Collision Repair: Understanding the Different Part Types Commonly Used

After you have been in an accident, the most important thing is making sure you're safe. After that, the second most important thing is getting your vehicle back in working order. The outcome of your collision repair service depends greatly on the type of parts your mechanic chooses to use. Whether they use genuine, original equipment manufacturer, or aftermarket parts will determine how well your vehicle will run and how long the rehabilitation will last.

Genuine

Some collision repair services try to use genuine parts in all their restoration work. These pieces are what originally came in the vehicle. Typically, they come in a box with the carmaker's logo, so you know it is a genuine part.

When it comes to cost, genuine parts are among the most expensive types you can buy for your vehicle. For this reason, it is best to only use these items if they are still under warranty and you don't have to pay any out of pocket expense.

Despite popular belief, choosing to go with something other than manufacturer parts will not void any remaining warranty. In fact, according to the Federal Trade Commission's "Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act," it is illegal for any manufacturer to void the warranty solely based on the type of part you choose to use. The act also allows you to have the work completed anywhere, even at home, without voiding the warranty.

Original Equipment Manufacturer

During your collision repair, you may choose to have Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts installed. While not a genuine piece, it is the exact same as what came in your vehicle because it was created by the same company who built the part for the car company. The difference is it doesn't have the car company's logo on the box.

Like genuine, OEM can be more expensive than aftermarket. However, it will cost less than genuine. It is a good way to save a little money and get the same part that was originally in your vehicle.

Aftermarket

Aftermarket pieces are quite common. They look and work in the same manner as the originals. The big difference is a company other than the manufacturer builds it. The structure is designed to fit and perform just as well as the original.

In some cases, aftermarket designs outperform their more expensive counterparts. This is because these companies analyze why the products fail in the first place. Once they know what the underlying problem is, they can make theirs without these flaws. In some cases, it may be as simple as the material was not made to last, and the aftermarket builder chooses something a bit more robust.
In the event that the part is not under warranty or your insurance company is not as concerned about what replacement type is used, you may want to settle for an aftermarket product.

Collision repair uses many different types of products in order to rehabilitate your vehicle. In addition to genuine, OEM, and aftermarket, the mechanic may suggest a rebuilt or reconditioned piece. While these may help keep your costs down, they do have wear and tear, so use them with caution.

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Stop. Trains Can't.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have launched a national railroad crossing safety ad campaign to increase public awareness around railroad tracks and reduce crossing deaths and injuries. Although accidents at railroad crossings are an old problem, the problem is easily avoidable. This ad is the latest in a three-year, focused effort to reverse the uptick in railroad crossing fatalities. Its message is simple: Stop. Trains can’t.

For more information, please visit: https://www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/get-materials/rail-grade-crossing/stop-trains-cant.

Looking For the Best Auto Body Repair Shop

If your car is damaged, what you need is a good auto body repair shop to help you restore it to its original glory - without unnecessary expenditure. Good auto body repair shops will repair the car; paint the dents and other damaged portions of the car with properly matching paint. They will also repair the vehicle frame as well as the electrical and electronic system of the car.

Opting for auto body repair instead of a replacement of the damaged portion of the car, will not only help you save money, but will also help the environment in a positive manner. This is why; you should choose the best repair specialist in your area.

How will you choose the repair specialist?

Remember that the best way to come across an auto body repair shop that you like is by shopping around. You should check all the aspects of a number of repair shops in your area and then compare them and see which shop scores the most. Needless to say, the Internet is one of the best places to get started in your search.

Ask your friends, family and colleagues at work. Reference is a great way of determining which auto body repair you should choose. Even your two truck company or insurance agents are a good source for the reference. However, when someone tells you that they like a particular shop, make sure that you ask them why they like it.

You need to ask them various questions about the repair shop that they are referring, before you can choose the shop. If your friend says that she likes it because they gave her a waver in her Insurance Deductible, it will be a much weaker reason to choose the shop than if she says that she really loved the work of the shop and her car works great after the repair job.

You should also check out the car of the person who is referring you the particular auto repair shop. This will help you to get an idea about the kind of work that they do.

You should also check the background of the auto body repair shop and see how long they have been in this business. The age of the company will help you to understand its quality - after all, a company can stay in business only if they are doing good work. Check if the shop is locally owned and if it has any connection with the local community.

Sometimes your insurance company may have an agreement with some of the local auto body repair shops. This Direct Repair Program will help you make a good decision about the shop. However, make sure that you check the credentials and the work of the shop, before you entrust them with your car.

Sometimes, you can recognize quality service just by interacting with the company. Call the local auto body repair shop and see how they behave - were they welcoming and friendly? Do they have a clean and attractive office? The very "feel" of the local auto body repair shop may help you to make your decision.

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How to Find a Mechanic You Can Trust

According to a recent survey, two-thirds of U.S. drivers don’t trust auto repair shops. And one-third say they don’t have a mechanic they feel confident taking their car to. No matter how you feel about mechanics, odds are you’re going to need one — and likely at inopportune moments. Matt Schmitz of Cars.com provides tips to finding a repair shop you can trust.

New Crash Tests Show Modest Speed Increases Can Have Deadly Consequences - IIHS News

Drivers want to save time, and local transportation agencies want to improve traffic flow, but at what cost? With posted speed limits increasing on roadways around the country, a vehicle’s ability to protect drivers in crashes is in doubt.

Small speed increases can have huge effects on crash outcomes, as shown in new crash tests by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Humanetics. The safety organizations conducted crashes at three different impact speeds (40, 50 and 56 mph). They found the slightly higher speeds were enough to increase the driver's risk of severe injury or death.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Auto Accidents?

What are the most common causes of auto accidents? Safety experts agree that the number-one cause of accidents is human error.

Almost all crashes can be prevented by more careful behavior and responsible conduct and driving habits. In more recent years, this is commonly known as "Distracted Driving" and it takes on many different forms.

The most common mistakes drivers make include drinking and driving; speeding; drag racing other vehicles; driving while fatigued; and distractions involving applying make-up, talking, singing, passenger misconduct or immaturity, eating or drinking, texting, browsing social media sites or other activities involving smart phones. But in many cases, simply not paying attention and being mentally distracted by personal matters can cause drivers to drift out of the lane, run red lights and stop signs or break other basic traffic rules.

These "Distractions" and many others have caused many, many terrible, needless and life-changing accidents that were otherwise avoidable or preventable.

Why Car Repair Should Be Left To The Professionals

In today's society, DIY projects have become a necessity for many. This is also often applied to car repair. Some people think that because they have knowledge of cars and their working components, many of what they consider easy projects can be done in their home garage. However, a lot of these projects aren't nearly as easy as they may seem.

Clutch

Fixing a clutch. Simple enough, right? It seems to be. However, most people don't realize that fixing a clutch is more complicated and can be a delicate procedure. The biggest hurdle one would find is that many times it involves dropping the engine. This is not something that most can do in their garage.

Recharging the A/C

Every automotive store carries A/C recharging kits. If they do that, then it must be something a novice could do, right? Wrong. Not even counting the added complications of Freon, there is so much more to it. Working with the A/C system involves very high, specific pressure, specialized tubing, and odd components - most of these allusively buried in the dashboard or tied into an incomprehensible computer - not to mention many other things related to the first law of thermodynamics. If that word is not recognizable, you more than likely have no business even being in there.

Working around or on the airbag

Though thankfully this particular area rarely needs to be worked on or around, it is still a good idea to know what the possible outcomes could be. The most important thing to think about if working on or around this area - including any close by panels - is that there is a significantly sized explosive charge tucked away in there. Does 'explosive charge' sound a lot like a bomb? It should, because that is essentially what it is. Definitely make sure that someone with training in that particular area works on that part of your car. A hand being blown off isn't worth the extra money saved by doing it ones-self. It is guaranteed that the hospital bill for that would be significantly more expensive than just having a professional do it for you.

Rebuilding a differential

Anytime someone is messing around with gears it can lead to disaster. It takes a delicate, sensitive touch. Differentials are even trickier. If the gears are even slightly off, your car will sound like it has been taken over by a disgruntled poltergeist. Not to mention that in a very short time, the teeth will completely wear out and disintegrate. The contact patch between the gears has to be so carefully aligned that it is mathematically perfect.

Even the seemingly simplest of jobs are so involved that many times doing your own car repair can cost more than taking it to the shop. A car repair technician can do the job right the first time and save lots of time and energy.

For more information on car repair, Hershey, PA residents can go to http://www.certifiedpreownedofhershey.com/Body-Shop.

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CHP Summer Road Trip Tips

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Have You Ever Wondered What is a Clear Coat? – Ask Meguiar’s

So, what is a clear coat? The top clear coat portion of a base coat/clear coat paint system is a transparent layer of paint that is designed, not only to create gloss for the base coat, but also add a layer of protection to that base coat.

While clear coats certainly add vibrance and protection, they’re also very sensitive to abrasion and can magnify the appearance of swirls and scratches. So, it’s very important that you always use products that are designed for clear coat technology along with clean and fresh accessories like car wash mitts and microfibers to minimize any chance of creating swirls.

Four Common Automotive Collision Repair Insurance Questions

 

By Craig Pelton  | 

After an auto accident, it is important that you have your vehicle damage professionally repaired by a reputable collision repair shop. However, dealing with the insurance adjusters and finding the answers to your many questions can be overwhelming. This is why we have taken the time to answer some of the most common insurance questions that our clients ask during the collision repair process.

Does the insurance company choose where you should have your vehicle repaired? It is entirely your choice as to where you have your vehicle repaired after an accident. Your insurance company may try to steer you toward a preferred shop in their network, but the choice is up to you. In fact, state law prohibits these "steering" tactics. Don't feel pressure to work with a collision repair shop simply because your adjuster prefers them. Your vehicle is a big investment and you want to be sure that an experienced and reputable automotive collision repair shop expertly repairs any damage.

Once an insurance company makes an estimate, will I need to pay for any additional damage that is discovered during the repair process? An appraiser is only able to make an estimate for the damage that is visible. Once the vehicle is taken apart for repair, the technician will look for evidence of any further damage. He will inform the insurance company of any additional repairs that must be made. It is not unusual for there to be at least one supplement to the original estimate.

Should I choose the repair shop with the lowest price because insurance is paying? That old phrase, "You get what you pay for" is often the case when it comes to automotive collision repair. Just because a shop offers the lowest price, it does not necessarily mean that it is the best place to have your car repaired. The vehicles of today are quite complex so you want to be sure that you are working with repair technicians that can restore your vehicle to its pre-accident condition. This includes repairing the outside appearance as well as the safety equipment and special equipment found on modern vehicles. Your car is a big investment so you want to be sure that you receive the best quality automotive repairs available.

Will my car ever be the same? If you use a reputable collision repair shop, your vehicle should be returned to its pre-accident state. This includes returning the function, safety, performance and appearance of the vehicle to like-new condition. Be sure that your technicians use new, high-quality replacement parts. You should choose a shop that offers comprehensive warranties on all repairs. This is one way to guarantee that the customer is completely satisfied with their repaired vehicle.

Repairing your vehicle after a collision should not be a traumatic experience. Find an auto body shop in your area that is experienced in working with insurance companies. They can guide you through the process so you feel comfortable and secure every step of the way.

Craig Pelton is the owner of Worldwide Auto Body, a full-service auto paint and collision repair center located in Kernersville, NC.

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AAA StartSmart - Distracted Driving

Follow a group of six high school students and their parents as they attend the AAA StartSmart Academy where they learn how to develop safe driving habits from an over-the-top instructor named Crash — short for "Creating Responsible Automobile Safety Habits".

Should I Have My Car Repaired?

After an accident, consumers often wonder if having their car repaired is worth the time, money, effort and risk.

• "Won't my insurance rates go up?"
• "The damage isn't that bad... Can't I just wait and have it done later?"
• "I'm selling the car soon anyway so why bother?"

Recognizing that there are inherent costs of time and money it is still usually advisable to have vehicles repaired unless they are deemed a total loss by a qualified and trusted body shop or insurance adjuster. In a nutshell our typical advice is this: Have it repaired, via an insurance claim, at a trusted body shop. Have it repaired. First, unless it's deemed a total loss, have it fixed. Repaired cars retain their value when it comes time to sell. You might save money in the short run but lose even more when you go to sell it. Un-repaired cars typically deteriorate after an accident. Remember the second law of thermodynamics from science class? Unchecked everything tends toward greater disorder. Cracked paint allows for rust. Broken parts strain adjacent parts and can cause further damage or even make the car unsafe. In short, repaired cars hold their value and are safer for you, your loved ones and other drivers.and Via insurance Second, it is almost always better to run it through insurance - yours or the other parties - if at all possible. Many people fear making a claim thinking there will be a premium increase. Typically that only occurs if there are multiple claims in a short period of time. (And even then it usually takes months before the increase goes into effect.) Many companies now offer accident forgiveness which allows you a certain number of claims before the rates are at risk of going up. Your agent can typically tell you case by case the impact a claim will have on your premiums. It's at least worth a phone call to your agent. Since you pay for insurance you might as well use it. Think about your monthly premium more as an investment in your car that will allow you to get your vehicle fixed right when you need it. If you're not at fault your insurance company can fight for you better than you can fight for yourself. Yes, you'll have to pay your deductible after the repairs are completed but they can often recover that money if you're not at fault. In the auto body business we see this happen all the time. Insurance companies have the skills, knowledge and attorneys most of us couldn't afford. This is one of the reasons we pay them, right? If for any reason you are unable (or decide not to) use insurance many shops have an "Economy Repair" option. This is case by case and depends on the body shop but it never hurts to ask. After getting an estimate simply ask if there is any cheaper way to get the repairs done since you are not going through insurance. They may be able to find aftermarket parts or extend a self-pay discount. Use a trusted body shop Lastly, for the repairs find a reputable body shop to perform the repairs. There are a few things you can do to determine if a shop is reputable. I suggest you use all of these together rather than rely on just one. First, ask your insurance company who they recommend. Shops on insurance preferred repairer lists tend to be better monitored and have a longer track record of quality repairs. Second, check for reviews to see if the shop has good recommendations from other consumers and even consumer advocates like the Better Business Bureau (bbb.org). Typically there are also reviews online of reputable shops at sites like Google and Yelp. Just type the name of the shop into a search engine and reviews will typically be available for shops with a long track record of quality repairs. You can also get reviews or recommendations by asking friends of their experiences with a body shop. Finally, visit the shop, request an estimate and take the opportunity to simply look around. You will need to trust your gut on this one but shops that are clean, professional and orderly are more likely trustworthy than ones that are dirty, in disarray and have a rude staff. Hopefully you will not need the advice this article offers but if you find yourself in a collision I hope you will consider having your car repaired, via an insurance claim by a trusted body shop. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3798181

If your car has been damaged in an accident bring it in to Corby's Collision! We have been in business for 47 years in Vacaville, California. When you do business with Corby's Collision you will not only deal with their qualified and professional staff but, also with Paul himself. He is an Owner/Operator and likes to be "hands on" with everything that goes in and out of the shop.

707-448-1696

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