Paintless Dent Repair or Paintless Dent Removal (PDR) is a technique used by auto body shops that removes dents and dings, leaving the original paint in place.

To ensure that your car dent is repaired properly, you should leave it to the professionals. With Paintless Dent Repair (PDR), auto body shops can remove many types of dent damage including hail or door dings.

Paintless Dent Repair is a process of accessing the back side of the damaged panel and then massaging and shrinking the dent with unique and specialized rods that have different configurations. 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.

What Can Paintless Dent Repair Fix?

Paintless dent repair can work well in the following situations:

• From small to large dents

• On newer cars, typically with model years of 1990 or later

• When cracked or broken paint is not present

• When the dent isn’t close to a panel ‘s edge

• When the panel has not had previous auto body repair

PDR is so effective for hail damage that insurance companies will setup temporary facilities to rapidly assess and repair damage.

Advantages of Paintless Dent Repair

Paintless Dent Repair advantages include:

• No repainting or body filler needed

• Does not cost as much as a traditional body repair

• Can be quickly fixed in most cases

• No possibility of paint overspray on other parts of the vehicle

• No risk of incorrect color matching

• Vehicle retains original paint

A vehicle with original paint retains a higher value than a car that has been repainted. No matter where the damage is located, it is always best to keep the original paint on a vehicle for as long as possible.

Where can I find an auto body repair shop that does Paintless Dent Repair?

If you want to ensure that you have a flawless Paintless Dent Repair, find a good auto body shop to get your car back to pre-damaged condition. A quick search on Carwise.com will help you find the right shop.

Sources:

MSN Autos

Getting into a car accident can be a traumatic and stressful event. It may be hard to think clearly and remember what to do immediately after a car accident happens. In the event of a car accident, there are some important things to remember:

Stop immediately and do not leave the scene of a car accident

Without endangering others or obstructing traffic, stop your vehicle as soon as you can. Don’t leave the scene of a car accident unless injuries force you to do otherwise.

Keep calm and think about your safety

Your first priority is to keep calm and consider the safety of everyone involved in the car accident to prevent more collisions or injuries. Move to a safe location if you are concerned about your safety. Do not get do not get out of your car unless it is safe. Ask everyone involved in the car accident if they are okay.

Call 911

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

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

Listen to the police and follow their instructions

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

Exchange information

Give the other drivers involved in the car accident and the police the following information: your name, driver’s license and insurance information.

Be polite, but don’t discuss who is at fault with other parties

The law does not require you to admit fault, and you should not blame or acknowledge guilt at the scene of the car accident.

If there are any witnesses, get their name and contact information

Ask for a brief summary of what they saw and take notes.

Take notes immediately

Thinks may be chaotic after a car accident, and it can be difficult to remember things later. Take written notes as soon as possible after the car accident, and be as specific as possible. Use your cell phone to take pictures and document the car accident. The more pictures, the better.

Report your claim 

Many state laws require that the driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury, death, property damage in excess of $1500, or the towing of any vehicle, must file an official accident report with the state within 72 hours after the accident.

Arrange your car accident repairs

If your car requires auto body repair after your car accident, we recommend that you find a good auto body shop near you. At Carwise.com, you can find an auto body shop with real customer reviews and ratings. You can also track your car’s repair status through the Carwise website or mobile app if your vehicle is being repaired at one of the shops in our network of auto body shops.

Sources:
USSA.com
NAIC.org
OSBAR.org

You don’t want to think about a car accident, or what comes next–calling the police, checking for injuries, exchanging information and trying to remember the chain of events that lead up to it. An auto collision can turn into a major headache which most people would like to avoid.

Here are some helpful tips to help you avoid an accident and become a safer, more cautious driver:

o   Don’t drive distracted. Too many auto collisions occur because of distracted driving. Do not do any activity that may take your eyes off the road. Wait before or after your trip or until you are parked. Distracted driving is unsafe, irresponsible, and an auto collision can happen in a split second with devastating consequences.

o   Don’t drive drowsy. Drowsy driving can be extremely dangerous and it leads to thousands of auto collisions each year. When taking long road trips, try to take a break every couple hours and if you feel tired, stop driving and take a nap. If it is late at night, find a hotel and turn in for the night so that you feel refreshed in the morning.

o   Use your turn signal early. Don’t wait until the last second to make a sudden lane change, to exit or to make a quick turn. Using your turn signals early will give other drivers plenty of notice which will help you avoid an auto collision.

o   Avoid road rage. Use caution and be aware of other drivers around you. Change lanes when you can to give aggressive drivers more room and let them pass you. Don’t follow too closely, and when changing lanes, don’t cut off any drivers. If others drive aggressively or tailgate you, don’t retaliate. It’s just not worth it.

o   Avoid night driving. Due to visibility at night, traffic death rates are three times greater than during the day. Night driving can also be dangerous because there is a higher probability that you may encounter drunk or drowsy drivers on the road.

Even with our auto collision avoidance tips, you can’t always avoid other dangerous drivers on the road, such as those who run a red light, drowsy drivers, or distracted drivers. Most drivers are likely to be involved in an auto collision at least once in their lives.

If you do get into an auto collision and need to repair your vehicle, the best advice we can give is to do your research when looking for an auto collision repair shop. Carwise.com is a great place to find recommended auto body shop near you, with real reviews from real customers. Carwise can also help you keep track of your auto collision repair status, so you won’t have to keep calling the shop to get updates.

Sources
I-CAR
Inhtsa.gov
NSC.org

Summer is the busiest driving time of the year and also the most dangerous. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that 21 of the top 25 deadliest days for teen drivers are in the summer driving months between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Here are a few car safety tips to ensure safe summer driving:

Car maintenance

Regular tune-ups, battery checks, tire rotations, cooling system, and oil changes go a long way towards preventing breakdowns before they happen. This is especially important before a long road trip.

Don’t leave children or pets in your car unattended

It can be very dangerous to leave a child or pet unattended in a parked vehicle. A car’s interior heats up quickly even with windows rolled down a couple inches. If outside temperature is in the low 80s, the temperature inside your car’s cabin can still reach deadly levels in only 10 minutes.

Watch for children

Whether you are at a parking lot, near a park, or even in the driveway in front of your house, children can be running and playing – totally oblivious to a vehicle. According to Kids and Cars, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public about motor vehicle safety, the number of injuries and deaths from back-overs are on the rise.

Share the Road

Warmer weather attracts bicyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians during the warm summer months. They are vulnerable road users and do not have the same protection as a car. Any traffic accident will most likely will result in injury, so keep your distance.

Avoid distracted driving

According to NSC.org, 26% of all crashes involve cell phone use and 10% of drivers under age 20 involved in fatal crashes were distracted during the time of the crash. Distracted driving can be anything that pulls your attention away from the road like cell phone use, texting while driving, talking with other passengers, eating or drinking. Avoid any type of distraction while driving.

Drunk driving

According to the NHTSA, a higher volume of holiday travelers, including a significantly higher number of alcohol-impaired drivers, cause nearly twice the number of automotive deaths during the summer than during the rest of the months of the year combined. Be responsible, and don’t drink and drive.

Sleep deprivation

According to the National Sleep Foundation, 60% of adult drivers – about 168 million people – say they have driven a vehicle while feeling drowsy, and more than one-third, (37% or 103 million people), have actually fallen asleep at the wheel. Sleep deprivation can have a similar affect as drunk driving on your motor skills, so remember to get your rest before taking a long road trip.

Be Prepared

Make sure you are always prepared just in case your car breaks down, especially on long summer road trips. Make sure you always have a cell phone, jumper cables, car jack, lug wrench, and a spare tire in your vehicle. Other car safety essentials include a flashlight, first aid kit, basic repair tools, drinking water, nonperishable food, and map.

Carwise™ knows a thing or two about what to look for in a good auto body repair shop. The Carwise network comprised of 17,000 auto body repair shops nationwide. The recommendations on Carwise.com are from real customers who brought their cars to these auto body repair facilities. Whether you are new in your area or you are just looking for an auto body repair shop after an accident, the experts at Carwise.com can help you find a good auto body repair shop near you. Some tips to consider:

Be prepared

Look for an auto body repair shop before you need one. The best decisions are made when you are not rushed.

Ask around

Most likely you know family, friends or co-workers who have been involved in some kind of fender bender. Ask them which auto body repair shops they liked and why.

Check out a shop’s reputation

Look up and compare the auto body repair shop facilities that others have told you about on Carwise.com to see their customer ratings and reviews.

Look for technical certifications

Certifications are a good sign of a reputable auto body repair shop. A certification shows that the auto body repair shop has the appropriate expertise, knowledge and skills required to safely complete and perform quality repairs. Get a written estimate. A good auto body repair shop will give you a written estimate. The written estimate should tell you what needs to be repaired, required parts, and the estimated labor charges.

Professional and courteous staff

A good auto body repair shop will have helpful staff that should be willing to answer your questions thoroughly.

After you find a good auto body repair shop, Carwise.com can help you track your car’s repair status if the shop you select is within the Carwise network. The ability to track your car’s repair status, get frequent auto body repair status updates, and see photos of your repair in progress via the website or the Carwise mobile app are just some of the benefits you can receive from Carwise.

Sources:

I-CAR

When taking your car to an auto body repair shop for the first time, you should know a few things before arranging to have any work performed. You should also know what to look for after getting your car back from the auto body repair shop.

Selecting a good auto body repair shop:

• You can read online ratings and reviews on Carwise.com to get a sense of the quality of the auto body repair shop based on real customer feedback.

• When doing preliminary research on an auto body repair shop on a review website, pay close attention to the reviews that are well-written and more through. Even the best companies receive one-liner bad reviews from time to time.

• According to a Harvard study, 16% of Yelp restaurant reviews are fake. The auto body repair shop reviews on Carwise.com are 100% real customer reviews from real people who have had their vehicles repaired at these auto body repair facilities.

What to know before having your car repaired by an auto body repair shop:

• You should never drive a damaged car, because it might not be safe.

• Your vehicle is one of your biggest investments. To find a good auto body repair shop, you should go to a review website like Carwise.com so that you can protect your investment by getting it repaired properly.

• A signed copy of the written estimate should describe the condition, what needs to be repaired, the affected parts and the estimated labor charges.

• The estimate should also state that the auto body repair shop will contact you for approval before they perform any work that might exceed the time or cost on the written estimate.

• Don’t be afraid to ask questions about your auto body repair. A professional auto body repair shop will take the time to explain the entire process.

• If you bring your car to an auto body repair shop within the Carwise network, you can view your car’s detailed repair status updates via the Carwise website or mobile app. Many of the Carwise network shops also can send you frequent repair status updates via text messages or email, eliminating the hassle of calling to get updates.

What you should know after getting your car back from the auto body repair:

• The auto body repair bill should describe the all the work that was done. It should list every repair, which parts were used, labor charges, and the odometer reading of the car before bringing it in.

• If there is a discrepancy between the itemized bill and the written estimate, don’t hesitate to ask the auto body repair shop about the differences.

• In some cases, you might not notice any problems until a few months later. For example, you may notice uneven tire wear on your car. This might be a result of the front suspension not being aligned and repaired properly. A good auto body repair shop will stand by their work and fix the problem under the warranty.

• Remember to always keep your paperwork and receipt so that if you discover issues later, you can bring it back to the auto body repair shop to assess what is causing the problem.

Sources:

Harvard University

FTC.gov

Getting into a car accident and then being surprised by a high estimate for the auto body repair costs makes a bad situation even worse. Considering how expensive auto body repairs can be, it is very important to know how to handle a car accident before and after it happens – especially if the cause of the accident was your fault.

Helpful Auto Body Repair Tips

When taking your car to an auto body repair shop for the first time, you should know a few things before arranging to have any work performed. You should also know what to look for after getting your car back from the auto body repair shop.

SELECTING A GOOD AUTO BODY REPAIR SHOP:

• You can read online ratings and reviews on Carwise.com to get a sense of the quality of the auto body repair shop based on real customer feedback.

• When doing preliminary research on an auto body repair shop on a review website, pay close attention to the reviews that are well-written and more through. Even the best companies receive one-liner bad reviews from time to time.
• According to a Harvard study, 16% of Yelp restaurant reviews are fake. The auto body repair shop reviews on Carwise.com are 100% real customer reviews from real people who have had their vehicles repaired at these auto body repair facilities.

Anticipate auto body repair costs

Knowing that an auto body repair can be quite expensive. Before filing the claim check to see how much your current collision deductible is on your auto insurance policy. Most deductibles can range from $250 – $1,000, if you chose to file a claim, know that you will be paying the full deductible amount. . Keep in mind that if you do file a claim your insurance premium will most likely increase at your next renewal. Therefore you may want to get an estimate from a qualified auto body shop before filing the claim.

Read auto body repair shop review and recommendations

There are several review sites on the web, but few specialize in auto body repair. Using Carwise.com you cannot only find an auto body repair shop near you but also read ratings and reviews from actual customers that had their cars repaired at those facilities. With this research available, you can use your best judgment when selecting a shop to repair your vehicle.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE HAVING YOUR CAR REPAIRED BY AN AUTO BODY REPAIR SHOP:

• You should never drive a damaged car because it might not be safe.

• Your vehicle is one of your biggest investments. To find a good auto body repair shop, you should go to a review website like Carwise.com so that you can protect your investment by getting it repaired properly.

• A signed copy of the written estimate should describe the condition, what needs to be repaired, the affected parts and the estimated labor charges.

• The estimate should also state that the auto body repair shop will contact you for approval before they perform any work that might exceed the time or cost on the written estimate.

• Don’t be afraid to ask questions about your auto body repair. A professional auto body repair shop will take the time to explain the entire process.

• If you bring your car to an auto body repair shop within the Carwise network, you can view your car’s detailed repair status updates via the Carwise website or mobile app. Many of the Carwise network shops also can send you frequent repair status updates via text messages or email, eliminating the hassle of calling to get updates.

Visit an auto body repair shop

Call or visit auto body shops in your area. The best time to call or visit an auto repair shop is after the morning rush. Visiting an auto body repair shop when they are busy may not be the ideal time to get the full attention of the shop staff.

Get everything in writing

Most states require that auto body repair shops give you a written estimate. Make sure you have the opportunity to review the estimate before the shop begins your repair. When you pick up your car, make sure you compare the written estimate to the final bill to verify that everything matches. Don’t be afraid to ask the auto body shop about any discrepancies.

Verify your insurance coverage for a rental car

You’ll need to know what your insurance policy will cover when it comes to getting a rental car while your vehicle is in the shop. For example, if you need a bigger vehicle like an SUV or van to fit your lifestyle, you should be aware if your insurance only reimburses you for the rental of a compact car. By checking your policy in advance, you can reevaluate as needed to avoid future problems and fees.

Certifications are signs of a reputable auto body shop

When selecting a repair shop, look for certifications. A certification usually means that the auto body repair facility is committed to the continuous training of their staff on proper repair procedures. Certifications also show that the auto body repair shop has the information, knowledge, and skills required to perform complete, safe and quality repairs for the ultimate benefit of the consumer. The most common certification programs are offered by I-CAR and ASE.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW AFTER GETTING YOUR CAR BACK FROM THE AUTO BODY REPAIR:

• The auto body repair bill should describe all the work that was done. It should list every repair, which parts were used, labor charges, and the odometer reading of the car before bringing it in.

• If there is a discrepancy between the itemized bill and the written estimate, don’t hesitate to ask the auto body repair shop about the differences.

• In some cases, you might not notice any problems until a few months later. For example, you may notice uneven tire wear on your car. This might be a result of the front suspension not being aligned and repaired properly. A good auto body repair shop will stand by their work and fix the problem under the warranty.

• Remember to always keep your paperwork and receipt so that if you discover issues later, you can bring it back to the auto body repair shop to assess what is causing the problem.

Sources:
Today.com
AOL Autos
i-Car.com

Harvard University

FTC.gov

Texting and driving is a distraction that causes many accidents nationwide. It is very dangerous and quickly becoming one of the country’s top killers, but many people still choose to do so despite knowing the risks. A recent AAA survey revealed that 95 percent of respondents said that texting and driving was a very serious threat to their personal safety.

Millions of people are involved in distracted driving accidents per year, so why do people still participate in texting and driving? Some may believe that they are skilled enough at texting and driving where they can pay attention to the road without getting into an accident, while others may think that the texting and driving accident statistics will not apply to them. Are the current texting and driving laws working, or should stricter laws exist to prevent more people from doing it?

Texting and Driving Statistics:

• 1,600,000 accidents per year – National Safety Council

• 11 teen deaths EVERY DAY – Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Fatality Facts

• Nearly 25% of ALL car accidents are a result of texting and driving – National Highway Transportation Safety Administration

Texting and Driving also is:

• The same as driving after four beers – National Highway Transportation Safety Administration

• Makes you 23 times more likely to crash – National Highway Transportation Safety Administration

There are 43 states along with D.C., the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and Puerto Rico that ban texting and driving for all drivers. Although texting and driving bans are in effect for most states, texting fines vary wildly across the country. In California, the maximum penalty for a first-time offender is just $20; in Alaska, it will cost you $10,000 and a year in prison.

Well-enforced texting and driving laws may work if stiffer fines were put in place, because most drivers will want to avoid paying hefty fines. But although increasing texting and driving fines may help decrease distracted driving, a cultural change among drivers needs to be accepted in order for texting and driving usage to decrease.

If you were involved in a distracted driving accident and need to find an auto body repair shop, you have come to the right place. Here at Carwise.com, you can find an auto body shop near you with reviews from real customers to fix your vehicle’s scratch, dent, or collision damage.

Source(s):
AAAfoundation.org
TextingandDrivingSafety.com

Getting into a car accident is the last thing anyone wants to think about, but most drivers are likely to be involved in a car accident at least once in their lives. You can try to be safe and cautious, but that doesn’t stop other careless drivers from running a red light or texting while driving.

Whether damage from a car accident is significant or just a scratch, it is important to find a recommended auto body shop that is trustworthy and dependable. Finding a good auto body shop that is reliable, efficient, and reputable will help you reduce the inconvenience and hassle of your unfortunate circumstance.

Choosing the right auto body shop

Choosing the right auto body shop to restore your vehicle back to its original condition can be a daunting task. Since it’s not uncommon for people get into car accidents, you can ask your friends, family, and colleagues if they have any recommendations. You can also do your research and due diligence by looking up auto body shops on Carwise.com, local advertisements, or conduct a search on the Internet.

Vetting your list of Auto Shops

After you have gathered a list of auto body shops, you can vet each shop online by visiting an auto body shop review website like Carwise.com to find ratings and reviews of recommended shops in your area. Carwise.com is a great place to find a list of hi-tech auto body shops that use state-of-the-art technology like CCC ONE® to write estimates or look up parts using built-in supplier connections. These auto body shops also have the ability to keep vehicle owners well informed during the car repair process through text and email, as well as the Carwise.com website and Carwise Smartphone App (for iOS and Android). Another advantage of using Carwise.com is that you can post a review for an auto body shop after the repairs are done to let others know about your experience.

You have chosen your Auto shop

When you have chosen the right auto body shop, they should not only be able to fix the visible damage to your car, but also inspect your car for necessary repairs that can’t easily be seen but affect the structural integrity, safety, and drive-ability of your vehicle.

The safety of you and your family is critical, so choosing a quality auto body shop to restore your vehicle to its pre-accident condition is essential. It’s not uncommon to receive multiple auto body shop estimates that have significant price differences. Although low prices from an auto body shop may be tempting, you should consider quality and safety first.

The right auto body shop will be reliable, have a good reputation, perform high quality work, show certificates, and have guarantees. When it comes to your family’s safety and economic well-being, what is the value of peace-of-mind of finding a good auto body shop near me? Most would agree… it’s priceless!

Recommended auto body shops in major cities

• Auto body shops near New York City
• Auto body shops near Chicago
• Auto body shops near Los Angeles
• Auto body shops near Houston
• Auto body shops near Atlanta
• Auto body shops near Seattle

Do you own an auto body shop and aren’t sure how to promote it?

The Carwise™ network has multiple solutions to help promote your shop
and connect with customers.

Carwise™ Shop Finder can help you promote your auto body shop by:

• Expanding your reach and brand
• Display your own shop profile page
• Share ratings and real reviews from actual customers
• Allow potential customers to connect to you directly
• Available at no charge for existing CCC ONE™ users

Carwise™ Repair Status is a great feature to promote your auto body shop by:

• Providing regular status updates to customers
• Reducing time-consuming phone calls
• Keeps customers informed without leaving CCC ONE™
• Available at no charge for existing CCC ONE™ users

To get started, please visit our Carwise website today!