to have a “flush-and-fill” done at a car care shop, or dealership, to ensure the engine components don’t freeze up. They will also inspect your radiator and hoses, and check the antifreeze level in your overflow reservoir.

Battery

Cold weather starts are harder on your battery than warm weather ones. That means that if your battery was giving you trouble during the summer, it’s more likely to fail you when temps drop below freezing. Most good batteries last up to 5 years, but if you have doubts it’s best to have someone run a voltage test on it. If it isn’t holding much of a charge, replace it with a new battery before you get surprised one cold morning, or after some Holiday shopping. Your battery’s terminals (+ and -) also need to be corrosion-free to ensure reliable starts.

See and Be Seen

During the winter, you’ll probably be spending more commuting time behind the wheel when the sun’s not out. As a result, make sure that all your car’s lights are in working order, especially the headlights. Other vision inhibitors, like snow and ice, also need to be addressed so that you can see other vehicles. Increase visibility by taking these precautions:

Cold weather washer fluid. Add washer fluid to your reservoir that contains antifreeze to keep it from icing up on your windshield, or not coming out at all.
Wiper blades. Replace your worn blades with ones designed to effectively remove ice and snow without streaking or coming apart.
Brush and scraper. Always carry a sturdy brush and scraper in your vehicle, and take time to clean off all windows after it snows to give you a clear field-of-vision.
Window deicer. It’s not a bad idea to purchase a can or spray bottle of window deicer. If your vehicle still requires a key to open, invest in some lock deicer too.

Survival Kit

Okay, this is more about your maintenance than that of your vehicle. Pack a winter survival kit for your car, notably if you’re about to leave on a long trip when snow is forecast. The last thing you want to happen, especially when you have kids in tow, is getting stranded empty-handed on the highway for several hours in a blinding snowstorm. You need to carry a survival kit that includes these items:

Warm blankets
Flashlight and extra batteries

Jumper cables (Should always carry a set)

Survival knife

First-aid kit
Bottled water
12-volt port-compatible cellphone charger

Tires and Tire Pressure

Many vehicles today are 4-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, or equipped with anti-skid features. That’s great, but your tires still need to grip what’s underneath them. If you aren’t going with full-blown winter tires, make sure that your car has a reliable set of all-season ones with adequate tread. If you don’t know what that looks like, take your vehicle to a tire shop and they’ll inspect them. Also, your tires lose one pound of pressure per every 10 degrees Fahrenheit drop in temperature. Underinflated tires can’t grip the road properly. Make sure you check your tire pressure regularly during the wintertime, notably before embarking on a long trip.

Wintertime Accident Repair Experts Stand Ready

Even when taking all these driving precautions, wintertime accidents occur. When your vehicle has been involved in one, bring it to a better auto body shop in your area that’s part of the Carwise referral network. Technicians there have the training, equipment and experience to restore your vehicle like new again and get you back on the road promptly and reliably.

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

Maintenance Tips for Cars with Over 100k Miles

Carwise 4 Comments Apr 21,2017 Maintenance

More Americans are keeping their cars longer, with most consumers now using cars with as much as one to two hundred thousand miles on them. So, how should you care for your car differently as it ages? There are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your car safe and running smoothly as the odometer increases:

Do not delay on oil changes and other routine maintenance

As your vehicle ages, routine appointments and oil changes are necessary to keep your car running in top shape. Try adding reminders to your calendar to stay on top of them.

Keep track of your gas mileage

If you notice a change in fuel efficiency beyond a couple miles per gallon between fill-ups, this may be a sign of a leaking tank or other problem that requires the attention of a repair shop.

Monitor the cooling system

You have put the engine of your car to the test over the years, and the cooling system has worked just as hard to regulate the heat it radiates. If you notice green fluid leaking from the front of your vehicle or if you have never replaced the cooling pumps in your car, you may consider a call to a local shop to get it looked at. Better to err on the side of caution here, as the engine is the life

If your vehicle is making strange noises, not starting immediately every time, or jerking while in gear these may be signs of a larger issue. Search Carwise for a shop near you to have it examined by a professional. As always, we welcome you to add to our list in the comment section below!