Sunday, December 27, 2020

Did You Know? Four Facts About Honda's History


In the latest episode of Did You Know? from Cars.com, we check out a few fun facts about Honda's company history.

Thursday, December 24, 2020

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!


Warmest thoughts and best wishes for a wonderful holiday and a happy New Year. May peace, love, and prosperity follow you always.

Friday, December 18, 2020

Did You Know? Four Facts About Toyota's History


In the latest episode of Did You Know? from Cars.com, we check out a few fun facts about Toyota's company history.

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

IIHS Ratings Push Weak Headlights Off Option List - IIHS News


IIHS news release • December 15, 2020 

 At least 10 manufacturers have improved their 2021 headlight offerings by eliminating or modifying inferior choices, according to new ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Saturday, December 12, 2020

Tire Pressure 101


AAA shows you where to find the right tire pressure for your car, how to check it and how to add air if needed.

Wednesday, December 9, 2020

Is It Okay To Skip Gears In A Manual Transmission?


Is it okay to skip gears with a manual transmission? Ultimately, manual transmissions are designed with flexibility in mind. Inherently they allow for choosing any gear at any time, but that doesn't necessarily mean you should.

Of course, and gear you select, you need to make sure that the engine RPM will not exceed redline, and it's also wise to rev-match (or double clutch, if needed), as to not damage your synchronizers or clutch. An unmatched upshift will result in a rough shift. An unmatched downshift can easily result in additional synchronizer wear, as well as clutch wear, and can also upset the balance of the car. That said, skipping gears, when matching engine RPM appropriately, does not cause any harm to the drivetrain, and is completely fine to do.

Thursday, December 3, 2020

CarFit: Line of Sight Above Steering Wheel


Did you know that a minimum distance of 3 inches above the top of the steering wheel is required for a good straight line of vision for safety?

Monday, November 30, 2020

Old Car vs Modern Car during Crash Test / Evolution of Car Safety



The first models and designs for automobiles were created in the 15th century by none other than Leonardo da Vinci, and the state of the global auto industry has evolved significantly since. First steam, to electric, gasoline, and today’s hybrids, the evolution of safety features in cars plays an essential role in reducing the once overwhelming number of injuries and damages resulting from auto accidents. Auto manufacturers have come a long way over the history of auto safety, paving the way for improved global safety standards.

Unfortunately, as a vehicle ages, a number of factors come into play that reduce the automobiles safety, aside from mechanical wear and tear. According to statistics, a driver is 10 times as likely to suffer fatal injuries in a collision while operating a 30-year-old vehicle versus a late model. The auto industry is continually working to improve the safety of current mechanisms, as well as developing and testing new ideas for safer vehicles. Developments in driving technology and new types of airbags have been prevalent just this year.

While the ultimate safe vehicle may be a long way off, American auto manufacturers have made significant strides in improving the overall security and protection a vehicles structure provides. Over the past 3 decades, fatal accidents in the U.S. have decreased by more than 1/5, a substantial decrease demonstrating immense progress in terms of the safety features in cars.

The need to revolutionize auto safety was not fully realized until the 1950s, when the first usable airbags were developed, among other safety mechanisms. Then, in 1970, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) was created. The organization still uses the same name today, and continues its role in promoting and effectively executing driving safety regulations throughout the U.S. Whether creating new policies or revising existing regulations (at the state and federal level), the NHTSA and the United States have been true catalysts in the history of car safety.

Friday, November 27, 2020

Everything You Need To Know About Driving In The Snow


Driving in the snow results in less grip, which ultimately means you need to change your driving behaviors to make sure you maintain control of the vehicle. 

This video explores the ideas of different driving conditions, and how each of these driving conditions affect the overall grip of a vehicle. We'll also look at how stopping distances and cornering speeds will be changed by various road conditions, such as dry, wet, snow, or ice. 

We'll discuss how different tire types can alter your vehicle's performance in snow and ice conditions, and also discuss driving tips to help maintain control of your vehicle when weather conditions are poor.

Wednesday, November 18, 2020

Winter Car Care Checklist


It's getting cold outside! What steps can you take to protect your vehicle? AAA experts explain the Winter Car Care Checklist.

Sunday, November 15, 2020

Windshield Wipers 101


AAA shows you how to remove and install new windshield wiper blades plus how to add windshield washer fluid.

Thursday, November 12, 2020

Top Car-Washing Strategies | Consumer Reports


Washing a car is pretty straight-forward, right? Consumer Reports’ expert reveals the top tips for keeping your ride sparkling clean.

Monday, November 9, 2020

How to Drive In Heavy Rain


The Weather Channel meteorologist Reynolds Wolf offers some tips if you get caught driving in heavy rain.

Tuesday, November 3, 2020

What Is Horsepower - America vs Metric


Horsepower is a unit of power created by James Watt in the 1700's. Who knew all these years later we'd still be using a unit he developed to compare steam engines to horsepower. We'll go through Watt's back of the napkin math, discuss in simple terms what horsepower means, and look at metric horsepower as well: PS, CV, and the many other abbreviations. Whether metric or imperial, horsepower as a unit makes no sense at all. We'll wrap up the video learning what unit we should actually be using.

Thursday, October 29, 2020

Monday, October 26, 2020

The Real Dangers of Running Out of Gas


Letting your gas tank run close to empty can put you in a dangerous situation and cause long term damage! Watch this video to learn why you should never risk running low on gas.

Friday, October 23, 2020

Tips for Handling a Tire Blowout


A tire blowout could happen anywhere, anytime. Here are some important tips and best practices to remember if you experience a tire blowout.

Tuesday, October 20, 2020

BRAKES: How They Work | Science Garage


Brakes are the unsung heroes of performance. Everybody loves going fast, but slowing down is important too. There’s disk brakes, vented brakes, brembo brakes and drilled brakes-- let’s “brake” it all down! Bart talks about the principles that make your brakes work. From drums and discs, to friction and heat, we get to the nitty gritty of how Brakes systems keep you safe.

Wednesday, October 14, 2020

What To Do After A Car Accident


Do you need information about what to do after a recent car accident? You are not alone in feeling overwhelmed. The aftermath of a car accident can be an incredibly confusing and overwhelming time and something you should not have to or try to deal with on your own. Even the best drivers get into car accidents. Knowing what to do after a car accident can help you with both your physical and financial recovery down the line. This personal injury video goes over some great tips on what you should do following a car accident, including:

• Stop your car and move to a safe place.

• Call the police and an ambulance, if necessary, after checking to make sure people are safe.

• Identify the other driver and exchange insurance information.

• Get the names and information of any witnesses.

• Take photos and notes regarding all the circumstances of the accident—evidence is always best fresh.

Sunday, October 11, 2020

Collision Center Repair – The Choice is Yours


You have the right to choose where you have your vehicle repaired after you file a car insurance claim.

Monday, October 5, 2020

IIHS Engineer's Lego Crash Test Recreation


"I've wanted to be a car crash test engineer since I was 10 years old when I saw the first IIHS crash tests on TV," says IIHS Senior Research Engineer Becky Mueller. "I even used to build Lego cars and crash them into a Lego wall." Stuck at home during the pandemic, she returned to her old hobby in the evenings. Two months, more than 1,600 Lego pieces and 1,500 photographs later, Becky has shared her first Lego crash test video.

Becky has recreated many of IIHS' testing procedures -- including important steps like dummy calibration, crash test photography and post-crash analysis. She also has added details that accurately represent the Vehicle Research Center and equipment used by IIHS staff.

Saturday, September 26, 2020

Is Synthetic Motor Oil Bad For Old Cars?


We’re tackling many heavily debated subjects about motor oil in this video and learning how specially formulated motor oil can help new and old engines add more miles to the odometer! Can you use synthetic motor oil in old cars? Can synthetic oils cause leaks in old cars and engines? Where did the idea originate that synthetic oils are not compatible with old engines? If your car is consuming a lot of oil, should you use a thicker oil grade? Finally, when should you use a high mileage oil? I spent time discussing these questions and more with Mobil 1 engineers. Watch for all the details!

Thursday, September 17, 2020

Car Color Test: Are Black Cars Really Hotter In The Sun?


For many drivers, choosing a car color is a matter of taste, but for some car shoppers, it can be all about climate. After all, it's generally accepted that black cars are hotter in the sun and white cars keep cooler in the summer, but is it really true? Our latest video puts that theory to the test.

Monday, September 14, 2020

Friday, September 11, 2020

Top 5 Safe Driving Tips


The roads can be dangerous! And, of course, we all want each other to get home safely. Here are CARFAX's Top 5 Safe Driving Tips!

Tuesday, September 8, 2020

Automatic Emergency Braking in Large Trucks


A new IIHS study finds that automatic emergency braking systems in large trucks are reducing rear-end crashes by over 40 percent.

Saturday, September 5, 2020

5 Driving Hacks To Save Money On Gas


5 easy ways to save fuel while driving. These are real driving techniques for better gas mileage.

Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Car Theft Prevention Tips


Being alert and taking simple steps can help prevent a vehicle theft from happening to you. Learn more from AAA about what steps you should take so that you don't end up being a victim of car theft.

Sunday, August 30, 2020

Monday, August 24, 2020

Friday, August 21, 2020

Have You Ever Wondered What is a Clear Coat? – Ask Meguiar’s


So, what is a clear coat? The top clear coat portion of a base coat/clear coat paint system is a transparent layer of paint that is designed, not only to create gloss for the base coat, but also add a layer of protection to that base coat.

While clear coats certainly add vibrance and protection, they’re also very sensitive to abrasion and can magnify the appearance of swirls and scratches. So, it’s very important that you always use products that are designed for clear coat technology along with clean and fresh accessories like car wash mitts and microfibers to minimize any chance of creating swirls.

Tuesday, August 18, 2020

Take Control: Choose the Right Body Shop


After a collision, choose your own body shop. Your car was damaged. You have the right to choose the repair shop you want, which may or may not be on the insurance company's "referral" list. This video will help you ask the three most important questions to ask a body shop before dropping your vehicle off for repairs.

Saturday, August 15, 2020

How To Avoid Pothole Damage


Driving through a seemingly innocent hole in the road could result in costly car damage. Before you end up at the auto shop in need of suspension repair or wheel replacement, know the five best ways to avoid pothole damage

1. Check Tires

Frequently inspect your tires to ensure they are properly inflated and do not have significant wear. If you hit a pothole with worn or underinflated tires, there is a greater risk of wheel or suspension damage. Inflate tires according to your vehicle manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure levels. Find this information on the door jamb sticker and in your owner’s manual. Do not use the pressure levels molded on the tire sidewall. To check the tire tread depth, insert a quarter upside down into several tread grooves. If the top of Washington’s head is visible, it’s time for new tires. How to properly check tire tread

2. Inspect Suspension

Make certain struts, shock absorbers and other suspension parts are in good condition. Changes in vehicle handling, excessive vibration or uneven tire wear can indicate damaged or worn parts. Have a certified auto service technician inspect the suspension if you suspect a problem.

3. Look Ahead

Stay alert and check the road ahead to avoid potholes. Stay focused on the road and avoid distractions. Before swerving around a pothole, check your surroundings so you do not collide with another vehicle or endanger nearby pedestrians or cyclists.

4. Slow Down

If you cannot avoid a pothole, reduce your speed safely. Check the rearview mirror before braking abruptly. Hitting a pothole at higher speeds greatly increases the chance of tire, wheel and suspension component damage. Releasing the brakes just before hitting a pothole allows the wheel and tire to roll through the depression and helps minimize potential damage.

5. Beware of Puddles

Drive cautiously through puddles as they may be deep potholes filled with water.

What to Do If You Hit a Pothole and Suspect Damage

Get a Vehicle Inspection. Hard pothole impact can knock the wheels out of alignment and affect steering, or dislodge wheel weights, damage a tire or wheel, and bend or even break suspension parts. Have a qualified mechanic check the wheel alignment if the vehicle pulls to the left or right. Have the suspension inspected if you notice any new or unusual noises or vibrations.

Article Source: https://www.aaa.com/autorepair/articles/how-to-avoid-pothole-damage

Wednesday, August 12, 2020

Will Thinner Oils Damage Your Engine?


What do oil weights mean? What does 5W-30 mean? Do thinner oils get better fuel economy? Do thin oils like 0W-20 protect your engine? I spent some time discussing these questions with Mobil 1 engineers and am excited to share what I learned.

There’s an incredible amount of testing and verification that goes into labeling a motor oil’s viscosity rating, which is the single most important factor for how a motor oil will perform in an engine. Motor oil is responsible for protecting your engine, removing contaminants, reducing friction and cooling your engine. Plus, motor oil creates a protective barrier between moving metal parts allowing for your engine’s longevity.

In this video we’ll use a 6.2L V8 engine cutaway from the C8 Corvette to better see and understand how oil interacts with automotive engines.

Sunday, August 9, 2020

Drivetrains 101 | Consumer Reports


A car’s drivetrain is how you get power from the engine to the wheels. Consumer Reports’ expert explains the difference between front-wheel, rear-wheel drive, all-wheel, and four-wheel drive.

Monday, August 3, 2020

Do You Want the Best Spray Wax? – Ask Meguiar’s


Spray Waxes are a great way to add protection and gloss to your paint in a minimal amount of time. You can even apply a spray wax while drying your car after washing it. What is the best spray wax? The best one is the one that meets your individual wants and needs.

Friday, July 31, 2020

The Best Way To Compare Car Engines - BMEP


One of the best ways to compare engines is BMEP - Brake Mean Effective Pressure. This is the average pressure applied to pistons during the power stroke that results in the measured torque output. In simple terms, it's a way of analyzing torque per liter of engines. Using BMEP, we can answer fascinating questions: How is Ford's 5.0L Mustang engine more impressive than Ferrari's 812 Superfast V12 (at its time the most powerful naturally aspirated engine in any road car ever)? What's embarrassing about Rolls-Royce's twin-turbo V12 engine? How much power can naturally aspirated engines make? Is it worth modifying naturally aspirated engines? BMEP answers all!

BMEP is fascinating! If you watch through to the end, I'm 99% sure your mind will be as blown as mine was researching for this video! Really cool stuff, like how Ford shows up Ferrari with the Mustang, how Rolls-Royce builds a head-scratcher of an engine, and if naturally aspirated engine mods are actually worth doing. Hope you enjoy!

Tuesday, July 28, 2020

What is Domestic Parts Content? - CarSpeak by Cars.com


What is Domestic Parts Content? What is DPC? Why should I care? CarSpeak from Cars.com breaks it down for you. We brought our employees in front of the camera to help define automotive terms and keep you informed.

The Domestic Parts Content breaks down the percentage of a car's parts that were made in the US or Canada.

Saturday, July 25, 2020

Keep Pets Safe In The Car


More than 86% of people that drive with their dogs don't use a restraint. Learn more about how to keep your pets safe when they are your passengers.

Wednesday, July 22, 2020

What is a Piston? - CarSpeak by Cars.com


What is a Piston? What does a Piston do? CarSpeak from Cars.com breaks it down for you.

A piston is location inside an engine cylinder and pushes against the crankshaft, creating rotational force.

Sunday, July 19, 2020

Tire Blow Out Reaction Tips


Tires are the most important part of your vehicle and unexpected blows outs happen almost everyday! Watch this video to find out the two key steps to keep you safe in the event of a tire blow out.

Thursday, July 16, 2020

The Joys of Teaching Your Teen To Drive a Stick Shift — Cars.com


In honor of National Stick Shift Day — a holiday created by the editors at Cars.com — Editor-in-Chief Jenni Newman's teen willingly agreed to be her guinea pig and learn how to use a manual transmission. Watch the video to see how it went.

Monday, July 13, 2020

What is Torque? - CarSpeak by Cars.com


What is Torque? What does Torque do? CarSpeak from Cars.com breaks it down for you. We brought our employees in front of the camera to help define automotive terms and keep you informed.

Torque is the instantaneous twisting force your car's engine produces.

Tuesday, July 7, 2020

What is a Suspension? - CarSpeak by Cars.com


What is a Suspension? What does a Suspension do? CarSpeak from Cars.com breaks it down for you. We brought our employees in front of the camera to help define automotive terms and keep you informed.

Wednesday, July 1, 2020

Is It Okay To Skip Gears In A Manual Transmission?


Is it okay to skip gears with a manual transmission? Ultimately, manual transmissions are designed with flexibility in mind. Inherently they allow for choosing any gear at any time, but that doesn't necessarily mean you should.

Of course, and gear you select, you need to make sure that the engine RPM will not exceed redline, and it's also wise to rev-match (or double clutch, if needed), as to not damage your synchronizers or clutch. An unmatched upshift will result in a rough shift. An unmatched downshift can easily result in additional synchronizer wear, as well as clutch wear, and can also upset the balance of the car. That said, skipping gears, when matching engine RPM appropriately, does not cause any harm to the drivetrain, and is completely fine to do.

Sunday, June 28, 2020

How to Choose a Collision Shop: TV Car Expert Lauren Fix


Sometimes our cars need repairs, not just rust or collision, but they also need to be repainted. The key is to find the right collision shop so you can save money and frustration. Car Coach Lauren Fix has some tips.

Thursday, June 25, 2020

CarFit: Seat Belt Use


In the event of a crash, seat belts are the single most effective device for preventing death and injury. They save lives!

Monday, June 22, 2020

Top Car-Washing Strategies | Consumer Reports


Washing a car is pretty straight-forward, right? Consumer Reports’ expert reveals the top tips for keeping your ride sparkling clean.

Friday, June 19, 2020

Smarter Driver: Tips for Avoiding a Rear-End Crash


You might be able to prevent a rear-end crash if you apply a little technique to how you handle the following distance.

Tuesday, June 16, 2020

CarFit: Line of Sight Above Steering Wheel


Did you know that a minimum distance of 3 inches above the top of the steering wheel is required for a good straight line of vision for safety?

Saturday, June 13, 2020

How Cars Communicate With One Another | Consumer Reports


Technology is allowing more and more vehicles to communicate with each other on the roadways. Consumer Reports’ expert explains what V2X is and how it works.

Wednesday, June 10, 2020

Paint Cleaning, Paint Polishing & Wax Protection Without Compromising Results – Ultra Polishing Wax


• Efficient cleaner wax delivers significant cleaning ability and durable wax protection in one quick and easy step
• Super-micro-abrasive technology provides a quick, consistent cut for below-surface defect removal including swirls, light to moderate oxidation, light scratches, water spots, stains and other blemishes
• Polishing compounds clean paint quickly and gently while applying a durable blend of carnauba wax, synthetic polymers and silicones
• This versatile cleaner polish can be used with both foam and microfiber pads and can be applied by hand, dual action polisher or rotary buffer, giving you flexible application options
• Meguiar's most advanced one-step cleaner wax solution saves you time and money while delivering brilliant results

Sunday, June 7, 2020

Tips for Handling a Tire Blowout


A tire blowout could happen anywhere, anytime. Here are some important tips and best practices to remember if you experience a tire blowout.

Monday, June 1, 2020

Sharing the Road With Cyclists | Consumer Reports


Whether you’re a cyclist or a driver there are several things to keep in mind when you’re on the road. Consumer Reports’ expert offers tips for drivers and cyclists to safely coexist.

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Collision Center Repair – The Choice is Yours


You have the right to choose where you have your vehicle repaired after you file a car insurance claim.

Wednesday, May 20, 2020

Car Cleaning Tips | Consumer Reports


Is the inside of your car starting to resemble a garbage can? Consumer Reports’ expert offers tips for making your vehicle look new again.

Sunday, May 17, 2020

Windshield Wipers 101


AAA shows you how to remove and install new windshield wiper blades plus how to add windshield washer fluid.

Monday, May 11, 2020

Tire Pressure 101


AAA shows you where to find the right tire pressure for your car, how to check it and how to add air if needed.

Friday, May 8, 2020

What Does CVT Stand For? - CarSpeak by Cars.com


What is a CVT? What does CVT stand for? CarSpeak from Cars.com breaks it down for you. We brought our employees in front of the camera to help define automotive terms and keep you informed. 

CVT stands for Continuously Variable Transmission.

Tuesday, May 5, 2020

Car Care During Coronavirus | Consumer Reports


If the coronavirus pandemic has kept your car parked for longer than normal, these tips can help ensure that you have a smooth trip when you start driving again.

Saturday, May 2, 2020

Spray Detailer vs Spray Wax – You Spray on & Wipe Off, So What’s the Difference? Ask Meguiar’s


A car spray detailer, like our classic Quik Detailer Spray, Gold Class Premium Quik Detailer, Ultimate Quik Detailer or even our Hybrid Ceramic Detailer, are all maintenance products and are designed to act as a lubricant when removing dust, fingerprints or light contaminants. Each one has their own unique characteristics, but they can all be referred to as the missing link between washing and waxing. 

Spray waxes on the other hand, are a quick and easy way to add extra protection to your paint finish and are used on clean and dry paint surfaces. Sometimes referred to as a booster wax, spray waxes are a great way to add a little extra protection over the top of your favorite liquid wax or paste wax when time is limited.

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

What is a Hybrid? - CarSpeak by Cars.com


What is a Hybrid? How does a Hybrid work? CarSpeak from Cars.com breaks it down for you. We brought our employees in front of the camera to help define automotive terms and keep you informed. 

A Hybrid is a vehicle propelled by both an electric motor and a gas-powered engine.

Sunday, April 26, 2020

BRAKES: How They Work | Science Garage


Brakes are the unsung heroes of performance. Everybody loves going fast, but slowing down is important too. There’s disk brakes, vented brakes, brembo brakes and drilled brakes-- let’s “brake” it all down! Bart talks about the principles that make your brakes work. From drums and discs, to friction and heat, we get to the nitty gritty of how Brakes systems keep you safe.

Friday, April 17, 2020

What is ABS? - CarSpeak by Cars.com


What is ABS stand for? What does ABS mean? CarSpeak from Cars.com breaks it down for you. We brought our employees in front of the camera to help define automotive terms and keep you informed.
ABS stands for Anti-lock braking system.

Tuesday, April 14, 2020

Under The Hood - Tire Tread and Pressure


                        Check the tread and pressure to get the best performance from your tires

Saturday, April 11, 2020

Car Testings: The One Day Road Trip | Consumer Reports


A lot goes into testing a car—both on the track and in real-world situations. Consumer Reports’ expert reveals how CR puts a vehicle through its paces.

Sunday, April 5, 2020

Top 5 Safe Driving Tips


The roads can be dangerous! And, of course, we all want each other to get home safely. Here are CARFAX's Top 5 Safe Driving Tips!

Monday, March 30, 2020

How To Clean CoronaVirus From Your Car


While we might be smart about cars, we here at Kelley Blue Book are not health experts. But we do want to help keep everyone healthy. Here then are some quick and easy ways to make sure your car is safe from the CoronaVirus, using information gleaned from the experts at the Centers for Disease Control.

For more details on how to keep you and your family safe from CoronaVirus, please visit www.CDC.gov

Friday, March 27, 2020

The Real Dangers of Running Out of Gas


Letting your gas tank run close to empty can put you in a dangerous situation and cause long term damage! Watch this video to learn why you should never risk running low on gas.

Tuesday, March 24, 2020

10 Most Insane Engines Of All Time


When it comes to engines, we all know that bigger is better. And throughout history, the need for bigger and more powerful engines created some of the world’s most awe-inspiring designs ever seen, some of which evolved into incredibly powerful engines that have numbers that boggle the imagination. Ever wondered what powers the biggest plans, trains, and automobiles? From huge jet engines, rockets, and even the biggest ship engine you’ll ever see, check out and enjoy these 10 biggest engines of all time.

Saturday, March 21, 2020

Do You Want Show Car Perfect Paint? Meguiar’s Can Help With the 5 Steps to Paint Care


It's important to care for the paint on your new or used vehicle to keep it looking its best, both short and longer-term. But, with all the different detailing products available, choosing the right solutions for the paint on your car can become complicated, and even overwhelming, very quickly.

That's why Meguiar’s developed a simple process. Once you understand our “5 steps to paint care,” selecting the right products will be much, much easier!

Wednesday, March 18, 2020

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 15, 2020

What It Would Take to Cut Your Commute in Half | Consumer Reports


Traffic costs people time and money, and increases crashes and air pollution. Consumer Reports hosted a panel discussion at the Washington D.C. Auto Show to talk about new technology and policy changes that could reduce road congestion.

Thursday, March 12, 2020

Midsize Pickup Truck Comparison


The midsize truck segment expands with the addition of the Ford Ranger and Jeep Gladiator. With other strong contenders the Chevrolet Colorado, Honda Ridgeline, and Toyota Tacoma, the Kelley Blue Book staff have their work cut out for them. But they're up to the task and ready to sift through all the info to get you their answer.

Monday, March 9, 2020

SiO2 is a Common Buzzword in Car Care These Days…So, What is SiO2?


What is SiO2? Si02 is Silicon Dioxide. When it comes to car care, SiO2 is the next generation of technology that allows us to provide more durable levels of paint protection than was previously possible with traditional waxes. SiO2 provides the foundation upon which we can build appearance care products that offer hydrophobic properties like we’ve never seen before. Easy to use with incredible high-contact angle water beading and increased durability. SiO2 really is the next step in car care.

Friday, March 6, 2020

How to Install a Car Seat | Consumer Reports


Child seats have come a long way over the years but proper installation is key. Consumer Reports’ expert explains what you need to know to keep your little ones safe.

Tuesday, March 3, 2020

5 Steps to Keeping a Cleaner Car


Want to make your vehicle worth more when you're ready to resell? Learn AAA's 5 steps for a cleaner car.

Saturday, February 29, 2020

How New Tech Can Make Cars Even Safer | Consumer Reports


Tens of thousands of people are dying on America’s roads every year. What can we do? Consumer Reports hosted a panel discussion at the Washington D.C. Auto Show to talk about the technology and policy changes that could improve vehicle safety.

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Take Control: Choose the Right Body Shop


After a collision, choose your own body shop. Your car was damaged. You have the right to choose the repair shop you want, which may or may not be on the insurance company's "referral" list. This video will help you ask the three most important questions to ask a body shop before dropping your vehicle off for repairs.

Sunday, February 23, 2020

Thursday, February 20, 2020

Car Color Test: Are Black Cars Really Hotter In The Sun?


For many drivers, choosing a car color is a matter of taste, but for some car shoppers, it can be all about climate. After all, it's generally accepted that black cars are hotter in the sun and white cars keep cooler in the summer, but is it really true? Our latest video puts that theory to the test.

Monday, February 17, 2020

New Car, Fresh Start - How to Care for a New Car


Getting a new car, whether a new model year or a car that’s new to you, is always exciting. It’s also the best time to begin to develop an appearance care routine to add protection to it. That way you keep the vehicle looking it’s best.

Friday, February 14, 2020

Electric Cars 101 | Consumer Reports


Electric cars are bringing some of the biggest changes the auto industry has seen in years. Consumer Reports’ expert explains why these vehicles might not be as new-fangled as you think.

Tuesday, February 11, 2020

Bike Safety - Sharing the Road


Bicyclists are legal drivers that have the same rights and rules as those operating vehicles. Watch this to learn more about ways to safely share the road.

Saturday, February 8, 2020

Decoding Dashboard Warning Lights | Consumer Reports


You might have noticed the gallery of icons on your dashboard when you start your car. Consumer Reports’ expert explains what those warning lights mean.

Wednesday, February 5, 2020

2020 3-Row Midsize SUV Comparison | Kelley Blue Book


Seems like every week there's a new three-row midsize SUV to look at. Well, we're here at KBB.com to try and make your task of car shopping a bit easier, so we've taken the best of the best and compared them in one place for you. Strap in and take a gander, who knows, maybe it will take some the confusion out of SUV shopping, or make your decision even tougher. Sorry.

Sunday, February 2, 2020

Thursday, January 30, 2020

Tire Blow Out Reaction Tips


Tires are the most important part of your vehicle and unexpected blows outs happen almost everyday! Watch this video to find out the two key steps to keep you safe in the event of a tire blow out.

Monday, January 27, 2020

Cars.com's 2020 Most Fun-to-Drive Car of the Year


The past three Most Fun-to-Drive awards have gone to cars known for an appealing mix of affordability and driving pleasure, and the 2020 Hyundai Veloster N takes that formula to another level. It’s the most fun we had behind the wheel this year, and it sets the bar for cheap speed even higher.

Friday, January 24, 2020

Avoiding Airbag Injuries


Concerned about airbag injuries? Here are some guidelines that can help keep you safe.

Tuesday, January 21, 2020

Drivetrains 101 | Consumer Reports


A car’s drivetrain is how you get power from the engine to the wheels. Consumer Reports’ expert explains the difference between front-wheel, rear-wheel drive, all-wheel, and four-wheel drive.

Saturday, January 18, 2020

What to Do When Your Brakes Go Out | Allstate Insurance


If you're concerned you don't know what to do if your car's brakes fail, don't panic. Prepare yourself for such a situation by familiarizing yourself with some tips to help you stop as safely as possible.

Wednesday, January 15, 2020

What Are the Most Common Causes of Auto Accidents?


What are the most common causes of auto accidents? Safety experts agree that the number-one cause of accidents is human error.

Almost all crashes can be prevented by more careful behavior and responsible conduct and driving habits. In more recent years, this is commonly known as "Distracted Driving" and it takes on many different forms.

The most common mistakes drivers make include drinking and driving; speeding; drag racing other vehicles; driving while fatigued; and distractions involving applying make-up, talking, singing, passenger misconduct or immaturity, eating or drinking, texting, browsing social media sites or other activities involving smart phones. But in many cases, simply not paying attention and being mentally distracted by personal matters can cause drivers to drift out of the lane, run red lights and stop signs or break other basic traffic rules.

These "Distractions" and many others have caused many, many terrible, needless and life-changing accidents that were otherwise avoidable or preventable.

Sunday, January 12, 2020

Winter Driving Tips | Consumer Reports


There are over 2,000 crashes in wintery conditions. Consumer Reports’ expert offers essential tips to help get you where you’re going safely.

Monday, January 6, 2020

Friday, January 3, 2020

Painting Cars for Mars: Prepping NASA’s Mars 2020 Rover


What does NASA do to get a rover ready for Mars? JPL’s paint shop does a thousand different paint jobs a year. And while every piece of spacecraft that comes through the shop is important, one headed for the Red Planet adds a little extra oomph.