Top 4 Tips For Car Body Care

There's no doubt that every vehicle depreciates in value with time. If you have been planning to sell the car in a few years and want to get a good deal, then you should not bring down the value of your car by not taking care of its appearance. A car which has not been maintained properly will hardly get any buyers.

The bait for coaxing the buyer is how the car looks from inside and outside. Maintaining your car and keeping it in the best possible condition is surely important not to ensure just the longevity of the vehicle, but also to improve its sale-ability. And of course, who doesn't like to drive a nice looking car!

Here's a list of things you need to look after to ensure your car stays in pristine condition.

• Car Wash

At least once or twice a month you need to wash your car properly. By doing that you can ensure that dirt is removed from the surface of the body & under the chassis and keeps it completely clean. Staining and rusting might occur if you fail to remove it on time. You need to keep in your mind that even heavy rains don't remove the contaminants off the car. It's better if pressure hose is used to wash the car.

• Car Waxing

By using car wax, you can ensure that a layer of protection is created which protects the car from harsh external elements such as rain, dead bugs, and bird droppings and avoids corrosion or rusting. The contaminants get stuck in the wax can be easily washed from the car. The breakdown of the molecular structure of paint can also be prevented with the help of car wax as it stops harsh exposure to UV rays and oxygen.

• Rusting

When iron is exposed for a long period of time to moisture & oxygen then rusting occurs. Due to salt in the air, especially in coastal areas a car's under body can rust faster. During heavy rains and while driving through puddles your car's under body comes into contact with water. The best care for this problem can only be taken by professional and expert mechanics at a renowned auto repair shop.

• Dents And Scratches Repairing

If you don't have any dents or scratches on your car, then there's no problem in considering yourself as lucky. Not many can boast of this miracle because no matter how much you try to protect your beloved car, it will get some scratches or dents here and there. If you have dents and scratches on your car and if the paint is peeled off during the impact then the car's body is susceptible to rusting. It's recommended that you should visit a renowned car body repair center to get dents and scratches fixed.

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How to Inspect Your Vehicle's Lights | Allstate Insurance

Lights are important for driving safety, helping you spot obstacles to avoid. The Humble Mechanic shows you how to inspect your lights and identify needed repairs.

The Top 6 Things to Look For In A Collision Repair Shop

Where would we be without collision repair shops? They can do wonders for an automobile. They can shape it, change it, paint it, and even relieve it of dents and scratches that take away from the beauty of your automobile.

It doesn't matter how the damage occurred, what does matter is you choosing the auto body shop to make your car right again. They are hard to come by. Not all body shops are the same. For example, choosing the one your insurance company told you to will only result in a minimum repair to your car. The insurance company has a "deal" with the repair shop. It doesn't mean they will do a good job on your automobile.

You need to look for a repair shop that does great work for a fair price. Yes, it's going to cost to right the wrongs with your car, but if you choose the right autobody repair shop, then you'll be very satisfied with the work they do. Here's a list of 6 things they should to look for in a great collision repair shop.

1. Be sure they give you an estimate. Most of the time, your insurance company will do this, and then send you to their preferred shop. However, you can take your car to any repair shop you want, but sometimes on you might have to pay a little more than the insurance pays. In the long run, it will be more than worth it.


2. Don't let "cheap" influence you! The cost is usually what everyone looks at first, however, if they use a can a spray paint, how's your car going to look when they are done? Check around and see what type of work they do - first - before you let them have your car.


3. Parts may take a while to get there. Don't drop your automobile off until they have all the parts they need to finish the repairs. Otherwise, it may take several weeks before you get your car back.


4. Technology check. With today's technology, they should be able to hook your auto up and know exactly what and how to fix any problem with the damage on your car. Don't let them use putty to fill in the blanks.


5. Be sure they use the best paint. Some of the repair shops will try to slip some nasty paint onto your auto. Check their paint supply to be sure it's going to last on your car. Some of the paint these days will only last a year or so before it starts to wear off.


6. Look for the warranty or guarantee. They should have a good one that will cover any type of work they do on your automobile. It should cover the paint, dents and starches, body work, and labor.

Looking for a collision repair shop is time consuming, but once you find the right one, you'll be glad you chose them. Your car will look like new again and no one will be able to see that any work has been done at all. Also, ask around and get others opinion of the auto body repair shop you choose for your auto. That's the best type of shop to have fix your car.

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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.

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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.

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The Ouch Test

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Choosing the Best Vehicle for Your Teen

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is known for its ratings of new vehicles, but for many families, a brand new TOP SAFETY PICK or TOP SAFETY PICK+ isn't in the budget for a teen's vehicle. With that reality in mind, the Institute regularly publishes a list of affordable used vehicles that meet important safety criteria for teen drivers.

The recommendations are guided by four main principles -
- Young drivers should stay away from high horsepower.
- Bigger, heavier vehicles are safer.
- Electronic stability control (ESC) is a must.
- Vehicles should have the best safety ratings possible.

With that reality in mind, the IIHS regularly publishes a list of affordable used vehicles that meet important safety criteria for teen drivers. There are two tiers of recommended vehicles, best choices and good choices. Prices range from about $2,000 to nearly $20,000, so parents can buy the most safety for their money, whatever their budget.

Turn to Your Local Auto Body Shop for One-Stop Service and Repairs After a Car Accident

Having a collision or fender-bender is a traumatic experience, but getting your car back in good driving condition doesn't have to be if you find the right auto body repair shop to work on your vehicle. Look for one that offers a range of services so that you can get everything--from scratched paint to a broken windshield--dealt with in the same place.

In a best-case scenario, both you and your car would be able to walk away from an accident without a scratch. However, even in the most minor of collisions, it's possible for some damage to occur. If you've been involved in a collision and notice that there is damage to the car or to the way it drives, take it to an auto body and repair shop as soon as possible. The experts there will be able to fix any dents, scratches, or other exterior issues, and make sure nothing else is wrong with the frame or structure of the car. A professional body shop will be able to address all of these problems from under the same roof. This means that you don't have to coordinate getting your car all over the city, and you'll know that your vehicle is getting expert, comprehensive care.

A body shop professional will have seen all manner of collision-related dents, scratches, and cracks in his or her time. Using the latest tools and technology, your repair expert will be able to evaluate the extent of the damage, perform the necessary repairs, and get your car back to you as quickly as possible. Paintless dent repair is one of the most exciting innovations in the auto body industry and can be a major aid if you have an unsightly dent post-collision. This technique involves fixing the dent from inside the body panel of the car, so the technicians never even touch the paint on the outside. This new dent repair method eliminates the previously necessary step of repainting the dented area, meaning that it takes less time and costs you less money to have the work done. Most body repair shops will also be able to handle other issues, such as auto glass replacement, bumper repair, and paint touch-ups. No matter what you need to have done, professional auto body shops will be able to do the job quickly and efficiently, and you won't have to worry about going to five different locations to get your car back in tip-top shape.

While car body repair shops provide expert service for exterior issues, they can also handle larger collision repair tasks as well. For example, your car's frame is designed to react in a specific way if it experiences an impact so that you, and anyone else inside the vehicle, are protected as much as possible. Once that frame changes shape, though, the car is often not drivable, and, even if it is, the frame is in no shape to protect anyone in the event of a future accident. The same professionals who can fix any dents or scratches caused by a collision, though, will also be able to straighten out your car's frame if necessary. Using specialized machinery, these experts will realign the frame of your car, making it both roadworthy and compliant with current safety standards. Whether you need a frame realignment, or you need to have some part of your car's body totally replaced after an accident, your auto body repairer will be able to handle the repair or auto glass replacement, and any accompanying work that may be involved. Your car will come out of the repair process looking great, driving well, and running safely, and the only thing you will have had to do is drop it off!

Regardless of scale, car accidents or collisions are sure to leave you shaken. When you're in such a state, the last thing you want to deal with is figuring out how to coordinate any necessary car repairs. Body shops that offer comprehensive auto body repair services take that worry off your mind. They are your one-stop-shop for all of your post-collision auto body needs--let them worry about the repairs so that you can get on with the rest of your life.

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6 Tips to Minimizing the Cost of Car Service Appointments

For most Americans we depend on our vehicles to get us from place to place. Yes, we can walk, take a train, bus or other form of public transportation but for many situations having a vehicle means the ability to get from one place to another. However, that mobility is seriously hindered if our vehicle is in need of repair or if proper maintenance is overlooked. Consequently, it is necessary to plan on frequent car service appointments to ensure that your vehicle is in top working condition.

Of course, it is not always needful to take the car to a shop to be serviced. There are many actions you can take to help maintain your vehicle's reliability. Here are a few to get you started.

· Don't ignore the check engine light. When the light first comes on, it can be easy to overlook it or think you will get to it later. However, whenever this light comes on, it is best to go ahead and see a mechanic. These lights are designed to come when there is a problem. Early discovery can mean spending a little vs. spending a lot.

· Check the tire pressure. Take time on a regular basis to see that your tires have the correct amount of air. Tires lose 1 to 2 pounds of air for every 10 degrees the temperature drops. Know what the proper air pressure is for your tires and see that they stay at optimum levels in order to get better gas mileage and give you better traction.

· Get the oil changed. Motor oil and car engine technology has advanced so much over the years that, depending on the recommendations of your vehicle's manufacturers, it may no longer be necessary to get an oil change every 3,000 miles - the average oil change interval is around 7,800 miles for today's cars. However, just because the time frame is longer, it doesn't mean that you don't need to change the oil! If it is left too long, then it will affect the engine's performance.

· Check the fluid levels. Take time at least once every couple of weeks to check fluids such as transmission, brake fluid, power steering fluid coolant and other fluids are topped off, as doing this will help your vehicle to run at its best.

· Don't drive if the vehicle is overheated. When the engine is overheated, it will affect how it performs. Pull off the road, turn it off, and call for a tow.

· Use the right filters. There are specific filters designed for your car's systems. Use the correct ones, and be sure to change them according to manufacturer's instructions.

Having your car serviced is an important part of extending the life and reliability of your vehicle. If you take the time to see that these and some other, vehicle maintenance steps are taken then you can depend on your vehicle to last for many years. If you have questions about car servicing talk to a local garage. But, whatever you do, don't ignore your vehicle! Being proactive is much better than having to be reactive.

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The 3 Most Important Tips for Keeping Your Tires in Top Shape

Tires are considered one of the most important components of a car, and their upkeep is not only a major part of car maintenance, but also part of driver and passenger safety. However, wheels are also susceptible to premature damage and wear, so it's important to consider a few maintenance tips to keep them in good shape for a long time. Drivers should inspect them regularly for adequate air pressure. An inexpensive rotation can help to maintain tread wear and promote the maximum amount of life. And drivers should also consider that their driving habits may have an impact on the long-term quality of their wheels.

Inspect Air Pressure Regularly

Optimal tire inflation is crucial for achieving longevity and top performance. Also, optimal inflation can help with fuel efficiency. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, an adequate amount of air pressure can improve fuel economy by 3.3 percent.

Experts recommend inspecting air pressure at least once per month and before and after long road trips. A driver should also apply the recommended amount of pressure instead of the maximum amount. If the wheels are underinflated, they're at risk for irregular wear and require more energy and fuel for the vehicle, as they don't roll as smoothly and must work harder on the road to compensate. If they are overinflated, it will lead to a harsh driving experience and reduced traction.

Not only is regular inspection beneficial for car maintenance, but it's also an important part of car and driver safety. According to studies by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, underinflated tires are the leading cause of tire-related crashes.

Rotation

According to Michelin, drivers should get their tires rotated every 6,000-8,000 miles. Some shops may provide a free rotation when a driver buys their tires all at once; if they don't, drivers needn't worry, as this service is usually inexpensive and worth the investment. A person who is mechanically inclined can even perform this task at home with the purchase and use of a hydraulic floor jack.

Many car experts and mechanics would agree that rotation is needed to ensure more uniform tread wear, as wheels tend to wear in different places depending on where they are situated on the car. This will guarantee more consistent performance of the vehicle, and a driver will also get the most out of the wheels' lives.

Consider Driving and Parking Habits

Many people may forget the main thing they do in a car that determines the integrity of a tire: yes, driving. Not only can being a good driver prevent road accidents and save lives, but it can also help to reduce tread wear and promote longevity of those rubbery wheels.

Since tires are in direct contact with the road, they deal with a tremendous amount of abuse when a person engages in risky driving habits. So if a person doesn't want to wear out the tread too soon, they can limit the amount of "bad" driving habits such as aggressive driving, speeding, and hard braking.

Drivers should also be mindful of what's on the road and in parking lots and driveways when they park their vehicles; treads are very susceptible to tears from broken glass, nails, and potholes. For extra measure, a person may also inspect for sharp debris in the treads every once in a while.

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