"Tomorrow is the first blank page of 365 page book. Write a good one."
-Brad Paisley
Happy New Year!
Thursday, December 31, 2015
Monday, December 28, 2015
Indications That You May Need New Tires
During the hot summer months, your tires take a beating that you
may not realize. With the heat of the road coupled with long summer
trips, the wheels on your car wear out quicker than you realize. There
is a reason that fall is known as the blowout season for vehicles. You
might not realize it is time to replace the rubber, but there are
warning signs to keep you from having to deal with a flat on the side of
the road.
Low Tire Tread
One of the most obvious ways you can tell it's time to replace your wheels is the tread. Those bumps and grooves on the outside help you stay on the road during wet or icy conditions. As those wear down, and the surface becomes smoother, you will lose that traction and put yourself at risk when you are driving. If you allow the tread to get too low, the wear can cause a misalignment in the front end. You could also have problems if there is damage or if they are underinflated.
Wear on Side
Another sign it's time to replace your tires is if there is one side that has more wear than the other. If the wear is in the center, you probably are overinflating them. Those with wear on the edges are driving around on underinflated ones. However, if one side has less tread than another does, it is an indicator that there is something else wrong. You may need your car's suspension realigned. There could also be a problem with parts such as damaged springs or ball joints. The best choice is to take it to a repair shop and have someone check it out.
Cracking
Extreme weather conditions, hitting curbs, or driving through potholes can cause the rubber to crack. The damage may even look like holes in the side of the wheel itself. If you see any cracking, you should get it replaced as soon as possible. This is a blowout waiting to happen. It can also be causing a steady leak, which will result in you driving on an underinflated tire.
Warning Light
Newer cars have what is known as a pressure warning light. This indicator shows up on your dashboard and looks like a U with an exclamation mark in the middle. They are designed to warn you if you have low pressure in any of the four wheels. You can simply add air to it, but it is in your best interest to take it somewhere and have it looked at in order to determine what caused the leak in the first place.
Vibration
Yes, the road can make your car feel like you are riding on a horse instead of in an automobile. However, that's different from the vibration of bad tires. Usually, you can feel it in the steering wheel before the rest of the car. Because it could mean more than just worn out rubber, you should have a mechanic check it to make sure your suspension and shocks are OK.
Low Tire Tread
One of the most obvious ways you can tell it's time to replace your wheels is the tread. Those bumps and grooves on the outside help you stay on the road during wet or icy conditions. As those wear down, and the surface becomes smoother, you will lose that traction and put yourself at risk when you are driving. If you allow the tread to get too low, the wear can cause a misalignment in the front end. You could also have problems if there is damage or if they are underinflated.
Wear on Side
Another sign it's time to replace your tires is if there is one side that has more wear than the other. If the wear is in the center, you probably are overinflating them. Those with wear on the edges are driving around on underinflated ones. However, if one side has less tread than another does, it is an indicator that there is something else wrong. You may need your car's suspension realigned. There could also be a problem with parts such as damaged springs or ball joints. The best choice is to take it to a repair shop and have someone check it out.
Cracking
Extreme weather conditions, hitting curbs, or driving through potholes can cause the rubber to crack. The damage may even look like holes in the side of the wheel itself. If you see any cracking, you should get it replaced as soon as possible. This is a blowout waiting to happen. It can also be causing a steady leak, which will result in you driving on an underinflated tire.
Warning Light
Newer cars have what is known as a pressure warning light. This indicator shows up on your dashboard and looks like a U with an exclamation mark in the middle. They are designed to warn you if you have low pressure in any of the four wheels. You can simply add air to it, but it is in your best interest to take it somewhere and have it looked at in order to determine what caused the leak in the first place.
Vibration
Yes, the road can make your car feel like you are riding on a horse instead of in an automobile. However, that's different from the vibration of bad tires. Usually, you can feel it in the steering wheel before the rest of the car. Because it could mean more than just worn out rubber, you should have a mechanic check it to make sure your suspension and shocks are OK.
To learn more about their cars' tires, Fresno, CA residents can go to http://www.raysblackstonetire.com/tires/.
Friday, December 25, 2015
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
Ford Tests Autonomous Driving
Ford's autonomous vehicle virtual test drive project and full autonomous vehicle testing at Mcity.
Saturday, December 19, 2015
Five Tips For Choosing Auto Body Shops
As if getting in a car accident weren't bad enough, finding a
reputable repair shop may prove challenging. There are many factors
drivers must consider, including price, experience, and quality of work.
But because most folks know next to nothing about collision work, a
little advice often goes a long way. With that in mind, here are five
simple tips you can use to find reliable body shops in your area.
1. Ask Around
Any company can advertise, but when it comes to collision repair, word-of-mouth is far more important. Because everybody remembers the time they got in a car accident, asking people you know to recommend body shops is often the best way to find a dependable service provider. Because we are in the Internet Era, many customers go online to search for a service provider. Although they will be strangers, reading posts from customers on review sites is the electronic equivalent of asking around. Another auspicious sign that the shop takes pride in its work is if the owner is involved in it's daily operation. As a general rule, when a business is family owned, employees tend to go the extra mile, since its often their name on the sign out front.
2. Consider Labor Costs
Because mechanics charge similar prices for replacement parts, labor costs generally have the biggest effect on the final bill. Depending on the facility's location and the experience of its staff, per-hour labor fees can range wildly. It is actually not at all uncommon for body shops that have multiple locations to charge different labor fees at each of their branches. Although higher labor charges may be justified if the provider does excellent work on difficult jobs, it probably isn't worth paying twice as much for labor if your vehicle has a damaged fender, bumper, or some other minor repair job.
3. Bigger Isn't Always Better
The reason smaller auto body shops often charge lower fees than larger ones is that they have a lot less overhead. When you stop at a family-owned repair center, for example, odds are the owner fills several essential positions. He or she may work as the manager, foreman, and chief mechanic all at the same time. But at a larger facility, each of those positions may be held by a different employee. The inevitable result is higher payroll and overhead costs that lead to higher labor rates to offset those fees.
4. Get Several Estimates
As elementary as it may seem, many drivers fail to get more than one price estimate for repair work. More often than not, they do this because they want to get the whole thing over and done with. But when it comes a major accident, you could save hundreds, even thousands of dollars if you compare prices.
5. Ask About The Warranty
Although a one-year warranty is considered standard, not all auto body shops offer it. As such, it is important to ask about the warranty and what it covers before you agree to anything. At the bare minimum, a warranty for bodywork should cover all repairs and should come in written form. It is not enough to simply take the owner or manager's word that they will fix any problem you might have should something go wrong.
Use these simple tips to find reputable collision repair centers in your neck of the woods. For information on Kalamazoo body shops visit http://www.petersenautobody.com/.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Ace_Abbey/851844
1. Ask Around
Any company can advertise, but when it comes to collision repair, word-of-mouth is far more important. Because everybody remembers the time they got in a car accident, asking people you know to recommend body shops is often the best way to find a dependable service provider. Because we are in the Internet Era, many customers go online to search for a service provider. Although they will be strangers, reading posts from customers on review sites is the electronic equivalent of asking around. Another auspicious sign that the shop takes pride in its work is if the owner is involved in it's daily operation. As a general rule, when a business is family owned, employees tend to go the extra mile, since its often their name on the sign out front.
2. Consider Labor Costs
Because mechanics charge similar prices for replacement parts, labor costs generally have the biggest effect on the final bill. Depending on the facility's location and the experience of its staff, per-hour labor fees can range wildly. It is actually not at all uncommon for body shops that have multiple locations to charge different labor fees at each of their branches. Although higher labor charges may be justified if the provider does excellent work on difficult jobs, it probably isn't worth paying twice as much for labor if your vehicle has a damaged fender, bumper, or some other minor repair job.
3. Bigger Isn't Always Better
The reason smaller auto body shops often charge lower fees than larger ones is that they have a lot less overhead. When you stop at a family-owned repair center, for example, odds are the owner fills several essential positions. He or she may work as the manager, foreman, and chief mechanic all at the same time. But at a larger facility, each of those positions may be held by a different employee. The inevitable result is higher payroll and overhead costs that lead to higher labor rates to offset those fees.
4. Get Several Estimates
As elementary as it may seem, many drivers fail to get more than one price estimate for repair work. More often than not, they do this because they want to get the whole thing over and done with. But when it comes a major accident, you could save hundreds, even thousands of dollars if you compare prices.
5. Ask About The Warranty
Although a one-year warranty is considered standard, not all auto body shops offer it. As such, it is important to ask about the warranty and what it covers before you agree to anything. At the bare minimum, a warranty for bodywork should cover all repairs and should come in written form. It is not enough to simply take the owner or manager's word that they will fix any problem you might have should something go wrong.
Use these simple tips to find reputable collision repair centers in your neck of the woods. For information on Kalamazoo body shops visit http://www.petersenautobody.com/.
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Convertible Car Seats: Make The Move Sooner Rather Than Later | Consumer Reports
Based on new testing, Consumer Reports recommends you move children into a rear-facing convertible seat by their first birthday, even if they haven't outgrown their infant seat.
Sunday, December 13, 2015
Hunter Engineering Company Story - Full Version
The story of Hunter Engineering Company, founded in 1946 by Lee Hunter. Jr.
Thursday, December 10, 2015
Safety Awards Go to 61 Models for 2016 - IIHS News
Small overlap crash protection, front crash prevention key to 2016 awards; 48 models earn TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, 13 earn TOP SAFETY PICK
ARLINGTON, Va. — Nearly 50 vehicles meet tougher criteria for 2016 to take home the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, earning good ratings in all five IIHS crashworthiness evaluations and an advanced or higher rating for front crash prevention. An additional 13 models qualify for TOP SAFETY PICK.
Monday, December 7, 2015
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.
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.
Friday, December 4, 2015
How to Choose a Collision Repair Shop
Everybody hates accidents and also vehicles too. When your car
gets damaged in an accident it might be quite exhausting for you to face
the consequences. You will have to find the right body shop to repair
the damages caused and at the same time claim the amount from your
insurance company. Finding the right body shop to repair the damages
caused to your car can be a daunting task. To ease your worries, I am
presenting you some factors that you must consider while choosing a
collision repair shop. Apart from the time taken to repair your car, you
must consider the price affordability and the quality of service. You
should also find out the number of years of experience the collision repair shop has, the type of cars repaired by them, guarantee, provision of supplementary services etc.
Asking For Referrals:
If you wish to avail the services of competent body shop the best thing to do is to ask your relatives or friends for referrals. Your co-workers or friends might be able to recommend you a shop that has previously delivered good service to them. You can also Google out for names of body shops and also go through user reviews. If there are a number of positive reviews then you can give a chance to that specific body shop.
Price Assessment
Price is definitely important point to consider whether you are paying for the services or the insurance company. Before you proceed with a specific shop, you must take price estimates from various shops offering repair service. When you have the estimate from various shops, it becomes easy for you to decide the body shop you wish to go for. However, you must be wary that you don't go for a collision body shop that offers cheap price for low quality service. Compare each section of estimate to know how much has been allocated for parts, labor and other expenses.
Labor Cost:
The biggest item on a collision repair shop's estimate is labor costs. It reflects the amount paid by the shop owner both to his workers in the shop and also as overheads. If the shop is located in a posh location and there is huge office staff that works for the shop you might need to pay higher than what you would have to pay otherwise.
There is also a possibility that you might be charged more hours for the same service. Shops usually refer to manual of standard hours to estimate how many hours a specific job SHOULD take. Some shops itemize various components in order to confuse the consumer. The best thing to do is compare estimates.
If you have no recommendations on collision repair shop then you can consider other factors such as the time for which your car will be in the shop for service, the number of years of experience, the auto body technology used by them, number of clients they have etc.
Asking For Referrals:
If you wish to avail the services of competent body shop the best thing to do is to ask your relatives or friends for referrals. Your co-workers or friends might be able to recommend you a shop that has previously delivered good service to them. You can also Google out for names of body shops and also go through user reviews. If there are a number of positive reviews then you can give a chance to that specific body shop.
Price Assessment
Price is definitely important point to consider whether you are paying for the services or the insurance company. Before you proceed with a specific shop, you must take price estimates from various shops offering repair service. When you have the estimate from various shops, it becomes easy for you to decide the body shop you wish to go for. However, you must be wary that you don't go for a collision body shop that offers cheap price for low quality service. Compare each section of estimate to know how much has been allocated for parts, labor and other expenses.
Labor Cost:
The biggest item on a collision repair shop's estimate is labor costs. It reflects the amount paid by the shop owner both to his workers in the shop and also as overheads. If the shop is located in a posh location and there is huge office staff that works for the shop you might need to pay higher than what you would have to pay otherwise.
There is also a possibility that you might be charged more hours for the same service. Shops usually refer to manual of standard hours to estimate how many hours a specific job SHOULD take. Some shops itemize various components in order to confuse the consumer. The best thing to do is compare estimates.
If you have no recommendations on collision repair shop then you can consider other factors such as the time for which your car will be in the shop for service, the number of years of experience, the auto body technology used by them, number of clients they have etc.
Exclusive Collision Center is one of the best Collision Repair Shop. We provide all type of auto body work.
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
7 Cars That Owners Regret Buying | Consumer Reports
In our owner satisfaction survey, we asked people if they were happy enough with their car to buy that model again. These seven cars are the models from each category that gave people the biggest feelings of buyer's remorse.
Saturday, November 28, 2015
Car Body Repair Common Result of an Accident
If you've ever been in an accident you will know that car body
repair is usually the route to take if your car can be saved. If you
haven't been in an accident before, however, you may feel panicked and
at a loss about what to do. Here are some tips about the side effects of
your accident and some things that you should consider.
It's scary to be in an accident. The shock of the impact is scary and jarring. The first thing you should do is make sure that you and your passengers are okay. If not then call 911 if you are able to. Some cars have OnStar devices that will check in to make sure you and your passengers are okay. If not then they will contact emergency services for you.
Once you confirm you and your passengers are okay check to make sure the people in the other car are okay too. Once you make sure everyone is healthy then you will want to evaluate the damage to your car and to the other car(s) in the accident. This is when you should exchange insurance information with the other people involved in the accident.
Depending on the severity of the accident you may have to wait for the police to come and make a report. If the accident is minor then you have a legal obligation to report the accident to the nearest accident reporting station as soon as possible. If you do not report the accident, however minor, you could get in trouble for a hit and run.
Once you have reported the accident and exchanged insurance information you will have to contact your insurance company. They will likely want you to get an estimate of the damage to your car before they decide whether they will fix it or if it will be a write off. Most insurance companies have a deductible that you'll have to pay.
Once you have the insurance payment figured out and the estimate done for your car then you can begin the process of getting it fixed. Depending on the severity of the damage this could take some time. Most insurance companies will provide you with a rental car in the meantime so you can still get around. Most accidents at the very minimum cause some sort of damage to the car's body. This usually means you will need some auto paint repair done. If you have bumper damage then you will likely need car body repair done as well.
It's important to go to a professional who you trust for your auto paint repair and car body repairs. Since the insurance company is paying the costs to fix your vehicle let them worry about the price. Your major concern should be that the job is done properly and in a timely fashion. Your insurance company might not let you pick the place that you get your car work done. However, if they do then you should do a little research first before you pick an auto body shop. It's always best to choose a shop that will guarantee their work with a warranty. Car body repairs that are not done well can cause you more automotive problems later on.
When it comes to being in an accident the main thing to do is stay calm and follow the tips above step-by-step to reduce the negative side effects you may experience.
It's scary to be in an accident. The shock of the impact is scary and jarring. The first thing you should do is make sure that you and your passengers are okay. If not then call 911 if you are able to. Some cars have OnStar devices that will check in to make sure you and your passengers are okay. If not then they will contact emergency services for you.
Once you confirm you and your passengers are okay check to make sure the people in the other car are okay too. Once you make sure everyone is healthy then you will want to evaluate the damage to your car and to the other car(s) in the accident. This is when you should exchange insurance information with the other people involved in the accident.
Depending on the severity of the accident you may have to wait for the police to come and make a report. If the accident is minor then you have a legal obligation to report the accident to the nearest accident reporting station as soon as possible. If you do not report the accident, however minor, you could get in trouble for a hit and run.
Once you have reported the accident and exchanged insurance information you will have to contact your insurance company. They will likely want you to get an estimate of the damage to your car before they decide whether they will fix it or if it will be a write off. Most insurance companies have a deductible that you'll have to pay.
Once you have the insurance payment figured out and the estimate done for your car then you can begin the process of getting it fixed. Depending on the severity of the damage this could take some time. Most insurance companies will provide you with a rental car in the meantime so you can still get around. Most accidents at the very minimum cause some sort of damage to the car's body. This usually means you will need some auto paint repair done. If you have bumper damage then you will likely need car body repair done as well.
It's important to go to a professional who you trust for your auto paint repair and car body repairs. Since the insurance company is paying the costs to fix your vehicle let them worry about the price. Your major concern should be that the job is done properly and in a timely fashion. Your insurance company might not let you pick the place that you get your car work done. However, if they do then you should do a little research first before you pick an auto body shop. It's always best to choose a shop that will guarantee their work with a warranty. Car body repairs that are not done well can cause you more automotive problems later on.
When it comes to being in an accident the main thing to do is stay calm and follow the tips above step-by-step to reduce the negative side effects you may experience.
Touchup in a Flash Inc. is an environmentally friendly automotive paint repair [http://www.touchupinaflash.ca/what-we-do/automotive-paint-repair] service company that provides cosmetic vehicle repairs. From paintless dent repair, broken bumper body repair [http://www.touchupinaflash.ca/what-we-do/bumper-repair/], wheel rim reconditioning, car accessory installation to complete detailing and polishing, the company is experienced with quality cosmetic services for all types of vehicles.
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Happy Thanksgiving!
"If you are grateful for everything, then whatever you have is enough" - J. Baadsgaard
Corby's Collision Would Like to Wish You and Your Family a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving!
We are grateful for all of our wonderful customers past and present!
Sunday, November 22, 2015
How to Drive in Rain or Fog | Driving Lessons
So today we're going to try to give you some good safe driving tips for driving in rain or fog. And the main problem with driving in these conditions is that our visibility is not as good as it's going to be on a nice, sunny day. By driving in rain, it's going to cut down on the visibility around our vehicle. The first thing we have to remember to do is to put our windshield wipers during the rain. When you put the windshield wipers on, this will clean our window if our wiper blades are clean. So we have to make sure we change the blades. Keep them new so that when we turn them on, it's going to clean the windshield in a proper manner.
The second thing is, when you put the wiper blades on you want to make sure you turn on your headlights. It's law in most states that when the wipers go on, the headlights must also go on. So you have to get a situation where your wipers and headlights are used together, increasing your effectiveness during driving in the rain.
The second problem with driving in rain might be a condition called hydroplaning. And what that means is that when it first starts to rain, what the rain does is it loosens the oils that might be on the roadway. The oils will float up, and therefore your car might be in a situation where it's sitting on top of oil. It's not actually sitting on the roadway. What do you do if this situation happens? You generally just slow down, let that car settle down. It will therefore grab the roadway again, and then you'll be able to safely operate your vehicle.
The next thing I want to talk about is driving in fog. And basically what's going to happen in a fog situation is that you're not going to be able to see far ahead of the vehicle. Also if your lights are on during the fog, the glare from the headlight is going to come right back into your eyes, therefore making driving more dangerous. So in the fog, again, you want to use low beams not high beams. The high beam will come right back toward you. You want to keep your low beams on, and you want to try to look down and drive slower. The slower you drive, the better it's going to be, because you're not going to be able to see well in either rain or fog.
So that would be the best tip I could give you for driving in those situations. Just drive a little bit slower, therefore being able to compensate for the poor visibility in rain or in fog.
Thursday, November 19, 2015
8 Steps To Get Your Car Ready for Winter
Winter is coming, so now is a great time to bring your car in to
prepare for the season's cold and rainy conditions. You want to be sure
to keep your car safe and efficient, so you don't have to worry about
driving during inclement weather. Whether you are driving to work or
driving your kids to school, it's important to keep your car running in
top shape all winter long. Schedule an appointment today with a trusted
auto shop to make sure your car is ready to take on winter's icy
temperatures and slick roads.
Here is a list of items to have check:
Here is a list of items to have check:
- Tire Inspection - You want to check the tire pressure to ensure that it is at the right level for winter's lower temperatures. Cold temperatures can make your tire pressure drop, causing issues with the tire's stability. Properly inflated tires grip the road better, and can also offer greater protection against pot holes. Don't forget to check the pressure on your spare tire, too. Also take a look at the tread on your tires and if they are worn down, look into possibly getting new ones. Lastly, align and rotate the tires to prepare for slippery roads.
- Battery - Test the battery's charge level, fluids, and cables to ensure that it will start on cold mornings. A weak battery may work fine in the summer, but will fail as the temperatures drop. You don't want to be stranded in the parking lot after work or a night out on the town due to a dead battery.
- Brakes - Good brakes are essential when road conditions worsen due to rain, frost and colder temperatures. Get your brakes checked before winter hits and make sure to replace your car's brakes, pads or rotors if they have worn down. Good brakes are necessary for vehicle safety, don't put yourself or your passengers at risk. Be sure to hire a certified technician to perform a brake repair on your vehicle.
- Wiper Blades - Examine your blades and replace them if they are worn or broken. Good wipers are essential during rain storms or to clear the early morning frost from your windshield.
- Antifreeze - Check your antifreeze to make sure that your car's engine can withstand temperatures below freezing. Too much antifreeze is bad for your car, so let a professional check it out and recommend a safe level for your vehicle.
- Washer fluid - Top off your washer fluid with a winter blend that won't freeze up overnight. Rain and muddy conditions can make it hard to see out of your windshield, so you need to make sure you have plenty of washer fluid in your car.
- Headlights - It gets dark early in the winter, so it's important to have your headlights examined to make sure they are working properly. Check the bulbs, and alignment, as well as your high beams, and make sure that the lens covers are clean and clear.
- Oil - Depending on the make and model of your car, you may need to switch to a winter oil that is less viscous. Heavier oils can thicken in cold weather, and may not provide adequate lubrication for your engine.
Want to get your car ready for winter? You can count on LMC Auto Repair to get the job done on time and within budget. The result? You and your family can drive off ready to take on whatever winter may bring. Call LMC Automotive & Collision Repair at 1-281-651-7766 to make an appointment today and get your car ready to go this winter. Located in Spring, Texas.
Monday, November 16, 2015
More BEST BET Boosters Make It Easier to Shop with Confidence - IIHS News
More BEST BET boosters make it easier to shop with confidence
ARLINGTON, Va. — When the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety began its booster seat ratings in 2008, most models failed to consistently provide good belt fit — the main purpose of a booster. This year, all new models evaluated by the Institute provide good or acceptable fit for typical 4 to 8 year-olds in most cars, minivans and SUVs.
Friday, November 13, 2015
Frame Repair in Its Various Forms
This type of repair must be completed only by technicians who are
certified. These technicians adhere to standards that are extremely
rigorous as they know that a frame that is strong is of uber-importance
for the safety of the vehicle's passengers and driver as well as for
anyone on the road around them.
For those who may be unfamiliar with vehicular frames and how their integrity is compromised, think of the frame as being a soda can. When it is undamaged it is straight and strong. Crush it though and you will notice that the foundation of it becomes undermined and the actual structural integrity becomes compromised. You can pull it out until it is straight again, but the metal has been weakened severely and next time, it will be much easier to crush.
The damaged frame of a vehicle is similar to this. If the frame has not been properly repaired, it will be crushed more easily the next time there is a collision and this severely jeopardizes the safety of the occupants. In general, there are two ways to repair the frame of a vehicle.
Straightening
Straightening the frame is basically where the metal is bent back to its original shape. There are computerized tools that can be utilized to find the proper alignment with accuracy and precision as well as an ultrasound machine that can be utilized to measure the total degree of the damage. When this process is completed correctly, the frame of a vehicle can be restored to the condition it was in prior to the collision.
Welding
There are times when the damage to the frame is too severe for straightening to work. In cases such as this, the technician might recommend that the bent sections of the frame are removed and new ones welded in. When this process is done precisely, the welded points actually work to provide the same amount of structural integrity that the frame had before the collision.
Knowing that the frame is what essentially holds the vehicle together and protects the occupants, it should be easy to understand that repairing it means more than simply putting it back to the original shape. You must also restore its structural integrity so that it will be able to absorb the forces from any future impacts just as it would if it had never been damaged. When the frame has been too severely bent out of shape then it might not be worth trying to repair it.
No matter if you need frame repair for a commercial vehicle, Semi, RV, truck or car, it is important to check out the services that are offered at a frame repair shop. If the correct machinery is not on hand or the technicians have not been properly trained then you should find a repair shop that does have those things.
Also, there are other frame services that you might need that can include things like stretching the frame, servicing the driveline, extending the frame, axle additions, shortening the frame and more. These services are generally offered by frame repair shops that have the training and equipment to satisfy all of your frame needs.
For those who may be unfamiliar with vehicular frames and how their integrity is compromised, think of the frame as being a soda can. When it is undamaged it is straight and strong. Crush it though and you will notice that the foundation of it becomes undermined and the actual structural integrity becomes compromised. You can pull it out until it is straight again, but the metal has been weakened severely and next time, it will be much easier to crush.
The damaged frame of a vehicle is similar to this. If the frame has not been properly repaired, it will be crushed more easily the next time there is a collision and this severely jeopardizes the safety of the occupants. In general, there are two ways to repair the frame of a vehicle.
Straightening
Straightening the frame is basically where the metal is bent back to its original shape. There are computerized tools that can be utilized to find the proper alignment with accuracy and precision as well as an ultrasound machine that can be utilized to measure the total degree of the damage. When this process is completed correctly, the frame of a vehicle can be restored to the condition it was in prior to the collision.
Welding
There are times when the damage to the frame is too severe for straightening to work. In cases such as this, the technician might recommend that the bent sections of the frame are removed and new ones welded in. When this process is done precisely, the welded points actually work to provide the same amount of structural integrity that the frame had before the collision.
Knowing that the frame is what essentially holds the vehicle together and protects the occupants, it should be easy to understand that repairing it means more than simply putting it back to the original shape. You must also restore its structural integrity so that it will be able to absorb the forces from any future impacts just as it would if it had never been damaged. When the frame has been too severely bent out of shape then it might not be worth trying to repair it.
No matter if you need frame repair for a commercial vehicle, Semi, RV, truck or car, it is important to check out the services that are offered at a frame repair shop. If the correct machinery is not on hand or the technicians have not been properly trained then you should find a repair shop that does have those things.
Also, there are other frame services that you might need that can include things like stretching the frame, servicing the driveline, extending the frame, axle additions, shortening the frame and more. These services are generally offered by frame repair shops that have the training and equipment to satisfy all of your frame needs.
Kathryn McDowell is a freelance writer with a mission to educate her readers. She recommends professional frame repair if your vehicle has suffered any type of frame damage.
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
5 of the Most Troublesome Cars | Consumer Reports
Just because a car is new doesn't mean it will be reliable. Just ask our subscribers. Here are five of the most troublesome cars, and exactly what their owners think of the problems they encountered.
Saturday, November 7, 2015
Five Factors That Affect Oil Change Intervals
Because modern vehicles are stronger, cleaner, and more durable
than those of yesteryear, most automotive experts believe that changing
motor oil every 3,000 miles is overkill. Depending on the make and
model, some cars and trucks can safely travel upwards of 5,000 miles
between changes. Car owners' manuals are starting to reflect this
growing consensus with longer oil change intervals. There are, however,
exceptions that may affect manufacturer's recommendations. Here are five
of them.
1. Hard Driving
Almost as important as the actual mileage is the type of driving an owner does regularly. If he uses the car or truck to tow a trailer or pull heavy loads, that will invariably put more stress on the engine, causing it to operate at higher temperatures. Because extreme heat destroys the lubricating ability of oil through excessive oxidation, it will need to be switched out more often. In addition to towing heavy loads, driving on bumpy, unpaved road surfaces often puts more stress on the motor, causing it to run hotter than it normally would.
2. Environment
For obvious reasons, higher engine temps are more likely when it's warm outside. If you reside in a region of the country that experiences year-round warm weather, oil change intervals should be shortened. This is true whether you engage in hard driving or not. It is also important to note that environments that are very dusty and/or polluted can increase the risk of fluid contamination. In other words, there's a greater chance your motor oil will get dirty and need to be replaced. For those living in dusty desert towns or in polluted cities, it's often a good idea to visit the service station every 3,000 miles.
3. Short Commutes
It might surprise you to learn that a short daily commute may actually be harder on your engine than a slightly longer one. The reason? Because short trips do not give your motor the time it needs to reach an optimal operating temperature, lubricating fluids may be degraded. What actually happens is that excess fuel spills into the crankcase, diluting motor oil. This excess fuel is needed because cold engines require more gas than warm or hot ones. Spilt fuel can also break down the lubricating chemicals in the viscous liquid.
4. High Performance
If you have a turbo-charged engine, it will run hotter, on average, than a regular one. Even if you use synthetic liquid blends, it's probably a good idea to shorten oil change intervals with these vehicles. This is particularly true if you live in a warm environment, drive hard, or tend to travel over the speed limit for protracted periods of time.
5. Engine Age
With all other things being equal, the more miles you have on your odometer, the dirtier your motor will be. As such, the liquid that is used to lubricate moving metal components will get dirtier faster. Because dirty motor oil does not have the lubricating ability of clean fluid, it is more likely to cause friction that can do damage to vital engine parts. For this reason, change intervals should be shorter for high-mileage vehicles.
All drivers should consider these five factors before calculating a safe, reliable service schedule for their vehicle.
1. Hard Driving
Almost as important as the actual mileage is the type of driving an owner does regularly. If he uses the car or truck to tow a trailer or pull heavy loads, that will invariably put more stress on the engine, causing it to operate at higher temperatures. Because extreme heat destroys the lubricating ability of oil through excessive oxidation, it will need to be switched out more often. In addition to towing heavy loads, driving on bumpy, unpaved road surfaces often puts more stress on the motor, causing it to run hotter than it normally would.
2. Environment
For obvious reasons, higher engine temps are more likely when it's warm outside. If you reside in a region of the country that experiences year-round warm weather, oil change intervals should be shortened. This is true whether you engage in hard driving or not. It is also important to note that environments that are very dusty and/or polluted can increase the risk of fluid contamination. In other words, there's a greater chance your motor oil will get dirty and need to be replaced. For those living in dusty desert towns or in polluted cities, it's often a good idea to visit the service station every 3,000 miles.
3. Short Commutes
It might surprise you to learn that a short daily commute may actually be harder on your engine than a slightly longer one. The reason? Because short trips do not give your motor the time it needs to reach an optimal operating temperature, lubricating fluids may be degraded. What actually happens is that excess fuel spills into the crankcase, diluting motor oil. This excess fuel is needed because cold engines require more gas than warm or hot ones. Spilt fuel can also break down the lubricating chemicals in the viscous liquid.
4. High Performance
If you have a turbo-charged engine, it will run hotter, on average, than a regular one. Even if you use synthetic liquid blends, it's probably a good idea to shorten oil change intervals with these vehicles. This is particularly true if you live in a warm environment, drive hard, or tend to travel over the speed limit for protracted periods of time.
5. Engine Age
With all other things being equal, the more miles you have on your odometer, the dirtier your motor will be. As such, the liquid that is used to lubricate moving metal components will get dirtier faster. Because dirty motor oil does not have the lubricating ability of clean fluid, it is more likely to cause friction that can do damage to vital engine parts. For this reason, change intervals should be shorter for high-mileage vehicles.
All drivers should consider these five factors before calculating a safe, reliable service schedule for their vehicle.
To learn more about options for an oil change, visit http://etddiscounttire.com/oil-change-service-new-jersey.
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
Consumer Reports' 2016 Most Reliable Car Brands
We crunched data from the owners of more than 740,000 vehicles to find the most, and least, reliable car brands. Two trouble spots that caused problems for some brands were infotainment systems and recently developed transmissions.
Sunday, November 1, 2015
Corby's Collision - "Hands On" Owner with Happy Employees
"Hands On" Owner / Operator Paul Troutner talks about happy employees and happy customers. http://corbysvacaville.com/
Thursday, October 29, 2015
Inflated Tire Tread-Wear Claims | Consumer Reports
Tire warranties promise 60,000 miles, 80,000 miles, even 100,000 miles. But our extensive testing finds they don't always deliver.
Monday, October 26, 2015
Corby's Collision's History and Sense of Community
"Hands On" Owner / Operator Paul Troutner talks about Corby's history and sense of community. See more at http://corbysvacaville.com
Friday, October 23, 2015
How to Go About Getting Auto Body Repairs Done
Unfortunately with the cold season fast approaching, snow and icy
conditions will bring about several automobile accidents. It's rough,
but it happens all the time. Many people have gotten into accidents, but
it is important to do the right thing. This will help the insurance
company get to auto body repairs as soon as possible.
Here is what you should do if you get into an accident:
There are a few different auto body repair services that a body shop will need to perform. After a collision, suspension and frame work will likely need to be done. This will keep your ride smooth with little bumps. If pieces do not need to be replace, auto body shops can perform paintless dent repair to get dents and scratches out. However, if any piece needs to be painted, several surrounding pieces or the entire car will need repainting.
Getting body work done can be a long and difficult process. Hopefully, these tips will help to get you through any ordeal properly. This way should ensure that you get little resistance from the insurance companies.
Here is what you should do if you get into an accident:
- Get safe. If your car is in working condition, pull over. You don't need any other cars added to the accident. If your car is immobile, get yourself to the curb and out of harm's way.
- Get help. If someone is injured, dial 911. Otherwise, call the cops. Even in the case of a minor accident, it is good to have an official record of the accident. If someone else is involved, it's their word against yours. It is good to have an account for the insurance companies. This way, there will be no disputes when it is time for repair work to be done.
- Call insurance provider. This can wait until you are safe and at home. It is best not to wait too long though. While the accident is still fresh in your mind, you will better be able to recall the events more accurately.
- Get repairs. When all of this is completed, you can search for a body shop to perform auto body repairs. Your insurance provider should have a list of body shops that they sponsor to work on your vehicle. There are benefits for using one of these shops, but you do not have to. If you have a shop that you always go to, the insurance companies will allow it with no problems.
There are a few different auto body repair services that a body shop will need to perform. After a collision, suspension and frame work will likely need to be done. This will keep your ride smooth with little bumps. If pieces do not need to be replace, auto body shops can perform paintless dent repair to get dents and scratches out. However, if any piece needs to be painted, several surrounding pieces or the entire car will need repainting.
Getting body work done can be a long and difficult process. Hopefully, these tips will help to get you through any ordeal properly. This way should ensure that you get little resistance from the insurance companies.
Daniel J Delgle is an experienced technician at the Ridgewood Vehicle Co, a professional auto body shop in Ridgewood NJ.
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
4 Maintenance Tips to Keep Cars Running Over 100,000 Miles
When they've just been acquired from a dealership, new vehicles
usually run very smooth, the engine giving everything it has throughout
the RPM range, shocks are nicely absorbed by the struts and coils
wrapped into the suspension mechanism, and fuel consumption sticks to
the data found on the brochure. However as years pass, cars tend to grow
old just like we do; components start to gain wear and perform with
reduced efficiency.
Still, in the same way we take care of our bodies in order to live past the average life expectancy number, proper maintenance can keep a vehicle rolling the tarmac for years and thousands of miles. Here are 4 key maintenance elements to consider if you want your vehicle to run more than 100,000 miles.
1. Oil, Fluids and Filters
In order to run, a car needs fuel. Also, it needs to breathe and to provide minimum friction for the inner dynamic components of the engine. That is why replacing fluids and filters and respecting maintenance intervals are a critical step in ensuring an extended lifetime for any vehicle. Normally, the only fluid that must be changed on a regular basis is motor oil. Others, such as gearbox oil, coolant or brake fluid must be refilled to their optimum level if the level drops; otherwise, there is no need to tamper with them. Don't try to be cheap when replacing motor oil on your car! Go for a product that matches settings written in your car's service manual. Other oils may be cheaper or work better in other vehicles but may produce lower performance on yours.
Replacing motor oil means you will also have to replace the oil filter. Again, don't try to save a few dollars by acquiring a cheaper, low quality product; you will save more on the long run with a performance oil filter. Remember that your car also owns a fuel filter, an air filter and a particle filter. Remember to replace those as well, according to the service interval mentioned in your car's service manual.
2. Brakes
Once you've ensured your car is running smooth and at full capacity thanks to its new filters and oil, it is highly recommended to make sure you can get to a full stop just as well as you can accelerate. Again, take your car's service manual and check the indicated maintenance period regarding the vehicle's braking system. If there's none, make sure to check the wear level of your brake pads and replace them when they become thin. Also, after a few tens of thousands of miles, it is highly recommended to replace your brake rotors as well; they may take longer to wear but they aren't indestructible either.
3. Timing belt
A timing belt that ruptures while the engine is running at a high RPM's is a mechanical nightmare. If it happens, chances are your intake and exhaust valves will damage, pistons may crack and your engine may have to undergo a very expensive repair process. If your car features a chain drive, you don't have to worry about this. Still, since there are many cars using a timing belt, replacing your old belt with a new timing belt kit on a regular basis is highly recommended. Replacement intervals differ between car brands and models, so you'll have to look up yours in the service manual or online. The interval is measured in miles, so check your odometer from time to time.
4. Tires
Your car's enhanced braking system is useless unless the vehicle has a strong grip with the ground. Given that the only elements able to provide such grip are the tires, make sure you keep an eye on their wear level. Use a cheap tread-depth gauge to measure how much tread your tires have left. A low tread increases chances of aquaplaning and tire failure. Depending on where you live, season-appropriate tires should be used; you should own a winter as well as a summer set of tires if you live in a climate with four seasons.
Finally, remember to inflate tires to the appropriate pressure mentioned by the producer. This will ensure it will use the whole treat surface and increase mileage as well as grip.
Still, in the same way we take care of our bodies in order to live past the average life expectancy number, proper maintenance can keep a vehicle rolling the tarmac for years and thousands of miles. Here are 4 key maintenance elements to consider if you want your vehicle to run more than 100,000 miles.
1. Oil, Fluids and Filters
In order to run, a car needs fuel. Also, it needs to breathe and to provide minimum friction for the inner dynamic components of the engine. That is why replacing fluids and filters and respecting maintenance intervals are a critical step in ensuring an extended lifetime for any vehicle. Normally, the only fluid that must be changed on a regular basis is motor oil. Others, such as gearbox oil, coolant or brake fluid must be refilled to their optimum level if the level drops; otherwise, there is no need to tamper with them. Don't try to be cheap when replacing motor oil on your car! Go for a product that matches settings written in your car's service manual. Other oils may be cheaper or work better in other vehicles but may produce lower performance on yours.
Replacing motor oil means you will also have to replace the oil filter. Again, don't try to save a few dollars by acquiring a cheaper, low quality product; you will save more on the long run with a performance oil filter. Remember that your car also owns a fuel filter, an air filter and a particle filter. Remember to replace those as well, according to the service interval mentioned in your car's service manual.
2. Brakes
Once you've ensured your car is running smooth and at full capacity thanks to its new filters and oil, it is highly recommended to make sure you can get to a full stop just as well as you can accelerate. Again, take your car's service manual and check the indicated maintenance period regarding the vehicle's braking system. If there's none, make sure to check the wear level of your brake pads and replace them when they become thin. Also, after a few tens of thousands of miles, it is highly recommended to replace your brake rotors as well; they may take longer to wear but they aren't indestructible either.
3. Timing belt
A timing belt that ruptures while the engine is running at a high RPM's is a mechanical nightmare. If it happens, chances are your intake and exhaust valves will damage, pistons may crack and your engine may have to undergo a very expensive repair process. If your car features a chain drive, you don't have to worry about this. Still, since there are many cars using a timing belt, replacing your old belt with a new timing belt kit on a regular basis is highly recommended. Replacement intervals differ between car brands and models, so you'll have to look up yours in the service manual or online. The interval is measured in miles, so check your odometer from time to time.
4. Tires
Your car's enhanced braking system is useless unless the vehicle has a strong grip with the ground. Given that the only elements able to provide such grip are the tires, make sure you keep an eye on their wear level. Use a cheap tread-depth gauge to measure how much tread your tires have left. A low tread increases chances of aquaplaning and tire failure. Depending on where you live, season-appropriate tires should be used; you should own a winter as well as a summer set of tires if you live in a climate with four seasons.
Finally, remember to inflate tires to the appropriate pressure mentioned by the producer. This will ensure it will use the whole treat surface and increase mileage as well as grip.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Antonie_G_Vastinar/1447440
Saturday, October 17, 2015
Essential Tips On Arriving At The Right Auto Body Repair Shop
It is highly essential to find the right auto body shop because
car repairs are inevitable. At some point or the other you will need
services for repairing your car. Many of you are very little
apprehensive at this point and often take your car to the car dealer to
get it repaired or serviced. However, this is not something realistic.
When it comes to auto body work, car dealerships may prove to be very costly. It is very essential to find a shop that is in the vicinity of your home or workplace. Proximity is not the only point to be considered, you must also consider if it is affordable and has dexterous technicians. Finding the right shop is tough, but not impossible. A little bit of research can help you find the right shop and also save your money. It is important to find the right shop because some shops may even lie about the damage present in your vehicle. Following are the things that must be considered before arriving at the right auto body shop:
1. Start looking or researching for an auto body shop even before your car needs a repair. This will help you handle any emergency repair need quickly and with ease. You must not land up in a situation wherein there is an emergency repair to be done and you have no repair shop address on hand while at the same time you have to attend an important conference. Don't go to a shop out of necessity, but go it only after detailed research.
2. The next thing to do is start researching to find the right auto body shop. Ask your family, relatives, friends or even colleagues for recommendations. You can ask anyone who has previously got their car serviced or repaired.
3. Once you have prepared a list of all the prospective auto body shops you can call the shops and talk to the manager to inquire about their policies. You can also find out information regarding the experience of the workers and the breakup of the charges taken by them, though it is not the only important factor to be considered.
4. You can then proceed to assess how the shop is being run. You can visit the shop and see how organized they are. If they are almost always busy, you may look for other auto body repair shop.
5. You can ask the shop for some references of their past clients. You can inquire with them about their experience of getting their car repaired or serviced. You can ask them about the different aspects about which they were satisfied or dissatisfied. You can also get an idea about the real turnaround time.
6. Ask the shop about the modes of payment. You can ask them if they accept personal checks or if they offer any loans for carrying out extensive repairs.
7. You can also take your car to them for minor maintenance procedure in order to gain some experience and arrive at an opinion regarding the auto body workshop.
When it comes to auto body work, car dealerships may prove to be very costly. It is very essential to find a shop that is in the vicinity of your home or workplace. Proximity is not the only point to be considered, you must also consider if it is affordable and has dexterous technicians. Finding the right shop is tough, but not impossible. A little bit of research can help you find the right shop and also save your money. It is important to find the right shop because some shops may even lie about the damage present in your vehicle. Following are the things that must be considered before arriving at the right auto body shop:
1. Start looking or researching for an auto body shop even before your car needs a repair. This will help you handle any emergency repair need quickly and with ease. You must not land up in a situation wherein there is an emergency repair to be done and you have no repair shop address on hand while at the same time you have to attend an important conference. Don't go to a shop out of necessity, but go it only after detailed research.
2. The next thing to do is start researching to find the right auto body shop. Ask your family, relatives, friends or even colleagues for recommendations. You can ask anyone who has previously got their car serviced or repaired.
3. Once you have prepared a list of all the prospective auto body shops you can call the shops and talk to the manager to inquire about their policies. You can also find out information regarding the experience of the workers and the breakup of the charges taken by them, though it is not the only important factor to be considered.
4. You can then proceed to assess how the shop is being run. You can visit the shop and see how organized they are. If they are almost always busy, you may look for other auto body repair shop.
5. You can ask the shop for some references of their past clients. You can inquire with them about their experience of getting their car repaired or serviced. You can ask them about the different aspects about which they were satisfied or dissatisfied. You can also get an idea about the real turnaround time.
6. Ask the shop about the modes of payment. You can ask them if they accept personal checks or if they offer any loans for carrying out extensive repairs.
7. You can also take your car to them for minor maintenance procedure in order to gain some experience and arrive at an opinion regarding the auto body workshop.
Exclusive Collision Center is one of the best Auto Body Repair Shop. We provide all type of auto body work.
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Do You Really Need All-Wheel Drive? | Consumer Reports
Automakers have marketed AWD as a safety shield against winter weather, but our evaluations of an AWD Honda CR-V and a front drive Toyota Camry shows that snow tires are more effective in stopping and cornering.
Sunday, October 11, 2015
2015 - 2016 Midsize SUV Comparison Test - Kelley Blue Book
For this comparison we gathered a range of 3-row players including the 2015 Toyota Highlander - this year's Kelley Blue Book Midsize SUV Best Buy - and the totally redesigned 2016 Honda Pilot, plus the 2015 Nissan Pathfinder, 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe and redesigned 2016 Kia Sorento.
Thursday, October 8, 2015
Top 5 Keys to Finding the Right Auto Body Shop
We love our cars; we spend countless hours in them driving to
work, driving the kids around, and driving for pleasure. Though modern
vehicles are fine machines, because of the sheer quantity of vehicles on
the road, accidents will happen, no matter how cautious and safe you
are as a driver. When accidents happen, you will need to take your car
in to the body shop. Because there are so many shops in every town and
city, here are five keys to finding the right auto body shop that will
get the job done correctly and reasonably.
5 Keys to Finding the Right Auto Body Shop
The first thing to do is find a few auto body shops in your area. The best way to do this is through referrals from family, friends, neighbors, or coworkers. You can also look online for shops in your vicinity. Once you get a handful of shops, it is important to check online for reviews, ratings, and testimonials. There are a few good online review sites that offer unbiased accounts on their experiences with businesses in your local area.
It is important that your auto body shop works with your insurance company. Even if you are not filing a claim on this particular accident, it helps to establish a relationship with a body shop that is willing to work with insurance companies if the need ever arises. Any reputable body shop should be able to work with and coordinate repairs with your insurance company; if you find that this is not the case, move on to the next repair facility.
Take a quick look at each shop you go to. A quick inspection will tell you if the place is run efficiently and if the staff is friendly. If you feel as if you won't be treated well or just don't like the vibe, move on to the next location.
Make sure that each and every body shop you visit is properly licensed and insured. There will usually be certificates hanging on the wall, but it is wise to ask about their licensing and insurance. Also, ask about any guarantees they offer.
The final key is the estimate. You should get at least three estimates. The final estimates will vary from location to location, but the difference shouldn't be too great. If one shop provides you with a very low estimate, this should raise a red flag. Even if you are taking your car in for a small job, get the estimate in writing. The estimate should also contain a time frame for completion.
Your final selection should be based on referrals, the online homework you did, your feeling when visiting the place, the customer service, and the written estimate. You want to build up a relationship with a reputable auto body shop; if you find one you trust, then the next time you need repairs, you can skip the first four keys and go straight to the written estimate.
5 Keys to Finding the Right Auto Body Shop
The first thing to do is find a few auto body shops in your area. The best way to do this is through referrals from family, friends, neighbors, or coworkers. You can also look online for shops in your vicinity. Once you get a handful of shops, it is important to check online for reviews, ratings, and testimonials. There are a few good online review sites that offer unbiased accounts on their experiences with businesses in your local area.
It is important that your auto body shop works with your insurance company. Even if you are not filing a claim on this particular accident, it helps to establish a relationship with a body shop that is willing to work with insurance companies if the need ever arises. Any reputable body shop should be able to work with and coordinate repairs with your insurance company; if you find that this is not the case, move on to the next repair facility.
Take a quick look at each shop you go to. A quick inspection will tell you if the place is run efficiently and if the staff is friendly. If you feel as if you won't be treated well or just don't like the vibe, move on to the next location.
Make sure that each and every body shop you visit is properly licensed and insured. There will usually be certificates hanging on the wall, but it is wise to ask about their licensing and insurance. Also, ask about any guarantees they offer.
The final key is the estimate. You should get at least three estimates. The final estimates will vary from location to location, but the difference shouldn't be too great. If one shop provides you with a very low estimate, this should raise a red flag. Even if you are taking your car in for a small job, get the estimate in writing. The estimate should also contain a time frame for completion.
Your final selection should be based on referrals, the online homework you did, your feeling when visiting the place, the customer service, and the written estimate. You want to build up a relationship with a reputable auto body shop; if you find one you trust, then the next time you need repairs, you can skip the first four keys and go straight to the written estimate.
Jennifer Greenfield is a writer in the auto body repair business. For more information on Final Finish Collision Centers, visit http://www.finalfinishcc.com.
Monday, October 5, 2015
Happy Customers are Corby's Collision's Top Priority!
"Hands On" Owner / Operator, Paul Troutner, of Corby's Collision in Vacaville, California discusses happy customers and alignments.
For more information, please visit http://corbysvacaville.com/
Friday, October 2, 2015
IIHS Recommends the Safest Used Vehicles for Teens - IIHS News
Safe and affordable: updated used vehicle recommendations for teens
ARLINGTON, Va. - Parents looking for a safe, affordable vehicle for their teen driver have many more options than just a year ago. IIHS has updated its recommendations for used vehicles for teens, and the list has grown by more than 50 percent, even though the price and safety criteria haven't changed.
"Time is on the consumer's side," says Anne McCartt, the Institute's senior vice president for research. "It's easier than ever to find a used vehicle with must-have safety features and decent crash test performance without spending a fortune."
IIHS compiled its first list of recommended used vehicles after finding that the vast majority of parents who bought a vehicle for their teen driver bought it used. The survey also found that the budgets for teens' vehicles were limited. The mean purchase price for a teen's vehicle was $9,800, while the median was just $5,300.
"The prices for most of the vehicles we recommend for young, novice drivers are still higher than what a lot of people are used to spending," McCartt says. "We would encourage parents to consider paying a little more for safety if they can."
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Crucial Tips for Choosing Body Shops
Many people aren't expert mechanics or technicians. Nevertheless,
accidents happen. Regardless of the damage your car experienced,
finding the best repair service is a very stressful process that is
emotionally and financially draining. With these tips, you can get your
automobile back in working order, pay fair prices, and avoid the hassle
of re-repairing inferior work.
Research
If you've just experienced an accident, you're definitely panicked and worried. Choosing a facility at that moment isn't the best idea. Do some online research for customer feedback and reports on prices, services, and deals. If possible, check the body shops beforehand and be aware of which ones are in your area. Learn as much as you can about reputations and user complaints. Always try to visit the facility before making a decision.
Experience
Ask the shop owner/worker how often they handle your car model. Visually inspect the cleanliness and professionalism of the workers, the tools, materials, and the shop. Are the workers friendly and willing to answer your questions? Take note of these little details, it can save you from a huge headache.
Certifications
Are there any awards, diplomas, or announcements about government regulations or inspections? Specific awards to look for are trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced course work training from the Inter-Industry ASE Conference on Auto Collision Repair, better known as I-CAR, and certifications that show national accreditation of technician's competency. These are issued by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence also known as ASE.
Avoid Scams
Although many are not up to speed on mechanic lingo and have little or no understanding of what it takes to make or fix a vehicle, you can still do your research and do your best to get this information. When you first purchase your car, learn as much as you can about your make and model so that you are knowledgeable and, therefore, will be less panicked if and when something goes wrong. Knowledge also helps prevent you from falling victim to scams by dishonest body shops. Some facilities overcharge for labor and make you buy excessive parts you don't need. You do not have to be an expert, but knowing the basics can save you big in the long run.
When you're prepared, you're better informed and make better decisions. Choosing a body shop is just like any other personal service. You want to be sure you know a lot about the business or company and are comfortable with leaving your precious set of wheels in their hands. The last thing you want is to have to deal with both an accident and a faulty botched body shop job.
Research
If you've just experienced an accident, you're definitely panicked and worried. Choosing a facility at that moment isn't the best idea. Do some online research for customer feedback and reports on prices, services, and deals. If possible, check the body shops beforehand and be aware of which ones are in your area. Learn as much as you can about reputations and user complaints. Always try to visit the facility before making a decision.
Experience
Ask the shop owner/worker how often they handle your car model. Visually inspect the cleanliness and professionalism of the workers, the tools, materials, and the shop. Are the workers friendly and willing to answer your questions? Take note of these little details, it can save you from a huge headache.
Certifications
Are there any awards, diplomas, or announcements about government regulations or inspections? Specific awards to look for are trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced course work training from the Inter-Industry ASE Conference on Auto Collision Repair, better known as I-CAR, and certifications that show national accreditation of technician's competency. These are issued by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence also known as ASE.
Avoid Scams
Although many are not up to speed on mechanic lingo and have little or no understanding of what it takes to make or fix a vehicle, you can still do your research and do your best to get this information. When you first purchase your car, learn as much as you can about your make and model so that you are knowledgeable and, therefore, will be less panicked if and when something goes wrong. Knowledge also helps prevent you from falling victim to scams by dishonest body shops. Some facilities overcharge for labor and make you buy excessive parts you don't need. You do not have to be an expert, but knowing the basics can save you big in the long run.
When you're prepared, you're better informed and make better decisions. Choosing a body shop is just like any other personal service. You want to be sure you know a lot about the business or company and are comfortable with leaving your precious set of wheels in their hands. The last thing you want is to have to deal with both an accident and a faulty botched body shop job.
When considering body shops, Kalamazoo, MI residents visit http://www.petersenautobody.com/contact-us/.
Saturday, September 26, 2015
1,000 Miles a Day: Consumer Reports Tire Testing
Treadwear is crucial. If your tire's treads wear out quickly, your safety may be at risk. That's why Consumer Reports goes all the way to the high plains of West Texas to put tires to the test. See how we come up with our ratings.
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Kids Talk About Highway Safety
On September 11, 2015, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety dedicated its newly expanded Vehicle Research Center. To commemorate this event, IIHS produced a video that begins with some imaginative thoughts from children about the future of cars.
Some of the kids we interviewed are big fans of IIHS and know an awful lot about our work. Here are some more thoughts from the drivers of the future about vehicles and highway safety.
Sunday, September 20, 2015
2015 Compact Car Comparison Test - Kelley Blue Book
For this year's head-to-head evaluation we tapped the Ford Focus, Subaru Impreza and Volkswagen Jetta—all of which were updated for 2015—plus the Mazda3, Dodge Dart and the two segment staples: Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla.
Thursday, September 17, 2015
Tips for Finding a Collision Repair Service
You've been in an auto accident and you've escaped unscathed, but
what about your car? You need to find a trusted collision repair center
that can fix your car, both cosmetically and mechanically. You don't
want to employ an unreliable mechanic and waste money on repair after
repair, nor do you want your car covered in mismatched or cheap, flaky
paint. Use this guide to learn how to identify a good collision repair
center and avoid unreliable service.
Naturally, the biggest concern when your car needs body work is cost. Estimates from different body shops can differ dramatically, but choosing the cheaper option may result in a poor quality job. Use these tips to help distinguish between when it's alright to take a lower price and when it's too risky.
Word-of-Mouth
Listen to any recommendations from your friends, family, and acquaintances. They may have had a successful experience with a collision repair shop and may even have a contact number. This gives you a chance to find local businesses which may not be listed on the internet. Small, family-owned shops offer a more involved experience by allowing you one-on-one access to the individuals working on your car.
Location and Overhead
Labor charges make up a healthy chunk of overall cost. Collision repair shops charge anywhere from $40 an hour to $70 an hour or more, depending on the location. Corporate body shops may have higher rates in order to support a large front-office work staff. Some may feel more comfortable doing business in an office setting with a front desk clerk, but estimates tend to increase according to the company's overhead. A shop with a small number of employees may be easier on your wallet.
Shop for Estimates
In order to make sure you get the best price you can at a repair center you trust, take your car to multiple shops and ask for quotes. This will help you avoid being overcharged. If there is a particular shop you really like, but their price is too high, try to find a few lower estimates and see if they'll consider bargaining. Remember, the cheapest estimate isn't always the best option.
Warranties and Insurance
Make sure your collision repair center provides written warranty for their work and ask about warranty details before making any agreements. At the minimum, the warranty should last for one year. If you've heard of places offering lifetime warranties, consider it an advertising tactic. Yes, the warranty technically lasts a lifetime; however, the contracts include a copious amount of regulations and stipulations. You should also ask if the repair center carries fire and theft insurance in case your car is damaged, destroyed, or stolen while being repaired.
Follow Your Intuition
Finally, trust what your intuition tells you about each shop you consider and the employees you encounter. If the facility is dirty and disorganized, you can expect sloppy body work. Take care in selecting a collision repair center and remember these tips during your search. Good luck!
Naturally, the biggest concern when your car needs body work is cost. Estimates from different body shops can differ dramatically, but choosing the cheaper option may result in a poor quality job. Use these tips to help distinguish between when it's alright to take a lower price and when it's too risky.
Word-of-Mouth
Listen to any recommendations from your friends, family, and acquaintances. They may have had a successful experience with a collision repair shop and may even have a contact number. This gives you a chance to find local businesses which may not be listed on the internet. Small, family-owned shops offer a more involved experience by allowing you one-on-one access to the individuals working on your car.
Location and Overhead
Labor charges make up a healthy chunk of overall cost. Collision repair shops charge anywhere from $40 an hour to $70 an hour or more, depending on the location. Corporate body shops may have higher rates in order to support a large front-office work staff. Some may feel more comfortable doing business in an office setting with a front desk clerk, but estimates tend to increase according to the company's overhead. A shop with a small number of employees may be easier on your wallet.
Shop for Estimates
In order to make sure you get the best price you can at a repair center you trust, take your car to multiple shops and ask for quotes. This will help you avoid being overcharged. If there is a particular shop you really like, but their price is too high, try to find a few lower estimates and see if they'll consider bargaining. Remember, the cheapest estimate isn't always the best option.
Warranties and Insurance
Make sure your collision repair center provides written warranty for their work and ask about warranty details before making any agreements. At the minimum, the warranty should last for one year. If you've heard of places offering lifetime warranties, consider it an advertising tactic. Yes, the warranty technically lasts a lifetime; however, the contracts include a copious amount of regulations and stipulations. You should also ask if the repair center carries fire and theft insurance in case your car is damaged, destroyed, or stolen while being repaired.
Follow Your Intuition
Finally, trust what your intuition tells you about each shop you consider and the employees you encounter. If the facility is dirty and disorganized, you can expect sloppy body work. Take care in selecting a collision repair center and remember these tips during your search. Good luck!
When considering collision repair, Kalamazoo residents visit Peterson Body Shop. Learn more at http://www.petersenautobody.com/services/.
Monday, September 14, 2015
2015 Compact SUV Comparison Test - Kelley Blue Book
For the second year in a row our annual small SUV comparison test took us from Southern California to the greater Phoenix area for some Cactus League baseball. Six editors logged more than 100 miles in each of the six test vehicles, and our collective findings and insights are captured in this video.
Friday, September 11, 2015
Why Do You Need To Worry About Your Vehicle's Wheel Alignment?
Perfectly aligned wheels keep your vehicle moving in a straight
line. But when you feel that your vehicle is pulling oddly to one side,
this means that your wheels are out of their place and need alignment.
Badly aligned tyres can ruin your entire driving experience. It can also
cause the steering wheel to become rigid or stay in one angle, making
you exert extra force to bring it to the desired angle.
This is just a little hint of what misalignment of wheels is really like. Let's find out why you need to get your wheels aligned.
Improved Tyre Life
Buying new tyres is not the only thing that will optimize your vehicle's performance. If your wheels aren't aligned properly, your new tyres will wear out. The wheels should always be aligned to the manufacturer's preferred specifications. This way the tread life of your tyres will maximize, giving you a smooth and worry-free driving experience. Abnormal wheel alignment increases the wear and tear on the tyres, making them vulnerable to damage.
Better Vehicle Handling
If the tyres of your vehicle aren't aligned, it will make it hard to make sharp turns. When making sharp turns, the wheels of your car should be completely in contact with the road. This contact helps make perfect turns. But if the wheels are misaligned, they will be leaning in or out, making it difficult for the wheels to maintain contact, reducing traction. This uneven camber will disturb the car's angle, and may also lead to accidents in certain situations. This disturbed camber also affects the vehicle's brake efficiency.
Enhanced Steering Control
Misaligned wheels can cause an array of problems in a vehicle including poor handling and steering. The suspension and the steering linkage should be checked before getting the wheels aligned. Sometimes, misaligned wheels damage these parts that need to be replaced for optimal performance and enhanced steering control.
When do you need to get your wheel alignment checked?
Your vehicle's wheels can be misaligned due to a number of reasons. Get your vehicle's wheel alignment checked if:
The tyres seem misaligned or uneven.
The steering wheel feels rigid and stays in a certain angle.
The steering isn't in control and moves the vehicle to one side.
Your vehicle hit something on the road.
Your vehicle met an accident.
Your vehicle's suspension steering parts were replaced with bad quality parts.
Aligning the wheels of your car will give you sense of satisfaction that you have control over your vehicle. Furthermore, it helps keep the tyres intact for a longer period of time. With your wheels perfectly aligned, you will not need to visit the mechanic in every few weeks for their alignment or servicing.
This is just a little hint of what misalignment of wheels is really like. Let's find out why you need to get your wheels aligned.
Improved Tyre Life
Buying new tyres is not the only thing that will optimize your vehicle's performance. If your wheels aren't aligned properly, your new tyres will wear out. The wheels should always be aligned to the manufacturer's preferred specifications. This way the tread life of your tyres will maximize, giving you a smooth and worry-free driving experience. Abnormal wheel alignment increases the wear and tear on the tyres, making them vulnerable to damage.
Better Vehicle Handling
If the tyres of your vehicle aren't aligned, it will make it hard to make sharp turns. When making sharp turns, the wheels of your car should be completely in contact with the road. This contact helps make perfect turns. But if the wheels are misaligned, they will be leaning in or out, making it difficult for the wheels to maintain contact, reducing traction. This uneven camber will disturb the car's angle, and may also lead to accidents in certain situations. This disturbed camber also affects the vehicle's brake efficiency.
Enhanced Steering Control
Misaligned wheels can cause an array of problems in a vehicle including poor handling and steering. The suspension and the steering linkage should be checked before getting the wheels aligned. Sometimes, misaligned wheels damage these parts that need to be replaced for optimal performance and enhanced steering control.
When do you need to get your wheel alignment checked?
Your vehicle's wheels can be misaligned due to a number of reasons. Get your vehicle's wheel alignment checked if:
The tyres seem misaligned or uneven.
The steering wheel feels rigid and stays in a certain angle.
The steering isn't in control and moves the vehicle to one side.
Your vehicle hit something on the road.
Your vehicle met an accident.
Your vehicle's suspension steering parts were replaced with bad quality parts.
Aligning the wheels of your car will give you sense of satisfaction that you have control over your vehicle. Furthermore, it helps keep the tyres intact for a longer period of time. With your wheels perfectly aligned, you will not need to visit the mechanic in every few weeks for their alignment or servicing.
The best part about driving a car with perfectly aligned wheels is that it is more under control. Because the steering will move to any angles that you want, you will be able to make your drive safer and smoother.
Contact for Wheel alignment wheel alignment services in Knox, Ferntree Gully, Mountain Gate, Boronia and Scoresby.
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
What Every Driver Should Know About Transmission Fluid Change
One of the first things new drivers learn about automotive
maintenance is how to check the motor oil in their car. They are also
instructed to have the liquid changed every three to five thousand
miles. Failure to do so could damage vital engine parts and put their
rides at risk. This maintenance is essential to a car's operation, but
it applies to more than just motor oil. Transmission fluid is just as
important.
Transmission Fluid
Transmission fluid keeps the gears and, in turn, the car moving smoothly. It is part of a closed system and, unlike motor oil, the liquid should never run low. As such, most motorists mistakenly believe it never needs to be changed. Many drive for years needing a transmission fluid change. What are the dangers?
When the liquid breaks down, it can no longer provide adequate lubrication to the gears in your car. For some drivers, this deterioration may never cause a major issue, but for others it could cause serious damage. Now, you might be wondering why it inevitably wears out? Here are a few common risk factors:
- Frequent stop-and-go driving
- Excessive towing or hauling
- Snow plowing
- Using a manual transmission system
- Periods of heavy use
- Poor driving conditions
All of the aforementioned issues greatly increase the risk of extreme heat; heat that breaks down the vital components in the fluid. As a result, this burnt liquid can no longer act as an effective lubricant. Although this breakdown usually occurs after many years, it can be expedited by any of the above risk factors.
When To Change It
If you asked five mechanics, you could get five different answers about when to change the vital liquid. A more accurate answer can be found in your owner's manual. Based on exhaustive testing of your specific vehicle, this information should serve as a reliable guide. With that said, you may have to adjust it a bit based on your individual driving habits. If, for example, you tow your fishing boat around for the entire summer, you may need transmission fluid change earlier than advised. In most cases, manufacturers recommend replacing it every 30,000 to 60,000 miles.
How To Check It
Just like motor oil, you can check your transmission fluid with a dipstick. But unlike the oil, you don't usually have to worry about its level. As we mentioned earlier, your gearbox is a closed system, so volume should never fall. What you must consider, however, is the quality of the fluid. If it is relatively clean and pure, it should be pink or reddish in color. But when the liquid burns, it turns light to deep brown. It may also smell burnt.
Average Price
A relatively inexpensive automotive service job, changing this vital liquid usually costs between $60 to $100. The cost may be slightly higher when the transmission filter must also be replaced, which is often the case. Because it is typically only performed every 3 to 5 years and it can dramatically improve driving performance, transmission fluid change is well worth the investment.
Transmission Fluid
Transmission fluid keeps the gears and, in turn, the car moving smoothly. It is part of a closed system and, unlike motor oil, the liquid should never run low. As such, most motorists mistakenly believe it never needs to be changed. Many drive for years needing a transmission fluid change. What are the dangers?
When the liquid breaks down, it can no longer provide adequate lubrication to the gears in your car. For some drivers, this deterioration may never cause a major issue, but for others it could cause serious damage. Now, you might be wondering why it inevitably wears out? Here are a few common risk factors:
- Frequent stop-and-go driving
- Excessive towing or hauling
- Snow plowing
- Using a manual transmission system
- Periods of heavy use
- Poor driving conditions
All of the aforementioned issues greatly increase the risk of extreme heat; heat that breaks down the vital components in the fluid. As a result, this burnt liquid can no longer act as an effective lubricant. Although this breakdown usually occurs after many years, it can be expedited by any of the above risk factors.
When To Change It
If you asked five mechanics, you could get five different answers about when to change the vital liquid. A more accurate answer can be found in your owner's manual. Based on exhaustive testing of your specific vehicle, this information should serve as a reliable guide. With that said, you may have to adjust it a bit based on your individual driving habits. If, for example, you tow your fishing boat around for the entire summer, you may need transmission fluid change earlier than advised. In most cases, manufacturers recommend replacing it every 30,000 to 60,000 miles.
How To Check It
Just like motor oil, you can check your transmission fluid with a dipstick. But unlike the oil, you don't usually have to worry about its level. As we mentioned earlier, your gearbox is a closed system, so volume should never fall. What you must consider, however, is the quality of the fluid. If it is relatively clean and pure, it should be pink or reddish in color. But when the liquid burns, it turns light to deep brown. It may also smell burnt.
Average Price
A relatively inexpensive automotive service job, changing this vital liquid usually costs between $60 to $100. The cost may be slightly higher when the transmission filter must also be replaced, which is often the case. Because it is typically only performed every 3 to 5 years and it can dramatically improve driving performance, transmission fluid change is well worth the investment.
When considering transmission fluid change, Staten Island residents visit Premier Plastic Surgery. Learn more at http://gibraltartransmissions.com/services/transmission-service/.
Saturday, September 5, 2015
How to Find a Reliable Car Collision Repair Center
Dealing with car collision repair is generally far from being a
pleasant experience. Although nobody would want to get into an accident,
it is always a possibility. Therefore, you must be prepared to get your
vehicle repaired by finding the right collision auto body repair shop.
Here are some easy steps that will help you choose a good and dependable car body repair center.
Get as many reviews as possible. First, ask your reliable friends, family, and even co-workers about their experience with car repair shops. This is a great place to start. Of course, you can always trust the recommendation of your family and friends, right?
Also, read people's comments from online local review sites about their opinions or perhaps good and bad experience with local collision repair shops. It is imperative that you check the reputation of the auto repair shop. Verify any complaints against your prospective shop in the Better Business Bureau and see if they give warranties as well.
Talk with your insurance company. You first might want to consider talking with your insurance company. Insurance providers usually have partnership agreements with local repair shops. Ask for any recommendation and they will offer you a list of competent collision centers. However, also consider references from outside sources as these shops may take short cuts and compromise the quality of repair just to save money.
Ask for an estimate. Compare price quotes among different repair shops first. Most collision repair shops will readily give you cost estimates. This will determine the extent of damage control that has to be done on your car. Once you get an estimate, try calling a few other local auto body repair centers and ask how much would they will charge for same repairs. Of course this will help you make a better decision.
Evaluate the collision repair facility. Know if they have the latest tools when it comes to car restoration. You see, cars these days have computer features in them, so see if they have advanced tools that are essential to restore your car to its original shape. Also, ask about the type of parts they use. Some repair outlets use recycled materials and auto parts. Know if they make use of recycled auto salvage or junkyard parts. This might help you save more on the repair.
As the accident process is indeed stressful enough, it is important that you ensure you only find top quality collision repair center to avoid further stress and hassle.
Here are some easy steps that will help you choose a good and dependable car body repair center.
Get as many reviews as possible. First, ask your reliable friends, family, and even co-workers about their experience with car repair shops. This is a great place to start. Of course, you can always trust the recommendation of your family and friends, right?
Also, read people's comments from online local review sites about their opinions or perhaps good and bad experience with local collision repair shops. It is imperative that you check the reputation of the auto repair shop. Verify any complaints against your prospective shop in the Better Business Bureau and see if they give warranties as well.
Talk with your insurance company. You first might want to consider talking with your insurance company. Insurance providers usually have partnership agreements with local repair shops. Ask for any recommendation and they will offer you a list of competent collision centers. However, also consider references from outside sources as these shops may take short cuts and compromise the quality of repair just to save money.
Ask for an estimate. Compare price quotes among different repair shops first. Most collision repair shops will readily give you cost estimates. This will determine the extent of damage control that has to be done on your car. Once you get an estimate, try calling a few other local auto body repair centers and ask how much would they will charge for same repairs. Of course this will help you make a better decision.
Evaluate the collision repair facility. Know if they have the latest tools when it comes to car restoration. You see, cars these days have computer features in them, so see if they have advanced tools that are essential to restore your car to its original shape. Also, ask about the type of parts they use. Some repair outlets use recycled materials and auto parts. Know if they make use of recycled auto salvage or junkyard parts. This might help you save more on the repair.
As the accident process is indeed stressful enough, it is important that you ensure you only find top quality collision repair center to avoid further stress and hassle.
Looking for a reliable collision repair Santa Ana services? Get your car back to its original shape through a top quality collision repair Orange County center. For more information, please visit http://www.dealersserviceinc.com/.
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
Taking Your Vehicle to an Auto Body Repair Specialist
It is important to care for our vehicles properly. You should
maintain the regular scheduled maintenance and take care of repairs
promptly. If you got sick or broke a bone you would go to a doctor or
specialist to get you feeling better. So, if your vehicle is in need of
repair you should take it to a repair specialist. A specialist of your
vehicles auto body repairs should specialize in auto reconditioning.
Find out why you should take your vehicle to an auto body repair
specialist and what to expect from them!
Simply taking your vehicle to just anyone or trying to repair it yourself is not the best solution. Sure you can try to complete auto body repairs yourself and they may come out looking o.k. but it will not be the best quality work. It is important that the repair is done right and that a quality job is done to preserve the car and keep it looking great for a long time. There are many auto body repairs that if not repaired will lead to more auto body damages, which will be more money out of your pocket. Also, if they are not completed correctly they can also lead to more damage.
Qualified specialist in the auto body repair shops should have received classroom and on the job training before actually working in a repair shop. In most cases they are still receiving ongoing training from there company and/or an outside source. They are professionals in their field. They are continually improving upon their skills and technique. Also it is their job to repair vehicles auto body, so they have had plenty of opportunities to perform the repairs and become masters of the trade. They also know and use the latest technology and skills of the trade when completing the auto body repairs. They know what will work best for each auto body repair and can fully complete the job.
When you take your vehicle to an auto body shop for an auto body specialist to repair your vehicle there are a few things that will happen. First they will asses your vehicles auto body damages. They will recommend repair services for your vehicle and give you a price quote and a time frame for the job to be completed. Some repair shops will give you this estimate for free. You may ask to see examples of the work they produce to see that their quality of work is acceptable for you. Then they will schedule a time to bring your vehicle in for the repairs, if you so choose. They may give you a rental or you may need to get a rental if you need. They will complete the work and return your vehicle back to you. The best part is they will return your vehicle to your looking like new!
So, if your vehicle is in need of auto body repairs be sure to take it to an auto body repair specialist. They will really get your vehicle looking great and keep it protected for a long time to come!
Simply taking your vehicle to just anyone or trying to repair it yourself is not the best solution. Sure you can try to complete auto body repairs yourself and they may come out looking o.k. but it will not be the best quality work. It is important that the repair is done right and that a quality job is done to preserve the car and keep it looking great for a long time. There are many auto body repairs that if not repaired will lead to more auto body damages, which will be more money out of your pocket. Also, if they are not completed correctly they can also lead to more damage.
Qualified specialist in the auto body repair shops should have received classroom and on the job training before actually working in a repair shop. In most cases they are still receiving ongoing training from there company and/or an outside source. They are professionals in their field. They are continually improving upon their skills and technique. Also it is their job to repair vehicles auto body, so they have had plenty of opportunities to perform the repairs and become masters of the trade. They also know and use the latest technology and skills of the trade when completing the auto body repairs. They know what will work best for each auto body repair and can fully complete the job.
When you take your vehicle to an auto body shop for an auto body specialist to repair your vehicle there are a few things that will happen. First they will asses your vehicles auto body damages. They will recommend repair services for your vehicle and give you a price quote and a time frame for the job to be completed. Some repair shops will give you this estimate for free. You may ask to see examples of the work they produce to see that their quality of work is acceptable for you. Then they will schedule a time to bring your vehicle in for the repairs, if you so choose. They may give you a rental or you may need to get a rental if you need. They will complete the work and return your vehicle back to you. The best part is they will return your vehicle to your looking like new!
So, if your vehicle is in need of auto body repairs be sure to take it to an auto body repair specialist. They will really get your vehicle looking great and keep it protected for a long time to come!
If your car is in need of auto reconditioning start looking for a qualified professional to handle your concerns. Look for an auto body professional to take care of your ride from bumper repairs [http://www.sandiegobumperrepair.com/] to fixing the major auto body repairs
Sunday, August 30, 2015
Vehicle Collision Claims Processing
Many drivers will experience an auto collision with more than 250
million vehicles on the road in America. Unfortunately, few people
understand the process of filing an insurance claim and following it
through to settlement. Here are a few tips to help you better understand
the auto insurance claims process.
Starting the Process
Contact your insurance agent or carrier as a first step after a collision; this assumes that no one is hurt, and that you contact the necessary authorities to file a report. Your insurance carrier will dispatch an adjuster to inspect your vehicle and work up a repair estimate based on the damage. In a perfect world, your insurance carrier would then send you a check to complete the repairs. But then that would be a mistake.
Filing an Auto Accident Insurance Claim
To file a claim, collect all relevant information prior to contacting your insurer. You will need items like your insurance policy number, the police report number and all information on others involved in the accident, including names, dates of birth, addresses, phone numbers and their insurance information. If there were witnesses, have their contact information available as well. Your insurance company may record a statement from you by phone. Take good notes, keep all information and paperwork in a safe place and take your own detailed photos relevant to the collision.
Don't Cash the Check
If your insurance company wants to send you a check prior to the work being done, tell them to wait. If a check is sent, don't cash it. When you cash the check from the insurance company, they are essentially off the hook for any damage that is not initially visible. A collision can bend an automotive frame, take your car out of alignment, and involve much more once the auto body shop starts the repairs.
Collision Damage Repair and Insurance
Getting an auto insurance settlement may not be simple, depending on the circumstances. Settlements take time or may become drawn out as more insurance companies seek reasons to deny claims. There is, however, one way to get the most from your auto insurance claim in the shortest amount of time, with the least amount of work.
Before taking your vehicle for repair - or even before you file an insurance claim - find a local collision damage repair shop able to process your claim. Many auto body shops specialize in processing claims, which offers several distinct advantages. First, you are spared the hassle of dealing directly with the insurance carrier. More importantly, insurance claims specialists at many repair shops have years of experience and know exactly what your insurance carrier needs to process your claim quickly.
A local body shop can work up a written estimate and submit it to the insurance carrier for authorization on your behalf. The insurer can issue a check directly to the auto body shop rather than to you. In no time at all, your car will be repaired and back on the road. Now that's a win-win situation for all parties concerned.
Starting the Process
Contact your insurance agent or carrier as a first step after a collision; this assumes that no one is hurt, and that you contact the necessary authorities to file a report. Your insurance carrier will dispatch an adjuster to inspect your vehicle and work up a repair estimate based on the damage. In a perfect world, your insurance carrier would then send you a check to complete the repairs. But then that would be a mistake.
Filing an Auto Accident Insurance Claim
To file a claim, collect all relevant information prior to contacting your insurer. You will need items like your insurance policy number, the police report number and all information on others involved in the accident, including names, dates of birth, addresses, phone numbers and their insurance information. If there were witnesses, have their contact information available as well. Your insurance company may record a statement from you by phone. Take good notes, keep all information and paperwork in a safe place and take your own detailed photos relevant to the collision.
Don't Cash the Check
If your insurance company wants to send you a check prior to the work being done, tell them to wait. If a check is sent, don't cash it. When you cash the check from the insurance company, they are essentially off the hook for any damage that is not initially visible. A collision can bend an automotive frame, take your car out of alignment, and involve much more once the auto body shop starts the repairs.
Collision Damage Repair and Insurance
Getting an auto insurance settlement may not be simple, depending on the circumstances. Settlements take time or may become drawn out as more insurance companies seek reasons to deny claims. There is, however, one way to get the most from your auto insurance claim in the shortest amount of time, with the least amount of work.
Before taking your vehicle for repair - or even before you file an insurance claim - find a local collision damage repair shop able to process your claim. Many auto body shops specialize in processing claims, which offers several distinct advantages. First, you are spared the hassle of dealing directly with the insurance carrier. More importantly, insurance claims specialists at many repair shops have years of experience and know exactly what your insurance carrier needs to process your claim quickly.
A local body shop can work up a written estimate and submit it to the insurance carrier for authorization on your behalf. The insurer can issue a check directly to the auto body shop rather than to you. In no time at all, your car will be repaired and back on the road. Now that's a win-win situation for all parties concerned.
Albert Westbrook enjoys writing on all types of topics. For superb auto body repair, contact Dent Master in Salt Lake City, Utah.
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