Friday, June 29, 2018

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.


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Tuesday, June 26, 2018

How to Prevent Scratches, Swirls on a Black Car


Maintaining a black car's exterior is an intimidating experience considering a single finger swiped across the paint can show a noticeable blemish. With so many cars coming off the assembly line with fresh coats of deep, glossy black paint, we gathered tips on how to keep that luster looking as good as new. Cars.com’s Matt Schmitz shows how to help keep any car's paint color free of scratches and swirls in this week’s segment of Driving Smart.

Saturday, June 23, 2018

3 Essential Automotive Fluids Your Vehicle Cannot Go Without


All vehicles require regular scheduled maintenance, service, and tune ups in order to perform at their best ability. Long-term vehicle care is impossible without various routine maintenances. One of the most important factory scheduled maintenance requirements to stick by is automotive fluid re-fills.

There are several fluids a vehicle requires in order for it to operate safely and efficiently. These liquids include everything from battery fluid and transmission fluid, to windshield wiper fluid, power steering fluid, and more. Although there are various fluids that a vehicle absolutely needs in order to operate effectually, there are a few liquids in particular that are vital to a person's safety and a car's performance.

Continue reading to learn about the three most essential automotive fluids that no vehicle should ever be without, on the road.

Brake Fluid

Brakes are one of the most important components within a vehicle. Without properly functioning brakes, a vehicle is basically not drivable. A car or truck must be able to come to a stop for a driver and passenger, as well as other drivers on the road, to be safe. One product that makes our braking systems operate effectively is brake fluid. Brake fluid typically needs replaced every few months or so; depending on the amount of driving a person does.

When pressure is applied to the brake pedal, the brake fluid is compressed, transferring hydraulic force to the brake pads and shoes, allowing the vehicle to stop. Without proper amounts of brake fluid, a vehicle's brake pads and shoes will have difficulty producing enough friction to complete a stop. A mechanic is the person capable of checking your brake line system and re-filling the brake fluid. Although it can also be a DIY job, it is not recommended unless you have experience working with cars and trucks.

Motor Oil

Motor oil is one the most important fluids in a vehicle. It is engineered to cycle through a vehicle's engine crankcase in order to lubricate the pistons, valves, and other inner engine components. If a vehicle has an internal combustion engine, it will certainly require motor oil. If a vehicle does not have a sufficient amount of motor oil, the engine will seize up and fail in a short amount of time. Be sure to have a licensed mechanic check your motor oil levels to be sure you are driving with a properly lubricated engine.

Coolant

Coolant is a heat-transfer liquid. The most common coolants on the market are a 50/50 combination of radiator coolant and water. Coolant is intended to keep a vehicle's engine from overheating. When you see a person on the side of the road, with the hood of their car smoking, this is an indication that their engine has overheated. It works by cycling through an engine, collecting heat as it goes, and returning back to the radiator so the heat can be released out of the vehicle and into the air. Coolant levels are easy to check on your own. Consult a licensed mechanic for instructions and advice on checking your oil stick and coolant levels in your vehicle.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Sarahbeth_Kluzinski/1326228

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Wednesday, June 20, 2018

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!


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

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Sunday, June 17, 2018

Thursday, June 14, 2018

Passenger-Side Tests of Midsize SUVs Reveal Some Major Flaws - IIHS News


Recent crash tests of midsize SUVs by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety featured a range of problems, including structural collapse, an airbag nondeployment, hard hits to the dummy’s head and an open door. Still, 6 of the 8 vehicles managed to earn a good or acceptable rating for passenger-side small overlap front protection.

Monday, June 11, 2018

2018 Compact Luxury SUV Challenge: Track Testing — Cars.com


We went to a drag strip to see which of the seven competitors from our 2018 Luxury Compact SUV Challenge could put up - and which ones needed to shut up.

Friday, June 8, 2018

Which Auto Collision Center Should I Use


Next to your home, your car is the second largest investment you will make. You spend a great deal of time choosing that right car. And then in minutes you suddenly find yourself with a car that's been damaged in an automobile accident. As a result the same common question continuously gets asked "Which auto collision center should I use"?

And it's a very good question. Vehicles aren't cheap, and with such a big investment you want to be certain that the repair is done right and since you have the right to choose who will fix your car it's time to start shopping around. What ever you do, don't let your insurance company try to bully you into using whom they want.

Different auto collision centers will have different rates, different practices, and different ways of filling out their auto repair estimate, which means you need to be alert as to how they are quoting their work. What looks like the cheapest quote may not be once you take everything into account. The auto collision center has to work with your insurance company to put things right and get you back on the road as soon as possible.

Here are just a few things to find out about. That way you can compare each of the auto collision centers on a level playing field.

What are the hours of operation and do they work with your schedule? Do they have a drop off service or a late pickup service?

Is there a guaranteed delivery date to have your car repairs completed?

Do they offer a loaner vehicle to drive while your vehicle is being repaired?

How long do they warranty their work for? Is there a lifetime guarantee and if so is it on paint?

Repairs? Labor?

What is the qualifications of the craftsman in the auto collision center?

How long has the company been in business?

What type of equipment do they have for repairs? Do they offer state of the art equipment?

Do they guarantee color match?

Do they utilize laser measuring?

Where are the centers located?

What's it going to cost?

Before you do anything, if it is at all possible it's a good idea to drop by, see the facilities, and get a quote. There are more than 35,000 auto body repair shops across the country, which can make it a bit confusing to choose. Use the tools at your disposal. The internet is an excellent resource, and having your list of questions answered can help you make the right choice.

The average auto repair takes two weeks so make sure you have made alternative arrangements with a rental car. You should also make sure you are happy with their commitment to customer satisfaction and remember you can always check with the Better Business Bureau to make sure the company has a good reputation.

Which auto collision center should you use? The choice is still yours but these tips should help you find the best facility for your repairs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Terry_Fitzroy/8074

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Tuesday, June 5, 2018

What's the Best Luxury Compact SUV for 2018? – Cars.com


Small SUVs are riding a wave of popularity, and nearly every luxury brand has thrown its raft into the pool. We tested seven all-new, recently redesigned or just updated contenders to see who comes out on top.

Saturday, June 2, 2018

How to Inspect Your Car's Coolant Hoses and Junctions | Allstate Insurance


Do you know how to inspect and repair your coolant hoses properly? Learn how to look for leaks, cracks, dry rotting and other tips on how to inspect your car’s coolant hoses from The Humble Mechanic.