How To Handle Your Car Stalling Out
While it is something that occurs on an often normal basis for vehicles with manual transmissions, for automatic vehicle owners, the vehicle stalling can be a scary incident. More often than not, it stalls during the worst times and it tends to mean that there are deeper problems with the vehicle. So what do you do if your vehicle stalls? As it turns out, there are specific steps that you should take that often depends on the road and traffic conditions you find yourself in. The first thing you should always do—and always be doing, even if the vehicle hasn’t stalled—is look for the safest “escape route,” or path off the road. On a highway, these are most often the shoulders, while on regular roads, it can be a parking lot or side street. When you do pull off the road, put your signal indicator on to tell the drivers behind you what way you are going and, if it is possible, turn on your hazard lights as you get most of the vehicle into the zone of safety. The next tip to take into consideration when your vehicle stalls is that when it does so, some of the components may feel “off.” Power steering may go out, meaning that you can still steer but will have to put more pressure into it. Your brakes may not be fully working, and you will have to press harder on them to bring the vehicle to a stop. Speaking of brakes: do not slam on them in the middle of traffic when your vehicle stalls! It is unbelievable how often a...Why it’s Important to Have Proper Wheel Alignment
It is one of those options offered to you when you take your vehicle in for its regular service maintenance: getting your tires re-aligned to get proper alignment. Many people opt out of this option, getting an oil change and fluid check and driving away. Yet proper tire alignment is one of the most important things you can do for your car, your safety, and your pocketbook. Proper wheel alignment differs from car to car. A vehicle with a wishbone suspension will require a different wheel alignment than a semi-truck, and both of those will need a different alignment than a vehicle with standard four-wheel suspension. With the variety involved in the process, it is always best to allow a certified mechanic realign the tires for you. Proper wheel alignment provides numerous benefits that you will want to take advantage of. The first advantage is that it allows the vehicle to operate as efficiently as possible. Proper wheel alignment’s effects on a car are actually best felt when the wheels are not properly aligned. When driving, you will feel a tugging to either the right or left, depending on the wheel that is misaligned. The opposite is true for properly aligned wheels, allowing you to drive straight, safe, and efficiently. This efficiency leads to the next benefit of properly aligned wheels: it maintains gas mileage in your car. This is pretty simple to understand: the straighter and more efficient the car drives, the less work it will have to do. The less work it will have to do, the less fuel it will burn. Et, voila! Your car takes...What Can Cause Engine Misfire?
One of the most common engine problems reported to mechanics across the country is an engine misfiring. The car suddenly jumps, then regains its pace, only to continue doing the same thing each time you accelerate. An engine misfiring can be nerve-wracking experience. An engine misfiring can be caused by numerous factors, but there are common reasons that can cause this malfunction. However, before checking to see the problems causing a misfire, it should be checked whether the car is misfiring or not. At times, the engine isn’t actually misfiring, but is indicative of other problems with the vehicle. One of the most common misconceptions involves a driver thinking a car is misfiring due to the jerkiness of the drive, when it is actually the transmission that is bad. As always, it is helpful to take it into a licensed professional! Ignition Problems The first of these common problems can be an issue with the ignition. In particular, the spark plugs, cables, ignition coils, and other parts involved in starting the car necessarily wear down over time. While at first this only results in a weaker spark—causing the misfire to be nearly unnoticeable at first—over time it can completely stop the ignition process. At times, the misfire can cause a loud bang to occur when starting the vehicle. Can Fuel be a Factor? The second major issue that can cause a misfire is a problem with the fuel. In particular, the chemical mix between gas and air needs to be as exact as possible. An engine operating normally needs a mixture with more fuel than air. When the ratio...How to Avoid Overheating Your Car This Summer
Summer is here! And in these long, hot days, keeping your car from overheating can be,and should be, a key concern for you. There are easy ways to make sure the vehicle stays within the normal temperature, and these steps can help alleviate some worry! First things first: make sure you have a lot of coolant in your car. Coolant is made to make sure the engine doesn’t overheat; without it, an engine can obviously get too hot, but it can also cause irreparable damage to the engine that will cost you a golden goose egg to replace. Low levels of antifreeze can lead to overheating. Some owners will want to make sure the levels are right by themselves, but for many of us, getting the right mixture of antifreeze and water is a bit beyond our skill. Getting a check-up with a fluid replacement will put this responsibility into the hands of a mechanic, who can make sure that mixture is correct. At the same time, the antifreeze that is used to make sure the engine doesn’t overheat can grow dirty over time. Its cycle of continually cycling throughout the engine can cause this. Particle build-up in the antifreeze can cause an engine that has enough liquid still overheat. Simply request a change in fluids at your next check-up to make sure that the antifreeze is fresh and ready to go! The next step that should be taken is to ensure that the radiator is clear of debris. Over time with driving leaves, dirt, bugs, and other debris from the road can build up, blocking necessary airflow to...What You Should Know About Visual Damage Reports
Visual damage reports are estimates taken by auto body shops and mechanics to set a price on repairing your vehicle after you got into an accident. There are numerous items that go into it, but how do you know what should and shouldn’t be in that report? Follow these tips to make sure that you get the proper repairs done to your vehicle. What To Do Before a Visual Damage Report First, before you even take the vehicle into the body shop there are some things you should do. Immediately after the accident, take photos of the damage to your car and the car you got into an accident with: this will help the body shop and, more importantly, your insurance company, to make the proper estimate. Next, it is suggested to take the vehicle through a car wash in order to wipe any excess debris from the car. This can help you with further understanding the damage to your vehicle, the locations of the damage on the vehicle, and helps you take cleaner pictures for the body shop and insurance company. Getting Your Visual Damage Report Done Now to getting the actual report done by a body shop. Just as with medicine, it is always best to get multiple opinions. But don’t be immediately put off by one body shop using higher estimates than another. Look closely at the report and talk to the mechanic: what may be going on is that store uses newer parts while another uses “aftermarket” parts. On top of this, one shop could have the resources to replace an entire part, while another...Is Hail Damage Covered By Insurance?
Extreme weather can cause extreme havoc on your vehicle’s exterior. From dents to shattered glass hail damage repair is never fun to deal with. When your vehicle is damaged by hail, you’ll want to get it repaired as quickly as possible. But an unexpected repair means unexpected costs. Who’s going to pay for it? It wasn’t your fault! Who can you send a bill to, Mother Nature? Relax! Your hail damage may just be covered by your vehicle’s insurance policy. If you have comprehensive coverage on your vehicle, then hail damage is most likely covered. This type of policy covers your vehicle for items that need repair not linked to a collision. This can include things such as dents and dings from hail and damage from tree branches or other debris. Did water get into your vehicle because of damage from hail or a storm? Your interior is likely also covered with your comprehensive coverage. However, to use your comprehensive coverage, you’ll need to pay your deductible first. This means that if your deductible is $250 then you’ll need to pay the first $250 of the repair and then the insurance company will pay the rest. If you have damage, always talk to your insurance company first. They can tell you what is covered and what is not under your insurance policy. If the hail damage is covered for repair, they will instruct you on where to take your vehicle to be repaired or instruct you how to get an estimate at a shop of your choice. They may even send someone out to assess...4 Easy Tips to Avoid a Cracked Windshield
Driving can be hazardous to your windshield’s health. After all, there are so many things beating against it all the time. Wind, rain, snow, sleet, hail and that is just the weather. What about dust, bugs, the occasional bird and the dreaded gravel or rock? Without the windshield to protect you, driving at relatively slow speeds could be quite dangerous and painful. Don’t believe me? Stick your head out the window the next time you drive for a bit. Don’t forget to keep your mouth closed. You car’s windshield is there to protect you – so make sure that you protect it in return – or you’ll end up with windshield repair before you know it. Distance The first tip and one of the most important is to give yourself a little bit more space. When you leave more following room between you and the car in front of you, you are farther away from any projectiles that they seems to kick up in their wake. Ever driven behind a semi-truck or another vehicle and you can hear the dings and hits as they kick up part of their load or just dirt and gravel from the road? Your natural response is to ease off the gas and stay away from them. When you give them a bit more space, the rocks seem to land in front of your vehicle instead of making contact with your windshield. While some trucks have mud flaps or other protective equipment behind their tires, it’s no guarantee. If you give yourself plenty of room from the car in front of you, that’s...Expert Paint Matching Revealed
When you have damage that needs to be repaired, how do you know that the repair is going to match? Will your bumper stand out like a sore thumb? Will your new door be white while the rest of your vehicle is red? Don’t worry! With expert paint matching, it’s now possible to get the exact color that your vehicle came with! In fact, paint matching can occur with every imaginable color out there, even custom colors. But how do we do it? Here’s a few of our secrets when it comes to auto paint matching. First, we take some important information about your car. This includes the basics like, year, make and model. We’ll also use the VIN. For example, a 2011 Chevrolet Camaro 2SS in white could have a different paint code than a 2016 Chevrolet Camaro. Manufacturers like to give their paint colors interesting names like Summit White or Beluga Brown. To set themselves apart they may even use strange names like Pontiac’s Verdoro Green or Ford’s Freudian Gilt. Strange names aside, we need the exact information about your car to determine the correct color. The VIN helps because sometimes (although rarely) there is more than one color in the same year or the same color with slight variations. Once we have that information, we’ll do some prep work to match it even further. We’ll spot check an area on the car with our expert paint matching technology. This means that we’ll find a good spot, buff out some of the contaminants and polish it up. Then we can use an expert auto paint matching camera...How to Take the Headache out of Windshield Repairs
Windshield Repair Stressing You Out? Is your windshield damaged? Does it have a crack, chips or peeling? Can you not see as well as you should? When you have a cracked or chipped windshield, it’s never any fun to have to get it repaired or replaced. You might worry about the expense or the safety or a repaired windshield. Did you know that our expert technicians inspect all your car windows to ensure that they are completely safe? If your vehicle has a window or windshield that can be repaired, we’ll never recommend replacement. Did you know that you can schedule or book your windshield repair or replacement? You can make an appointment so that we know that you will be coming in and can give you our undivided attention. When you arrive we can inspect your windshield to see if it needs to be replaced. If it does need to be replaced, we can check our large selection of in stock windshields. We can even order your specific vehicle’s window or windshield glass in advance, reducing the amount of time that you’ll need to leave your vehicle at the shop while we install it. Is your insurance company going to be covering the cost of your windshield repair? We take care of all the insurance paperwork to make sure that the repairs are approved up front, completed with ease and billed correctly. This saves YOU a lot of time and headache dealing with getting paperwork to and from us to the insurance company, signing paperwork, faxing or making copies and getting it all done right the first...Does Your Vehicle Have A Paint Chip? Get Auto Paint Matched
We all know that we want our car to look its best. But it seems to just sneak up on you. A ding there, a chip there, a scrape here and before you know it, your vehicle is starting to get a little bit tired. If you have chipped or damaged paint on your car, truck or SUV, then you need auto paint matching. What is auto paint matching? Auto paint matching is when the technicians at your local body shop determine your car’s original paint color in order to match it perfectly when repainting any damaged areas. How do they do it? There’s a few different techniques, but the some are more common the others. Did you know that your car’s paint doesn’t really fade that much? The clear coat, which is the clear layer of top paint gets polluted, damaged or covered with contaminates, making the paint underneath look dull or faded. Just think of a base coat of nail polish – this is what gives the color. Then to protect the color, a coat of clear paint is applied. Automotive paint is pretty similar. Your VIN number can provide detailed information about your paint color as well. If you purchased a 2010 Camaro SS in black, it’s pretty easy to determine the color, black. The manufacturer’s provide the paint color information. With other cars you might have something as detailed as “Red Jewel Tintcoat Metallic” which can sound overwhelming. Don’t worry, your trained auto body technicians know just the right way to match that paint. Body shops have their own paint mixing systems or they...6 Questions About Frame Damage Repair You’re too Afraid to Ask
No one wants to hear the words that your car’s frame is damaged. Most of us don’t even understand what that means. We all know that a car has a frame and that it’s buried deep down somewhere we can’t see. But when we hear the phrase frame repair all we hear is expensive. Here’s six questions and answers about frame damage repair that you’re too afraid to ask: Can I fix a bent car frame myself? No. An individual can’t fix a bent car frame all on their own. You need to use a frame straightening machine. You’ll need precise tools to determine the damage and to correct it. Can I get an estimate for frame damage over the phone? Not really. Any good frame or body shop really needs to see and inspect the vehicle so we can know what repairs need to be made. Without that, we can’t give you an accurate estimate. How do I know if the frame may be damaged? If you are driving your vehicle after an accident, even if it has been repaired and something doesn’t feel right, your frame may be damaged. Sometimes frame damage can be hard for the naked eye to detect. Will my insurance cover it? It depends. Was the damage a result of an accident? Even if you were the only car involved in the crash, let’s say it was slippery and jumped the curb. Your insurance company will still probably cover damage that occurred as a result of the accident, after you pay your deductible. Always check in advance and get estimates at a shop...How Bed Liners Can Be Your Secret Weapon in Protecting Your Vehicle
You have a truck because you want to use it. A lot. All of it, including the bed. But taking loads to the dump, moving, using on the job site, hauling dirt or gravel, etc., all takes its toll on the bed. You give it a beating. It’s a truck after all right? If you are looking for a great way to protect the bed of your truck, installing a bed liner can be your secret weapon. Not only can you use your truck the way you want to and the way it was intended, you can help protect it from dings and scratches in the paint. The best bed liners are GatorHyde “polyurea” are a sprayed-on bed liner that extends the life of your truck bed as well as makes it look great while doing it. It protects against corrosion, damage and rust to the truck bed. The best bed liners are permanent, sturdy, tough and long lasting. Not all bed liners are created equal. Some of the plastic drop in liners can chip, break or warp. Even worse than that is that they rattle. Ever wonder what that annoying noise is as you are driving down the road? You don’t want to install that. One of the best features of your new secret weapon is the stipple texture. Aren’t you tired of your cargo shifting around in the bed, making a mess or making you climb into rearrange or grab things? The special bed liner texture not only helps protect the bed of the truck but also helps make it a great non-skid surface. When you want...The Difference Between a Windshield Chip and a Crack
When you have to get your windshield repaired from a chick or a crack, it can be stressful. But what is the difference? Is one actually worse than the other one? Is one harder to fix? We’ll answer all that and more down below! Windshield Chip Getting a chip in your windshield is no fun. Especially when you get it on your brand new car on your way home from the car dealership (don’t ask me how I know that). Sometimes there isn’t a lot that you can do to prevent getting them. Windshield chips happen. But how? Usually they result from a rock, gravel or debris being thrown up at your car from a passing vehicle or one you are following behind. The impact of the rock shatters (but doesn’t penetrate completely) a small part of the glass on your windshield. It leaves the potential of hundreds of tiny little lines to spread out on your windshield, if the conditions are right. A windshield chip is actually pretty quick and easy to fix. After clearing the area, specialized technicians isolate the area and inject a special type of glass “glue” filler that helps prevent the chip from spreading. It’s important to get rock chips fixed right away to prevent the spreading of cracks. Cracks are much more difficult to contain. Most insurance companies will help cover the cost of three rock chips without requiring you to pay a deductible, making it quicker and cheaper than ever to get it fixed. Make sure you check your insurance policy for specific details. Windshield Crack A windshield crack is just what...How Does Vehicle Frame Repair Actually Work?
Maybe you’ve been in an accident and they’ve mentioned to you that your frame is bent. What does that even mean? Each car or truck has a frame that the car is built around for structural purposes. This is what the main components of the car are attached to. Frame damage is more common than you would think. It actually happens in about 50% of all vehicle accidents. In fact, many customers are surprised at the amount of damage to the frame even in a lower speed crash. This is because the car is designed to take the brunt of the force to the frame to protect the passengers. The inner frame has to be repaired before any other work can be done on at the car. Think of it as the spinal column of a person. It needs to be straight and in perfect working order for the vehicle to work correctly. Auto body repair shops typically have equipment that makes it easier, faster, cheaper and safer than ever to straighten your car frame. The equipment uses hydraulics and torque to pull and adjust the frame back to its original specifications. Auto body repair shops use these machines because the amount of strength and force to do it by hand is simply not possible. First, your car is up on a platform for the machine to work. Then the machine uses either lasers or other sensors to determine the amount of damage it has sustained. This helps the company determine how long it will take to fix the vehicle and what the costs associated with fixing it will...The 411 on Paintless Dent Repair
So you’ve had a little trouble. Maybe you backed into the trashcans, or your kid’s bike, or the light pole. Maybe you don’t want to admit it and you’re blaming that person in the supermarket for leaving a dent on your car. Don’t worry! There are lots of ways to get out dents, and the best way is paintless dent repair. But what does that mean? Don’t I want paint on my dent? Of course, paintless dent repair just means that we are able to smooth, pop or fix your dent without needing to replace or repaint the paint in the damaged area. That means that our repair will be quicker, faster and best of all, cheaper! So How Does Paintless Dent Repair Work? The first step in paintless dent repair is determining if you are a candidate for this type of repair. Commonly used for hail damage, dings from doors, minor creases, large dents or damage to the body line, the application is limited based on the paint already on the vehicle and the dent itself. A good way to tell if your dent is a candidate for paintless dent repair is if the dent is shallow. Also, if the paint is not stretched, you may be able to use this type of repair, even if it is several inches wide. Sharp dents and creases may not be candidates – but you can bring your car in and we’ll give you a free estimate so you know for sure. We then use specialized tools to restore the dent to how it looked originally, be working with the metal...5 Tips to Help You Choose The Right Auto Body Shop
When you are looking to get your car fixed – whether it’s a dent, or your entire front end – you want to find the best auto body shop that you can. But how do you know if it’s a good body shop? Here’s five tips to help you pick a winner: #1 Estimates. Does the auto body shop that you are looking at provide free estimates? A professional shop will always give you an estimate in advance (before beginning any work) and will usually provide this to you in writing. That way you will know exactly what are getting for your money. You’ll know what is included and what isn’t. #2 Reputation. Does the auto body shop that you are researching have a good reputation? How long have they been in business for? Do they have referrals or testimonials from previous clients and customers? Are they well known in the community that they serve? #3 Quality of Parts. What types of parts will they use to repair your vehicle? Will they be using new or used parts? Are OEM parts important to you? If so, will they be using those types of parts on your repair? #4 People. You can tell a lot about someone and their business from some simple conversations. Are they willing to answer all your questions? Do you feel rushed or do they make you feel that your business is important to them? Are they busy? A busy shop can be a good indication that they provide quality work. Repeat customers help show that the auto body shop is performing at or above their...Does a Bent Frame Total a Car?
If you have experienced an automobile accident that bent the frame of your vehicle, you may be wondering if your car is completely totaled. In low-speed automobile accidents, you may not discover that your frame is bent unless a bumper is removed during repairs. Trust a Professional to Assess the Damage Properly You will be surprised and pleased to discover that a bent frame does not necessarily equal a totaled car! However, it is important that your collision damage is accessed properly from the beginning, or your insurance estimate may become compromised, adding more money and hassle to the already stressful experience of an auto accident. Auto frame repair needs to be carefully assessed and executed by expert auto repair technicians. It requires state of the art diagnostics and employs auto repair technology specific to auto frame repair. What Goes in to Repairing a Bent Frame? The frame of your car ensures that many aspects of your vehicle are working correctly, including proper wheel alignment, that your tires and brakes wear evenly, and that your car drives smoothly overall. For all these reasons, it’s important that you take your vehicle to an auto frame repair shop that really knows what they’re doing. A bent frame can be repaired in several ways. In some cases, portions of the frame may need to be cut and welded. This method is used primarily on older vehicles that don’t have a crumple zone in their design. In newer vehicles that do have a crumple zone, there may be sections of the bent frame that need to be replaced Long story short, a bent...DIY Windshield Replacement – Why You Should Trust a Professional
A cracked windshield is more than a nuisance: it’s a safety hazard. When your windshield has significant damage, it needs to be repaired or replaced as soon as possible. While it may be tempting to try and fix your windshield yourself, it may ultimately cause more damage to your windshield and end up costing you more money in repairs and replacement costs. Here’s why you should leave windshield replacement to the professionals. DIY windshield kits are available online and at your local auto supply store. They are easy to get. But they fail to give you all the tools and expertise you need for proper windshield replacement. Why Professional Windshield Repair is Your Best Option Taking your vehicle to a professional auto repair service center insures that your windshield will be repaired or replaced correctly the first time. The materials used will be sure to meet safety standards and to completely seal up all leaks, preventing wind noise. DIY kits and repairs simply can’t guarantee the same standards. Safety should be your biggest priority when it comes to your vehicle. Your windshield gives your vehicle up to 60% of its structural support. Because of this, windshield repair is not something to be taken lightly. It’s not as simple as replacing a headlight. If you try to use a DIY kit and use it improperly, you may very well cause more substantial damage to the windshield. What started as a windshield repair may now call for an entire windshield replacement. To ensure the safety of you and your passengers, the best thing to do for a damaged windshield is to...Windshield Replacement vs. Windshield Repair
Most of us have experienced a cracked windshield. Sometimes it occurs in a small, snowflake like pattern. Other times, it might be a large crack that continues to travel over the width of the windshield as time passes. Either way, having a crack in your windshield is annoying! You may be holding off taking your car into the shop to have the windshield inspected for fear that it needs to be replaced completely. It’s true that in the past, windshield replacement was the remedy for most cracks. But with advances in modern technology, chances are better than ever that you can have your windshield repaired instead of replaced. The decision between windshield repair of replacement is largely based on three things: the severity of the damage, the location of the damage and the size of the damage. Severity of damage. If you have been in a collision, it’s possible that your windshield has sustained enough damage that it needs to be replaced. Less severe damage can likely be repaired. Size of damage. If the size of the damage is less than a quarter (for rock chips) or less than three inches long, chances are the windshield can be repaired instead of replaced. Some windshield repair facilities have the means to repair cracks up to twelve inches long! Location of damage. The closer a crack is to the edge of your windshield, the more damage it may cause and the greater the possibility the entire windshield may need to be replaced. Also, if the damage is in your field of vision as a driver, it may be more challenging to...Bed Liners for Pickup Trucks
Why Do I Need a Bed Liner? When you own a pickup truck, you want to protect that investment as much as possible while still having the freedom to haul all kinds of things in the bed of your truck. In order to keep your vehicle safe from harm while using the bed of the truck to its full potential, it may be time to think about installing a bed liner. Think of all the things you haul in your pickup each day- cords of firewood, tool kits, furniture, rocks for the yard- the list goes on and on. Over time, everything you put into the bed of your pickup will take its toll on the paint inside your truck bed, causing scratches and dents. By purchasing a bed liner for your truck, you can protect the body of your truck and keep it looking new for many years down the road. What Kinds of Bed Liners Are There? Not all bed liners are created equal. Some bed liners are plastic drop-ins, which, as its name implies, are dropped into your truck bed. Drop-in bed liners cushion your load, which is handy if you are hauling any breakables or other items of value, as well as promote water drainage. Other bed liners can just be sprayed right into your truck bed to coat the bed itself and protect the body of the truck from damage. Spray-in liners are permanent and easy to clean. Other types of bed liners include BedRugs, which are cushioned roll-on foam bed liners which absorb impact, protect your truck bed from dents and dings, and...Hail Damage Repair Kits- Why DIY Isn’t Always the Best Option
Hail Damage Repair Kits If your vehicle has recently suffered hail damage, you may be tempted to try out one of the new do-it-yourself hail damage repair kits in order to save money on repairs. Several home dent repair kits are currently available on the market, and if you believe the product advertising, the manufacturers promise results on par with what you would get from a professional paintless dent repair job at a body shop. It can certainly be enticing for busy people with no free time for body shop appointments to pick up one of these kits and handle their hail damage repair themselves, but before you go the DIY route, you may want to think twice and reconsider, since it would seem that the home dent repair kits do not always work as well as promised. While home dent repair kits may work well on certain types of dents in specific locations of a vehicle, they don’t appear to be very effective on all dents you may wish to remove from your car. This news report from Oklahoma City tests the effectiveness of one such DIY kit, “Pops-a-dent,” only to not have it work at all on the dent they were trying to remove. Though positive reviews and client testimonials exist on Facebook and other media sources that assert the validity of this product and other similar dent repair kits, it would seem that with a DIY dent repair kit you will not be receiving the same kind of guarantee that you will get from a professional auto body shop. Additionally, unless you happen to be a...Don’t Let Summer Damage Your Car’s Paint
Summertime is here again, and with it comes the high temperatures that make pool parties, outings to the water park and outdoor cookouts so much fun. But there’s a downside to the heat of summer when it comes to the toll it can take on your car’s paint. Here are some of the worst effects high heat has on your vehicle’s paint job and what you can do to prevent body paint damage while still having fun in the sun. Keep it Clean– The grime from pollution and road dirt that can build up on your car’s exterior is extremely damaging to your paint job. This is especially true during the hot summer months, when grease and grime from the road can bake onto the paint. Prevent paint damage by regularly washing your car in a shady spot and drying thoroughly with a soft cloth to prevent water spots and remove mineral buildup. Wax On, Wax Off– The harsh rays of the sun can do a number on your car’s paint, causing it to lose its luster and fade over time. A nice coat of wax provides a nice barrier between your paint job and the elements and protects your car from damaging sun rays and high heat. Not only that, but a well-waxed car prevents grease and tar from clinging to your car’s body, making it easier to wash. Something Shady– Whenever possible, park your vehicle in a shady spot or covered parking area during the summer months. This will keep it away from the damaging UV rays that can cause paint to fade, as well as the...Driving Tips to Help Protect Your Windshield
Driving Tips to Prevent Cracked Windshields We know what you are thinking – how could there possibly be tips that avoid damage to your windshield? As a windshield repair shop in Paris, TX Scott’s Collision Repair is well aware of the fact that windshield damage can sometimes be out of your control. However, there are also times where windshield damage could have been avoided if you would have just done things a little differently. Example One: You Drove Behind a Hauling Truck You were driving behind a dump truck hauling a load of gravel to a worksite. While driving behind the truck, some of the gravel fell off the truck and smashed your windshield. This is unfortunate. Assuming you can get the truck driver (or the company the driver works for) to accept that it was there fault – you may be able to get it covered through their insurance. Otherwise, you are going to have to use your insurance to pay the bill. Instead of dealing with the struggles of who is paying for it and where are you getting it fixed, you could have just not driven behind the hauling truck. At the very least, you put several car links of space between you and the truck. Any time a vehicle is hauling something there is a risk it could fall off and go right through your windshield. Example Two: You Were Driving on Gravel Roads Now, picture yourself driving down a gravel road when suddenly a rock flies up into your windshield and cracks it. Unfortunately, this happens when you drive on gravel roads from time...Protect Your Vehicle From Hail Damage
Spring is here, and with it comes the threat of hail damage. When a hailstorm rolls through town, it can cause hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of damage in mere minutes. But what can you do to protect your vehicle from becoming a hail damage casualty if you don’t have access to covered parking? Here are some tips to help you stand up to Mother Nature and ensure that your car comes out unscathed on the other side of the storm. Keep blankets handy. Covering your vehicle with quilts or thick blankets can add cushioning layers to absorb the blow of the hailstones, which can help protect the car’s exterior. Floor mats can work in a pinch. If you’re on the road and fresh out of blankets in your trunk, floor mats are a good alternative to help protect the roof and hood of your car. Of course, the floor mats are not going to cover the entire vehicle, but they can at least spare you damage to the parts of your car most likely to be hit hard. Invest in a high-tech car cover. The latest in anti-hail technology, some of the innovative new car covers on the market include a double-plated aluminum mesh umbrella that can be set up in 52 seconds, and an inflatable, folding car cover that acts as an airbag for your entire car. Use technology to find covered parking. The advent of the smartphone has put GPS and search engines right at our fingertips; why not use it in a hailstorm? When you get the severe hailstorm warning alert on your weather...New Driver Safety Tips!
Look at you! You just took your driver’s exam, passed, and are now given the key to American freedom! Maybe you’re sixteen, smack dab in the middle of high school and excited about wanting more freedom. Or maybe you are an adult taking your drivers’ test for the first time. Either way, you go! But whoa! Slow down there Jethro! There are a lot of things you need to take into consideration that can keep you safe behind the wheel, something that needs to be remembered as driving vehicles can quite literally be the most dangerous thing you will ever do. First, let me tell a story. A young lady I once knew was learning to drive and was intent on making sure her hands were at 10 and 2. Then she came to an intersection at which she had to take a right. She kept her hands at 10 and 2 and…never moved them from that position. Now, maybe you have multiple, freak-joints in your shoulder and can pull this off. If that’s the case, join cirque du soleil, because people NEED to see that. If you’re like the rest of us, take one hand off the wheel and place it beneath the other to turn safely. You’ll do just fine. Now, onto braking. When you’re driving instructors (whether it was in an actual class or spoken by your family) talked about slowing down with enough space between you and the vehicle in front of you, they weren’t kidding. Keep that space! While many people don’t do this, keeping enough space between you and the person in front...
Scott’s Collision Repair is family owned and operated and is Paris, TX’s leader in collision repair with nearly 20 years experience in the auto industry! Read More