Certified Collision Center

The impact caused by an automobile accident can do damage to more than just the frame or body of your automobile. The accident can also cause damage to your windshield. In some cases, the damage is obvious. You may see that the glass has large cracks in it or it may be shattered. In other cases, the damage may not be as obvious. Here are a few of the less obvious signs that your windshield may need to be replaced after you were involved in an automobile accident. 

The Front Airbags Were Deployed

In some vehicles, the pressure that is created when the front airbags deploy in an accident can be enough to weaken or loosen the seal that holds your windshield in place. This tends to more commonly be the case with smaller vehicles, rather than larger vehicles. A great auto body repair shop knows which vehicles need to have their windshields replaced following the air bags being deployed. 

You Hear a Rattling Noise While Driving

Another sign that your windshield may need to be replaced after an auto accident is hearing a rattling sound while you are driving. You are more likely to hear this rattling sound when you are driving on a rough or uneven road, or when you hit things such as potholes. The rattling will be light and will sound like it is coming from the windshield area or front of your vehicle. This can be caused due to the seal surrounding the windshield being broken or because there are cracks or breaks along the edges of the windshield that are not visible. 

You Hear a Whistling Noise While Driving

Another sound you may hear if your windshield needs to be replaced after an auto accident is a whistling noise. Think about the sound you hear when you leave your window cracked and start to drive. If the seal that holds your windshield in place was damaged in the accident, air is entering your vehicle through that seal damage, creating the whistling or whooshing sound you may hear. 

There is a White or Foggy Haze Around the Edges of the Windshield

The last sign that your windshield may need to be replaced after an auto accident is seeing a white or foggy haze around the edges of your windshield. This haze is more common in the mornings or following a rainy evening. This white or foggy haze is created by moisture, which indicates the seal that holds your windshield in place is damage. 

Following an automobile accident, an autobody repair shop can take a look at your entire vehicle, including your windshield, and help you determine if the windshield should be replaced after an accident. You have the right to take your vehicle to any licensed autobody repair center following an accident. At Certified Collision Center, we have eight convenient locations across the Central Valley and Northern California region ready to help you get your car back to its pre-accident state. Call us now to schedule an inspection appointment. 

When most people think of an automobile accident, they envision dents or dings on the body or bumpers of a vehicle. While this is the most common type of damage to emerge from an accident, an accident can cause damage to your vehicle that allows water to seep in when it is raining. When this occurs, you may smell or find mold or mildew growing on the upholstery of your car. In many cases, mold or mildew can be removed and the damage can be repaired. Here are the steps an autobody shop will take to clean and restore your car if mold or mildew is growing in the car. 

Determine Where the Leak or Water Source is Coming From

Prior to removing mold or mildew, an auto body shop will first have to determine where the water is leaking into your car and seal up or repair that spot. In some cases, you may have a cracked or damage window, while in other cases, a leaky seal may be allowing water in. 

Dehumidify the Vehicle

After determining where the water is coming from and repairing that issue, your vehicle will be dehumidified. Large fans or dehumidifiers will be used to essentially dry out the inside of your car. This helps to remove all of the moisture in your car that allows mold and mildew to form and continue to grow. This process is typically completed in a day, but may take longer if there are large amounts of water present in your car or if it is humid where you live. 

Use Cleaners to Kill the Mold and Mildew

Once the vehicle is cleaned, a professional will use commercial products to clean and kill the mold and mildew that is present. The type of products that are used will vary based on the type and color of upholstery you have. Depending on how long the mold or mildew has sat, stain removers may also need to be used to remove any staining or discoloration the mold has left behind. 

Reupholster the Affected Area

In some cases, cleaning alone will not remove the stains or spots left behind by mold or mildew. If a large portion of your upholstery has been affected and the stain or spots cannot be lifted, the seat or floor may need to be reupholstered. 

If you know or suspect that water may be able to leak into your vehicle after an auto accident, it is important to bring your car to an autobody repair shop as soon as possible. While waiting on insurance to inspect your car or give you the go-ahead to repair the vehicle, an auto body shop can seal up your car and protect it from water damage that may occur. If it is too late and you smell or see mold or mildew, an auto body center can properly clean the upholstery, ensuring you and your family remain safe while operating the vehicle. Here at Certified Collision Center, we can help you repair all of the damage that an accident may have done to your vehicle. Book an appointment with us today at one of our convenient locations across the Central Valley and Northern California region. 

If you have been involved in an automobile accident, the first step to getting your car repaired is finding an auto body repair shop. Unfortunately, there are many myths floating around out there about auto body shops and auto body repairs. This may make you have many questions when it comes time to pick a shop. Here are three common myths about auto body repair shops and the truths surrounding these myths. 

The Insurance Company Controls Where You Can Get Auto Body Repairs Made

One of the most common myths out there related to auto body repairs and shops is that the insurance company has full control over where you can get auto body repairs made. This is not true at all. Many insurance companies will recommend auto body repair shops to you, but you do not have to use them. You are allowed to select any licensed company to make the repairs to your vehicle that you want. 

An Insurance Company Will Cover All Damages to Your Vehicle

Another common myth related to auto body repairs is that an insurance company will cover any and all damages to your vehicle. Unfortunately, this is not the case. If you were at-fault for the accident and you only had minimum insurance coverage, your insurance will not cover the repairs. Also, insurance companies will only cover repairs up to Blue Book value of your car. If your car sustained damages in an accident, and these damages exceed the value of your car, your car may be totaled, rather than repaired. Finally, many insurance companies have betterment clauses in their coverage. For example, if a tire was damaged in the accident, the insurance company may be able to use a tire that is about the same age and wear as your current tires are. If you want a new tire, they are bettering your car, and you may have to pay the value differences between the older tire and the newer tire. 

Only a Dealership Can Properly Repair Your Car After an Accident

The finally myth that is commonly repeated is that only a dealership can properly repair your car after an accident. This is not the case at all. Many auto repair shops have the same level of experience as dealerships, and many auto repair shops offer OEM, or factory parts. These are the same parts the dealership uses to repair your vehicle as well. Ask an auto repair shop if they use OEM or aftermarket parts to ensure the work is as good as the dealership would provide. 

When you need auto body repair in the Greater Northern California area or Central Valley area, Certified Collision Center Auto Body is here for you. If you have any questions about the repair process or what makes us a great place to bring your automobile, call us and feel free to ask your questions. We are more than happy to answer the questions you may have and guide you through the process of auto body repairs. 

When you are involved in an automobile accident, most people think that you only sustain damages to the body of your automobile. However, there are parts in your car that can be damaged as well. If someone sideswipes you and hits your around the tire area of your automobile, the tire rod may be bent or broken in the accident. Here are a few of the most common signs that your tire rod was indeed damaged in an automobile accident. 

Your Alignment Is Off

One of the most common signs that your tire rod was damaged in a car accident is having alignment that is off. If you are not sure if your alignment is off, take your hands off the steering wheel while you are driving on a straight path. If the car pulls to the left or right, your alignment is off. Unfortunately, there are a number of reasons why your alignment may be off, so this alone is not a solid indicator of tire rod damage. However, if your alignment is off after an accident, you should have it checked out to find out why, as it may be the tire rod or other part. 

Your Steering Wheel Shakes When You Drive It

Another sign that your tire rod was damaged in a car accident is that your steering wheel shakes, wiggles, or even feels loose when you drive it. These signs are all common with suspension issues and tire rod damage, which may be big problems following a car accident. If you are driving down the road and it feels like your steering wheel is shaking, and the motion only seems to get stronger the fast you drive, you need to have your car inspected for tire rod or other suspension-related issues. 

You Hear Abnormal Sounds

The final sign that may be present if there was tire rod damage is abnormal sounds. If your tire rod was damaged in a car accident, you may hear a number of different sounds, depending on where the damage is and what type of damage was sustained. If your tire rod is cracked or broken, you may hear the sound of metal grinding together as the cracks or break rub against each other. If the tire rod is bent, you may hear squealing or squeaking, especially as you turn your car. Some people may also hear grinding, if the tire rod is pushed to one side and rubbing against something it should not. If you hear any abnormal noises that sound like they are coming from under your car or the wheel well area, you should get your car inspected. 

If you suspect your tire rod was damaged in a car accident, an auto body repair shop can help to fix that damage, as well as any auto body damage that you sustained. When you need auto body repair in the greater Northern California or Central Valley area, call Certified Collision Center Auto Body to get started on your repairs today. 

Did you know rain, snow, hail and even salt from the road can compromise your vehicle’s body including its underbody? There is a common misconception that a collision is the sole cause of such damage. However, the little-known truth is inclement weather has the potential to damage your vehicle’s body in several different ways. Our autobody repair shop is here to repair your vehicle’s body, returning it to its usual form for optimal aesthetic beauty, protection and functionality.

The Problem of Moisture

A little bit of moisture now and then is not a big deal in the context of your automobile’s body. However, if your vehicle is exposed to excessive moisture, it has the potential to prove problematic. An abundance of moisture will eventually compromise your vehicle’s metal. Though few know it, moisture from rain, snow, sleet and hail has the potential to be trapped within the metal of a vehicle, creating rust that gradually eats away at the exterior of the body. The bottom line is rust will gradually form when moisture contacts bare metal. This is precisely why it is prudent to have even subtle paint flaws and scratches tended to by the professionals as soon as they appear. Be proactive with the protection and repair of your vehicle’s body and you will have done your part to prevent the creation of rust. However, if your vehicle is compromised by harsh weather, an accident or anything else, our autobody repair shop is here to repair the damage on your behalf.

Snow That Leads to Road Salt Use is Also a Problem

Drive around northern California, northern Arizona and other areas that receive snow and it is only a matter of time until your vehicle encounters road salt. Though salt is certainly important for boosting on-road traction, it is a threat to the integrity of your vehicle’s body. Salt sticks to the metal components of your vehicle. If salt is allowed to remain in place, it will cause the metal in your vehicle to corrode. In particular, the undercarriage and wheel wells are likely to corrode as a result of contact with road salt.

Beware of Powerful Storms

A violent storm that generates hail is a direct threat to your vehicle. If you are out and about, driving around town amidst a hailstorm as opposed to being nice and cozy at home with your car safely positioned in the garage, your vehicle’s body will be directly in the line of fire. Hail will dent your vehicle’s body, roof, trunk and hood. Our autobody repair shop is here to perform paintless dent removal to rectify the dents resulting from a hailstorm.

Why Rain is Harmful to Your Vehicle’s Body

When rain falls, it collects contaminants and pollutants from the surrounding air. Such rain has been dubbed “acid rain”. Acid rain will seep down into your vehicle’s paint, compromise the aesthetics and possibly even the exterior of your vehicle. The sole means of removing such etching is to buff and polish it with professional buffing pads and a specialized polisher. However, even a brief rainfall has the potential to leave pollutants on your car. Rain will gradually evaporate yet there will still be pollutants on the vehicle that sabotage its finish. The longer such contaminants and pollutants are allowed to remain on your vehicle’s body, the more damage will occur.

Certified Collision Center is at Your Service

If your vehicle has been compromised by the weather or a collision, we are at your service.  Furthermore, if you need glass repair, stereo/alarm installation or any other car-related service, our autobody repair shop is here to help. Reach out to us today to learn more about our collision center and schedule an appointment.

Following a minor fender bender, you may be hesitant to file an insurance claim and have the damage to your vehicle repaired. You may be worried about your insurance rate increasing or you may think that it is not necessary since the damage looks minor. While damage may look minor, it is always recommended that you bring your car to an auto body repair shop, even for minor fender benders. Here are a few of the reasons why. 

Damage Can Be More Extensive Than You Realize

One of the major reasons why you should take your car to an auto body shop following a major fender bender is because damage can be more extensive than your realize. Most vehicles have foam being your fender and your bumper. The foam is designed to take the brunt of the impact from the accident and minimize the impact that people in the car feel. While your car may have minor dings, dents or scratches, the foam behind the bumper or fender can be indented or damaged. If you are ever involved in an accident again and the foam is not replaced, the impact to the people in your car can be more severe without the full amount of foam needed to help soften the blow. 

Minor Damage Can Have Major Repair Costs

Another reason why you should bring your car to an auto body shop for what appears to be minor damage is because minor damage can have major repair costs. Depending on where the damage is, you may need a bumper replaced, as well as panels on either side of the panel. You may also need paint repairs. Small scratches and dings and dents are not always inexpensive to fix. You have insurance for a reason, so while you may be wary about filing a claim, it is better to have it done now than to find out down the road the full cost of having the damage repaired out of your own pocket. 

Minor Dings and Dents Can Affect the Resale Value of Your Automobile

The final reason why you should take your car to an auto body shop after a minor fender bender is because minor benders fenders can impact the resale value of your automobile in a major way. Both dealerships and private parties will pay less for a car with obvious auto body damage. Having the damage repaired helps you to maximize the amount of money you can get for your vehicle.

When you need auto body repair throughout the Central Valley, Certified Collision Center Auto Body is here for you. We will carefully inspect your vehicle following both minor and major collisions, looking for all signs of damage and repairing said damage. This helps to ensure that your vehicle not only looks great and retains its value, but ensures that your vehicle is safe to operate as well. Call us now to book an appointment to bring your vehicle to us.