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.

When considering body shops, Kalamazoo, MI residents visit http://www.petersenautobody.com/contact-us/.

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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.

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.

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.

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!

When considering collision repair, Kalamazoo residents visit Peterson Body Shop. Learn more at http://www.petersenautobody.com/services/.

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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.

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.

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.

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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.

When considering transmission fluid change, Staten Island residents visit Premier Plastic Surgery. Learn more at http://gibraltartransmissions.com/services/transmission-service/.

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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.

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/.

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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!

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

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