Thursday, May 26, 2022
Good Headlights Mean Fewer Crashes - IIHS News
Good IIHS headlight ratings linked to lower crash rates
The headlight ratings program developed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is reducing dangerous nighttime crashes in the real world, a recent study shows.
Nighttime crash rates per mile are nearly 20 percent lower for vehicles with headlights that earn a good rating in the IIHS evaluation, compared with those with poor-rated headlights, the study found. For vehicles with acceptable or marginal headlights, crash rates are 15 percent and 10 percent lower than for those with poor ratings.
Sunday, May 22, 2022
AAA Pedestrian Safety PSA
Friday, May 20, 2022
Collision Repair: Understanding the Different Part Types Commonly Used
Genuine
Some collision repair services try to use genuine parts in all their restoration work. These pieces are what originally came in the vehicle. Typically, they come in a box with the carmaker's logo, so you know it is a genuine part.
When it comes to cost, genuine parts are among the most expensive types you can buy for your vehicle. For this reason, it is best to only use these items if they are still under warranty and you don't have to pay any out of pocket expense.
Despite popular belief, choosing to go with something other than manufacturer parts will not void any remaining warranty. In fact, according to the Federal Trade Commission's "Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act," it is illegal for any manufacturer to void the warranty solely based on the type of part you choose to use. The act also allows you to have the work completed anywhere, even at home, without voiding the warranty.
Original Equipment Manufacturer
During your collision repair, you may choose to have Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts installed. While not a genuine piece, it is the exact same as what came in your vehicle because it was created by the same company who built the part for the car company. The difference is it doesn't have the car company's logo on the box.
Like genuine, OEM can be more expensive than aftermarket. However, it will cost less than genuine. It is a good way to save a little money and get the same part that was originally in your vehicle.
Aftermarket
Aftermarket pieces are quite common. They look and work in the same manner as the originals. The big difference is a company other than the manufacturer builds it. The structure is designed to fit and perform just as well as the original.
In some cases, aftermarket designs outperform their more expensive counterparts. This is because these companies analyze why the products fail in the first place. Once they know what the underlying problem is, they can make theirs without these flaws. In some cases, it may be as simple as the material was not made to last, and the aftermarket builder chooses something a bit more robust.
In the event that the part is not under warranty or your insurance company is not as concerned about what replacement type is used, you may want to settle for an aftermarket product.
Collision repair uses many different types of products in order to rehabilitate your vehicle. In addition to genuine, OEM, and aftermarket, the mechanic may suggest a rebuilt or reconditioned piece. While these may help keep your costs down, they do have wear and tear, so use them with caution.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9368223
Tuesday, May 17, 2022
Stop. Trains Can't.
For more information, please visit: https://www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/get-materials/rail-grade-crossing/stop-trains-cant.
Friday, May 13, 2022
Looking For the Best Auto Body Repair Shop
Opting for auto body repair instead of a replacement of the damaged portion of the car, will not only help you save money, but will also help the environment in a positive manner. This is why; you should choose the best repair specialist in your area.
How will you choose the repair specialist?
Remember that the best way to come across an auto body repair shop that you like is by shopping around. You should check all the aspects of a number of repair shops in your area and then compare them and see which shop scores the most. Needless to say, the Internet is one of the best places to get started in your search.
Ask your friends, family and colleagues at work. Reference is a great way of determining which auto body repair you should choose. Even your two truck company or insurance agents are a good source for the reference. However, when someone tells you that they like a particular shop, make sure that you ask them why they like it.
You need to ask them various questions about the repair shop that they are referring, before you can choose the shop. If your friend says that she likes it because they gave her a waver in her Insurance Deductible, it will be a much weaker reason to choose the shop than if she says that she really loved the work of the shop and her car works great after the repair job.
You should also check out the car of the person who is referring you the particular auto repair shop. This will help you to get an idea about the kind of work that they do.
You should also check the background of the auto body repair shop and see how long they have been in this business. The age of the company will help you to understand its quality - after all, a company can stay in business only if they are doing good work. Check if the shop is locally owned and if it has any connection with the local community.
Sometimes your insurance company may have an agreement with some of the local auto body repair shops. This Direct Repair Program will help you make a good decision about the shop. However, make sure that you check the credentials and the work of the shop, before you entrust them with your car.
Sometimes, you can recognize quality service just by interacting with the company. Call the local auto body repair shop and see how they behave - were they welcoming and friendly? Do they have a clean and attractive office? The very "feel" of the local auto body repair shop may help you to make your decision.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Danielle_Sage/442675
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4627801
Wednesday, May 11, 2022
How to Find a Mechanic You Can Trust
Saturday, May 7, 2022
New Crash Tests Show Modest Speed Increases Can Have Deadly Consequences - IIHS News
Drivers want to save time, and local transportation agencies want to improve traffic flow, but at what cost? With posted speed limits increasing on roadways around the country, a vehicle’s ability to protect drivers in crashes is in doubt.
Small speed increases can have huge effects on crash outcomes, as shown in new crash tests by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Humanetics. The safety organizations conducted crashes at three different impact speeds (40, 50 and 56 mph). They found the slightly higher speeds were enough to increase the driver's risk of severe injury or death.
Thursday, May 5, 2022
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.
Monday, May 2, 2022
Why Car Repair Should Be Left To The Professionals
Clutch
Fixing a clutch. Simple enough, right? It seems to be. However, most people don't realize that fixing a clutch is more complicated and can be a delicate procedure. The biggest hurdle one would find is that many times it involves dropping the engine. This is not something that most can do in their garage.
Recharging the A/C
Every automotive store carries A/C recharging kits. If they do that, then it must be something a novice could do, right? Wrong. Not even counting the added complications of Freon, there is so much more to it. Working with the A/C system involves very high, specific pressure, specialized tubing, and odd components - most of these allusively buried in the dashboard or tied into an incomprehensible computer - not to mention many other things related to the first law of thermodynamics. If that word is not recognizable, you more than likely have no business even being in there.
Working around or on the airbag
Though thankfully this particular area rarely needs to be worked on or around, it is still a good idea to know what the possible outcomes could be. The most important thing to think about if working on or around this area - including any close by panels - is that there is a significantly sized explosive charge tucked away in there. Does 'explosive charge' sound a lot like a bomb? It should, because that is essentially what it is. Definitely make sure that someone with training in that particular area works on that part of your car. A hand being blown off isn't worth the extra money saved by doing it ones-self. It is guaranteed that the hospital bill for that would be significantly more expensive than just having a professional do it for you.
Rebuilding a differential
Anytime someone is messing around with gears it can lead to disaster. It takes a delicate, sensitive touch. Differentials are even trickier. If the gears are even slightly off, your car will sound like it has been taken over by a disgruntled poltergeist. Not to mention that in a very short time, the teeth will completely wear out and disintegrate. The contact patch between the gears has to be so carefully aligned that it is mathematically perfect.
Even the seemingly simplest of jobs are so involved that many times doing your own car repair can cost more than taking it to the shop. A car repair technician can do the job right the first time and save lots of time and energy.
For more information on car repair, Hershey, PA residents can go to http://www.certifiedpreownedofhershey.com/Body-Shop.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9236426
Thursday, April 28, 2022
Monday, April 25, 2022
Crazy Car Collision Compilation - Most Insane Driving Fails Of The Year 2019
Saturday, April 23, 2022
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.
Wednesday, April 20, 2022
Four Common Automotive Collision Repair Insurance Questions
By Craig Pelton |
After an auto accident, it is important that you have your vehicle damage professionally repaired by a reputable collision repair shop. However, dealing with the insurance adjusters and finding the answers to your many questions can be overwhelming. This is why we have taken the time to answer some of the most common insurance questions that our clients ask during the collision repair process.
Does the insurance company choose where you should have your vehicle repaired? It is entirely your choice as to where you have your vehicle repaired after an accident. Your insurance company may try to steer you toward a preferred shop in their network, but the choice is up to you. In fact, state law prohibits these "steering" tactics. Don't feel pressure to work with a collision repair shop simply because your adjuster prefers them. Your vehicle is a big investment and you want to be sure that an experienced and reputable automotive collision repair shop expertly repairs any damage.
Once an insurance company makes an estimate, will I need to pay for any additional damage that is discovered during the repair process? An appraiser is only able to make an estimate for the damage that is visible. Once the vehicle is taken apart for repair, the technician will look for evidence of any further damage. He will inform the insurance company of any additional repairs that must be made. It is not unusual for there to be at least one supplement to the original estimate.
Should I choose the repair shop with the lowest price because insurance is paying? That old phrase, "You get what you pay for" is often the case when it comes to automotive collision repair. Just because a shop offers the lowest price, it does not necessarily mean that it is the best place to have your car repaired. The vehicles of today are quite complex so you want to be sure that you are working with repair technicians that can restore your vehicle to its pre-accident condition. This includes repairing the outside appearance as well as the safety equipment and special equipment found on modern vehicles. Your car is a big investment so you want to be sure that you receive the best quality automotive repairs available.
Will my car ever be the same? If you use a reputable collision repair shop, your vehicle should be returned to its pre-accident state. This includes returning the function, safety, performance and appearance of the vehicle to like-new condition. Be sure that your technicians use new, high-quality replacement parts. You should choose a shop that offers comprehensive warranties on all repairs. This is one way to guarantee that the customer is completely satisfied with their repaired vehicle.
Repairing your vehicle after a collision should not be a traumatic experience. Find an auto body shop in your area that is experienced in working with insurance companies. They can guide you through the process so you feel comfortable and secure every step of the way.
Craig Pelton is the owner of Worldwide Auto Body, a full-service auto paint and collision repair center located in Kernersville, NC.
Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Craig_Pelton/1212530
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6767509
Sunday, April 17, 2022
AAA StartSmart - Distracted Driving
Wednesday, April 13, 2022
Should I Have My Car Repaired?

- "Won't my insurance rates go up?"
- "The damage isn't that bad... Can't I just wait and have it done later?"
- "I'm selling the car soon anyway so why bother?"
Monday, April 11, 2022
Friday, April 8, 2022
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.
Monday, April 4, 2022
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.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Craig_Pelton/1212530
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6707630
Saturday, April 2, 2022
10 Things Everyone Should Know About Tires
By Eric Peters, Automotive Columnist
You probably know tires are made of rubber — but how much more do you know? Here’s a run-through of some important tire-related terminology:
1) Aspect ratio
This technical-sounding term refers to the relationship between the width of a tire and the height of the tire’s sidewall. High-performance “low profile” tires have “low aspect ratios” — meaning their sidewalls are short relative to their width. This provides extra stiffness and thus better high-speed handling and grip — but also tends to result in a firmer (and sometimes, harsh) ride. “Taller” tires tend to provide a smoother ride and better traction in snow.
2) Contact Patch
As your tires rotate, only a portion of the total tread is actually in contact with the ground at any given moment. This is known as the contact patch. Think of it as your tire’s “footprint.” Sport/performance-type tires are characterized by their wider footprint — more tread is in contact with the ground — which provides extra grip, especially during hard acceleration on dry pavement and during high-speed cornering.
3) Treadwear indicators
These are narrow bands built into the tread during manufacturing that begin to show when only 1/16 of the tire’s tread remains. Also called wear bars, treadwear indicators are there to provide an obvious visual warning that it’s time to shop for new tires.
4) Speed ratings
An alpha-numeric symbol you’ll find on your tire’s sidewall that tells you the maximum sustained speed the tire is capable of safely handling. An H-rated tire, for example, is built to be safe for continuous operation at speeds up to 130 mph. Most current model year family-type cars have S (112 mph) or T (118 mph) speed ratings. High performance cars often have tires with a V (149 mph) or ZR (in excess of 149 mph) speed rating. A few ultra-performance cars have W (168 mph) and even Y (186 mph) speed-rated tires.
5) Maximum cold inflation load limit
This refers to the maximum load that can be carried in a given vehicle with a given type of tires — and the maximum air pressure needed to support that load. In your vehicle’s owner’s manual, you should be able to find the recommended cold inflation load limit. It’s important not to exceed the load limit (or over or under-inflate the tires) as this can lead to stability/handling problems and even tire failure. Always check tire pressure “cold.” Driving creates friction which creates heat; as the tires warm up, the air inside expands, increasing the pressure. Measuring air pressure after driving can give a false reading; you may actually be driving around on under-inflated tires.
6) Load index
This number corresponds to the load carrying capacity of the tire. The higher the number, the higher the load it can safely handle. As an example, a tire with a load index of 89 can safely handle 1,279 pounds — while a tire with a load rating of 100 can safely handle as much as 1,764 pounds. It’s important to stick with tires that have at least the same load rating as the tires that came originally with the vehicle — especially if it’s a truck used to haul heavy loads or pull a trailer. It’s ok to go with a tire that has a higher load rating than the original tires; just be careful to avoid tires with a lower load rating than specified for your vehicle, even if they are less expensive. Saving a few bucks on tires is not worth risking an accident caused by tire failure.
7) Radial vs. bias-ply tire
Bias-ply tires have their underlying plies laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees to the centerline of the tread; radials have their plies laid at 90 degrees to the centerline of the tread. That’s the technical difference. The reason radial tires are dominant today is that they help improve fuel efficiency and handling; they also tend to dissipate heat better than bias-ply tires. No modern passenger cars come with bias-ply tires these days and their use is generally not recommended. (Exceptions might include older/antique vehicles that originally came equipped with bias-ply tires. Some RVs also used bias-ply tires, etc.) It is very important never to mix radial and bias-ply tires; dangerously erratic handling may result.
8) LT and MS tires
These designations indicate “Light Truck” and “Mud/Snow” — and are commonly found on tires fitted to SUVs and pick-ups. LT-rated tires are more general purpose, built primarily for on-road use — while MS-rated tires typically have more aggressive “knobby” tread patterns designed for better off-road traction.
9) Temporary Use Only
Many modern cars come with so-called “space-saver” tires which are smaller and lighter than a standard or full-size spare tire. They are designed to leave more room in the trunk and be easier for the average person to handle when a roadside tire change becomes necessary. However, they are not designed to be used for extended (or high-speed) driving. Your car will probably not handle (or stop) as well while the Space Saver tire is on – and you should keep your speed under 55 mph and avoid driving on the tire beyond what’s absolutely necessary to find a tire repair shop where you can have your damaged tire repaired or replaced.
10) Treadwear, Traction and Temperature ratings
Each tire has three separate ratings for Treadwear, Traction and Temperature.
Traction ratings run from AA to A to B and C — with C being the lowest on the scale. The ratings represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement under controlled testing conducted by the government. C-rated tires are marginal and should be avoided. Never buy a tire with a Traction rating that isn’t at least equal to the minimum rating specified by the manufacturer of your vehicle.
Temperature ratings from A to B to C — with C being the minimum allowable for any passenger car tire. The ratings correspond to a given tire’s ability to dissipate heat under load; tires with lower ratings are more prone to heat-induced failure, especially if driven at high speeds (or when overloaded). As with Traction ratings, never buy a tire with a Temperature rating that’s less than specified for your vehicle.
Treadwear ratings differ from Traction and Temperature ratings in that they aren’t a measure of a tire’s built-in safety margin. Instead, these ratings — represented by a three digit number — give you an idea of the expected useful life of the tire according to government testing. A tire with a Treadwear rating of 150, for example, can be expected to last about 1.5 times as long as a tire with a Treadwear rating of 100. These are just guides, however. Your tires may last longer (or not) depending on such factors as how you drive, whether you maintain proper inflation pressure and rotate the tires per recommendations — and so on.
Comments?
Wednesday, March 30, 2022
Saturday, March 26, 2022
Corby's Collision - "Hands On" Owner with Happy Employees
"Hands On" Owner / Operator Paul Troutner talks about happy employees and happy customers. http://corbysvacaville.com/
Wednesday, March 23, 2022
Best Car Safety Features | Consumer Reports
Monday, March 21, 2022
Driving Tips for Wet Roads
Friday, March 18, 2022
CHP Tips - The Move Over, Slow Down Law
Tuesday, March 15, 2022
4 Technologies That Could Prevent Your Next Car Crash
Friday, March 11, 2022
When to Replace Your Tires | Consumer Reports
Tuesday, March 8, 2022
Stop. Trains Can't.
For more information, please visit: https://www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/get-materials/rail-grade-crossing/stop-trains-cant.
Sunday, March 6, 2022
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
Thursday, March 3, 2022
How Do Traffic Lights Work?
Monday, February 28, 2022
What To Do After a Car Accident | Former NYPD Officer's Safety Tips
What to do after a car accident — according to a former NYPD officer.
Thursday, February 24, 2022
Windshield Repair vs Replace: ABC News Report With Barbara Walters
Tuesday, February 22, 2022
15 Defensive Driving Secrets That Can Save Your Life
Friday, February 18, 2022
Cognitive Distraction
Wednesday, February 16, 2022
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.
Sunday, February 13, 2022
The Challenge of Distracted Driving
Wednesday, February 9, 2022
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.
Sunday, February 6, 2022
SAFE STEPS Road Safety: Seatbelts
- Wear your seatbelt - - Ensure all passengers wear seatbelts - - Safely secure children in car seats -
Friday, February 4, 2022
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, February 1, 2022
5 Defensive Driving Strategies To Become A Safer, Smarter Driver
Saturday, January 29, 2022
Towing Overview | Ford How-To | Ford
This informative video will help explain some of the features your vehicle may have that can help with towing a trailer.
Wednesday, January 26, 2022
Why Car Repair Should Be Left To The Professionals
Clutch
Fixing a clutch. Simple enough, right? It seems to be. However, most people don't realize that fixing a clutch is more complicated and can be a delicate procedure. The biggest hurdle one would find is that many times it involves dropping the engine. This is not something that most can do in their garage.
Recharging the A/C
Every automotive store carries A/C recharging kits. If they do that, then it must be something a novice could do, right? Wrong. Not even counting the added complications of Freon, there is so much more to it. Working with the A/C system involves very high, specific pressure, specialized tubing, and odd components - most of these allusively buried in the dashboard or tied into an incomprehensible computer - not to mention many other things related to the first law of thermodynamics. If that word is not recognizable, you more than likely have no business even being in there.
Working around or on the airbag
Though thankfully this particular area rarely needs to be worked on or around, it is still a good idea to know what the possible outcomes could be. The most important thing to think about if working on or around this area - including any close by panels - is that there is a significantly sized explosive charge tucked away in there. Does 'explosive charge' sound a lot like a bomb? It should, because that is essentially what it is. Definitely make sure that someone with training in that particular area works on that part of your car. A hand being blown off isn't worth the extra money saved by doing it ones-self. It is guaranteed that the hospital bill for that would be significantly more expensive than just having a professional do it for you.
Rebuilding a differential
Anytime someone is messing around with gears it can lead to disaster. It takes a delicate, sensitive touch. Differentials are even trickier. If the gears are even slightly off, your car will sound like it has been taken over by a disgruntled poltergeist. Not to mention that in a very short time, the teeth will completely wear out and disintegrate. The contact patch between the gears has to be so carefully aligned that it is mathematically perfect.
Even the seemingly simplest of jobs are so involved that many times doing your own car repair can cost more than taking it to the shop. A car repair technician can do the job right the first time and save lots of time and energy.
For more information on car repair, Hershey, PA residents can go to http://www.certifiedpreownedofhershey.com/Body-Shop.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9236426
Sunday, January 23, 2022
Happy Employees, Happy Customers - Corby's Collision
"Hands On" Owner / Operator Paul Troutner talks about happy employees and happy customers. http://corbysvacaville.com/
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
SAFE STEPS Road Safety: Pedestrians
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
Tire Blow Out Reaction Tips
Saturday, January 15, 2022
What to Look For in Auto Body Repair Shops
The following are a number of tips on what to look for in an auto body repair shop:
1. One place to search for information about an auto repair shop is to check online. The internet is a great source of finding the history of an auto repair shop. You can go to such sites as the Better Business Bureau, a consumer report site, and Angie's list, to see if there is a history of complaints. As well, you can also find reviews of auto repair shops written by customers.
2. Before you have a problem with your vehicle, visit a number of auto repair shops to assess the shop. Look for cleanliness, proper lighting that allows mechanics to see small dents and such, and if the mechanics have licenses and certifications. Do you see any special awards? Does the equipment look current and well maintained? As well, you can talk to the employees to assess their professionalism.
3. When you are at an auto shop, look at the vehicles that they have worked on. Are there good paint jobs? Are all the panels aligned correctly? You should talk to the mechanics to find out what they do if you are unhappy with the repair work. Will the mechanic repair a problem they did not fix the first time at no charge? Or, will there be extra fees? How long is the warranty? How long will it take for the repairs to be completed? Ask about their fees and if they get quality parts.
After you have your car returned from repair, make sure you examine it right away to make sure repair was done and look for anything unusual or does not seem right. If you do find something wrong, take it back to the auto repair shop right away. Take the car for a test drive to listen for any unusual sounds or something not working properly. As well, before the mechanic starts working on your vehicle, make sure they know how much you are willing to pay and if they find something else that is wrong, they should call you to tell you and how much it will cost to fix.
There are many honest and professional auto shops out there. The key to finding the best auto repair shop that meets your needs is to do your research, ask the right questions, and always get a price quote before the mechanic starts working on your vehicle. Choosing a good auto body repair shop will save you a lot of headaches and money, and you will have peace of mind knowing you are getting a good repair.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3321409
Wednesday, January 12, 2022
Collision Repair: Understanding the Different Part Types Commonly Used
Genuine
Some collision repair services try to use genuine parts in all their restoration work. These pieces are what originally came in the vehicle. Typically, they come in a box with the carmaker's logo, so you know it is a genuine part.
When it comes to cost, genuine parts are among the most expensive types you can buy for your vehicle. For this reason, it is best to only use these items if they are still under warranty and you don't have to pay any out of pocket expense.
Despite popular belief, choosing to go with something other than manufacturer parts will not void any remaining warranty. In fact, according to the Federal Trade Commission's "Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act," it is illegal for any manufacturer to void the warranty solely based on the type of part you choose to use. The act also allows you to have the work completed anywhere, even at home, without voiding the warranty.
Original Equipment Manufacturer
During your collision repair, you may choose to have Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts installed. While not a genuine piece, it is the exact same as what came in your vehicle because it was created by the same company who built the part for the car company. The difference is it doesn't have the car company's logo on the box.
Like genuine, OEM can be more expensive than aftermarket. However, it will cost less than genuine. It is a good way to save a little money and get the same part that was originally in your vehicle.
Aftermarket
Aftermarket pieces are quite common. They look and work in the same manner as the originals. The big difference is a company other than the manufacturer builds it. The structure is designed to fit and perform just as well as the original.
In some cases, aftermarket designs outperform their more expensive counterparts. This is because these companies analyze why the products fail in the first place. Once they know what the underlying problem is, they can make theirs without these flaws. In some cases, it may be as simple as the material was not made to last, and the aftermarket builder chooses something a bit more robust.
In the event that the part is not under warranty or your insurance company is not as concerned about what replacement type is used, you may want to settle for an aftermarket product.
Collision repair uses many different types of products in order to rehabilitate your vehicle. In addition to genuine, OEM, and aftermarket, the mechanic may suggest a rebuilt or reconditioned piece. While these may help keep your costs down, they do have wear and tear, so use them with caution.
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