Saturday, May 31, 2014

The Top Five Requirements of an Auto Body Shop

These days, most of us spend many hours in our vehicles, driving to and from work, carting kids here and there, running errands, and often, just taking a leisurely drive in the country. It goes with the territory that at some point, most of us will experience the need to find an auto body shop to do some repairs. In most regions, there is no shortage of repair shops, so make sure the one you choose meets these top five requirements.

1. Make sure the auto body shop is willing to work with your insurance company. Even if you're not filing a claim on this particular repair (say, for example, it wasn't a collision-related repair), you still want a company that is professional enough to be willing to work with the insurance company in case you do have to file a claim for a collision or other incident in the future.

2. Get testimonials from customers. Finding out what other people have experienced when working with the auto body shop that you are considering will tell you volumes about what you can expect. Often just going to the shop's website will let you read testimonials. If the shop doesn't have a website, or if they don't have testimonials posted on the site, ask for some references. Most reputable shops will have some customers that will speak on their behalf.

3. Be sure you feel comfortable with the person giving you the estimate. Does he or she smile? Look you in the eye? Is he or she friendly, and willing to talk over the various items on the estimate?

4. Confirm that the auto body shop is a licensed and insured place of business. You will not only be entrusting them with your repair, you'll likely be leaving your vehicle in their hands for several days, if not longer, and you want to be sure that you can trust that should there be any incident in the shop (such as a fire or burglary), they have the ability to compensate you for any potential losses.

5. Get your estimate in writing. Even if it's a small job, such as just touching up the paint on a bumper or installing a power-window motor, you want to be sure that the shop is comfortable standing by their word. A written estimate is a must-have when choosing a body shop.

Whether you're changing body shops due to a bad experience, or just looking for a new shop, chances are you'll be starting a long-term relationship, because most of us need an auto body shop more than once. It's worth doing the homework up front, so that you'll be glad you did, instead of wishing that you had!

Joe Hudson's Collision Center meets all these requirements, and then some. To learn more, visit http://www.jhcc.biz.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=R_Jason_Lucas

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Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Top Tips to Keep Your Car Dent Free!

When you have a car or any other vehicle, dings and dents are inevitable. Visit to auto shops, mechanics, and body shops can be costly and present you with a long receipt that can wipe the green off your pocket too easily. However, with a few tips and tricks, and staying alert, you can keep your vehicle free from dents.

1. Drive Smart

Make sure when you're behind the wheels, you are careful and smart. It is good to assume that other drivers may make a mistake anytime and at any second. Even when you have the right of way, look out for other drivers; they may think it's their right of way and not yours. Therefore, drive smart and stay safe. This can prevent many accidents and mishaps.

2. Park Smart

Whether it's in your garage, or a mall's parking lot, it's important you park your vehicle safely. While parking in the garage, make sure you don't park too much towards either side, and keep the vehicle in the center. Therefore, when you open the door, it won't hit the walls. While for parking lots outside malls, be sure to follow the rules. Park on assigned spaces, else your motor is likely to get a dent or ding from trolleys or other car doors. There's a reason why they have signs that say "park at your own risk".

3. Don't Test Your Car

There are times when you may feel too excited and want to check how far and how fast you can drive your car. Even though this may sound exciting, but at the end, the only thing left will be a huge bill for body repairs. Driving your car at top speed for a long time can damage the engine and other parts, and you are likely to get a dent or two for sure.

4. Drive Safe

Speed limits, speed signs, and other signs are there for the safety of drivers. It is wise to follow them to prevent accidents or hazardous situations. Especially during the night and on highways, you need to drive safe and stay alert. Also, don't drink and drive - this will not only cause you a penalty, but also can wreck your car and cause fatal injuries.

These tips only talk common sense. They are a reminder for new drivers and old, to drive safe and protect your car from dings, dents and accidents.

In case you may encounter a door dent, you can always get a quick paint less dent removal. Usually this technique requires 20 to 30 minutes to repair dents. Paint less dent removal is great as it saves you a fortune. Many companies provide PDR services that include door dent removal and paint less door dent repair. Find the best one that gives you the best service, because your vehicle is a precious investment. For more information related Paintless dent removal call us at (951) 318-1818
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephen_Roshy

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Sunday, May 25, 2014

Can You Make Your Car Look Like New? | Consumer Reports



Consumer Reports tests scratch-removers and products to refurbish your faded trim to see if they can make your car look good again. Tested products include: Meguiar's Mothers, Turtle Wax, Wipe Nu, Meds ReNu Pro, Simonize, Dupont and Turtle Wax.

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Worst Gas Guzzlers | Consumer Reports



While some cars come close to getting 40 miles per gallon, others don't get anywhere near that. We'll show you the worst gas guzzlers of all.

Monday, May 19, 2014

Corby's Collision Video 3



"Hands On" Owner / Operator Paul Troutner talks about happy employees and happy customers. For more information, please visit http://corbysvacaville.com/

Friday, May 16, 2014

Large Sedans - Top Choices | Consumer Reports



Large sedans offer plenty of room and a comfortable ride. We'll help you find just the right one with our tests of the Chevrolet Impala, Toyota Avalon, Chrysler 300 and more.

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Corby's Collision Video 2



"Hands On" Owner / Operator Paul Troutner talks about Corby's history and sense of community. For more information, please visit http://corbysvacaville.com/

Saturday, May 10, 2014

Road Trip Car Safety Kit

Spring and summer are road trip season, but travelling in the cooler months has its perils as well. Before you hit the road, here are some things to think about.

What should every car have in its safety kit?

• A case of bottled water
• A flag or other means of attracting attention
• Blanket or sleeping bag
• Extra clothing and footwear
• Emergency non-perishable food
• Candle in a deep tin
• Waterproof matches
• First aid kit
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Fire extinguisher
• Booster cables
• Ice scraper & Snow brush
• Oil and antifreeze
• Paper towels or rags
• Road map, Compass, GPS
• Sand, road salt or kitty litter, and Shovel
• Cell phone charger

It is also important to keep your cell phone charged. Often that might be your lifeline for help, and your charger will not work, once your cars battery is dead.

When planning a long road trip, or a trip to unfamiliar territory, it is also important to let friends or family know where you are going and when you are to be expected to arrive, call and update them along the way, so if you fail to check in, they know to follow up in the appropriate ways.

Prepare yourself as well, a good nights sleep, a proper meal and a few minutes looking up the route online or on a map will help you feel more relaxed, alert and ready to the challenge.

Check tire pressure, oil, washer fluid and antifreeze/coolant levels, as well as all lights and windshield wiper blades.

Fill up your fuel tank before you are empty, if you get lost, you will appreciate the extra fuel.

Consider a pre-trip mechanical inspection, get the car into good shape, peace of mind is priceless! A pre -trip inspection will include much more than a look at the tires and brakes. It is a thorough visual inspection of the car from front to back. It will include things like checking the spare tire for the correct pressure and seeing if the jack and wheel lug wrench are in place, as well as all the usual inspections. Make sure to tell your service provider why you want the inspection and what kind of driving conditions you expect to encounter.

While this list is not exhaustive, it does give some starting points to help you plan to arrive in a worry free manner.

Last of all, enjoy the trip, stop and smell the roses, and take in the views!

Scott Waddle is an auto mechanic and the owner of Precision Auto Services located at #101 - 22575 Fraser Highway in Langley, BC. At Precision Auto you can be sure that your car is in the hands of qualified mechanics. Call 604-530-9394 to schedule a consultation today.
Precision Auto Service, where we worry about your car, so you don't have to!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Scott_Waddle

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Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Corby's Collision Video 1



"Hands On" Owner / Operator Paul Troutner discusses happy customers and alignments. For more information, please visit http://corbysvacaville.com/

Sunday, May 4, 2014

Safe Driving Tip #15: Things to Check



A professional driver explains what you should do before you drive down the road. These tips are from Ford Motor Company's Driving Skills for Life program, which is designed to help young drivers improve their skills in four key areas that are critical factors in more than 60% of teen vehicle crashes, hazard recognition, vehicle handling, space management and speed management.

Thursday, May 1, 2014

Nine Signs Your Brakes Need Repair

Normal wear and tear on a car's brake system requires regular inspection of the them and other components. Skipping maintenance or putting off minor repairs can lead to serious - and expensive - problems. Driving habits determine how long they last. Driving carefully extends the life of most of them like rotors and calipers. Keep the car's suspension system - shocks and struts - well balanced, too. A poorly balanced vehicle puts unnecessary strain and wear on the brakes, and they wear out faster.

Symptoms of a brake problem:

  1. The brake warning light is activated.

The problem: The car giving an alert that something is amiss in the system.

The solution: Get the car inspected by a trained mechanic as soon as possible. Replace or repair any worn or damaged parts, and follow a regular inspection and maintenance schedule in the future.

  1. They make a squealing or grinding noise when they are applied.

The problem: Any grinding, squealing, screeching or rubbing noises heard during braking indicate it is time to have the system inspected. The pads and shoes may have started to wear down and need to be replaced. In some cases, the gasket between the pad and the piston may be missing, causing vibrations to escalate to squealing sounds.

The solution: Replace worn pads and shoes immediately, before they damage other parts. If the gasket between the pad and piston is missing, have the technician replace it.

  1. The brake pedal is spongy or slow to respond. Brakes feel weak.

They still work, but it takes longer to stop and sudden stops create less braking power. You may have to press down farther on the pedal to get results. If the pedal goes all the way to the floor, the car may have no braking power.

The problem: The pads may be too worn to effectively stop the car, or the fluid is too low to allow for adequate braking pressure. In the worst case scenario, the brake power boost unit may have failed or the master cylinder has failed.

The solution: Replace the pads as soon as possible, and have the fluid checked for contamination. If necessary, replace the fluid. Checking the brake power boost unit requires a special vacuum measurement tool, because brake boosters are vacuum-controlled. If the unit has failed, it must be replaced. Failed master cylinders also must be replaced.

  1. The brakes make a "clunking" sound.

The problem: Something may be loose inside the system, such as the bolts that hold them together or attach them to the suspension. Suspension components may be worn or broken. Ball joints, steering racks, tie rod ends, wheel bearings and more can cause clunking sounds.

The solution: Have the vehicle inspected immediately and repair any loose components or worn parts.

  1. The brake pedal is too firm.

If applying them suddenly feels very difficult and it is hard to depress the pedal, this can be an indication of a significant problem.

The problem: The vacuum brake booster system may have a leak or it may be failing. There may be an obstruction in the line circulating fluid throughout the system.

The solution: Get the car to a mechanic immediately. Having any leaks in the vacuum booster system repaired. If there are no leaks, the booster has probably failed and needs to be replaced. The technician should check for blockages in the lines. In some cases, the line has been damaged or pinched and needs to be repaired.

  1. The brakes seem to be "grabbing" or braking causes the car to pull to one side.

The problem: Grabbing or pulling when braking can indicate that they or suspension system has a problem. In some cases, the discs may be damaged.

The solution: Replace worn or contaminated pads. If the disc is damaged, replace the discs in pairs to ensure the car brakes evenly.

  1. The brake pedal vibrates when brakes are applied.

Most cars have ABS, and the pedal will vibrate during sudden, hard stops as part of the normal anti-lock braking function. Other vibrations felt through the pedal or steering wheel during braking indicates a problem.

The problem: There may be metal-on-metal rubbing in the system. The brake rotors may be warped or being damaged by worn-out pads.

The solution: Replace any worn our contaminated pads. If the discs have been damaged, replace them immediately. Check the suspension system and replace any worn or damaged parts. Have the mechanic check the car's alignment, and get an alignment if necessary.

  1. The brakes "drag" or do not immediately release when the driver takes their foot off the brake pedal.

The problem: The system may have a bad wheel cylinder, causing them to remain under pressure. The parking brake may not have fully released, leaving it engaged slightly at all times.

The solution: If the technician finds a problem with the wheel cylinder, it must be replaced. If the problem is with the parking brake, the cable control may need lubrication or replaced.

  1. There is a strong burning smell near the tires.

The problem: Brake pads may be seriously worn, or they may have been over-used. If the driver habitually "rides the brakes" or brakes very hard, brakes can overheat. This often occurs when coming down a steep hill or mountain drive. If the smell occurs during regular driving, a more serious problem exists. A caliper piston may be locked, or there may be a problem with the parking brake or brake pads.

The solution: Drive smart, and do not ride the brakes or drive with the parking brake engaged. If driving down steep hills frequently, downshift rather than constantly use the brakes to slow the vehicle. If the burning smell of overheated brakes occurs during normal use, get the brake system inspected. Replace or repair caliper pistons, brake pads or parking brake components as needed.

If you are looking for honest advice, prioritized repairs, options on repairs, maximized fuel economy, and a good feeling with who you are doing business with go to http://www.westsideautopros.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ron_Haugen

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