Certified Collision Center

Your car may receive a new layer of paint after an automotive repair or just because your old paint was faded, chipped, cracked or otherwise damaged. After you receive a new paint job on your vehicle, it is important to understand that it can take 30 to 90 days for the paint to fully harden and cure. An autobody repair shop should give you specific instructions on how to care for your new paint job, but here are a few of the most common things you want to avoid. 

Avoid Using a Commercial Car Wash for 30 to 60 Days

One of the best ways to care for new automotive paint is to avoid using a commercial car wash for 30 to 60 days. You should also avoid using anything dry to wipe down your car. If you must wash your car during the first month or two, it is advised that you wash it at home. Use warm water with a mild car washing soap and a non-scratch sponge. Then, use that same sponge to gently wipe away soap residue and water. Do not use anything abrasive, as the paint can scratch when it has not hardened. 

Try to Avoid Extreme Weather

Another tip to help care for your new automotive paint is to avoid extreme weather. If you can, park in a garage when the temperatures are extremely hot or extremely cold. Extreme temperatures can have a negative effect on your new paint and can cause it to bubble, crack, fade or prevent it from fully curing. 

Stay Away From Trees

After you have had a car painted, you will want to avoid parking under or near trees as much as possible. Trees may not seem like a big deal, but they can negatively harm your car’s new paint. Bird droppings are acidic and can eat through soft paint. Tree limbs swaying in the breeze can scratch or damage paint on your car, especially if the paint is not yet fully hardened. Also, leaves can fall from the tree and create an imprint in paint that is wet.

Stay Away From Wax or Polish

The last tip to help you care for your new automotive paint after a paint job or repair is to stay away from wax or polish. You should not use any products on the exterior of your car until the paint is fully cured. Unless the automotive repair shop tells you otherwise, you should assume that that will take at least 90 days. 

Whether you have a scratch that you are unable to buff out, or you have large dents in your car that need to be filled in and repainted, Certified Collision Center Auto Body is here to assist you. Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment or to obtain an estimate to have autobody repair or paintwork completed on your car. 

Autobody repair companies are offering to come to your home or place of work and repair your car in your garage, driveway, or parking lot. While some reputable companies do offer this service for minor repairs, most people who offer this service are known as parking lot sharks. They typically are not properly licensed or certified, nor are the repairs up to snuff with the work that can be done at a professional autobody repair shop. While their prices may be cheap, and it seems convenient to have the repair work done at work or home, there are some downsides to going this route. Read on to learn more about these downsides.  

Dent Removal Equipment is Large And Cannot Be Hauled to a Specific Location

One of the downsides to having your car repaired at your home or work parking lot is that dent removal equipment can be quite large. While there are smaller suction tools that can be used to remove small dings and dents, larger dings and dents may need different equipment. This type of equipment cannot easily be hauled to a location. Parking lot sharks often use filler to fill in large dents since they do not have the tools to pull those dints and dents out. Filler should be used as a last resort, as it can affect the structural integrity of the affected car part.

Paint Corrections Should Always Be Done in a Sterile Location

Another downside to getting your car repaired at your home or place of business is that this is not the ideal place to make paint corrections. Paint corrections should always be done in a sterile environment. Dirt, dust, and other elements that float around outdoors can land on the paint. This can affect the smoothness and finish of the paintwork. The temperature outside can also fluctuate, which can affect drying times, whereas auto body repair shops spray paint in a temperature-controlled environment to ensure the paint dries at the ideal temperature. 

It Can Be Hard to Locate Traveling Repair Companies After the Work Is Done

The final downside that you need to consider if you are thinking about getting your auto body damage repaired at home or in a parking lot is that many parking lot sharks can be hard or impossible to locate after you pay them for work. If the paint on your car starts to flake or you notice the repair was not made correctly, you may be out of luck. When you need auto body repairs, bringing your car to a shop and ensuring they warranty their work helps to prevent this scenario from happening to you. 

If you are in need of autobody repair, bringing your car into a licensed, certified and insured autobody repair shop is one of the smartest decisions you can make. At Certified Collision Center, we can repair everything from minor paint damage to dings and dents from hail to major collision repairs. Schedule an estimate or repair appointment with us to get your car back to its pre-accident state. 

Most drivers are tempted to continue driving after a minor accident or mechanical issue simply because professional repair takes time and money.  Though no one wants to pay for auto repair, doing so is in your interest both in terms of personal safety and personal finance.  Here’s a quick look at why professional auto repair is worth the money.

Professional Repair Saves You Money in the Years to Come

Auto repair bills have the potential to amount to several hundred dollars or more.  However, if you were to delay the repair, the problem would worsen to the point that it might result in repairs that cost several thousands of dollars worth in the months and years that follow.  Resist the temptation to continue driving.  Do not rely on an untrained mechanic to perform the repair.  Opt for professional autobody repair done right on the first attempt and you will pay a one-time fee for invaluable peace of mind.

The Tools and Knowledge Necessary to get the Job Done Right

Specialized tools and knowledge are required to perform effective auto repair that stands the test of time.  Instead of fretting about the cost of autobody repair, view this work in a different light.  Take a moment to consider what life will be like when you are behind the wheel of a vehicle that functions without flaw.  You will drive with complete confidence knowing your vehicle functions exactly as expected after your professional repair.  Choose an experienced auto mechanic with the knowledge and tools necessary for a repair that holds strong in the years ahead and you’ll ultimately save that much more money by avoiding subsequent repairs and damage.

Professional Auto Repair Saves You Time

Auto repair performed by an experienced professional conserves your most valuable asset in your time.  The industry’s best mechanics pinpoint the underlying cause of the problem in as little time as possible then perform prompt repair, addressing the true cause of the issue without delay.  Add in the fact that opting for timely repair prevents additional related repair projects from arising and there is even more reason to have your vehicle addressed by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.

Dedicated Support and Service

The best mechanics are true to their customers, meaning they will address issues related to the repair, perform follow-up repairs as necessary and ultimately deliver high-quality service without exception.  Specific quality guidelines and a code of ethics are essential to autobody repair that stands the test of time.  Choose our reputable autobody repair shop for your vehicle’s repair and you’ll receive service from truly dedicated professionals who stand by the quality of their work.

Certified Collision Center is on Your Side

If your vehicle needs even the slightest auto repair, don’t go one more day without taking action.  Do the smart thing by letting our autobody repair shop get your car back into tip-top shape as quickly as possible.  We work fast yet we don’t overlook the details of repair projects.  You can contact us to schedule autobody repair by dialing (209) 836-4893.  If you prefer to reach us on the web, complete our contact form and we will be in touch at our earliest convenience.

If you are involved in an auto accident, don’t fall into the trap of attempting a do-it-yourself (DIY) repair.  Even if you are good with your hands and know a lot about cars, your attempt at a DIY auto repair is likely to compound the problem and lead to more frustration.  Furthermore, it is also a mistake to entrust a supposed auto guru in your neighborhood or in your social circle to attempt the repair.  Instead, lean on our experienced auto repair experts.  Our autobody repair shop will get the repair done right on the initial attempt, setting the stage for you to return to the roads without a single worry.

DIY Auto Repair Attempts Waste Your Time and Energy

Take a moment to consider the amount of time, effort, thought and money you would have to invest in a DIY auto repair attempt.  Though self-reliance is a virtue, it is a mistake in the context of auto repairs.  A slight mistake in a DIY auto repair will lead to additional problems that chew up your time and effort, ultimately frustrating you and possibly costing significantly more than a repair performed at our autobody repair shop.  You’ll save time, money, effort, and frustration by leaning on our proven auto repair specialists to get the job done right on the first try.

DIY Auto Repair Attempts Might Void the Warranty

An attempt to perform your own auto repair has the potential to void the manufacturer’s warranty.  Even if you have an extended warranty, a DIY repair attempt might void it.  There is no sense paying for coverage through a warranty if you are going to void it by performing your own vehicle repair attempt rather than entrusting the experts to do the work on your behalf.  You might even be able to get a no-cost repair through your warranty.

DIY Auto Repairs are Dangerous

Working on your vehicle’s components poses a threat to your health. Even a slight slip of the hand can lead to a severed finger. There are even true stories of vehicles crushing owners attempting DIY repairs.  Add in the fact that something might go wrong when you are behind the wheel after the DIY repair attempt and there is even more reason to let the experts do the work on your behalf.

The Repair Attempt Might End up Costing Significantly More

There is a common misconception that professional auto repairs are egregiously expensive.  In reality, it is DIY auto repair attempts that end up costing more than those of the professional variety.  Even if you have all the tools and parts necessary for the repair, doing the work will chew up your valuable time.  If you are retired or simply do not place a high value on your time, consider the prospect for mistakes to lead to additional problems including related repair projects.  Opt for professional auto repair after a collision and you might end up saving hundreds or thousands of dollars in the long run.

Certified Collision Center is at Your Service

If you are involved in any type of collision, reach out to our autobody repair shop right away.  We perform prompt and lasting autobody repair that gives you the confidence you need to take the road without worry.  Reach out to us today at (209) 836-4893 to schedule your auto repair.  You can also reach us on the web through our contact form.

A major collision has the potential to cause significant damage to your vehicle and upend your life.  Our autobody repair shop is here to help during this difficult chapter of your life.  Here’s a quick at what to do in the aftermath of a major collision.

Reach out for Medical Assistance

The most important thing you can do after a car collision is obtain medical assistance.  Contact emergency medical personnel by dialing 911.  Once you receive medical attention, you’ll be able to shift your focus to filing an insurance claim, getting your car repaired and potentially pursuing legal action against the negligent driver.

Get a Police Report

Reach out to the police after the accident and they will write up a formal report.  This report details the accident in its entirety including the vehicles involved, the intersection, the damage caused, and potential legal liability as determined by negligent acts.  Negligence is a legal term that means the failure of one driver or other party to provide due care for others in his or her vicinity.

Take Down Information From Witnesses

If anyone witnessed the accident, flag them down and write down their names and contact information.  These individuals might be willing to provide eyewitness testimony in a court of law in the event that you file a personal injury lawsuit. 

Document the Accident

If you have your smartphone or digital camera on you, use it to take pictures of the accident scene.  Take pictures of your damaged vehicle, other damaged vehicles, the intersection where the accident occurred, and any other contributing factors such as concealed street signs or faulty street lights.

Interact With the Other Parties

It is in your interest to write down the names, license plate numbers, and auto insurance information of other parties involved in the accident.  However, you should not state you are sorry for the accident or admit fault in any other way.  If you were to apologize, your words could be used be against you in a court of law or by the auto insurance company.

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney

If you were not at fault for the accident or if you were only partially at fault, it is in your interest to retain a personal injury attorney.  Your attorney will review the facts of your case and determine if there is solid legal footing for a personal injury lawsuit.  Your attorney will also handle interactions with the insurance company including reviewing settlement offers.

Get Your Vehicle Repaired Right Away

Though you’ll undoubtedly be traumatized by the accident, it is in your interest to get back on the road as quickly as possible.  Lean on our autobody repair team to repair your damaged vehicle and you’ll return to the road that much faster.  We perform both cosmetic and structural repairs for all types of vehicles involved in accidents.

Schedule an Appointment at Certified Collision Center Auto Body

If you are involved in a major collision or a fender-bender, lean on our autobody repair specialists for assistance.  Our autobody repair shop will help you get your car back to normal and expedite your return to the road.  Contact us today at (209) 836-4893 to schedule an appointment.

There is a common misconception that auto repairs strictly pertain to structural issues that determine whether the vehicle can move forward, backward and side-to-side.  Collisions and other accidents also necessitate cosmetic repairs.  Our autobody repair shop is here to bring out the best in your vehicle after an accident both in terms of aesthetics and functionality. 

Scratches and Dents

Nearly every auto accident results in scratches, dents, and other visual blemishes.  Thankfully, repairing these superficial issues is typically more affordable and faster than remedying structural issues.  Though there is the potential for the repair of a luxury vehicle’s exterior to be somewhat costly, most superficial dents and scratches can be repaired for as little as $100 and as much as $1,000 or more.  The nuances of the damage to your unique vehicle including the depth of the scratches and chips shape the cost of knocking out the dents, eliminating scratches, and repainting the exterior.

Some dings and dents on automobile doors can be repaired with our paintless repair process.  The depth of the damage in question ultimately determines if our paintless repair will prove effective.  If the paint is not cracked or missing and the back section of the panel is accessible, such a repair will prove quite fast and affordable. 

Bumpers

If you are involved in a fender-bender, your bumper will require repair or replacement.  The majority of automobile manufacturers have shifted away from bumpers made of exposed metal to those of the plastic variety.  The use of plastic bumpers enhances the vehicle’s aerodynamics, improves fuel economy, and decreases vehicle weight. 

Unfortunately, plastic covers dent surprisingly easily, meaning even a minor collision has the potential to cause considerable damage.  There are also some automobiles with built-in elements within the front grille, sensors, safety equipment, and/or headlight washers, meaning they will prove that much more costly to replace.  However, if you only have minor damage to your bumper, it will likely cost a couple of hundred dollars to repair.

Tire Damage

Damage to an automobile’s tires after striking a pothole, riding over nails, or hitting other sharp objects necessitates timely repair.  Even if there is only a slow leak as a result of a collision or contact with an impediment in the road, it should be patched as quickly as possible.  Our autobody repair shop is here to perform that patching or install a completely new tire.

A Broken Windshield

If your windshield is cracked or has significant damage, it will require replacement.  However, if there are only slight stars to the glass after a collision or other unfortunate event, it might be possible to repair that damage and prevent it from extending throughout the glass.

Schedule Your Car Repair at Certified Collision Center

Our auto repair specialists are here to bring your vehicle back to life, both visually and functionally.  Whether you’ve been in a fender-bender or a major collision, you can benefit from our auto repair services.  Reach out to us today at (209) 836-4893 to schedule your vehicle repair.