Certified Collision Center

No matter how skilled you are at driving and how careful you are, there is always the chance that you will find yourself involved in a car collision. In fact, all it takes is for a reckless driver to run into you. After a car accident, you will probably need to have your vehicle repaired at an auto body repair shop. However, choosing an auto body repair shop is not a decision that you should take lightly. Read this article to learn more about how to choose the right auto body repair shop.

1. Ask Questions About the Warranty

To make sure you choose the right auto body repair shop and get the best service for your money, it is important that you ask questions. There are some questions that you should always ask when considering an autobody repair shop. For example, does the shop offer their customers a warranty? Ask about what exactly the warranty covers and for how long. Many warranties at auto body repair shops refund the money for the cost of the repair if the customer is not satisfied. The minimum for a warranty is one year. However, there are some auto body repair shops that offer two-year or three-year warranties. You may also come across shops that offer lifetime warranties, but there is often a catch.

2. Consider Word-of-Mouth

Word-of-mouth is one of the best ways that you can choose the right body repair shop. Ask your friends, family, and coworkers about any auto repair shops that they would recommend. While advertising is intended to cast a product or service in the best light possible, you can expect to get information that is closer to the truth through word-of-mouth. Sometimes, through word-of-mouth, you will hear about an autobody repair shop that is smaller and not as well-known. Word-of-mouth is how you can learn about hidden gems.

Keep in mind that word-of-mouth can be positive or negative. Therefore, your friends, family, and coworkers may be able to tell you about auto repair shops that you should avoid. 

3. Get Multiple Quotes

If you want to get the best price for autobody repair, one of the best ways to do that is by getting multiple quotes. However, you shouldn’t just blindly take the lowest quote. If a quote is very low, chances are, the quality of the service won’t be very good. In fact, you may end up spending more money in the long-run by having to go in for more repairs.

Some auto body repairs will match estimates when possible. Therefore, you may be able to take advantage of the offer to match estimates to get the best service at a more affordable price.

Choosing the right auto body repair shop doesn’t have to be hard. However, for the sake of your wallet and your car, you should take your time and do a lot of research. For more information about how to choose the best auto body repair shop for your needs, don’t hesitate to contact us here at Certified Collision Center Auto Body.

An autobody repair can cost anywhere from $50 to $10,000. Of course, the cost of auto body repair depends on the extent of the damage incurred by your vehicle. Chances are, you’re hoping to do everything in your power to save money on autobody repair. Read this article to learn how you can save as much money as possible on auto body repair.

1. Don’t Wait

A common mistake that many people make is waiting to do minor auto body repairs. For example, you may have dents and scratches on your vehicle that need to be repaired. While these imperfections may seem small, they can become more severe over time if you fail to do the repairs in a timely manner. For example, the areas around the dents and scratches can accumulate rust, leading to the weakening of the metal. Once this has occurred, instead of simply paying for the repair of the dents and scratches, you may have to cover the cost of replacing the entire part.

2. Consider Paint-Less Repair

Another way that you can save money on auto body repair is by having a small repair done without the use of paint. In general, paint-less dent repair is cheaper than traditional auto repair. When it comes to paintless dent repair, the dents will be fixed without painting, body filler, or sanding. Not only will you save a significant amount of money, but you can also reasonably expect to receive discounts from your auto insurer.

3. Get Multiple Quotes

If you wanted to get the best price on a new laptop, chances are you would take the approach of going to different stores to look for the best price. This approach is also effective if you want to get the best price for an autobody repair. Take the time to get multiple quotes from different auto body repair shops. Even if you already have a body repair shop that you like to frequent, it may be a good idea to explore your options, so that you don’t spend more than necessary. However, you should keep in mind that the auto body repair shop with the lowest estimate is not always going to be the best choice. An estimate that is extremely low may be an indication of a shop that offers low-quality service. You are better off steering clear of such auto body repair shops.

4. Buy Used Auto Parts

Instead of buying new auto parts, you should consider purchasing used auto parts. You can save a significant amount of money while still getting quality by purchasing used auto parts. However, if you should keep in mind that if your vehicle is still under warranty, used auto parts may violate the warranty of your vehicle.

As long as you follow the tips discussed above, you should have no problem saving money on autobody repair at an autobody repair shop. For more information about how to save money on auto body repair, don’t hesitate to contact us here at Certified Collision Center Auto Body. 

The most common reasons why the paint on your car may be damaged include a key scratching your car, a shopping cart scrapping your car or damage caused by an automobile accident. However, these are not the only items that can damage the paint or finish on your car. There are many other items that you encounter often that can cause your paint to fade, can eat away at the finish and paint or can cause the paint to flake or chip off. Here are three items that can damage your car’s paint. 

Bird Droppings

Bird droppings can be acidic. The acid nature of the feces can eat through the finish on your car and damage the paint. It can cause paint to fade or it can eat through the paint, causing it to chip or peel. It is advised that you avoid parking under trees where birds may be present to prevent this issue. If you cannot avoid parking under a tree, try to use a car cover to protect your car. Washing your car often to remove any feces and using a wax can both help to decrease paint damage due to bird droppings. 

Brake Fluid and Gas

Another thing that can damage your car’s paint are some of the fluids used in your car, such as brake fluid and gas. If you spill brake fluid on your fender when adding more brake fluid to your vehicle, or if gas overflows your gas tank and spills on your side panel as you pump gas into your car, you should immediately use a water-dampened soft cloth to remove the residue. This helps to prevent these fluids from sitting on the paint of your car, which can help to prevent them from damaging the paint of your car. 

Abrasive Cleaners and Brushes

The final item that can cause significant damage to your car’s paint are abrasive cleaners and brushes. It is recommended that you use cleaners formulated for the body of your automobile, rather than using household cleaners on your car. Some soaps, especially those that contain bleach or are acidic in nature, can damage the paint on your car. In addition to the soaps themselves, pay attention to the items that you are using to scrub your car. Brushes, stainless steel scrubbing pads or scouring pads can help to remove tough items that are caked onto your vehicle, such as dead bugs. But, they can also scrape, scratch or chip your paint. Use soft sponges and rags when cleaning your car to avoid paint damage. 

Knowing what items can damage your paint can help you to take action to prevent some types of damage. Unfortunately, you cannot prevent every item from damaging your paint. If your car’s paint is damaged, an autobody repair shop can help to repair the damaged paint and use a finish to decrease the chances of damage in the future. Contact Certified Collision Center Auto Body to learn more about our automobile paint services. 

If you have been involved in an accident, you will bring your car to a shop for autobody repair. The shop will then provide you and/or the insurance company with an estimate for the cost of the repairs that need to be done. You may then agree to use a body shop, based upon that quote. However, when the repairs are done, you may find that the bill is higher than originally estimated. This is very common with auto body repair. Read on to learn the two most common reasons why an auto body repair may wind up being higher than originally estimated. 

Damage May Not Be Visible Until Parts Are Removed

One of the top reasons why your auto body repair may cost more than originally estimated is because damage is not always visible. When an auto body repair shop is providing you with a quote, they are quoting you a price based on the damage that they can see. They may not see damage behind the panels of your car, including damage to your car’s frame or damage to the suspension, until they start to disassemble your vehicle. In most cases, there is no way to predict whether damage is present or not until this process begins. As such, the cost of an estimate often increases once the visibly damaged parts of a car get removed and an auto body repair shop can see what they are working with. 

Different Repair Techniques Need to Be Utilized

The second common reason why an auto body repair may end up being higher than originally estimated is because different repair techniques may need to be utilized. When you bring your car in with a dent, a mechanic may think the dent can be pulled out. However, once they start trying to pull the dent out, the dent may not budge. They may then have to fill the dent, sand down the filling and then touch-up the paint so it matches. Filling a dent takes more time and costs more than pulling a dent out. In some cases, the technique that the repair shop had planned on using to repair your car may not work out. The new technique may cost more, which increases the costs compared to the original estimate. 

It can be challenging for any autobody repair shop to perfectly estimate how much your auto body repairs will cost. Not all of the damage to your car is visible until they start to disassemble your car. The techniques that may be needed also change, based on how your car reacts to the techniques that are being used. If you were involved in an automobile accident and are in need of an autobody repair shop, turn to us at Certified Collision Center Auto Body. We try our best to provide you with the most accurate quote possible. Call us now to schedule an estimate appointment. 

If you backed up into a pole or you were involved in a minor bender, you may have small dings or dents on your car. It is not uncommon to not want to bring your car to an auto body repair shop for what you view as minor damage, as you may be worried about the repair costs, may not want to report the accident to your insurance company, or may not want auto body repairs to show up on accident reports, such as CarFax. While it may be tempting to try to repair the damage yourself, you should never attempt to do so. Here are a few of the reasons why. 

The Damage May Not Be as Minor As You Think

One of the primary reasons why you should never consider attempting auto body repair yourself is because the damage may not be as minor as you think. Even minor dings and dents can damage the frame of your car’s body. If the frame is bent, your car may not drive in a straight line and may pull to one side or another. Repairing the frame of a vehicle is important, as it affects the way your vehicle operates and its resale value. An autobody shop can examine the damage, determine how extensive it is, and what repairs your car needs. 

You Do Not Have the Right Tools to Repair the Damage

Another reason why you should never attempt auto body repairs yourself is because you likely do not have the right tools to repair the damage. While you can buy some auto body repair tools at auto repair shops, they are not the same quality that auto body shops use. They are low quality and are not capable of performing the same level of work. Unless you have worked in an auto body repair shop in the past or have invested in professional auto body repair tools, you do not have the same tools, which may mean you will not get the same results as a professional. 

You Can Make the Damage More Noticeable

The final reason why you should never attempt auto body repairs yourself is because you can cause more damage or make the damaged area more noticeable if you do not know what you are doing. Not sanding down fillers or pulling a dent too far outward can be noticeable on an automobile. This can affect the overall look of your car and negatively affect your car’s resale value. A professional can blend the repairs in, so they are not noticeable. 

If your vehicle has sustained damage, you should always bring your vehicle to an autobody repair shop. When you need a repair shop, turn to Certified Collision Center Auto Body. Call us today to schedule your appointment and let us make your car good as new. 

Autumn is here, and with that, dead leaves begin to fall from the trees. While you may enjoy this happening, your car does not. Leaves can hide potholes in the road, make roadways slick and even cause damage to your automobile. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the types of damage that leaves can do to their car. Here is more information about leaves and your car. 

How Can Leaves Damage Your Automobile? 

Leaves can damage your car in a number of different ways. First, dead leaves can become trapped under your windshield wipers. They can become hard and brittle, and when you turn on your wipers, they can scratch your windshield. Leaves can also get stuck in air intakes, blocking the flow of air or get stuck in your air filter. This can decrease air flow into your car, which can affect your vehicle’s performance. Lastly, leaves that sit on your car can damage the finish or paint on your car. Sap and tannins in the leaves can eat away at the finish and/or dye your car. 

How Can You Protect Your Car Against Leaf Damage? 

There are a number of different steps that you can take to help protect your car against leaf damage. The first step you can take is to park away from trees. The farther you park from trees, the less likely it is that leaves will accumulate on your car. If you cannot park away from trees, consider placing a car cover over your vehicle when it is not in use. This way, the leaves fall on the cover, not your car. Lastly, be sure to remove leaves on your vehicle as quickly as possible. Do not let leaves pile up on your car or sit on your car for days or weeks at a time. 

What Should You Do If Leaves Have Already Damaged Your Car’s Paint? 

If leaves, particularly wet leaves, are left to sit on your vehicle, they can damage the finish on your car or dye your car. You may notice that the area where the leaves were sitting is dull or not as shiny as the rest of your car, which indicates the paint finish is damaged. Or you may see discoloration, indicating the tannins in the leaves dyed your car. There is no way to remove this dye from your car. As such, if the paint or finish is damaged, you will need touch-up painting performed or your entire car will need to be painted, depending on the extent of the damage. 

If leaves have already damaged the paint job on your car, you may want to have your car painted to hide the damage that has been done. An autobody repair shop can paint your car, removing any trace of damage that leaves have done. Here at Certified Collision Center Auto Body, we can help you with all of your major collision repairs and minor cosmetic vehicle repairs. Book your appointment with us today.