How To Protect Your Car’s Paint From Sun Damage

You cringe when you look at your hood, roof, trunk lid and all the other vulnerable spots on your vehicle that have taken a brutal beating from the sun. You see the cracks, buckling, paint chips and flakes that fly away in the wind only to make your vehicle appear more ready for the junkyard than your driveway. You know constant exposure to the sun can damage the paint on your car, but how do you protect it from repeated exposure? You also want to know why it happens and what to do about it. Here are some reasons sun exposure ruins the paint on your car and some ways you can combat it.

 

What Sun Exposure Does to a Vehicle

Car paint damage happens because of ultraviolet or UV rays that penetrate the paint on a vehicle’s surface. Years of exposure to this invisible and powerful form of sunlight speeds up a strong infusion of energy that produces heat, and a breakdown of molecular bonds in paint that results in oxidation. The longer exposure to the ultraviolet rays occurs, the more chances that the paint on a vehicle reflects less and less light and becomes duller and duller. The transference of light diminishes outwardly, which means less noticeable paint color on a vehicle.

 

Ways to Protect your Car Paint

There are preventatives in decreasing the sun damage to your car while protecting it at the same time. Here are some suggestions.

  1. Keep your vehicle in a covered space such as a garage, carport, portable carport, a large shade tree or other areas away from the sun. Besides keeping your vehicle undercover, look for parking areas that provide shelter when you are working or just out and about. Anytime your vehicle is away from the penetrating rays of the sun, you can protect the paint, headlights, rubberized trim and other areas of your vehicle that readily absorb heat.
  2. Wash your vehicle as often as possible in a shaded spot. Rinse your vehicle first and then use a cotton cloth and a mild automotive cleanser that removes dirt, grease, and other debris. If there is an accumulation of mud or bird droppings, try using an automotive clay bar to gently remove the stains without harming the paint. Once you have removed the stains, thoroughly rinse your car to clear any remaining residue.
  3. Hand dry the exterior of your vehicle with a soft cotton cloth after washing it or after a rainstorm. Hand drying helps prevent the accumulation of any chemicals or other substances found in water that can cause a chemical reaction when exposure when exposed to the ultraviolet rays of the sun.
  4. Wax your vehicle with a quality product after washing and hand drying it. Waxing prevents ultraviolet damage to the paint on your car, plus it deters dirt, grit and environmental pollutants from sticking to your car. Also, waxing is a good way to hinder pitting.
  5. Apply a paint protection film to your vehicle. There are now many coatings or film kits that cover the exterior of a vehicle and protect its paint while allowing the color of a vehicle to show through. They are available in both spray and protective film, which you can apply yourself or you can go through a professional film specialist.  You can cover an entire vehicle and the headlights that can show wear, pitting and yellowing over time through exposure to ultraviolet rays.
  6. Use a car cover to protect your vehicle’s paint from the ultraviolet rays of the sun. If you have no other way to protect your vehicle, a car cover can be a quick and handy way to protect your car without having to find enclosed parking. Car covers today easily fit most car models. They are durable, weatherproof, windproof, dustproof, biodegradable and made to endure the elements.  There are even disposable plastic car covers that you can use in a pinch to dodge the rain, other weather, and messy street situations.

Protecting your car’s paint from the sun is important. There are several ways to protect your paint job and following the information here is a good start but if you need further help in protecting it, fill out the online contact form and an expert will get back to you with the advice you need to protect your vehicle from the damaging rays of the sun.

What is Paintless Dent Repair?

It’s one of the oldest and most frustrating problems a car owner can face: A small dent or scratch requires you to get a whole new paint job. Paint jobs aren’t exactly cheap, and it feels silly to repaint the whole thing over one scratch. If you’ve thought this, you might be glad to know that your instincts were right. It is more than possible to repair a dent without damaging the paint. Not surprisingly, this process is referred to as “paintless dent repair,” or sometimes just “PDR.”

 

How Does PDR Work?

Paintless dent repair works by using movement and pressure to push the dent outward. If this is done carefully, and if the paint is not damaged in the collision itself, the dent can be neatly popped out. In many cases, you won’t even be able to tell that any damage was done.

There are a wide variety of special tools that PDR specialists use to effect these sorts of repairs. This is very much a specialized skill that requires training and experience, so you can’t expect the same level of quality from a DIY job. In most cases, PDR works by applying outward pressure.

There are two ways to apply this pressure and pop the dent away. As common sense might tell you, you can either push from the inside or pull from the outside. All methods of PDR fall into one of these two categories.
Pulling From The Outside

As an example of pull-method dent removal, a person might use a little bit of hot glue to affix a small handle-like tab to the area where the dent is located. Obviously, you have to be careful not to use an adhesive that will damage the paint, so hot glue is the most common choice.

An even better method is to use a powerful suction cup. There are numerous devices that use suction cups combined with plates and/or rods. Because they do not use any sort of adhesive, you don’t have to worry about scraping away any residue. That’s good because you can easily scratch your finish while scraping away the hot glue if you aren’t careful.

This method seems to be the best choice for DIY users. The pull method requires less skill and knowledge to do it right. You will have to buy some sort of pulling device, but these are usually pretty easy to use. Many of them resemble stapleguns or other hand-held tools, and there are many different varieties. Still, you should be fine as long as you follow the instructions.

 

Pushing From The Inside

This method seems to be the one preferred by professionals. You definitely need to have a little more expertise to do it this way, but it poses a lot less risk of collateral damage. This method usually involves the use of long probes that are inserted into small gaps in the vehicle body. By applying the right leverage in the right place, they pop the dent outward without ever touching the paint job.

For example, you might insert one of these dent-removal tools into the gap between the window and the door. You will have to roll down the window and gently peel back the rubber seal around the base of the window. You might also remove a tail-light so that you can insert the tool through the gap and gain access to the rear panel.

 

Is PDR Always Possible?

Obviously, there are times when this type of repair cannot be done. If the paint was damaged in the collision itself, PDR methods will not reverse that damage. Of course, such methods can still be helpful for removing the dents, but you will still need to repaint the vehicle.

Several factors will determine whether or not paintless dent repair is possible. These include:

  • The flexibility of your vehicles’ paint
  • The size and severity of the dent
  • The angle and depth of the dent
  • The thickness of the metal surface

Most automotive paint is flexible enough for PDR, but older vehicles with older paint jobs might have some issues. As for size and severity, PDR doesn’t work on massive dents. For the most part, its techniques are meant to deal with relatively small dents. Shallow dents are also better candidates for PDR, as there is less stretching and deformation of the metal involved. Finally, the thickness of the metal will make the dent easier (or more difficult) to “pop” back into place.

It should be noted that you can spot-paint a vehicle, doing just one spot. It often won’t come out perfect, but it can be very close if you choose the right paint and blend the edges well. Of course, that’s a separate topic, but it’s a good thing to know.

 

Conclusion

At Elmer’s auto body, we specialize in many different techniques. Luckily for you, paintless dent repair is one of them. While these methods are mainly suited for minor damage, you’d be surprised at what a professional can do with them. When it comes to paintless dent repair cost shouldn’t be an issue, as these jobs can normally be completed with minimal time, trouble, and expense. That’s the difference you get when you call the best.

With over 70 years of experience under our belt, you should expect nothing less than the best. If you have a dent that needs to be pulled, and you want it done in the most effective and efficient manner, fill out our easy online contact form or call one of our three convenient locations and ask us: Where can I get paintless dent repair near me?

How To Switch Your Car Insurance Company

Switching your car insurance is not an end of the world event. In fact, it’s actually not that complicated. Everyone who owns a vehicle has at one time or another chosen to move on to another provider. With so many insurance carriers glutting the market, and prices fluctuating, there are unending choices and deals to be gained. Maybe you’re moving to another area or are experiencing poor service from your current provider. If that’s the case, think about changing insurance companies.

 

Steps to Follow

If you’re unsure of the process in switching to another carrier, here are some steps to follow and some precautions to take when changing your car insurance coverage.

 

Comparison Shop

In switching insurance providers, your first step is to do some comparison shopping. You want the lowest price possible in a policy along with good customer service. Contact as many insurers as possible.  Get 3-5 quotes through on-line providers, independent agents, or other insurance companies. Further research the going rates in your area to get a better understanding of competitive pricing. Also, seriously think about whether you need changes in your coverage. You’ll want to check for discounts that you may qualify for through a different policy.  Check whether you can eliminate certain coverages, like collision, particularly if you own an older vehicle that’s diminishing in value. Or, if you’re driving more in the evening hours, you’ll probably want to look at increasing your liability coverage to minimize your risk of nighttime accidents.

 

Know What You’re Getting

A low quote for car insurance is easy to pounce on but before you go full speed ahead with a different company, determine what kind of coverage you’re getting. The quote given to you may be lower, but it may also be for a lesser amount of coverage than what you are getting through your current policy. You may have to increase your coverage on a new policy, which means you aren’t initially saving what you thought you would.

 

Steering Clear of Mistakes

To steer clear of making mistakes, compare your current policy features with that of the new policy. Look at the types of coverage on the new policy and your limits and deductibles with it.  You should send a copy of your current declarations page to a potential insurer that includes a listing of your current policy provisions. You want any new provider to be aware of the coverage you need, plus you want a new policy equal to or better than your current policy.

 

Notifying your Current Provider

Once you’re done with your comparison shopping and have come up with a fair price and a good company to work with, notify your current insurance provider of your plans to make a change. Explain to them you’ve been a loyal customer and that you’ve found another insurer that offers similar coverage at a lower cost. Most insurers today like to keep long-standing customers, so they will likely go over your account and determine whether you are eligible for discounts. They may either match the quote or go below the other insurer’s quote.

 

Cancellation Process

If your current insurance company is unwilling to make adjustments to your policy or meet a competitor’s quote, you need to ask them about the cancellation process concerning your policy. You will probably have to give them sufficient notice of cancellation. That can be as much as 30-days. You may also have to pay a cancellation fee as some insurance companies charge penalties for going to another company before the end of the term of your coverage. If you cancel in the middle of a term, you may have to pay a percentage for any unused premium or there may be a standard fee. Other insurers may allow you to cancel whenever you choose as long as proper notice is given. Be sure and ask your insurance company if there is a cancellation penalty. You can then decide whether to make the switch right away or at another time to avoid any penalties.

 

Finalization of the Switch

If you complete a switch in your car insurance, pay for your new policy and verify that it is in place and active. Once your new insurer provides verification, contact your old insurer and cancel the policy. You should receive a refund for any time left on your old policy when making the change at the midpoint of the policy. You don’t want any interruptions in your coverage, so make sure you have coverage between the end of your old policy and the beginning of your new one. You don’t want to risk losing your license or receiving premium increases.

 

After Switching Policies

When you switch your insurance policy and are with a new company, you’ll want to notify any lease provider or loan holder right after you make that switch. Car lease holders and loan holders almost always require insurance coverage. If a loan company thinks you no longer have coverage, or that your insurance coverage has been cancelled, you could face repossession of the vehicle.

Your new insurer could drop your coverage during the first couple months that coverage is in effect (60 days). Within that time period, you want to be very careful to avoid traffic violations and accidents. You don’t want to wind up uninsured or worse yet, scrambling to find another provider.

Switching car insurance companies doesn’t have to be a drawn out affair, but you want to take time to research enough alternatives that offer adequate coverage at competitive rates. If you are still unsure how to go about switching your car insurance, complete the online contact form and a representative will get back to you with the information you need to help you make the switch.

How do Vehicle Recalls Work?

You saw it on the news or in a consumer-related report that a recall was in the works or you may know a friend or relative who received a recall notice for one of their vehicles. Besides recalls for cars, trucks, SUV’s and other vehicle related items, there are recalls for things like baby carriers, food products, toys and hundreds of other products that affect consumers worldwide.

 

Recall Awareness

Most anyone is pretty much aware of all the recalls that occur on a fairly regular basis. Usually the focus is on consumables, but vehicles are as much of a concern, especially when newer ones seem to experience ongoing problems. Maybe you’re wondering just what happens with vehicle recalls. If you have, here is a rundown on how vehicle recalls came about and how they work.

 

Vehicle Recall History

In the initial stages, recalls were associated with safety issues. In 1966, the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act established standards concerning vehicle safety. Vehicle related recalls quickly became an ongoing occurrence. Within a few years, the auto industry issued recalls for millions of vehicles. Fifty-plus years later, recalls continue to soar into the billions.

Today, issuing of recalls is usually through the automaker or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Vehicle  manufacturers are the ones issuing recalls, but  the NHTSA will intervene. Issuing recalls by car manufacturers is the preferred action as it allows them to resolve any vehicle recall related problems in a more immediate and direct fashion. If an auto manufacturer and the NHTSA aren’t able to come to terms on a recall, court decisions will determine any outcomes. The recall process can also come through individuals who work on vehicles or own their own that display noticeable defects. Consumers can contact the NHTSA themselves and report their concerns directly to the agency.

What is a Vehicle Recall

A recall means that a federal safety violation or a major defect was found with a vehicle that could cause a critical safety situation, faulty equipment operation or a related problem. It could be anything from a stuck gas pedal to an easily triggered airbag. Anything that causes a major dysfunction and safety concern with a vehicle could be a reason for a recall. Whatever the issue, any recall effort requires thorough investigation, testing and collection of data to determine whether a true problem exists.

 

Notification of a Recall

Should your vehicle be a part of a recall, the notification process will come as a letter through your vehicle’s manufacturer. It will arrive within a 60-day period from the filing of the recall with the National Highway Transportation Administration (NHTSA). The letter will provide the following information:

  • Description of the defect
  • Risks, warnings and problems if the defect is not unresolved
  • Manufacturer’s plan to fix the defect
  • Time frame for the repair of the defect
  • Guidelines to follow that assure the repair process
  • Other followup instructions

If you fail to receive the letter, you can still go through the repair process. To determine eligibility, search the recall database listed on the NHTSA internet site. Regularly check the site for updates on vehicle recalls to determine whether yours is on the list. Check this listing at least once during a 6-month’s period.

 

Your Options with a Recall Notification

If you receive a recall notification for your vehicle, your options include:

  • Repairing of issue through a dealership that represents the car manufacturer
  • Replacing the vehicle with a comparable model
  • Refunding of the vehicle’s price minus any depreciation

Repairing a recall issue will be the least costly and most appropriate for the situation. They will only use the other two options should the problem go beyond the repairable stage.

 

Payment Process

If your vehicle is on a recall list, they will repair any recall related defects or damages free; however, any recall work will go through an authorized automobile dealer for the manufacturer. To avoid problems, make sure you bring your recall notification letter to the dealership. If charges happen, speak with the dealership’s management, verify your letter and provide other pertinent information. Should problems continue, contact the manufacturer through the number provided in the recall notification letter. If that action fails, call or write the NHTSA directly and report your issue to them. They should be able to resolve any problems and provide you with detailed information regarding car recalls.

If you are unsure whether your vehicle is on a recall list and want to know more about the general process, complete the online contact form and a representative will get back to you with the information you need concerning how vehicle recalls work.

Common Types of Collision Damage

There are many reasons why your car may incur collision damage, from an auto accident to a tree limb that blows down in a storm. The type of damage makes a difference in how repairs are performed. Understanding the different types of collision damage can help you understand what repairs may be necessary.

 

Weather Damage

There is the potential for weather damage in all four seasons of the year. During the summer when the sun is at its strongest, your car can sustain damage to the paint due to fading and wearing. In addition, tires can become dry and cracked when the weather is overly hot. During the winter, salt applied to roads to avoid ice can lead to erosion in your vehicle while the fluctuating temperatures that can occur in some areas could lead to cracked windshields. In all seasons, there is a risk of high winds that can cause limbs to fall or hail that can lead to dents.

 

Failure to Maintain Your Car

If you don’t maintain your car, failing mechanical systems could lead to collision damage. Tires that have too little tread can blow out or your steering and brakes could fail, leading to an accident. Not only does neglecting the maintenance on your car lead to accidents, it can actually cause engine, exterior and interior damage. You should never ignore warning lights and have your car serviced at least once each year.

 

Car Accidents

Of course, the most common reason for collisions is car accidents. You could have a major accident that leads to shattered windshields, engine damage or destruction of several areas of the exterior of the car. Even minor fender benders can lead to damage that is more significant than it appears. Sometimes, minor collisions can cause damage to areas of the car that cannot be seen except by a trained professional.

 

Common Types of Damage

There are some types of damage that are more common than others. Dents can be tiny impressions to large craters in your car. Small scratches may be buffed out but if the scratches are significant, digging deep below the surface of the paint, they may require more extensive repair. Damage to the suspension is also a common type of collision damage along with a cracked windshield. Bumper damage is also common.

 

Collision Repairs

If the panel has a deep dent, it will need to be replaced as it more than likely cannot be repaired. Dents may be repaired using a hammer and dolly method, a stud welder or a dent puller. There is also paintless dent repair that uses new technology that does not require sanding, filler or painting. Deep scratches may require filler, sanding and painting to cover them properly. If suspension damage is significant, the auto shop may also need to remove and replace the shock absorber or ball joint. A small crack or chip in the windshield can be filled with resin to prevent it from spreading but if the crack is through both panes of glass or more than one inch long, the entire windshield needs to be replaced. If the bumper of your vehicle is damaged, it is possible it can be repaired easily, similar to other dents. However, if the damage to your bumper is significant, you may have hidden damage inside the vehicle that cannot be seen.

 

Choosing a Repair Shop

When your vehicle needs repair after a collision, be sure to ask about experience, payment policies, warranties and certifications. That way you know that your vehicle is being repaired by a qualified repair shop. If you will be filing an insurance claim, your insurance company will require you to get more than one estimate for repairs. Most require at least three, but you are free to get as many as you choose. The insurance company cannot require you to go to a specific shop and you can work with them if you suspect the amount they have offered for the repair is too low.

If your car has been involved in a collision, contact Elmer’s Auto Body. With more than 70 years’ experience, you know you are getting high quality service and that the car you drive away in is safe for your family. We repair your car as if it were owned by our own family because that is how we think of our customers. You can schedule an appointment by calling today or fill out the easy online form.

Do I Have to Repair My Car After an Insurance Claim Accident?

Depending on the accident and your insurer, you may not have to repair your car after making an insurance claim. Sometimes you can keep your claim money, but before you go spending cash on a wild shopping spree, look at the circumstances that govern whether you claim the money or give it up to a repair facility.

 

Owning your Vehicle

When your vehicle is free and clear of any payments and you’re the undisputed owner, and state laws allow for release of insurance claim money directly to a policy owner, and your insurance policy specifically states that a claim can go directly to you rather than a repair shop, the insurance claim money is legally yours with no implications of fraud; however, when you claim damage you won’t be able to claim it again, which includes not using any claim money for repairs. If you claim the same damage for another incident, there can be legal implications.

 

Check your Policy

Checking your policy requirements is the first place to go to determine whether you can collect an insurance claim payout for yourself. Attempting to claim any monies without approval could be unlawful.

 

Insurance Check Recipient

As nice as it would be to pocket your insurance claim money, your provider may require that any payment for repairs go straight to the body repair shop performing the work. This is one way of guaranteeing that any insurance money for repairs is going directly to the repair shop. When you go through the claims procedure, your insurance company may allow you to choose your own repair shop or will select their own one for you to use. Your provider may require you to get several appraisals if you go with your own shop choices, which makes it more of a task for you, so it may be best to go with your insurance provider’s choices. You also want to remember that once you make a claim for damages, you won’t be able to make another one.

 

Vehicle Leases and Loans

If you lease a vehicle or have a loan on it with monthly payments, keeping any insurance claim money will probably not be your choice, as your insurance policy will show the loan and leasing company as the entity insured on the policy. Any check written to cover repairs will probably be in your name and the company representing the lease or loan. This means the company will have to be the signer on any repairs before you receive any cash. Whoever your lease or loan holder is, they may instruct you to use any claim money for repairs and ask for documentation and assurance that the repairs were made.

 

Comprehensive and Collision Coverage

If you have comprehensive or collision coverage on your vehicle, that coverage requires you to repair any damage after an accident. Maintaining and keeping comprehensive and collision coverage makes it essential to make repairs. If you leave the damage alone and you pocket an insurance claim check, an insurance provider will be reluctant to pay out for any ensuing damages because of a second accident, plus the provider may require a policyholder to cancel the comprehensive or collision coverage. It’s necessary to show proof of the repair, and that happens when a claim check is in both your name and the body repair shop’s name.

 

Neglecting Repairs

In neglecting vehicle repairs after an accident, the safety aspect comes into play as vehicle owners could put themselves in jeopardy of another accident without the coverage. Maybe the original damage is minimal and requires little to no attention in the way of repairs, but there is always the chance of hidden damage coming out later and causing safety issues with driving.

Unseen damage is one reason it is critical to get advice from a body repair expert. This kind of neglect brings added expenses down the road and the threat of an unsafe vehicle. Vehicle owners think they are saving money when they pocket money through an insurance claim, but they are just postponing the inevitable of another accident, losing necessary coverage and the general hassle of it all.

If you really want to save money in the long run and don’t want the issues that go along with unresolved damages after an accident, complete the online contact form and an expert technician will get back to you with the advice you need to determine whether you need to repair your car after an insurance claim accident.