As the days get shorter and the air gets crisper, it’s a reminder that winter is coming. It’s not just the weather that’s about to change; our cars also need some extra attention to ensure they can handle the lower temperatures, icy roads, and snowy conditions.

Here is a list of precautions to take to get your car ready for the winter season:

Check Your Tires

Ensure your tires have enough tread to handle snowy and icy roads. You can do the penny test: place a penny into the tread groove with Lincoln’s head facing down. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, your tread is too shallow, and it may be time to replace your tires.

Check your tire pressure regularly as cold temperatures can cause tire pressure to drop. Keep your tires properly inflated to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Winter-Grade Windshield Wiper Fluid

Fill your reservoir with winter-grade windshield wiper fluid that won’t freeze. This will help you maintain clear visibility while driving in snowy or icy conditions.

Battery and Charging System

Get your car battery tested to ensure it is strong enough to handle the extra demands of cold weather. Cold temperatures can reduce battery power, so it’s important to make sure yours is in good condition.

Also, check the charging system and belts to ensure they are in proper working order.

Lights and Signals

Inspect all lights and signals to ensure they are clean and functioning properly. This includes headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, and emergency hazard lights. With shorter days and more darkness, it’s important to be seen and to see the road clearly.

Engine Oil and Filters

Check your engine oil level and change it if necessary. Consider switching to a lower-viscosity oil during winter, as thicker oils can make it harder for your engine to turn over in cold temperatures.

Also, replace your oil and air filters as recommended by the manufacturer.

Emergency Kit

Prepare or restock your emergency kit for winter driving. This should include items like a small snow shovel, ice scraper, jumper cables, flashlight with fresh batteries, reflective triangles or flares, a blanket, non-perishable snacks, and a first aid kit.

Brakes and ABS

Have your brakes inspected to ensure they are in good condition and that the anti-lock brake system (ABS) is working properly. ABS helps prevent skidding and maintains control in slippery conditions.

Exhaust System

Inspect your exhaust system for any leaks, which could be dangerous if left unchecked. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly if it builds up in your car.

Heater and Defroster

Test your heater and defroster to ensure they are working properly. You’ll need a clear windshield and warm air during those cold mornings.

By taking these precautions, you can help ensure your car is ready for the challenges of winter driving. Stay safe on the roads and remember to adjust your driving habits according to the conditions.

Feel free to add your own tips in the comments below, and share this list with your friends and family to help them get their cars winter-ready!

Stay warm and safe this winter!

When your car needs repairs, the thought of going into a car repair shop can be daunting. You may not know what’s wrong with the car or what needs to be done – and you may not even know what type of mechanic you need.

In this blog, we’re taking the stress out of this process by explaining whom you can expect to find in a repair shop and the kind of work they may do on your car.

General Automotive Mechanic

This is the type of mechanic you’re most likely to encounter – they do general repairs and replacements on a vehicle. They diagnose mechanical problems and repair them as needed. If you are bringing in your vehicle for a check-up or routine maintenance, this is the type of mechanic you likely need. They’re kind of like the GP for your car.

Auto Body Mechanic

These are the mechanics you’ll often encounter after an accident. They can handle everything from minor paint job touch-ups to complete structural replacements in a car after an accident. These mechanics receive specialized training to keep up with all the current car technologies, and they have a special certification.

Brake and Transmission Technician

This type of mechanic is exactly what it sounds like – they specialize in brake and transmission issues. While a general mechanic will also be versed in these areas, a brake and transmission technician can correct more complex issues and has the training to use special alignment equipment. If a general mechanic notices something that seems off with your brakes or transmission, they will often hand your car over to this type of specialist within the shop.

Service Technicians

Service technicians can diagnose and check mechanical and electrical components within a vehicle. When they look at a car, they’ll do things such as check the oil and fluid levels, or work to find causes of operational issues. Rather than looking at specific mechanical components, they tend to look at the general systems that work together in a vehicle to identify any problems or issues.

Auto Glass Mechanics

Fixing or replacing the glass on a vehicle can be tricky. Some auto glass mechanics have been specially trained in working with auto glass. They’ll know how to identify if cracks or dents can be repaired, or if the entire piece of glass needs replacing. These mechanics are also trained in weatherproofing glass, installation and more.

Tire Mechanics

General mechanics will be trained in basic tire care, but tire mechanics have even more training to spot complex issues and optimize tire usage and wear. They can identify tire issues, do tire rotations, and complete tire replacements. They’ll also inspect tires for any abnormalities and to ensure proper inflation.

If you’re in need of a repair shop for your vehicle, Carwise is here to help. Browse thousands of shops on Carwise.com and read real reviews from customers, see certifications and specializations, and more.

How Auto Body Shops Identify Unseen Damage After a Collision

A dented bumper, scratched paint, a broken windshield—the aftermath of a car accident is often accompanied by a visible reminder. However, it is important to know not all damage following an accident is visible. This can be especially true in newer vehicles that include automated driver assistance systems (ADAS) as these sensors and components are often not visible.

After a collision, when assessing the damage, you may want to bring the vehicle to a professional to determine if the damage is cosmetic or if there is unseen damage that could impact vehicle performance or safety features.  

Unseen Technologies

Many newer vehicles include a variety of sensors to guide driver assistance technology. Often sensors are located in the front and rear bumpers as well as throughout the interior and exterior of the vehicle. These sensors work together with onboard computers to allow features like parallel parking assistance, rear cameras for assistance backing up, and even collision prevention measures. Following an accident, it is important to confirm that your systems are fully operational.

Fortunately, auto body shops have various ways to detect this unseen damage, and one of the most important is diagnostic scanning.

A diagnostic scan is performed after you drop your car off at the shop, before repair work begins. To perform a diagnostics assessment, a repair technician connects your car to a scanner, which reveals if any Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) appear. This scan runs through all the various programs and features that help your car run, and it flags any problems or miscommunications between those systems.

This scan gives auto repairers visibility into seen and unseen systems.

If you’re in an accident, it is important to remember to think about unseen damage as well. You can always play it safe and contact a local collision repair professional to determine the extent of the damage. Carwise is happy to connect you to local professionals, many of which offer photo estimates online. Use the shop finder tool on Carwise to search your zip code for a customer-reviewed auto body or glass repair shop nearby: https://www.carwise.com/auto-body-shops/.

One of your first priorities after getting in a car accident is getting your vehicle repaired as quickly as possible. But hastily taking your vehicle to the closest auto body repair shop may not be the best decision when all is said and done. Finding a reputable collision repair shop can be challenging and will take some research on your part. Before handing over your keys to the body shop manager here are 10 questions to ask:

What Do Others Say About the Collision Repair Shop?

The first step to finding a trustworthy auto body repair shop is to carefully research the shops in your area online. Blog articles, customer reviews and third-party ratings can help you find and choose from the most reputable shops nearby.

How Does the Shop Communicate with Customers?

Many – but not all – auto body repair shops have adopted new technology to make it easy for customers to book appointments online, submit photo estimates from your smartphone, and stay in the loop about the status of a repair with text or email updates. These features aren’t mandatory but are worth considering as you search for a repair shop, especially if timeliness is a concern.

Does the Shop Routinely Work on Vehicles Like Mine?

If you drive an import car, rare model or vehicle make, replacement parts can be hard to find. In addition to having the right parts suppliers, find a shop that has the tools, experience and equipment to expertly restore your vehicle like new again. 

Is the Auto Body Repair Shop Certified?

Auto body repair shops that have earned OEM, ASE and I-CAR certifications employ technicians and managers with the required skills, knowledge and training to perform safe, comprehensive, top-quality repairs. Most OEM, I-CAR- and ASE-certified shops proudly display those certification badges in their waiting room and on their website. 

Does the Shop Supply Rental Cars or Loaners?

Being without a car for several days can be a real hassle. As an added convenience, some auto body shops have a car rental facility located in or near their business. Others offer loaner or courtesy vehicles to customers while their car is in the shop.

Before signing a rental or loaner agreement be sure to read the fine print carefully. Use your smartphone to take photos of the car before leaving the shop and when you turn it back in. It’s also wise to record the beginning and ending mileage.

Do They Provide Written Estimates?

Also ask the auto body shop if you can get a written repair estimate, followed by an itemized bill after the work is completed. If the figures on the two documents don’t match up, don’t be afraid to question any discrepancies.

In addition, most reputable auto body repair businesses clearly post their payment policies and shop procedures somewhere in the waiting room. Those payment policies may include labor rates, material costs, warranty information, guarantees and acceptable forms of payment.

How Long Will the Collision Repairs Take?

As the top question that auto body shop managers field, this one has no cut-and-dried answer because every repair job is different. Factors that may influence the length of the repair cycle include the extent of damage, the shop’s workload and their parts procurement process.

Delays caused by variables like COVID-19 are possible, as shops take more customer and employee safety precautions and some parts take longer to ship. A recent industry trend report published by CCC Information Services Inc. showed that the average duration of customer loaner or rental car usage – the metric used to determine length of repair time – is 9.85 days.

The skill and training of repair technicians can also shorten or lengthen the repair process, along with the quality of equipment the shop uses and whether-or-not they outsource some of their work – like ADAS sensor recalibrations. In most cases, busy collision repair shops usually do high-quality work. 

Will the Paint Match the Rest of My Car?

The last thing you want when you pick up your car is a freshly painted door panel or bumper that doesn’t match the rest of the car. To prevent that from happening, most vehicles have a manufacturer’s paint code located under the hood, in the trunk or inside a door jam. Always ask if the shop will be using the exact same paint color and not just a similar one.

Is My Car Covered by Insurance While at the Shop?

To be sure that your car is protected against damage, theft or burglary while at the body shop find out if they carry fire and theft insurance. It’s also recommended to continue paying the auto insurance premiums on your vehicle even while it’s being repaired.

Remember that the technicians will be test-driving your vehicle to ensure that everything was restored properly.

Are My Repairs Backed with a Warranty?

Knowing the answer to this question will give you peace of mind that if the repairs are performed incorrectly the shop will correct them at no additional cost to you. Most auto body repair shops offer some type of warranty, so be sure to ask what it covers, how long it is for, and which shops will honor the warranty if you move.

Simplify Your Auto Body Repair Shop Search on Carwise

A quick, simple way to find reputable, OEM, I-CAR and ASE-certified auto body or glass repair shops in your area is to use the nationwide Carwise referral network, where you can view shop information, ratings and customer reviews. Many shops back their repairs with a warranty and have direct partnerships with insurance companies to make the repair transaction easier between customer, insurer and shop. To search your zip code now for reputable auto body or glass repair shops nearby visit us at: www.carwise.com.

Have you ever noticed how amazingly clean your car is, inside and out, when you pick it up from a collision repair shop?  That’s because body shop technicians know that professional detailing keeps your vehicle looking like new while protecting its interior and exterior.  And, many auto body shops provide in-house car detailing services, including exterior, interior and engine bay.  But will getting your vehicle detailed enhance its worth?  Let’s take a more in-depth look at the three types of detailing, and if they actually increase your car’s value.

Exterior Auto Detailing Restores & Protects

Weather elements and the sun’s UV rays cause your car’s paint to fade and dull.  In addition, your finish experiences scratches, oxidation (rust) and parking lot dings.  Wheel surfaces also get quite dirty, and all these factors can lower your car’s resale value.  To counteract those, professional detailers use these steps to restore and protect car exteriors:

• Wash and scrub the outside with a deep penetrating brush, including the wheels
• Dry all surfaces with a soft, microfiber mitt
• Gently polish out light scratches, oxidation & swirl marks
• Wax the paint, usually with a high-quality, carnauba-based paste product
• Methodically clean & then apply protective polish to rubber trim areas

Professional detailing products contain UV inhibitors that protect paint while extending its life.  When a car exterior’s finish is restored to its original condition, it’s not only eye-catching, but it also projects an image that the vehicle was well taken care of, inside and out.  In the end, that adds overall value to your car.

Car Interiors Benefit from Detailing

Auto interior carpeting, upholstery, trim and mats are constantly subjected to wear-and-tear, including food and beverage spills, cigarette smoke, mud and pets.  Additionally, the sun’s UV rays can fade your upholstery, trim and dash.  Professional detailers know how to restore the original beauty of leather, fabric and carpeting using various cleaning and sanitizing processes.

First they thoroughly vacuum and shampoo the inside of your car, and then use high-quality, commercial-grade products to clean and protect the seats, trim, and carpeting.  On leather seats and trim, they first deeply scrub the material and then use special conditioners.  All of these detailing tricks prolong your car interior’s life and removes unwanted odors.  As a result, this adds value to your vehicle.

Detailed Engines Boost a Car’s Value

Have you ever popped the hood on a used car that you’re looking at and the engine was spotless?  Seeing a clean motor instills confidence in a potential buyer.  That’s why dealers have their detailers carefully clean the engines as they prep used cars for sale.  And if you’ve had auto body repairs done, notably for a front-end collision, you’ll see a professionally- detailed engine when the work is finished.  That makes you feel more confident in the repairs, right?  When you are selling or trading in your vehicle, the emotional impact is the same.

Mechanics also love to work on vehicles with clean engines, as it allows them to assess and diagnose problems more easily.  Here’s how most detailers clean up grimy car engines:

• They gently clean off loose dirt with a light water spray
• Then they wipe down the engine components with a commercial degreaser, and rinse it off again
• After drying completely, all rubber, silicone and plastic engine components are “dressed” with special protective compounds to prevent cracking

A clean engine compartment will add value to your car by making it more attractive to a potential buyer or when trading it in at a dealership.

Body Shops Near You Provide Auto Detailing

According to used car experts, annual professional detailing can boost the market value of your vehicle by up to 15%, depending upon the make, year and overall condition.  Without question, auto detailing increases your car’s worth, especially when it’s over five years old.  Not only that, but as long as you continue driving it, detailing will protect the finish from the elements and the inside from wear-and-tear.  And, when a mechanic needs to do some repairs, a detailed engine increases the odds that they will be performed correctly the first time!  As was mentioned earlier, most collision repair shops offer professional detailing services.  To search your zip code for one in your area, visit www.carwise.com now.

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

what is paintless dent repair?

You may be concerned about repair costs, or increases in your insurance premiums. However, there is an inexpensive option known as paintless dent repair (PDR). While PDR is often used for hail damage, it can also be used for large and small dents anywhere on your car’s paint surface. Furthermore, it leaves the paint job on your car intact, so you don’t have to worry about panels appearing mismatched after the repair. This process maintains the original paint and parts which, in turn, minimizes costs while helping your car retain its value for potential resale.

Paintless Dent Repair or Paintless Dent Removal (PDR) is a technique used by auto body shops that remove 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.

Paintless Dent repair and Hail damage

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

CALL YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY AFTER YOU GET AN AUTO SHOP QUOTE

The first thing you should do after the storm is get in contact with both an auto body shop and your insurance company. An auto body shop will help you figure out your hail damage repair options; your insurance company is likely aware that a hailstorm went through your area and can let you know your insurance coverage, as well as repair options.

GET YOUR CAR FIXED WITH PAINTLESS DENT REPAIR

More often than not, your car can be fixed using a technique called paintless dent repair (PDR). This is used when there are dents in the metal, but the paint job has not been damaged, which is often the case with hail damage. PDR is relatively inexpensive, as many auto body shops offer this service in-house, work with insurance companies after a storm to ship cars to PDR companies, or can refer you to a specialized PDR technician. In areas where hailstorms are common, many insurance companies and collision repair shops will set up temporary PDR spaces to provide quick repairs at minimal cost.

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.

Not all shops offer PDR in-house, as it is a specialized repair process and requires technical training. At Carwise, we can help you locate an auto body shop that offers PDR near you. If you live in an area prone to hailstorms, use Carwise to find a shop near you before a storm hits.

Sources:

MSN Autos

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

Call your insurance company after you get an auto shop quote

The first thing you should do after the storm is get in contact with both an auto body shop and your insurance company. An auto body shop will help you figure out your hail damage repair options; your insurance company is likely aware that a hailstorm went through your area and can let you know your insurance coverage, as well as repair options.

Get your car fixed with paintless dent repair

More often than not, your car can be fixed using a technique called paintless dent repair (PDR). This is used when there are dents in the metal, but the paint job has not been damaged, which is often the case with hail damage. PDR is relatively inexpensive, as many auto body shops offer this service in-house, work with insurance companies after a storm to ship cars to PDR companies, or can refer you to a specialized PDR technician. In areas where hailstorms are common, many insurance companies and collision repair shops will set up temporary PDR spaces to provide quick repairs at minimal cost.

At Carwise, we can help you locate a body shop that offers PDR near you, and help eliminate the hassle in locating the right PDR technician for your needs. Finding car repair technicians specialized in PDR and other specialties is a breeze with Carwise.

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

Setting up for Paintless dent repair

The major factors in considering setting up PDR in a body shop include:

• Access to a PDR-trained technician
• Owning the correct PDR equipment
• Having a well-lit space specifically for PDR repairs in the shop
• The amount of jobs that could use PDR

In many cases, it boils down to the last point — demand. If hailstorms rarely occur in your area, your shop may specialize in other repairs. It may even make more sense to outsource PDR to another company, in which case will need to consider the cost of transporting cars offsite.

Overall, setting up PDR in your shop can attract a lot of customers. Here at Carwise, your body shop’s profile page can indicate whether or not you offer PDR to those in your area requiring PDR services. Weigh your options, and consider if PDR is right for your shop.

Fender Bender also has an article about setting up in-house PDR.

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

Review websites are the next best referral tool to word of mouth.

Here are the top reasons why auto body shop review websites are important:

1) Reputation. 88% of consumers read online reviews to determine if a local business is a good business.

2) Referral business. Personal recommendations are the only other referral process more trusted than auto body shop review websites.

3) Reviews help you in the search engines. Reviews give you a huge boost on SEO, improving your online presence and search engine rankings in Google, Yahoo, Bing and other search engines. If you want better exposure in the search engines, auto body shop reviews matter a lot!

4) Stay ahead of the competition. 90% of auto body shops don’t share reviews. There is a huge opportunity for your shop to improve your sales and referral business if your competition is not participating in online reviews.

5) Carwise vs. auto body reviews on other websites. The subject of fake reviews has had a lot of news coverage and is on the mind of the average consumer. However, Carwise.com is different than other online review sites, because all auto body shop reviews are 100% REAL. They are the opinions of verified customers who’ve had their vehicles repaired at the shop they reviewed. Unlike other online review sites that allow anyone to write a review, Carwise.com eliminates the possibilities of fake auto body shop reviews up front by requiring reviewers to complete a verification process to ensure they are actual customers of the auto body repair shop that is receiving the repair review.

Check out Carwise.com today to see the opinions of real people who have had their vehicles repaired at these facilities. They rate these shops on a number of factors that make a difference to the customer experience.

Sources:
SearchEngineLand

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