Certified Collision Center

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. 

The 4th of July is known for barbeques and fireworks. If you are planning on lighting off fireworks to celebrate Independence Day, you should always take precautions. Fireworks can cause damage to many surfaces, including your automobile. Now is great time to learn how fireworks damage your car, how you can prevent that damage and how that damage can be repaired can help you learn what precautions you need to take when it comes to your automobiles and fireworks. 

What Type of Damage Can Fireworks Do To Your Car?

The number one cause of damage to cars from fireworks has to do with the ash. As fireworks go off, they release ash. When hot ash lands on your car, it can actually leave behind small burn marks or scorch marks on your car. Worse, when water interacts with dry ash on your car, chemicals in the ash are released which can eat away at the paint on your car. 

How Can You Protect Your Car From Firework Damage?

The best way to protect your vehicle from firework damage is to park your car in the garage on the 4th of July. If that is not an option, consider investing in a car cover. Find a car cover that fits your car nice and snug for the maximum protection possible. If placing your car in a garage or using a cover are not an option, consider waxing your car prior to the 4th of July. The wax coats your paint, which can also help to protect it from ash damage. 

How Do You Remove Ash on Your Vehicle?

If you were not able to protect your car during fireworks, you will want to remove ash from your vehicle as quickly as possible. Start by lightly sweeping off as much as you can using either your hand or a microfiber cloth. Do not use any type of brush, as the bristles can scratch your car. From there, you will want to spray down your car from the top of the car down to the bottom. Ash released chemicals that can eat away at your paint once wet. As such, you want to spray from the top to the bottom in a fast, yet efficient manner to ensure you wash all ash away. From there, wash your car as you normally would.  

How Can a Professional Can Repair Firework Damage?

If you notice that the paint on your vehicle is has small burn marks, it bubbling or peeling, or is fading, firework damage may have occurred to your vehicle. There are many ways that a professional can repair this damage. If the damage is limited to a small spot, touch-up painting may be done. If the damage is extensive, your entire vehicle may need to be stripped and re-painted to get your car looking its best. 

At Certified Collision Center Auto Body Repair, with locations throughout the Central California Valley, out autobody repair shop can help you with everything from minor exterior paint damage to major auto body damage. Call us today to schedule your appointment and let us get your car looking good as new again. 

The sun and heat can be brutal on your car. The sun and heat can both cause your car’s paint to fade, chip, crack or bubble, cause the interior fabric in your car to fade, damage the steering wheel or even cause the dashboard to peel or crack. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to help protect both the interior and exterior of your car from the sun and heat. 

Try to Park In the Shade or Under a Cover When Possible

Most cars are sitting longer than they are actually being driven. One of the best ways to protect your automobile from the hot summer sun is to try to park your car in the shade or under a cover when possible. The shade or cover helps to shield your car from sunlight and protects it from the damage that the sun does. If this is not an option, consider using a car cover that blocks the sun’s UV light, or a windshield sun protection cover to protect the interior of your vehicle. 

Use Products to Protect the Interior of Your Car From Sun Damage

Another way to protect the interior of your car from sun damage is to use products that protect the interior of your vehicle. You can use a steering wheel cover, a dashboard cover and car seat covers. This adds a new layer of protection between the sun and these fixtures in your car. Best of all, if the sun does cause a cover to crack or fade, you can simply remove it and replace it easily. 

Wax or Coat the Exterior of Your Car to Protect the Paint

The final tip for protecting the exterior of your automobile is to either wax or coat the exterior of your car to help protect the paint against fading, cracking, chipping or bubbling. Coating your car involves having it coated in a clear coat of paint that helps to protect your car. This option can be pricey, but it offers the best protection against many types of exterior damage, including sun damage and scratches. Waxing your car is a process that is done after washing your car. A thin layer of wax is placed on your car every two to six weeks, which helps to protect the paint on your car against sun damage. Wax must be reapplied routinely or it will not fully protect your vehicle.

Trying to park in the shade or in a covered spot when possible, using products to help protect the interior of your car and waxing or coating the exterior of your car are some of the best ways to protect your vehicle from sun and heat damage. However, if the damage is already done, you will want to bring your vehicle to an autobody repair shop to have it repaired before the issue worsens. At Certified Collision Center Auto Body Repair, we can help to repair both the interior and exterior of your vehicle. Bring your car to one of our convenient central California locations to begin the process of fixing your car.