Hundreds of cars are put through our rigorous tests but only a few become Top Picks. One company lands three on the list, while American automakers score the most picks since 1998. Here are the winners in categories from luxury cars to minivans.
Saturday, February 28, 2015
Consumer Reports 2015 Top Pick Cars
Hundreds of cars are put through our rigorous tests but only a few become Top Picks. One company lands three on the list, while American automakers score the most picks since 1998. Here are the winners in categories from luxury cars to minivans.
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Top 5: New Car Safety Innovations
CNET's Brian Cooley tells you about five personal safety innovations that car suppliers are developing for your next car.
Sunday, February 22, 2015
Easy Way To Get Quality Auto Collision Repair
Auto collisions on our busy roads are a reality. Unscrupulous
businessmen aiming to take advantage of such distressful events are
another reality. Therefore apart from taking insurance cover with a
reliable company, taking note of trustworthy auto body shops is another
way of mitigating the toll an accident may take on your mind, pocket and
clock.
Consideration When Choosing an Auto Body Shop
Before such an eventuality, it is advisable that you enquire about the collision repair shops near you. At your own pace, do your research at home, the workplace, online and on the ground. The factors to consider when choosing where to go for auto collision repair include:
Quality of work.
It takes great training and equipment to fix a damaged car so that it looks and performs like, or better than, before. Therefore establish the level of training of the technicians at the shop, and the technology they use to make auto body estimates and repair problems. The range of services they offer will also tell you their level of expertise and experience with cars like yours.
Cost of work.
Cheap is expensive. The services of a shop offering auto collision repair cheaply may very likely be substandard. This is not to say that you go to the most expensive shop, but that the auto shop must account for every dollar charged. It is important that you compare the charges of as many shops as possible.
Speed of service.
Since your car is an essential agent for running your daily life, find the shop that will fix it as quick as possible. You must ensure that it has all the parts your vehicle needs before you leave it at the repair shop. However, keep in mind that good auto body work requires your patience.
Customer care.
What guarantee does the shop give its clients? What is the attitude of the business towards you as a (potential) customer? Apart from repairing your car, what other service does the shop offer you? These questions may be answered by reading the customer reviews, Better Business Bureau reviews or even the business' webpage.
Hassle Free Car Repair Process
In the event of an accident, there are three parties to call: the police, your insurance company, and the choice auto collision repair shop.
What follows then is assessment of the damage done to your car. The diagnosis may involve modern software, yet it relies on the inspections skills of the technician to derive an auto repair estimate. This document shows every part that will need replacement, or removal and installation, the cost involved, and time required.
It is worth noting that the amount quoted for your insurance company is an estimate. This figure may increase as some charges are tied to time spent working, and as other problems may be discovered later. The technicians must inform you of these and explain how they missed them previously before they fix them.
While the repair job is on going, a reputable company such as Sterling AutoBody Shop may organise for you a rental car. Once the job has been completed, you should be shown the original parts that were replaced and the receipts of the parts and paints bought for your vehicle.
Consideration When Choosing an Auto Body Shop
Before such an eventuality, it is advisable that you enquire about the collision repair shops near you. At your own pace, do your research at home, the workplace, online and on the ground. The factors to consider when choosing where to go for auto collision repair include:
Quality of work.
It takes great training and equipment to fix a damaged car so that it looks and performs like, or better than, before. Therefore establish the level of training of the technicians at the shop, and the technology they use to make auto body estimates and repair problems. The range of services they offer will also tell you their level of expertise and experience with cars like yours.
Cost of work.
Cheap is expensive. The services of a shop offering auto collision repair cheaply may very likely be substandard. This is not to say that you go to the most expensive shop, but that the auto shop must account for every dollar charged. It is important that you compare the charges of as many shops as possible.
Speed of service.
Since your car is an essential agent for running your daily life, find the shop that will fix it as quick as possible. You must ensure that it has all the parts your vehicle needs before you leave it at the repair shop. However, keep in mind that good auto body work requires your patience.
Customer care.
What guarantee does the shop give its clients? What is the attitude of the business towards you as a (potential) customer? Apart from repairing your car, what other service does the shop offer you? These questions may be answered by reading the customer reviews, Better Business Bureau reviews or even the business' webpage.
Hassle Free Car Repair Process
In the event of an accident, there are three parties to call: the police, your insurance company, and the choice auto collision repair shop.
What follows then is assessment of the damage done to your car. The diagnosis may involve modern software, yet it relies on the inspections skills of the technician to derive an auto repair estimate. This document shows every part that will need replacement, or removal and installation, the cost involved, and time required.
It is worth noting that the amount quoted for your insurance company is an estimate. This figure may increase as some charges are tied to time spent working, and as other problems may be discovered later. The technicians must inform you of these and explain how they missed them previously before they fix them.
While the repair job is on going, a reputable company such as Sterling AutoBody Shop may organise for you a rental car. Once the job has been completed, you should be shown the original parts that were replaced and the receipts of the parts and paints bought for your vehicle.
Callum Jessy is the author of this article on autobody shop. Find more information, about auto body estimate here
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Callum_Jessy
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8223848
Car Shifters Veer From Tradition, Create Confusion
Drivers once knew where to find park, reverse, and drive. But new shifters are more confusing, making mistakes more likely, Consumer Reports says, especially in an emergency.
Monday, February 16, 2015
Make Sure the Auto Body Shop and Insurance Company Are on the Same Page
Roughly 20,000 car accidents occur each day in the United States.
There's a good chance every driver will be involved in at least one car
accident during their lifetime. When an accident occurs, the driver
plays an important role in making sure the auto body shop and the
insurance company are on the same page. Regardless of who is at fault,
there are steps that can be taken to reduce out-of-pocket expenses and
inconveniences.
Exchange Information with the Other Driver
Insurance companies need as many details as possible before paying an auto body shop for your accident repairs. If there are no injuries and everyone is safe, both drivers should exchange names and numbers. It is a good idea to jot down the name of the other driver's insurance company, as well as the policy number if possible. Also note the make, model, and license number of the other car involved in the accident. Your insurance company will ask for this info when you file your claim.
File an Accident Report
If injuries are involved, the police should be dispatched immediately. An accident report will be completed on site and a copy of the report can be faxed to the insurance company. Minor accidents may not require police response, but a report can still be filed. A state vehicle accident report form is available through the police department or DMV. In some areas, the necessary paperwork can be found online. The sooner the insurance company has the report, the sooner your claim can be processed.
Document Everything
As mentioned, insurance companies want to know as much as possible about an accident before working with the auto body shop to repair a vehicle. Besides the other driver's information and an accident report, also make notes about exactly what happened, the location, weather conditions, and any other details pertaining to the accident. It's also a good idea to take pictures of the damage on both cars and to keep documentation of all future conversations.
Contact the Insurance Company
A claim should be filed with the insurance company as soon as possible. It's best to make the phone call before leaving the scene of the accident if you can. Once the claim process is started, the adjuster can help determine the best approach to completing the repairs. Keep in mind that a driver is not required to use their insurer's preferred shop in most states. Also remember to make a few notes regarding the conversation for your records.
Collect Estimates
Most insurance companies require multiple repair estimates if a driver would like to use an auto body shop outside of the company's network. It is a smart decision to have the damage accessed by more than one body shop regardless. Have at least 2 or 3 garages prepare detailed estimates of the parts and labor needed to fix the vehicle. The adjuster handling the claim should be provided with copies so that a decision can be made to move forward with the repairs.
When the insurance company has the details they need, it is easier to work with an auto body shop to have accident damage repaired quickly. The claim may be paid directly to the auto body shop or it may go to the insured. Whatever the case, be sure to get the details in writing. The most important thing is to stay in contact with the insurance company, as well as the auto body shop, throughout the entire process.
Exchange Information with the Other Driver
Insurance companies need as many details as possible before paying an auto body shop for your accident repairs. If there are no injuries and everyone is safe, both drivers should exchange names and numbers. It is a good idea to jot down the name of the other driver's insurance company, as well as the policy number if possible. Also note the make, model, and license number of the other car involved in the accident. Your insurance company will ask for this info when you file your claim.
File an Accident Report
If injuries are involved, the police should be dispatched immediately. An accident report will be completed on site and a copy of the report can be faxed to the insurance company. Minor accidents may not require police response, but a report can still be filed. A state vehicle accident report form is available through the police department or DMV. In some areas, the necessary paperwork can be found online. The sooner the insurance company has the report, the sooner your claim can be processed.
Document Everything
As mentioned, insurance companies want to know as much as possible about an accident before working with the auto body shop to repair a vehicle. Besides the other driver's information and an accident report, also make notes about exactly what happened, the location, weather conditions, and any other details pertaining to the accident. It's also a good idea to take pictures of the damage on both cars and to keep documentation of all future conversations.
Contact the Insurance Company
A claim should be filed with the insurance company as soon as possible. It's best to make the phone call before leaving the scene of the accident if you can. Once the claim process is started, the adjuster can help determine the best approach to completing the repairs. Keep in mind that a driver is not required to use their insurer's preferred shop in most states. Also remember to make a few notes regarding the conversation for your records.
Collect Estimates
Most insurance companies require multiple repair estimates if a driver would like to use an auto body shop outside of the company's network. It is a smart decision to have the damage accessed by more than one body shop regardless. Have at least 2 or 3 garages prepare detailed estimates of the parts and labor needed to fix the vehicle. The adjuster handling the claim should be provided with copies so that a decision can be made to move forward with the repairs.
When the insurance company has the details they need, it is easier to work with an auto body shop to have accident damage repaired quickly. The claim may be paid directly to the auto body shop or it may go to the insured. Whatever the case, be sure to get the details in writing. The most important thing is to stay in contact with the insurance company, as well as the auto body shop, throughout the entire process.
There are many things to consider before choosing a body shop to handle your collision repair, painting, detailing, and restoration needs. Before you choose, download your FREE copy of the "12 Essential Questions To Ask Before Choosing A Body Shop" provided by A1 Body Shop.
For other tips, tricks and chat about everything body shop related visit The A1 Body Shop Blog.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6651716
Friday, February 13, 2015
Corby's Collision - "Best Autobody/Restoration"
Corby's Collision was voted "Best Autobody/Restoration" by the Reporter's The Best of 2014! Thank you Vacaville!
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Collision Repair: Are There Any Visible Problems?
Getting into a vehicle collision is stressful enough, but after
that, you have to get your vehicle repaired so it will function properly
and you can go about your life. Many people are afraid of being
swindled by auto mechanics, but most individuals don't know how to check
on the level of quality in the collision repair. By understanding what
to look for and how to perform an overall inspection of the repair that
has been done, you can save money and ensure that your car has been
properly repaired after being in a collision.
What to Look for After Collision Repair or Dent Repair
Make sure the seams on your vehicle all line up properly. If you notice that some of the seams aren't perfectly lined up, it could be that there was an accident during the alignment or that the technicians simply didn't do an adequate job with the collision repair. In addition, the seams should be evenly spaced, with parallel lines from adjacent parts. Note the use of "shims," which are small metal spacers that technicians often use between parts. These should be used sparsely, as several tend to indicate improper structure repair. You'll also want to check for minimal seam sealer. If you notice more than what is typical, or the job looks sloppily done, it should act as a red flag to you that the collision repair hasn't been done properly.
How to Check the Quality of a Welding Job
In some cases of collision repair, the technician will need to weld the metal on the vehicle. All areas where the metal was welded should look neat and clean. The welds should appear to be part of the metal of the car; sanded smoothly and protected from corrosion. It's important that any added or replaced parts have been welded in the same areas as the factory parts would have been welded in. If not, the technician may not have known what he was doing, and the repair job may not be as good as it could be. Ask the technician to show you the areas that the car was welded in, if they're viewable.
Inquiring about the Measuring System
One great way to determine whether your vehicle is being repaired properly is to ask the technicians at the auto body shop about the type of measuring system they use to ensure that everything is lined up properly. High-quality shops will use digital systems that accurately measure a vehicle's structure and frame. The machine will compare the current measurements to those of the factory guidelines and then provide that information to the technicians so they can ensure that everything lines up properly.
If you still feel uncomfortable checking your own vehicle at the paint shop or collision repair shop, take a more qualified individual with you to check it out. Before you leave the shop, you should thoroughly inspect your vehicle to determine whether the technicians did a great job or not. You should also obtain a report covering every procedure that was done to your vehicle.
What to Look for After Collision Repair or Dent Repair
Make sure the seams on your vehicle all line up properly. If you notice that some of the seams aren't perfectly lined up, it could be that there was an accident during the alignment or that the technicians simply didn't do an adequate job with the collision repair. In addition, the seams should be evenly spaced, with parallel lines from adjacent parts. Note the use of "shims," which are small metal spacers that technicians often use between parts. These should be used sparsely, as several tend to indicate improper structure repair. You'll also want to check for minimal seam sealer. If you notice more than what is typical, or the job looks sloppily done, it should act as a red flag to you that the collision repair hasn't been done properly.
How to Check the Quality of a Welding Job
In some cases of collision repair, the technician will need to weld the metal on the vehicle. All areas where the metal was welded should look neat and clean. The welds should appear to be part of the metal of the car; sanded smoothly and protected from corrosion. It's important that any added or replaced parts have been welded in the same areas as the factory parts would have been welded in. If not, the technician may not have known what he was doing, and the repair job may not be as good as it could be. Ask the technician to show you the areas that the car was welded in, if they're viewable.
Inquiring about the Measuring System
One great way to determine whether your vehicle is being repaired properly is to ask the technicians at the auto body shop about the type of measuring system they use to ensure that everything is lined up properly. High-quality shops will use digital systems that accurately measure a vehicle's structure and frame. The machine will compare the current measurements to those of the factory guidelines and then provide that information to the technicians so they can ensure that everything lines up properly.
If you still feel uncomfortable checking your own vehicle at the paint shop or collision repair shop, take a more qualified individual with you to check it out. Before you leave the shop, you should thoroughly inspect your vehicle to determine whether the technicians did a great job or not. You should also obtain a report covering every procedure that was done to your vehicle.
There are many things to consider before choosing a body shop to handle your collision repair, painting, detailing, and restoration needs. Before you choose, download your FREE copy of the "12 Essential Questions To Ask Before Choosing A Body Shop" provided by A1 Body Shop. For other tips, tricks and chat about everything body shop related visit The A1 Body Shop Blog.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6852520
Saturday, February 7, 2015
Auto Body Collision Repair: Know What to Expect Before Going to a Body Shop
After even a minor incident in a parking lot, you are likely
going to need auto body collision repair in order to get your vehicle
looking like new again. To make sure that you get charged fair rates,
make sure you know what work needs to be done before going to the shop.
For a simple bumper replacement, the largest part of the cost is going to be the replacement parts themselves. With older cars that have plastic or fiberglass bumpers on them, this can be more difficult as the parts will be less readily available. Custom fabrication of the needed parts can be quite costly if even possible at all for your repair.
When your auto body collision repair needs consist of popping out a few dings with little cosmetic blemishes, the option to have your panels repainted will be left up to you. Remember that only painting a side panel is likely to never perfectly match the paint on the rest of your car. This can happen because of slight fading of paint from long-term sun exposure. The difference may not be noticed until the job is done. This is why you must consider whether your auto body collision repair truly needs new paint. Modern tools can remove dings with very little in the way of cosmetic defects in the paint. Larger jobs of course will make repainting a necessity.
Going to the place with the biggest shop might not always be your best choice. Yes, a company with a larger staff can get the job done quicker, but you will often have to pay for the speedy service. A skilled auto body technician can be found in many of the smaller shops around town as well.
You might also want to ask friends and family before shopping for auto body collision repair so that you can hear first hand accounts of services offered by several shops.
If your insurance is covering the repairs, make sure your chosen auto body shop is able to work with your insurance company, and have the details worked out before the work begins. This can save you headache and cost in the long run.
For a simple bumper replacement, the largest part of the cost is going to be the replacement parts themselves. With older cars that have plastic or fiberglass bumpers on them, this can be more difficult as the parts will be less readily available. Custom fabrication of the needed parts can be quite costly if even possible at all for your repair.
When your auto body collision repair needs consist of popping out a few dings with little cosmetic blemishes, the option to have your panels repainted will be left up to you. Remember that only painting a side panel is likely to never perfectly match the paint on the rest of your car. This can happen because of slight fading of paint from long-term sun exposure. The difference may not be noticed until the job is done. This is why you must consider whether your auto body collision repair truly needs new paint. Modern tools can remove dings with very little in the way of cosmetic defects in the paint. Larger jobs of course will make repainting a necessity.
Going to the place with the biggest shop might not always be your best choice. Yes, a company with a larger staff can get the job done quicker, but you will often have to pay for the speedy service. A skilled auto body technician can be found in many of the smaller shops around town as well.
You might also want to ask friends and family before shopping for auto body collision repair so that you can hear first hand accounts of services offered by several shops.
If your insurance is covering the repairs, make sure your chosen auto body shop is able to work with your insurance company, and have the details worked out before the work begins. This can save you headache and cost in the long run.
Don't want to waste your money on expensive car repairs? Click here - Ways to avoid expensive automotive repairs. http://www.autorepairwiz.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5937410
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Collision Repair Process: What You Need to Know
If you are involved in any kind of car accident or collision, the
process of getting your car repaired and back in working order can be a
hassle. From insurance adjusters to finding alternative transportation
and reviewing estimates, many people feel overwhelmed by the whole
ordeal. When you work with a reputable collision repair shop, they will
walk you through the process so that you feel comfortable and secure
knowing that your vehicle will be expertly repaired for a fair price.
When you take your vehicle to a collision repair shop, the first thing that the technician will do is visually inspect the car and fill out an estimate. This inspection will not only give you a price for the repairs but will also determine how much time the repair process may take. Keep in mind that there may be hidden damage that is virtually undetectable until the vehicle is disassembled. Once all of the damage is identified, an official report will be created and serves as the blueprint for restoring your vehicle to its pre-accident condition.
Once the estimate is complete and approved by you and your insurance company, the vehicle repair process can begin. Your vehicle then enters the metal shop and is disassembled to identify any additional damage. If there is frame damage, the repair shop should have specialized machinery that is able to verify and record the condition of your frame repair. It is at this point that your vehicle is restored to factory specifications. The technicians repairs or replace any panels and the vehicle is primed and prepared to go the paint shop.
The goal of the paint department is to restore your vehicle to its factory finish and correct color match. With proper preparation, including priming, sanding, and sealing, your vehicle paint will look as beautiful as it did when you first drove it off of the lot. If you only need one or two areas repainted, the technician should be able to closely match the paint to the original so that the repaired area is virtually unnoticeable.
Once the painting process is complete, your car will be reassembled. All trim pieces and decals will be added at this point. If there was glass damage, it will be repaired or replaced. Your tires and wheel alignment will be inspected and adjusted if needed.
Your vehicle will be thoroughly inspected to ensure that every bit of damage has been fixed properly and the vehicle has been reassembled correctly. The interior and exterior will be detailed to be sure that all dust and debris has been washed away. Your new paint will be polished for extra shine. It will be given a road test to make sure that it runs well and is restored to its pre-accident condition.
The collision repair technician should be in contact with you and the insurance company if any issues or problems occur during the collision repair process. Be sure to inspect your vehicle thoroughly and feel free to ask your technician any questions you may have. They are usually more than willing to help customers with insurance issues or anything else that may trouble them.
When you take your vehicle to a collision repair shop, the first thing that the technician will do is visually inspect the car and fill out an estimate. This inspection will not only give you a price for the repairs but will also determine how much time the repair process may take. Keep in mind that there may be hidden damage that is virtually undetectable until the vehicle is disassembled. Once all of the damage is identified, an official report will be created and serves as the blueprint for restoring your vehicle to its pre-accident condition.
Once the estimate is complete and approved by you and your insurance company, the vehicle repair process can begin. Your vehicle then enters the metal shop and is disassembled to identify any additional damage. If there is frame damage, the repair shop should have specialized machinery that is able to verify and record the condition of your frame repair. It is at this point that your vehicle is restored to factory specifications. The technicians repairs or replace any panels and the vehicle is primed and prepared to go the paint shop.
The goal of the paint department is to restore your vehicle to its factory finish and correct color match. With proper preparation, including priming, sanding, and sealing, your vehicle paint will look as beautiful as it did when you first drove it off of the lot. If you only need one or two areas repainted, the technician should be able to closely match the paint to the original so that the repaired area is virtually unnoticeable.
Once the painting process is complete, your car will be reassembled. All trim pieces and decals will be added at this point. If there was glass damage, it will be repaired or replaced. Your tires and wheel alignment will be inspected and adjusted if needed.
Your vehicle will be thoroughly inspected to ensure that every bit of damage has been fixed properly and the vehicle has been reassembled correctly. The interior and exterior will be detailed to be sure that all dust and debris has been washed away. Your new paint will be polished for extra shine. It will be given a road test to make sure that it runs well and is restored to its pre-accident condition.
The collision repair technician should be in contact with you and the insurance company if any issues or problems occur during the collision repair process. Be sure to inspect your vehicle thoroughly and feel free to ask your technician any questions you may have. They are usually more than willing to help customers with insurance issues or anything else that may trouble them.
Craig Pelton is the owner of Worldwide Auto Body, a full-service auto paint and collision repair center located in Kernersville, NC.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6707630
Sunday, February 1, 2015
2015 Light Duty V-8 Challenge: Davis Dam
A lot can happen to pickup trucks in just a few years, especially in a segment as brutally competitive as half-ton four-door V-8 pickups. Sales are on a torrid pace and incentive wars are heating up. In the middle of all this, every one of the pickup makers are bringing out more new products and technology, the likes of which we've never seen before.
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