How to Choose the Right Body Shop
A vehicle is a major investment that needs protecting. Selecting the right auto body shop is every vehicle owner’s responsibility. The quality of service can vary greatly from shop to shop. Choosing the right one can mean the difference between superior work and substandard performance.
Find a Shop Ahead of Time
The best time to choose a body shop is before the need for one arises. The search will be less stressful and probably more successful. When services are actually needed, it will be one less hassle to worry about.
Ask Around
Even with modern technology, word-of-mouth is still one of the best ways to find referrals. Ask family and friends if they would or would not recommend any body shops that they have used. Their testimonials will probably be the most accurate and truthful of any reviews.
Search on the Internet
Gain even more information on possible body shops by conducting an online search. Check out each website to get information such as years in business, specialties and range of services. Look for customer reviews to get a better picture of the quality of their work.
Visit the Shop
Always visit a prospective body shop prior to taking a vehicle there for repairs. Check out the office and work area and look for signs of professionalism. The place should be clean and staff should be friendly and courteous. Look for awards, certifications and Better Business Bureau membership hanging on the walls.
Shop Around
Get estimates from several shops and compare things such as labor charges and repair time. Although there will be some discrepancies, they should be relatively the same across different shops.
Ask Questions
Talk to the manager and the technicians. Ask questions such as the scope of their experience with the vehicle’s make and model. Find out how long the body shop has been in business and ask to see their license. A reputable body shop will have a guarantee on both parts and work. The staff should be willing to let customers review policies and guarantees.
Feel Good and Relax!
Make sure you feel good about your decision. Do they answer the phone? Are the former customers happy? If all the factors feel right, you have probably made a excellent choice in choosing your body shop!
Your car will be in good hands. Let us do our work! 
How Auto Shops Repair Car Dents
The process of repairing indentations in a body panel is more complex than most people think. Performing a proper repair of a damaged body panel occurs in several stages.
Pull the dent
The technician begins the repair by pulling and shaping the sheet metal back as close to its original form as possible. By accessing the rear of the panel, the tech can work the sheet metal out. Another technique used is welding small metal sticks onto the exterior of the panel and using a special tool that grabs the stick. This method allows the technician to pull on the sheet metal as opposed to pushing it. The closer to its original form the technician can work the sheet metal the better.
Strip the paint
The technician will sand away all of the paint from the damaged area. Then the technician will use a straight edge to determine how much body filler is needed to achieve a smooth surface. If the technician is not satisfied with the result, he may work the sheet metal until the he reaches the goal. The technician will repeat the step as many times as needed.
Apply the Body Filler
Once the technician is satisfied with the sheet metal, he or she will begin applying the body filler. It is a good technician’s goal to use as little body filler as possible. The old adage of just fill the dent with body filler does not apply to proper repairs. The sheet metal has been worked back into proper form; the body filler is used only to ensure a smooth surface. This step can also be repeated as required.
Prime the Repair Area
The repaired area is now smooth and flush with the panel. The repair area is sprayed with a primer/sealer to prevent moisture from contaminating the body filler. If the body filler is contaminated, then the raw sheet metal underneath will rust.
Block the Repair Area
The primer must be sanded to a smooth consistent texture. Any imperfections overlooked will appear in the final refinish stage. If that happens, the panel will need to be sanded again and the refinish process will need to be repeated. To prevent this occurrence a technician will wet the repair area to give it a glossy appearance. When wet, the imperfection should be evident, and the technician can take necessary measures to correct the issue before the paint process is performed.
Bumper Stickers May Look Cool But How About The Car’s Resale Value
A car with a bumper sticker is telling millions of people this: Don’t buy me. If the bumper sticker is political, about half the population will be turned off.
For example, a bumper sticker that tells the world “My Kid is on the Dean’s List” probably will pass the okay test. On the other hand, an 85-year-old woman will most likely hate it.
A bumper sticker that begs people “To Save the Dolphins” will likely not be favored by a man who likes a bit of dolphin in his tuna sandwich.
Bumper stickers that announce that the Martians, pod people or zombies are coming will only appeal to science fiction fans.
Likewise, stickers announcing that the driver loves poodles, Labradors or Shi-Tzus will make cat owners sad.
Hating anything will drive most vehicle buyers away. Drivers who hate peas, pork, police or people in general should keep those thoughts off the bumper. Those ideas are best expressed on the living room wall.
The only truly inoffensive bumper sticker is the smiley-face. Nobody hates Mr. Smiley-Face except people who pout. The solution here is not to sell the vehicle in cities filled with pouting people, which would include Lviv, Ukraine and Moose Factory, Ontario, Canada. Otherwise, the smiley-face sticker is one that can remain on the vehicle.
The ubiquitous stick-people populating millions of vehicles are also not particularly offensive unless, of course, the potential buyers hate kids, even those made of sticks. Off with the stick-people’s heads, vehicle sellers. Erase the stick-bodies, too. Don’t forget to obliterate the stick-pets.
A vehicle plastered with bumper stickers supporting a dozen causes is not sellable. It can only be sold to people who think exactly that way. The odds of finding such a person are a million to one.
If vehicle owners with dozens of stickers find buyers who think exactly as they do, they should consider marrying each other for a blissful wedded life free of disagreement or strife. Perhaps bumper stickers can serve a secondary purpose besides telling the world what a driver thinks.
Are Tinted Windows Safe?
Yes, tinted widows are safe to use. Many cars, limousines, and even SUVs have tinted windows. People are able to drive properly with tinted windows and they generally do not pose any imminent danger to the driver or
anyone else on the road for the most part. Most people get tints because they like the way they look or they may want to have another layer of privacy. The reason why some people inquire about the safety of tinted windows is because there are a number of issues surrounding their use.
Safety Concerns
As aforementioned, tinted windows are safe because they do not impair the vision of the driver in any way. There are some safety concerns from members of the law enforcement community because they are not able to see inside of the vehicle and someone could have a weapon concealed behind the tint. Some also say that the tints make it difficult for pedestrians to make eye contact with the driver and ensure that they are seen as they cross the street. Tints can reduce the intensity of the sun’s rays and reduce the heat inside of the vehicle, but they also make everything seem slightly darker than they really are. Health experts recommend that drivers get sunlight during the day because it promotes good mental health and provides vitamin D.
Legality
Tinted windows are legal in most states, but they do come restrictions. Drivers are only able to have a certain percentage of their window tinted and they can only use certain colors as well. The front and back windshields can have the darkest tint, but the side passenger windows must have a lighter shade of tint. All of the rules regarding tints can vary from state to to state, so there is no national standard for tinted windows. Any driver that has tints that are outside of the standards could face jail time or fines depending on the local regulations. It is recommended that drivers check local regulations before they purchase tinted windows to make sure that they are legal.
In short, tinted windows are safe to use as they are present in many vehicles found on the road every day. They do not impair the vision of the driver in any way. Some drivers opt to use them to have more privacy or to improve the appearance of their vehicle. The only problem is that they make it difficult for law enforcement and pedestrians to see the driver.
Why Would You Want Xenon Lights on Your Car?
Headlights aren’t always appreciated as components on cars, though they are one of the most important safety systems that a car has. After all, if no one can see the car coming, how can they avoid it? In recent years, a number of different types of headlights have come to the public’s attention. These include Xenon and halogen headlights, and the press given to them isn’t always very friendly. Detractors say that both these forms of light are actually dangerous because they can blind oncoming cars, even though the driver with the specialized headlights can see yards further.
Xenon headlights operate by creating an electric arc in a glass chamber filled with xenon gas. They not only produce a much brighter, clearer light than standard head lamps, but they have a tendency to produce a blue-tinted light. The 1991 BMW 7-series was the first in Europe to use HID lighting, and the technology made it to American shores by the 1993 model year. Afterward, it was just a matter of a few years before most luxury cars were fitted with xenon headlights.The prevalence of auto customization eventually led to more and more vehicles that were not originally equipped with high intensity discharge lighting being adapted to use xenon lights. This adaptation by the aftermarket was one of the things that led to the very vocal backlash against HID lighting, that it was “too bright” even when low beams were used, and high beams produced so much glare that oncoming drivers were essentially blinded.
Careful consideration should be taken when determining whether to install aftermarket xenon headlights in a car. The expense of the modification is one reason, but it’s also important to consider how often they’ll actually be used. For driving at night, along long, quiet roadways with plenty of wildlife to run into the road, then xenon headlights would be a significant safety system to add to a vehicle that provide brighter light, more definition of the objects that are in the road ahead. They also are used as daytime running lights, and as such are much more noticeable during the day, as well. On custom cars, high intensity Xenon head lights have an attractive blue tint to them.
Most drivers won’t have to have HID lighting on their cars to make them drivable at night, but they do provide the additional safety of being able to see further ahead than with typical lighting systems. This in itself is the single greatest reason to use xenon headlights.
How to Spot a Lemon With Used Cars
Purchasing a reliable used car takes effort. Potential used car owners will need to make sure to check a few key items in order to ensure that they are not purchasing a lemon for a car.
Checking the exterior of a car closely will tell a person many things about the car and its history. Cars with chips or dents may not have been properly cared for. Take a magnet and slide it along different areas of the car. If the magnet does not stick to all parts of the car that could indicate body work was not done correctly.Check The Interior Of The Car:
The interior of the car is able to pinpoint many problems. An airbag light that does not go off indicates that the airbag was deployed at some point. Excessive wear to pedals or seats will verify that the car may have a much higher mileage reading than the odometer states. Missing buttons or knobs will showcase that the vehicle was not properly maintained. A car that smells wet or of mildew may mean that it has suffered from water damage.
Check The History:
Obtain the vehicle identification number of the vehicle and check the history of the used car. A history report will show any repair work done and any accidents that the vehicle has been involved in. This report will provide a very detailed history of the vehicle and reveal if the vehicle has a salvage title. A salvage title means that the car has been considered a total loss by an insurance company.
Check The Engine Compartment:
Open the hood of the car and look for signs of leakage. There should be no excess oil or leaking fluids. Look to see if all the hoses are in good repair. Hoses that look worn or melted tend to indicate that the car has not been maintained properly or that the engine overheats.
Check With A Mechanic:
Any used car should be thoroughly checked by an independent mechanic. A mechanic will be able to inform the potential buyer of any issues within the vehicle. Have the mechanic check under the car for damage or leaks. A reputable seller will gladly allow the buyer to have a professional inspection performed.
Taking these steps when purchasing a used car will help prevent a buyer from purchasing a lemon. Any seller that balks at the potential buyer performing these steps is trying to hide something and the used car buyer should look elsewhere for a vehicle.
Materials in Automotive Bumpers
Modern automobiles use many safety standards designed to reduce the chances of serious injury or death. One such element is the bumper. Vehicle bumpers are located on both the front and rear ends and are designed
to absorb shock in low speed collisions. This is intended to minimize damage to other important components of the vehicle. Bumpers are also being designed to reduce injury in pedestrian accidents.
When considering the design of a bumper, one of the most critical factors to consider is the material that it is made from. There are many aspects that come into play when automotive manufacturers determine what material or combination of materials to use. Cost is generally one of the largest concerns associated with the design, as are aesthetics, weight, and government safety standards. The higher the safety rating of a bumper is, the higher the cost of the bumper will be. The manufacturer will pass this cost on to the consumer. One way to keep the cost down is to use cheaper materials. Bumpers on cars made decades ago were almost exclusively made from steel, as this was the one material most readily available. It proved to be the strongest choice and was the easiest material to work with and form into a bumper. Modern advances in materials, along with the new government guidelines introduced in the late 1970s, paved a road for automotive manufacturers to make safer and lighter weight bumpers.
In modern vehicles, manufacturers use a wide array of materials. Many combinations of materials are used, such as steel, aluminum, plastics and fiberglass composites. The steel and aluminum is generally used for the bumper supports, or the framework that attaches the bumper to the frame of the vehicle. Plastics can be used as a cover for the bumper as modern injection molding processes allow for quick and easy manufacturing while assuring the desired aesthetics are met. These materials can also be used inside of the bumper as an energy absorbing device and is usually created from polypropylene or a plastic honeycomb. Fiberglass, while generally more expensive than plastics, can also be utilized as a material choice for bumper covers. Fiberglass is easier to customize and is lightweight.
There is no doubt that automotive bumpers have evolved through the years. Their safety has increased as modern advances in materials have changed, allowing for easier production, higher safety ratings, and more affordable pricing.
Are Red Cars Pulled Over More By The Police?
When shopping for cars, people like to think about a large number of different factors. Among those factors is how likely a car is to draw the attention of the police. No one wants to get pulled over, as this can lead to big fines and higher insurance rates. With that in mind, there is some thought that certain types of cars and certain colors get pulled over more often than others. On a percentage basis, this is probably true. One must look past the statistics, though, and understand exactly what they are saying. This is important for anyone trying to purchase a car.
What the Statistics Say
When it comes to looking at which colors get pulled over most often, one will see red at the top of the list. Red cars are among the most pulled over in almost every part of the country. This has been true for many years and it figures to stay true for the coming years. That information in and of itself does not provide any meaningful information, though. One must look past the statistics if they want to draw any sort of logical conclusion from this information.
Looking Past the Statistics
Some might believe that red cars get pulled over more often because police are more likely to notice a speeding red car. Though there might be some merit to this, chances are that there are some other, more plausible explanations. The fact of the matter is that red is a bold color. People who choose to drive red cars often have bold personalities. These people are more likely to speed and break the law than other people. Someone driving a conservative white mini-van, for instance, would be less likely to speed on average. A person driving a red sports car is more likely to speed and this is the likely explanation for the higher rates. A red car owner who drives within the law will likely find himself safe.
Ultimately it makes sense to consider this factor. It also is important to know that red cars do get pulled over more often. This might not be an indication of any sort of trend among police officers, though. When one looks a little bit harder and peers through the statistics, there is something else lurking. This means that it is probably alright to purchase a red car without too much fear if that is something you are thinking about doing.
Refurbish Your Vintage Car
Restoring vintage cars is one of the most popular hobbies in the world today. Unfortunately, it’s also a prohibitively expensive hobby to get into if not done properly. This is a detail that many would-be car restorers fail to consider when they make their first classic car purchase and try to do their own refurbishing. The following are the steps taken to restore your vintage car:
Engine
The first thing that has to be done, before anything else, is to get the engine running. For beginners who’ve never restored a vintage car before, it’s actually best to start off with a car that runs and drives, but perhaps could use a little polishing. Engines that are seized up typically require extensive internal work to get them running again, and in fact may be little more than what in the restoration industry is euphemistically called a “boat anchor.” Some restorers may skip the engine entirely, though, opting instead to install a crate motor into their vehicle.
Body
After determining the extent of the damage to the vehicle that has to be repaired, the next step is to get the car’s body back into shape. The difference between the engine of a vintage car and its body is the difference between math and art. While the engine is predominantly a matter of engineering, the body requires finesse to work out the dents and rust, leaving behind a clean, smooth finish. On classic cars, you’ll typically use replacement body panels. Popular cars may have some aftermarket panels available, but less popular vehicles will require fabrication of the parts or scrounging vintage junk yards for parts.
Straightening the body is typically done with body hammers, but may involve body filler if the damage cannot be worked out with hammers. In high-value classic cars, this is not desirable, but it is an inexpensive alternative to replacing the body panels of the vehicle.
Interior
Many enthusiasts choose to have the interior of their vintage car redone by a professional upholsterer. However, only the seats usually need upholstered. After gutting the interior, replacing the dashboard and carpet with reproduction carpet is an easy task. For budget-minded restorers, it’s possible and acceptable to use an inexpensive seat cover.
Restoring a vintage car takes time and patience. A lack thereof will certainly result in unsatisfactory results in the finished product. If you’re detail oriented and ready for a challenge, though, a vintage car could be well within your grasp.
Do you have a vintage car you want to be restored? Fill out a free estimate form here!
Beyond MPG – Keeping Your Automotive Life Green
Keeping your automotive life green doesn’t mean trimming your car with Bermuda grass or just slapping a few green leaf stickers on the back. In fact, staying green is much more than just keeping an eye on your MPGs. It’s about maintaining and caring for your car in the most environmentally friendly manner possible while minimizing your environmental footprint. The following information can help lessen your environmental impact, no matter what you drive.
For starters, you might not want to wash the car yourself. As it turns out, washing your own car with a hose, bucket and rag wastes large amounts of water. The water runoff from your driveway can carry oil, salt and grease directly into local streams and lakes. Commercial car washes not only use less water, they also feature treatment systems that filter and reuse runoff water. If you still insist on washing the car yourself, park it on the lawn. The soil acts as a filter for runoff water before it reaches downstream water sources. Plants will also benefit from the phosphates in certain car wash detergents.
Keeping your car tuned up is another way you can keep it green. A properly tuned vehicle puts out fewer exhaust emissions than one allowed to fall out of tune. Most tune-ups involve the replacement of spark plugs, oxygen sensors, air filters and other basic performance and emissions related equipment. Not only will a tune-up keep exhaust emissions low, but it will also improve your car’s fuel economy by as much as 40 percent, according to the EPA. Regular tune-ups will also help your car maintain its original performance.
While you’re at it, have those fluids changed. Sooner or later, you’ll have to have your engine oil, engine coolant and other fluids changed, as these can wear out and compromise the performance of your car. An experienced auto mechanic at an automotive repair shop can easily change these fluids for you at a reasonable price, but if you plan to change the fluids yourself, make sure to do it in an environmentally friendly manner. Never pour your car’s fluids down storm drains or directly onto the ground, as these fluids can seep into and pollute groundwater. Engine coolant is especially dangerous, since it has a sweet taste that attracts animals and small children. Keep used fluids covered up in a sealable container and transport them to your nearest automotive parts outlet for proper disposal.
