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.

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.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Anna_O_Sullivan/1372434

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7146875

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:

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Gary_Ward/2206373

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9232757

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.

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.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathryn_McDowell

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8843081

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.

To learn more about options for an oil change, visit http://etddiscounttire.com/oil-change-service-new-jersey.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Andrew_Stratton/83489

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9212696

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