Certified Collision Center

Collision repair is shrouded in mystery, half-truths and even bald-faced lies.  If you are uncertain what to believe about autobody repair, don’t feel bad.  Our team is here to separate fact from fiction on your behalf.  Without further adieu, let’s take a look at the top collision repair myths.

Myth #1: It is Best to Take the Vehicle to the Dealership for Repairs

Though the dealership might have the personnel and tools necessary to perform some autobody repairs, it is better to lean on a proven autobody repair shop to get the job done right on the first try.  The bottom line is car dealerships do not specialize in autobody repair.  Furthermore, repairs performed at dealerships tend to cost an egregious sum of money.  Instead of going to the dealership for repairs, let our team work on your vehicle and you will rest easy knowing the job is done right at an affordable rate.

Myth #2: Numerous Estimates are Necessary Before the Insurance Company Will Pay

A single estimate is almost always enough.  Though obtaining several estimates has the potential to save you some money, your insurance provider probably won’t require more than one in order to provide compensation.  In fact, the insurer will conduct its own estimate after you select the autobody repair shop.

Myth #3: You can Only use an Autobody Repair Shop Recommended by the Insurance Company

Though the insurance provider might suggest one or several autobody repair shops, they cannot legally mandate that you use a certain repair shop.  You have the legal right to select the autobody repair shop for the repair.

Myth #4: The Insurance Company Will Recover the Entirety of the Cost to Repair Your Vehicle

The insurance company might not cover the full cost of the repair.  There is a good chance the insurer will cover a portion of the repair.  The specific level of reimbursement is determined by your unique auto insurance policy.  If your auto insurance policy has collision coverage, take a close look at it to determine the nuances of your particular policy’s coverage.

Myth #5: The Insurance Provider’s Estimate is Guaranteed to be 100% Accurate

There is no guarantee the insurance company’s estimate is completely correct.  Furthermore, there is also a chance the insurer will provide more money than indicated in the initial estimate.  It is quite possible the insurer will end up negotiating the price of the repair with the autobody repair shop.  The overarching aim is an affordable and effective repair that proves safe.  The bottom line is the insurance company will have to pay in accordance with the language of your unique auto insurance policy.

Certified Collision Center is Here to Help

If you need autobody repair of any type, let us do the work for you.  Our autobody repair shop will address the damage and get your car back to normal in surprisingly little time.  You can contact our autobody repair specialists by dialing (209) 836-4893.  If you would like to contact us online, fill out our online contact form and we will be in touch.

The last thing you want is for your brand new car to end up with a ding.  However, there is a chance exactly that will occur the moment you drive the vehicle off the lot.  From hail to wayward shopping carts, auto collisions and beyond, there are countless causes of dings.  Even the most careful of drivers has the potential to end up with a nasty ding that looks terrible and immediately reduces the vehicle’s value.  However, our autobody repair specialists are here to help.  Here’s a quick look at what you can do to prevent those pesky dings on your new car.

Open Your Door Slowly

Even if you are in a rush, you should be mindful to open your door in a slow and gradual manner.  Remain in full control of your door as you open it and you will be able to quickly pull it back inward should you spot something near your vehicle. 

Between shopping carts, other vehicles, posts, poles, gas pumps and pedestrians, all sorts of things can get in the way of your door as you open it.  Go slowly, be aware of your surroundings and you will have done your part to avoid a completely preventable door ding.

Park far Away From Other Vehicles

Though it is certainly inconvenient to walk several minutes to reach a store’s doors or the entrance of another destination, it is in your interest to do so.  Parking far away from other vehicles greatly reduces the chances of a ding.  Furthermore, most of us can benefit from a lengthy walk as the average lives a sedentary life with excessive sitting in front of computer, TV and gaming screens.

Teach Your Kids to be Careful

You can do everything in your own power to prevent dings and have all of your hard work ruined by your child, tween or teen.  Make it perfectly clear your vehicle is of the utmost importance.  Teach your kids to play far away from your car.  Kids who are aware of the objects in their vicinity will maintain a safe distance from vehicles when playing outside.  Furthermore, kids who understand the importance of protecting automobile doors will exercise caution when opening car doors in parking lots.

Covered Parking

If the weather looks like it is about to turn or if the forecast calls for storms, do not park in an open air setting.  Park in a garage or beneath a roof and your vehicle will be shielded from hail, sleet and other potentially harmful precipitation. 

However, some homes lack garages.  If this is the case at your property, consider adding a high-quality vehicle cover to your automobile.  Some such covers are capable of absorbing the impact of upwards of 10 baseball-sized hail stones.

Certified Collision Center is at Your Service

Our collision specialists are here to help after your vehicle is damaged.  Reach out to our auto body repair shop and we will get your automobile back in tip-top shape without busting your budget.  Give us a call today to learn more about our autobody repair services.  You can reach us by dialing (209) 836-4893.  If you prefer to contact us online, fill out our online contact form and we will be in touch.

If your vehicle is involved in a rear-end collision or even a minor fender bender, you might be tempted to overlook the minimal damage and continue driving.  However, even a seemingly harmless rear-end collision has the potential to cause significant problems down the road.  Let’s take a quick look at the top issues caused by rear-end collisions.

Rear-end Collisions can Compromise the Transmission

The engine transmission absorbs the impact of the collision, putting unnecessary pressure on its internal parts.  Rear-wheel drive automobiles are dependent on the transmission to operate as designed in order to power the vehicle.  If the rear-end collision compromises the transmission, the problem might not be immediately noticeable.  However, the transmission’s internal issues will eventually manifest, necessitating a potentially costly repair.

Alignment Problems

Rear-end collisions have the potential to cause considerable alignment problems.  However, it will be difficult to observe alignment issues with the naked eye.  Rather, you will eventually feel the vehicle veering to the left or the right while driving.  Alignment problems must be addressed in a timely manner to ensure you can steer properly, remain in your lane and guarantee even tire tread wear.

Rear-end Collisions can Negatively Impact the Braking System

A rear-end collision is likely to cause you to slam the brakes in an attempt to slow the vehicle.  This additional pressure to the brakes has the potential to wear down the brake pads, discs and rotors.  Furthermore, slamming the brakes can wear down the tire tread to boot.  It is quite possible a rear-end collision will compromise your tires’ ability to properly grip the road and come to a complete stop in a timely manner.  In fact, there is even the possibility that the vehicle will end up with a brake fluid leak that you might not notice for weeks or even months to come.

Frame and Internal Issues

Though the exterior of the back part of your vehicle might have minimal damage, there is the potential for considerable internal damage stemming from the rear-end collision.  Furthermore, the frame of the vehicle might be compromised.  If the frame is compromised, the rest of the vehicle’s systems might be at risk.  This is precisely why your vehicle should be closely examined at a certified auto body shop after a rear-end collision.

Rear-end Collisions are a Direct Threat to Your Well-being

Rear-end collisions have the potential to cause significant physical injury to you as well as others in your vehicle.  The impact of the collision is likely to thrust you and other vehicle occupants back and forth in quite the violent manner, possibly causing whiplash or another problem.  If you are involved in a rear-end collision, be sure to obtain medical assistance as soon as possible.  Though you can always replace a damaged vehicle, it might not be possible to fully recuperate from a physical injury.  So be sure to reach out to the emergency medical care providers as soon as possible for a health evaluation, medical treatment and a plan of action to help you rebuild your health moving forward.

Certified Collision Center Auto Body is at Your Service

If you are involved in a rear-end collision or any other collision, do not assume your vehicle can be driven without a problem.  It is better to be safe than sorry by nipping potential problems in the bud in the immediate aftermath of the accident.  Our team is here to help.  Reach out to us today at (209) 836-4893 to schedule an appointment at our collision center. You can also reach out to us through our convenient online contact form.

If your vehicle stands the test of time, it will eventually develop at least one rust spot.  In fact, those who neglect their vehicle will find multiple rust spots form much sooner than expected.  It is a mistake to ignore these rust spots, assuming they are harmless.  Rust spots pose a number of serious problems aside from being unsightly.

Rust Reduces Vehicle Resale Value

Rust certainly looks ugly yet it is also problematic in the sense that it reduces vehicle resale value.  After all, you will not own your car, truck or SUV forever.  The day will eventually come when you turn in the vehicle at the end of its lease, sell it for cash or trade it in toward a new vehicle.  You will receive significantly less money if the vehicle has rust.  In fact, rust can reduce the value of the vehicle by several thousand dollars.

Rust Causes Vehicle Corrosion

If you do not address your vehicle’s rust right away, it will begin corroding the body panels as well as the vehicle’s structural components.  This corrosion will eventually compromise the vehicle’s functionality.  Furthermore, corrosion caused by rust will prove quite expensive to repair compared to addressing the rust in a timely manner prior to the point at which it leads to corrosion.

Rust Weakens the Vehicle

Rust occurs when metal is subjected to moisture.  The resulting chemical reaction corrodes metal to the point that it becomes weak.  This means a vehicle weakened by rust will reduce your safety as well as the safety of other vehicle occupants. Rely on our autobody repair shop to address the rust damage as soon as possible and you will rest easy knowing your vehicle is in a condition that keeps you and fellow occupants safe.

Rust Ruins Your Vehicle’s Aesthetic

Most people take pride in the look of their vehicle.  After all, plenty of people will judge you based on your automobile’s aesthetic.  If you are looking to impress a potential flame, make a good impression when meeting someone new or simply look good when driving through town, it is imperative you address your vehicle’s rust right away.  It merely takes a diminutive rust spot or “bubbles” of rust that form in a series along the surface of your vehicle to compromise its aesthetic.  Even if you are not concerned with your vehicle’s exterior aesthetic, auto dealerships, private buyers and others in the market for your vehicle will think twice before floating out an offer if there is rust.  Spend the little bit of money necessary to eliminate rust and you will make the money back and then some when the time comes to sell or trade in your vehicle.

Certified Collision Center is on Your Side

Our autobody repair shop is here to help with those pesky rust spots and other problems.  If your vehicle has been in an accident, has unsightly rust spots or any other problem, reach out to us today.  You can contact our autobody repair shop by dialing (209) 836-4893.  If you prefer to reach us on the web, fill out our online contact form and we will be in touch. 

Many people assume that all dents on cars are repaired in the same manner by an autobody repair shop. However, this is not the case. There are different types of techniques that are used to repair dents. One method involves filling the dents in with a filler or compound, sanding the compound down and then painting the area to match the rest of the car. Another method is called filler-free dent repair, a technique that is also sometimes referred to as dent pulling. Here is more information about this type of dent repair. 

What is Filler-Free Dent Repair?

Filler-free dent repair is a technique where a filler or compound is not used to fill in the dent that is present on the body of your vehicle. Instead, the dent is either pulled or pounded out. Suction is used to pull a dent out, helping to pull the indented metal on the body of your car back out, instead of being inverted. If suction does not work, a technician may be able to use a rubber mallet to pound the dent out from the backside of the metal body part, helping to flatten the dent. 

What Are the Benefits of Filler-Free Dent Repair? 

The number one benefit associated with filler-free dent repair is that the vehicle does not need to be repaired once the dent is pulled or pounded out. This helps to reduce the cost associated with having a dent removed and helps to make the process faster. Pounding or pulling a dent out of  a car also involves fewer steps, which also helps reduce the time the repair takes and helps to keep costs lower. 

How Do You Know If Filler-Free Dent Repair is Right For Your Vehicle? 

Unfortunately, there is no way for you to know if filler-free dent repair is right for your vehicle until you take it to a professional autobody repair shop. A professional can tell you whether filler-free dent repair may be ideal for your vehicle, based on the number of dings or dents present, the type of automobile you have, and the location and size of the dings or dents. It is also important to note that some dings or dents are more stubborn than others, and despite a technician’s best efforts, a ding or dent may not pull or pound out. If this happens, filler or compound will need to be used to repair the dent. 

Does your vehicle have an unsightly ding or dent on it? When you need autobody repair, Certified Collision Center is here to help you. We currently have eight convenient locations throughout Northern California, including Tracy, Manteca, Stockton, Oakdale, Modesto, South Sacramento, Lodi and Galt. Schedule an appointment to have us inspect your vehicle and provide you with an estimate to remove that ding or dent from your car. 

If you notice water is leaking into your convertible when the top is up and there are holes on the top, you know that it is time to replace your convertible top. However, there are a number of other issues that may also be indicative of a worn or aging top that you may be unaware of. Read on to learn about some of the lesser known signs that your convertible top needs to be replaced. 

Your Convertible Top is Sagging or Ill-Fitting

Think about your favorite shirt for a minute. As it is washed, exposed to sunlight and worn, it stretches out and losses its shape. The same can happen with a convertible top. Your top can start to sag or becoming ill-fitting as it is exposed to outdoor elements, including sunlight, extreme temperatures and moisture. If you notice your top is not tight fitting or is starting to sag, it may be time for a replacement. 

Mold or Mildew is Growing on the Top

It is important to routinely check your convertible top for mold or mildew. If you notice a small amount of mold or mildew growing on your convertible top, you need to use a mildew or mold-killing product to clean the growth from your vehicle and prevent it from coming back. However, if you have failed to do this and notice a large amount of mildew or mold, it may be time to replace the top. Large amounts of either mildew or mold can stain the top and weaken the fibers, which can easily lead to a rip or hole in the future. 

The Top is Discolored

Most people want their convertible top to do more than just protect the inside of the car from the elements. They want the top to compliment the rest of the car and add to the overall look of the car. A convertible top can start to fade or become discolored in as little as three to six years, depending on the material it is made from, how it is cared for and the weather elements it is exposed to. If yours has begun to fade, replacing it can provide your car with a much needed face lift. 

There is Excessive Sound or Wind When Driving With the Top Up

The final sign that your convertible top may need to be replaced is hearing excessive sound or wind while you are driving with the top up. Convertibles are not quiet, but you are likely accustomed to what yours sounds like. If it sounds louder than normal, the top may be ill-fitting or the material may be wearing thin due to age. Both are signs that replacement is likely needed. 

If your convertible top is showing any of these signs, you need to bring your convertible to an autobody repair shop to have the top inspected and likely replaced. Here at Certified Collision Center, with locations in Tracy, Manteca, Stockton, Oakdale, Modesto, South Sacramento, Lodi and Galt, California, we handle all of your autobody repair needs and more, including replacing convertible tops. Schedule your appointments with on of our convenient locations today.