Year: 2020

2020 has been nothing but uncertainty. More and more people are being affected globally by the coronavirus. The best way to pull through these chaotic times is to rally the local community and support smaller businesses when you can. Together, we can get through the global pandemic and move forward to a better future. In order to do that, we need to ensure that local businesses continue to thrive.

But there is more to supporting your local Sewell collision repair shop over national chains than financial security. Auto body shops are considered essential businesses, but that does not mean they are not struggling during nationwide lockdowns and hindered commutes. Of course, even with life moving a little slower than usual, there are still cars on the road and accidents occurring.

Whether you want to support local businesses or you simply find yourself with a car in need of repairs, here are some reasons why you should use the local Sewell auto body shop instead of a national chain:

 

Choosing a Local Sewell Collision Repair Shop

When you are in need of car repair or maintenance, you probably go right to the phone or computer and choose the top result on Google. That top result is probably a national chain that pays millions on advertising. That does not guarantee an adequate service. Many of these national chains can promise quick, cheap repairs because they do not use the best quality parts.

Local collision repair shops, on the other hand, often go through painstaking training and adhere to specific guidelines to become I-CAR and OEM certified. This means they have extensive training and technicians with many years of experience to back up warranties on workmanship. Additionally, technicians at the local body shop will know about the latest safety technologies, also known as Advanced Driver Assistance Program (ADAS).

You won’t get the same level of care from most national chains. Other reasons to use local businesses include:

• Better customer service and care. Local businesses will treat you like a neighbor because you are! You can expect more quality from a local collision repair shop than a national chain since smaller businesses are usually locally owned and family operated.
• Support the local economy. Your local Sewell collision repair shop employs locals, like yourself.
• Environmentally-friendly choice. Did you know that local businesses are better for the environment because they usually have safer, more eco-friendly practices? Go green. Go local.

 

Do Not Choose The Cheapest Estimate

You may be tempted to visit the national chain simply because their estimate is far cheaper than a smaller collision repair shop. That might sound like a blessing—until you look at the estimates and compare the steps involved. Fast and cheap usually equals less attention to detail and sloppily done repairs. Even though you get your car faster, with unresolved problems simply hidden beneath a shiny exterior, you are bound to wind up back at the auto body shop in no time.

At Elmer’s Auto Body, we have gotten tons of requests to repair errors made on cars that were supposed to be fixed. Sometimes, we even have to declare the vehicle totaled, even when a national chain said the vehicle was safe to drive.

In short, choose the auto body shop that is as concerned for your safety as you are. Choose a business that will not resort to “fast and cheap” but “quality and transparency.”

 

Ask The Right Questions

Worried about finding a quality collision repair shop that will work with you? Don’t. Finding a trustworthy auto body shop can be difficult if you are only looking at national chains or listening to the recommendations of your auto insurance provider. That said, there are plenty of places with high qualified technicians, renowned certifications, state-of-the-art facilities, and so on right in your community.

Knowing which questions to ask can help you sniff out the best local Sewell collision repair center for the job. Any decent shop will have a customer care representative who can answer all your questions. Give them a call and ask how long the body shop has been serving Sewell, what kind of services are provided, whether the technicians are certified, and if the work is guaranteed.

And remember: it is always best to receive multiple estimates rather than going right for the cheapest one.

Local Is Better

Simply put, going to a local auto body shop in New Jersey is much better than giving business to a national chain. A local business is going to care more about the quality of the repairs than a corporate chain. They may even be able to help you with insurance claims and other issues affecting your vehicle.

At Elmer’s Auto Body, you never have to question the quality of your repairs. We have been serving South Jersey for many years and have many satisfied customers. Every day, we strive to provide the local community with top-quality car repairs and services that you can feel good about. Every one of our technicians knows the latest about OEM and ADAS. You will only ever receive honesty and quality from us! If you need collision repair in Sewell or the surrounding areas, give us a call or fill out the contact form. We are happy to answer your questions or concerns.

In an era where most people don’t even have $400 saved up for an emergency, it is natural that the thought of car repairs conjures up nothing but anxiety. Most people have encountered those jaw-dropping expensive car repairs and get set back financially. Some car parts are far more pricier than others, though. Knowing the general cost of repairs, as well as some ways to keep your car maintained to save you from shelling out wads of cash, can help you in the long run.

Here are the 10 most expensive car repairs to keep in mind:

1. Transmission

Estimated Cost: $1,000-$4,000

Here is one tip from Elmer’s Auto Body: If you find a car for sale that has a too good to be true price, there is a high chance that transmission is blown. You can’t have a car without a transmission, since it is the part that transmits the power from the vehicle’s engine to the wheels. Usually, the transmission is durable and has a long lifespan, but it will wear out more quickly from stress and rough gear changes. Poor maintenance and neglect, such as infrequent transmission fluid changes, will damage the system, as well.

Signs your transmission needs to be repaired or replaced include a dragging clutch, humming noises, burning scent, and slipping gears. If you notice these signs, take your vehicle to an auto body as soon as you can.

2. Clutch Assembly Replacement

Estimated Cost: $1,000-$1,500

If you drive a manual vehicle, you might end up needing to replace your clutch assembly. Of course, as with most mechanical issues, you will have a fair amount of warning beforehand. There will be a spongy feeling, as well as difficulty switching gears, a burning scent, and a higher biting point. To prolong the life of your clutch, you can avoid riding it and ensure your vehicle is properly maintained.

3. Camshaft

Estimated Cost: $1,500-$3,000

Essential to any kind of vehicle, a camshaft is used for air intake. Throughout the years, camshafts can get dirty and clogged up with all kinds of debris from the road. It needs to be cleaned regularly during valve maintenance and oil changes. If the camshaft is ignored, it will break and cost you upwards of $1,500 easily. The high cost of repairs is less due to the price of the part and more due to labor.

Want to avoid needing a replacement camshaft? Keep up with car maintenance. And if the check engine light comes on, don’t overlook it. That could be a sign that something is wrong with your camshaft.

4. Engine Control Module (ECM) Replacement

Estimated Cost: $1,000-$1,500

What is ECM? It is a tiny little console with a circuit board and a few transistors that monitors the sensors throughout the engine bay, regulates emission controls, and also manages the air-fuel mix. As you can imagine, it’s a high-tech piece of equipment—and it costs enough to remind you of that. For the same price as a top of the line laptop, the ECM is one of the most expensive repairs and is not something you can replace yourself either.

5. Hybrid Car Battery

Estimated Cost: $6,000 or more

Though hybrid cars are revolutionizing the motor vehicle industry, there is no denying that the batteries used are incredibly expensive. To replace a faulty hybrid car battery will cost you at least $6,000. Like a smartphone battery, a hybrid car battery will gradually lose its ability to hold onto a full charge. Even today, most hybrid car batteries die in about 10 years of use. On top of replacing the battery, you will also have to replace the computer system, adding to the price tag.

6. Catalytic Converter

Estimated Cost: $1,500-$2,000

The price of a catalytic converter is based almost 90% on the price of the part alone. While labor doesn’t account for much. So why are catalytic converters so expensive? These pieces were invented to help develop vehicles that were more environmentally-friendly. The eye-popping price tag is because these parts contain metals like palladium, rhodium, and gold.

Typically, you should never have to worry about the catalytic converter burning out before other components of the car. But, it is susceptible to damages. For example, just going over a speed bump at a reckless speed can damage the catalytic converter. Burning engine oil or running the incorrect fuel additives or oil also negatively impacts the cat.

7. Head Gasket

Estimated Cost: $1,000-$2,000

The part alone costs between $400-$900, depending on the make and model of your vehicle. Then, you have to account for the 15-24 hours of required labor to install the replacement head gasket.

When a head gasket blows, oil and coolant are sprayed everywhere, and a menacing smoke billows up from the exhaust and engine. The engine that proceeds to overheat. It creates an absolute mess, and as you can imagine, a lot of clean up is needed.

8. Suspension

Estimated Cost: $2,500-$3,500

Suspension is necessary. Without it, you would feel every little bump and pothole in the road. Your car’s suspension is made up of multiple pieces: springs, shocks, struts, tie rods and control arms. Sometimes, a single part will break and require replacement. That won’t cost as much as a whole suspension replacement or a total overhaul.

Although suspension replacement prices range between $1,000-$5,000, consider the estimated cost as the midpoint. Make and model do influence the price of suspension greatly, as well as the severity of the damages and overall condition of the vehicle. Expect a higher cost for luxury or exotic vehicles.

9. Airbags

Estimated Cost: $2,500-$4,000

There’s no questioning it: airbags are one of the most essential inventions humanity has ever created. Once airbags deploy, they save lives. But, after that deployment, you can’t simply stuff the airbag back from where it came and reuse it again. Airbags have to be replaced, and the steering wheel or glove compartment that the airbag bursts out from will also need to be repaired. That is why the cost is so high.

10. Engine Cylinders

Estimated Cost: $7,000-$10,000

Plenty of things can happen to your engine and the cylinders. If the cylinders are the cause of the engine’s malfunction, then your vehicle is basically useless. The reason the cost of repairing engine cylinders is so steep is because the mechanic needs to take the entire engine apart. This is extremely labor-intensive. In most cases, repairing engine cylinders is more expensive than purchasing a brand new engine. Some people will forego that as well and just purchase a new car. After all, you can get a used vehicle for $10,000.

Bottom Line

One thing you should realize from this list is that most car parts will wear out eventually, but most pricey repairs can be avoided if you commit to routine maintenance. If you don’t want to pay thousands of dollars for repairs, bring your vehicle to a trusted auto body shop.

Elmer’s Auto Body is your go-to auto body shop. We have a number of on-demand services for fast repairs, as well as certified technicians. We only use OEM parts for repairs, so your cat really will be good as new. If you need repairs and replacements, don’t wait. Call us or contact us today by filling out the contact form.

You can never be too sure about the quality of repairs. Insurance companies breathe down the necks of mechanics to rush automobile repairs after a collision. Such repairs usually involve things like fixing the body, the safety systems, computerized pieces, and even the paint. As you can imagine, when such repairs are done swiftly, there may be some things that are overlooked.

That is precisely why you need to ask for a post-repair inspection. Elmer’s Auto Body ensures that a post-repair inspection is part of the collision repair for a few reasons. Today, we’re going to explain why.

 

What Is A Post-Repair Inspection?

A post-repair inspection is performed by a third-party after repairs are completed. Such a service is meant to examine the quality of the collision repairs that had been performed on your vehicle. The inspector ensures that the mechanic followed manufacturer guidelines during repairs so that the vehicle meets safety standards.

 

Why Should I Get A Post-Repair Inspection?

Post-repair inspections are fundamental to your safety. Consider it a second layer of certainty that your vehicle is ready to return to the road. You should also have a post-repair inspection if:

• You want to confirm that the automobile was properly repaired and can be safely driven
• You are unsure about the quality of work
• You notice the vehicle is not operating as it once had before the collision or repairs, or the appearance is different
• You are required to request an appraisal for the diminished value

In other words, a post-repair inspection is meant to protect you from any improper repairs that may have compromised the vehicle’s structural integrity or reduced resale value. Some industry studies estimate that nearly 60% of all “repaired” vehicles currently on the road actually have structural vulnerabilities and other safety concerns.

If you recently had collision repairs done, don’t wait a second longer to book a post-repair inspection with a trusted auto body shop.

 

Diminished Value Claims

Most people will have a post-repair inspection done when they want to get an appraisal for Diminished Value. After collision repairs, the fact that you had an accident may affect the value of the vehicle. Sometimes, the value will drop if aftermarket parts were utilized or if the repairs were not completed according to the manufacturer’s standards.

You never have to worry about this at Elmer’s Auto Body. We use OEM parts exclusively, and all of our technicians are highly skilled.

 

Influence of Direct Repair Program (DRP)

Some repair shops are partnered with insurance companies, which is otherwise known as a DRP, or Direct Repair Program. This means that the insurance agency has a preferred auto body shop where claimants are sent to have repairs done at a lower cost. Yet, the lower cost comes as the result of non-OEM parts or lower-quality workmanship. DRP usually results in Diminished Value.

Getting a post-repair inspection can help you determine whether the right kind of parts was used.

 

What Happens During A Post-Repair Inspection?

When you bring your vehicle to an auto body shop to be inspected, there are several steps the technician doing the inspection will follow to verify the quality of repairs.

Here are the steps involved in a post-repair inspection:

• The auto body shop that is doing your post-repair inspection will need a copy of the estimate provided by your car insurance agency. They will also need the collision repair estimate from the other auto body shop. During the inspection, the information is compared to the vehicle in front of them.
• The auto body specialist then assesses the quality of the replacement parts and repairs.
• Afterward, the inspector looks at the vehicle panel-by-panel to see if all the auto body parts are lining up.
• They grab a paint thickness meter to see if the paint was properly applied. The finish is checked for evenness, as well.
• Heading inside the vehicle, the specialist removes panels and interior carpeting to see any repair that may have been hidden. There are specific things they are looking for, such as rust protection, alignment, and welding work.
• If there are any problems that are found during the post-repair inspection, the technician will provide you with recommendations. Should nothing be found, the auto body shop will inform you that your vehicle is good to go.

You should also know that there is no reason to hold out on a post-repair inspection for fear of additional costs. If the inspector finds that the repairs on your vehicle are substandard, the cost of remedying those issues is not your responsibility. The auto body shop that carried out your post-repair inspection will contact your car insurance provider, who is required to pay for the costs of any corrective repairs that are needed.

 

Bottom Line

Insurance companies are asking repair shops to do their work faster than ever before, leading to mistakes and substandard quality. Cutting corners and using aftermarket parts won’t return your car to its pre-accident condition. Don’t take a chance. Get your car a post-repair inspection today and get peace of mind.

You can trust Elmer’s Auto Body to do the repairs correctly the first time around and to guarantee our work. We don’t balk under the pressure of insurance companies, and our technicians can verify repairs done by other body shops. At Elmer’s Auto Body, our standards are high, which is why we are the trusted auto body shop in the region.

Request an estimate today. Or, give us a call or fill out the contact form with any questions you have. We’ll be in touch.

Do you know what your car is made out of? Some people will know whether their car is composed of steel or of aluminum, and others will wonder why it even matters. In most cases, you will never have to concern yourself with the kinds of materials that make your car, truck, or SUV. As long as you can drive it around.

The moment you get into an accident, though, you suddenly begin to worry, because what if one type of metal costs more than the other to repair. As long as you have the appropriate insurance, the cost of repair comes down to only two things: your insurance deductible and your rental expenses—if you even need a rental car, that is.

So, if you only have to concern yourself with the deductible, why are so many people up in arms about the cost of repairing an aluminum vehicle? And why does it cost more to repair aluminum anyway?

We’re going to address those concerns and answer other questions related to car repair today.

 

Why is Aluminum Thought To Be More Expensive?

Aluminum is a remarkable metal. It’s light yet durable, and it has long been the main material for aerospace constructs. Recently, aluminum has become the preferred metal in the automobile industry for its availability.

Not many people thought about how it could affect the cost of construction and repair until 2014, when Ford decided to announce an F150 built entirely from aluminum. When this happened, auto body shops were appalled—and a little dubious. Before 2014, most people considered aluminum construction to be something saved for high-end or exotic car brands.

Most auto body repair shops didn’t want to work with aluminum. Sure, it is a metal, but the properties of aluminum are completely different from steel. That means that the tools used for a steel vehicle are also different from what you need to safely work with aluminum.

Of course, the announcement worried motor vehicle owners everywhere, too. Ford stated outright that aluminum would be expensive to repair.

 

Case Study on Aluminum Vehicle Repair Costs

In 2015, a test group from Edmunds.com decided to do something in the name of science and for the good of the consumer. The editors of Edmunds purchased a 4×4 Super Crew Ford F150 for $52,000 and decided to smash the rear quarter panel with a sledge hammer.

The Edmunds crew doing the dirty work noted that the aluminum panel was surprisingly resilient compared to steel. They were shocked how well the metal absorbed the impact.

Once they inflicted enough damage to the right rear quarter panel, they brought it to a body shop to be repaired. The price of a rear quarter panel for the F150 in 2015 was marked at $967.48. This was the same for both the steel and aluminum versions.

But that’s where the similarities ended. The auto body shop told the Edmunds team that it would cost $120 an hour, which is double the cost of steel body repair, to smooth out the aluminum. It took over 20 hours to complete the repairs, and the final bill was over $4,000. That is over 75 percent higher than fixing a steel body.

However, here is something to consider: the damage inflicted on the truck is not normal. The F150 is a durable truck, and most repairs to the vehicle are non-structural—even those needing repair from collisions.

In other words, while aluminum is harder to repair, it is also harder to damage. Most repairs are for less expensive parts, like plastic bumpers and fenders that are designed to crumple.

 

Differences Between Steel and Aluminum Construction

After seeing the eye-popping cost of a single repair in the Edmunds’ case study, you might be wondering the reasons why aluminum warrants such a price. As mentioned earlier, aluminum and steel are not the same.

Aftermarket steel parts are easier than aluminum to procure, making steel far more accessible and, therefore, less costly. In most cases, aluminum is strictly OEM. Because of this, aluminum also requires another skill set to repair correctly. Mechanics need a whole new set of tools, too.

You cannot weld aluminum like you can with steel, for instance. This means that auto body technicians need to train to handle both steel and aluminum.

Although many technicians can work with both steel and aluminum cars, those cars cannot be placed side-by-side. Aluminum is corrosive to steel and vice versa, which means that aluminum cars and steel cars have to be separated. Many auto body shops will have a separate space to work on aluminum cars.

All of this adds up in the overall cost.

 

Should You Be Concerned About the Cost of Aluminum Car Repair?

At the end of the day, the word “cost” is the concern of most drivers, regardless of what kind of car you have. Even though aluminum vehicles need to be placed in separate bays and require special tools and techniques to repair, at the end of the day, it is your insurance policy that determines how much you pay. There is no distinction in auto body insurance that says you have to pay a higher deductible on aluminum cars versus steel ones.

In the end, it is the insurance company covering the high cost of repairing an aluminum car.

Have an aluminum vehicle in need of repairs? Be sure to choose an auto body shop that is certified to deal with both steel and aluminum. Look for certifications from 3M, PPG, and I-CAR. Elmer’s Auto Body has extensive experience dealing with all kinds of automobiles, and our technicians are highly trained and knowledgeable. We promise only the best.

Whether you have more questions about the cost of aluminum auto body repair or want to request an appointment, we’d like to hear from you. Fill out the contact form to get in touch.