Friday, March 29, 2019

Corby's Collision's History and Sense of Community



"Hands On" Owner / Operator Paul Troutner talks about Corby's history and sense of community. See more at http://corbysvacaville.com

Tuesday, March 26, 2019

Most Pickups Need Better Passenger-Side Protection


Most pickups need better passenger-side protection

ARLINGTON, Va. — The majority of pickups recently put through the passenger-side small overlap front test struggled to maintain their structure, but two trucks — the Ford F-150 and the Nissan Titan — earn a good rating.

The F-150 and the Titan join the Ram 1500, whose good rating in the test was released late last year.

The Honda Ridgeline, which earns an acceptable rating in the passenger-side test, is the only pickup so far to qualify for the 2019 TOP SAFETY PICK award, thanks to available good-rated headlights, which the other models all lack, and available superior-rated front crash prevention. The Ridgeline qualifies for the award only when equipped with those features.

The Toyota Tacoma also earns an acceptable rating in the passenger-side test, but it falls short of an award because of headlights.

In total, IIHS has rated 11 crew cab pickups in the passenger-side test — four small and seven large. The Toyota Tundra, a large pickup, earns the only poor rating, while five of the trucks rate marginal.

Saturday, March 23, 2019

Considerations When Looking for Body Shops


If you have been involved in a collision or just have some minor exterior damage to your car from wear and tear, you will need to look into the various body shops in your area that can make the necessary repairs.

Estimates: Most body shops will offer free estimates for their work, and getting several quotes is the best way to avoid overcharges. Get all of the details in writing. Even though it's just an estimate, you want to be able to compare apples to apples among different mechanics. In some cases, one mechanic may even try to match an estimate if they can.

Experience and reputation for repair work: Even in the digital age, nothing beats word-of-mouth recommendations. You can also check with your local consumer organizations to get a better understanding of their reputation. To narrow the field even further, you need to know the extent of the damage. If the damage is structural, make sure your choice has the experience needed to take care of all the repairs and not just the exterior issues.

Insurance company relationship: Most insurance companies have built up relationships with specific auto body shops. These contracts help the insurance provider save money because they have negotiated lower parts and labor rates. The business your insurance company recommends also meets certain training and certification requirements. This, however, is just a recommendation. If you do not feel completely comfortable and confident with their work, do not be afraid to tell the insurance representative that you want to go to another shop. In the end, they must respect your wishes. It's the law.

Warranty: A reputable business should have no problem standing behind their work. There may be separate metalwork, painting, decal, and mechanical repair warranties, providing comprehensive coverage. Choose a shop that will guarantee their parts and service. Some will even provide a lifetime guarantee for certain services.

Other services: Ask what other services are included or available for an additional fee. While some may focus their work to structural and exterior detailing, other shops may be able to take care of your car's inspection, oil change, or other maintenance measures.

Even though auto body shops are not needed until an accident happens, it pays to do a little research beforehand, so that when the time comes, you are prepared. Some auto body shops even offer 24/7 emergency towing services, which can be a lifesaver if your car is too damaged to drive. With some research, your car will be back in driving condition for a fair price.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Ace_Abbey/851844

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9329657

Wednesday, March 20, 2019

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 the 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 bodywork. 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

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9157087

Sunday, March 17, 2019

How to Safely Share the Road with Cyclists | Allstate Insurance


If cyclists and drivers don’t know how to share the road, it may lead to a dangerous situation. Before you get in your vehicle, consider these tips for safely sharing the roads with bicycles.

Thursday, March 14, 2019

5 Ways to Make Your Old Car Feel New Again


You don’t have to buy a new car to enjoy that new-car feeling. Here are 5 tips on how to make your old car feel showroom fresh.

Monday, March 11, 2019

Using a Cellphone in the Car | Consumer Reports


The best bet is to not use your phone when operating a car—but smartphone navigation and Bluetooth is a common feature nowadays. Here’s what you need to know to stay while on the road.

Friday, March 8, 2019

Reducing Pedestrian Crashes is the Goal of New IIHS Ratings - IIHS News


Most small SUVs earn top ratings for pedestrian crash prevention in new test program

ARLINGTON, Va. — Reducing pedestrian crashes is the goal of the new Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ratings of automatic emergency braking systems that can detect and brake for people on foot. In the first tests of 2018–19 vehicles with this crash avoidance feature, 9 of 11 small SUVs evaluated earn an advanced or superior rating for pedestrian crash prevention.

Tuesday, March 5, 2019

Lowest-Rated Cars of 2019 | Consumer Reports


When shopping for a car, knowing which one to avoid is just as important as finding the right vehicle. Combining our data on reliability, owner satisfaction, and the results of dozens of tests, here are the lowest rated cars by Overall Score.

Saturday, March 2, 2019