Certified Collision Center

The determination that an automobile has endured frame damage is an unpleasant surprise to say the least.  If this determination is made by your insurance company or automotive technician, you might assume your vehicle is totaled.  However, frame damage does not guarantee the vehicle is considered a total loss. 

Exploring the Definition of “Totaled”

Insurance companies consider a vehicle to be totaled if the cost of the necessary repairs exceeds the value of the vehicle.  However, the value of the vehicle is gauged by the insurance company in this context.  If the cost of repairs is indeed higher than the vehicle value based on the insurer’s estimate, it is considered to be a total loss.  However, if the cost of necessary repairs is less than the value of the vehicle, it is not officially considered to be totaled as a frame shop can perform the repair and get the automobile back on the road. 

When in doubt, lean on a frame service that has proven it is worthy of its keep.   Our trusted automotive professionals are here to assess the true extent of the damage and perform comprehensive repairs.  In fact, modern-day automotive repair technology greatly facilitates our ability to return a vehicle’s frame to a condition that is like-new.  It is quite possible the repair of your vehicle’s damaged frame will empower you to enjoy several more years of use of your car, truck or SUV.

The Challenge of Repairing a Compromised Frame

An automobile’s frame, including the unibody frame, has the potential to be repaired.  Ideally, the repair will be successful to the point that the vehicle is returned to a condition that permits safe driving.  However, it must be noted that even if the frame is repaired, it will be weaker than it was prior to the collision. 

In some cases, it simply does not make sense to attempt to repair a compromised frame.  If the vehicle’s stability and corresponding safety will be in question even after a repair is performed, there is no reason to move forward with the repair.  After all, the last thing you want is to end up with your vehicle becoming a liability in the aftermath of a frame repair.  Even if the insurance company is adamant the vehicle has the potential to be repaired, a repair that does not stand the test of time or one that leaves structural insecurities will ultimately make your vehicle a threat to everyone else on the road.

In short, the severity of the damage to the frame ultimately determines if the vehicle is to be declared a structural total loss.  If the damage is so bad that it is uncertain whether a repair can be performed, the vehicle is considered a total loss.

Advances in Automotive Frame Repair Technology Provide Reason for Hope

Today’s auto body repair shops have access to the latest technology that can remedy several different types of automotive frame damage.  In fact, some such repair projects require minimal effort and cost much less than most drivers assume.  As an example, unibody frame machines are now capable of stretching out and straightening car, truck and SUV frames.  This machine connects to the rigid end of the automobile’s frame, relying on hydraulic pressure to stretch the vehicle back into proper shape.

Contact Certified Collision Center Today

If you are involved in any type of collision, do not continue driving, hoping your vehicle can hold steady even when something is clearly wrong.  Furthermore, it is a mistake to attempt a DIY repair.  Instead, let the experienced professionals perform autobody repair the right way on the first try.  You can reach our autobody repair shop for assistance repairing your vehicle after a collision by filling out our convenient online contact form.

Faded auto body paint can decrease the value of your car, cause it to look older and cause it to not look as good as you may like. Paint can also fade away until there is literally no paint left, which can lead to the body of your car rusting or corroding. While no one wants the paint on their car to fade, it can happen for a number of different reasons. Learning why paint fades and how you can help to protect your vehicle from it can help keep your car looking its best and prevent damage to your auto body. Here are a few of the reasons why auto body paint can fade and how you can prevent it. 

Sunlight

One of the reasons why paint on your car can fade is due to sunlight. The sun beating down on your car day in and day out can lead to the color becoming less vibrant and noticeable. Unfortunately, you cannot prevent the sun from beating down on your car if you have to drive in the middle of summer. But, you can take steps to minimize sun exposure to your vehicle, including parking your car in the shade, parking your car in the garage, or putting a cover over your car when it has to be parked under the sun’s intense rays. 

Bird Droppings

One of the lesser known reasons why paint on your vehicle may fade is due to bird droppings. Bird feces is acidic. It can actually eat away at the clear coat on your car, as well as the paint. This can lead to your paint fading or being removed in certain spots all together. One of the ways that you can minimize damage from bird droppings is to wash your car if you notice bird feces on your vehicle. If you park your car in an area where birds frequently leave their droppings behind on your car, you may want to find another place to park or invest in a car cover to protect your vehicle. 

Improper Car Washing

The final reason why auto paint may fade is due to improper car washing. Using cleaning products that are not designed for an automobile and/or using abrasive scrubbing pads can damage your car. Always use soft cloths or soft sponges to clean your car and use products designed specifically for automobiles. In addition to properly cleaning your car, consider coating it in a thin layer of wax for added shine and fade protection. 

Paint can fade due to sunlight, bird dropping, improper car washing or even simply due to age. If the paint on your car has faded, you will want to hire a professional autobody repair shop to repaint your vehicle and restore it to its former glory. Here at Certified Collision Center Auto Body, we can work to correct minor fading or repaint your entire car. Schedule an appointment with our autobody repair professionals at one of our locations in Galt, Lodi, Manteca, Modesto, Oakdale, Stockton, South Sacramento, or Tracy today. 

Every car owner needs their vehicle to be in good operating condition. While there is overlap between an autobody repair specialist and your auto mechanic, an autobody repair specialist is focused on the visual aspects of a vehicle.

Many cars coming into an autobody repair shop have had exterior damage. The extent of the damage can range from mild to severe and can require a combination of techniques to properly restore the vehicle. Your autobody repair specialist has a number of responsibilities when addressing the aesthetic and structural issues that often result from an automobile accident or neglect. Understand more about what your autobody repair specialist offers you.

The Nuts and Bolts

Your autobody repair technician goes through a rigorous process with your vehicle at our autobody repair shop. In many instances, body panels need attention, the vehicle is realigned, and the bodywork is refinished. Restoration of your car’s appearance often involves filler and a fresh coat of paint. Autobody repair can be done not only on modern vehicles but classic models. The same level of attention to detail is provided to any vehicle brought into our autobody repair shop.

Not Just Cosmetic

While the look of your vehicle is a priority with an autobody repair specialist, they do possess an understanding of mechanical issues that often arise from a collision. With our autobody repair specialist, the internals are checked and examined to determine the extent of any damage. However, such specialists excel in the repair and restoration of the external structure and framework of your car. After determining the type of work required, our specialists will take the time needed to complete all autobody repairs and ensure everything that has been done meets factory standards. Your vehicle will then have the structural integrity for proper operation. Our autobody repair specialist may need to work with an auto mechanic in situations when the internals of a car also need to be repaired.

Different Tools for Different Jobs

Since your car will need special attention that may be different than what you get from your average mechanic, you may see a change to the typical environment in which an autobody repair specialist operates. An autobody repair shop is set up to offer extensive painting facilities. The tools used will be intended for filling damaged areas and hammering out dents. Protective equipment and specialized spray painters are generally seen at an autobody repair shop. If an auto mechanic needs to work on your car, you may see tools and resources necessary for their level of expertise.

You can depend on our autobody repair specialists at Certified Collision Center Auto Body. Our experienced staff can address a multitude of body, frame, and structural issues, getting your vehicle back into shape at our autobody repair shop and you back on the road. Experience the attention you deserve at any of our convenient Central Valley locations, including Tracy, Manteca, Stockton, Oakdale, Modesto, South Sacramento, Lodi and Galt. Call to schedule your appointment at Certified Collision Center Auto Body today.

Front end collisions can be some of the most damaging and costly type of collisions. There are a number of key components located in the front of your car that can be damaged if you rear end someone or get in a head on collision. If you have been involved in a front end collision, you may be wondering what types of damage may have occurred. Here are three of the most common types of problems that can occur with a front end collision. 

Body and Frame Damage

One of the most common issues that occurs with front end collisions is body and frame damage. This can range to a few minor scratches on the vehicle to dings or dents on the bumper to major frame damage. Typically, the speed at which you are traveling and the size of the item you hit affect how minor or substantial the damage is. It is also important to note that body and frame damage can be tricky to determine. Most newer vehicles have foam or material that helps to absorb the impact caused during a collision. As such, damage may appear to be minor just by looking at the vehicle, but once a professional takes off the front bumper, there may be substantial damage to the foam or impact-absorbing material. 

Damage to the Steering and Driving Systems

Another type of damage that is common with front end collisions is damage to the steering system and/or damage to the driving systems. Your vehicle is made up of many different drive and steering components that help your car to drive straight or turn as you move the steering wheel, including CV axles, transaxle and drive shaft. The impact from an automobile accident can bend or damage any of these items. When that occurs, your car may pull to one side or may not drive in a straight line. The parts typically cannot be straightened once they are bent, so replacing them is a must. 

Potential Engine and Transmission Damage

The final type of problems that can be caused by front end collisions include potential engine or transmission damage. The impact of a front end collision can be so severe that it pushes the front end of your car backwards, causing damage to these major components in your car. Both transmission and engine damage are costly but necessary to repair if damage has occurred. 

If you have been involved in an automobile accident, you are legally allowed to bring your vehicle to any autobody repair shop of your choosing. Here at Certified Collision Center Auto Body, we can repair everything from minor auto body damage to major damage caused by a front end collision. We have multiple locations throughout the Central Valley, including Tracy, Manteca, Stockton, Oakdale, Modesto, South Sacramento, Lodi and Galt, that are ready and able to assist you. Bring your vehicle to our shop for an estimate or to have your automobile repaired after an accident. 

Window tint can last up to 10 years, depending on the type of tint, how well it is installed, and the conditions that the tint is subjected to. If you have an older car, you may find yourself wondering how you know whether your tint is still good or whether it is time to replace the window tint. Your window tint will give you many signs when it is time to be replaced. Here are a few of the signs you will want to be looking for if you suspect your tint is nearing the end of its lifespan. 

The Tint is Bubbling

One of the tell-tale signs that your tint will give you if it is time to be replaced is bubbling. You may see bubble or air pockets begin to develop between your window and the tint. As time goes on, these bubbles will increase in size and reduce the efficiency of the tint. When this happens, your car may start to feel hotter inside. If you notice bubbling on older tint, it is time to replace the tint. 

The Tint is Turning Purple

Another sign that it is time to replace your existing window tint is the color of the tint changing. In most cases, regular window tint will turn from a black color to a purple color when it is no longer able to block ultraviolet sunlight. However, depending on the type of tint you have, you may notice that the tint itself is fading or turning gray, rather than turning purple. Any significant color changes are a sign that the tint is losing its efficiency and needs to be replaced. 

The Tint is Peeling Off 

The final sign that your tint may give you as it nears the end of its lifespan is peeling. You may notice that the tint is starting to peel off your windows around the edges. The tint itself may be peeling away or it may be curling up. Either peeling or curling show that the tint has reached its life expectancy and should be replaced to continue to keep your car cool and protected from sunlight. 

Here at Certified Collision Center Auto Body, we do more than just repair body damage to an automobile. We can also remove old window tint and install new window tint. With eight convenient locations throughout the Central Valley, including Tracy, Manteca, Stockton, Oakdale, Modesto, South Sacramento, Lodi and Galt, we have a location close to you. If your window tint is showing one or more of these signs, it is time to replace it. Call us today to schedule an appointment and let us remove that old tint and install new tint on your car. 

The frame of your automobile is basically the structure that makes up the structural parts of your vehicle, or the foundation that supports all of the mechanical and cosmetic parts of the car. Structural damage to a car typically only occurs after a car accident. Unfortunately, it is often costly to repair because all of the other parts of the car have to be stripped away in order to fix the damage. If you were involved in an automobile accident, you may be wondering if you have frame damage. Here are a few of the most common signs of frame damage following a car accident. 

Noticeable Bending to the Frame

While the frame of your automobile is typically covered by various body panel pieces, most people can still notice potential bending to the frame. If you were involved in a serious accident and you notice creases, ridges, waves, lumps or deep dents to your car, the frame of the vehicle was likely affected. Unfortunately, the only way to know for sure is to remove the panels from your car and look directly at the frame, so eyeballing your car alone is not enough to find frame damage. 

Improper Car Alignment 

Another sign of frame damage to an automobile is improper car alignment. When you are driving, your car should drive in a straight line. If the alignment is off, your vehicle will pull to the right or the left. Your tires and struts may also wear unevenly. If your car is not properly aligned after an accident, it may be because your vehicle suffered frame damage which threw the alignment off. 

Strange Sounds While Driving

One of the lesser-known signs of frame damage is strange or unusual noises while you are driving. If the frame of your car is bent or damaged, it may be rubbing on or hitting parts of the car it shouldn’t. As such, you may hear anything from squealing or screeching to grinding to creaking. If your car has been in an accident and you hear anything unusual while driving it, you should get it checked out. 

Your Doors or Windows Not Shutting As They Should

The final sign of frame damage is your car doors or windows not opening or shutting like they should. Think about the foundation of your home. When the foundation is damaged, your homes’ doors or windows may not open or shut properly. The same is true with your car. If the doors or windows won’t budge, or you notice they seem to be a lot harder to open or close, you could have frame damage. 

If you have, or suspect you have, frame damage to your automobile, you need an autobody repair shop who has experience fixing this type of damage. Here at Certified Collision Center, with locations in Tracey, Manteca, Stockton, Galt, South Sacramento, Oakdale, Modesto and Lodi, our trained autobody repair technicians can help you with diagnosing and repairing frame damage. Reach out to our office today to schedule an appointment.