Year: 2021

Protect Your Nissan With Certified Collision Repair

It’s never pleasant to think about the possibility of a vehicle collision. These kinds of things can do a lot of damage, both to the vehicles themselves and to the people riding inside of them. Although we are not able to help with that second part, we can certainly help you to protect your Nissan with certified collision repair. Anything less is simply not good enough. Let’s talk a little bit about why this certification is so important when repairing a Nissan vehicle.

Why You Should Stick With A Certified Collision Specialist

There are a number of good reasons for sticking with a certified shop. First and foremost, let’s talk about the warranty issue. Nissan vehicle warranties will pretty much always stipulate that only certified mechanics can work on these products. Otherwise, the terms of the warranty will be considered null and void. This is a big problem because, if you find a defect or some other manufacturer problem with your vehicle, those non-certified repairs will cause your claim to be automatically denied.

There is also the issue of using the right parts. Most collision repairs will require you to purchase a new part or two, and some may require more than that. This is where many non-certified and low-standard body shops will see an opportunity to scam you. By charging you for a premium part and ordering a cheap aftermarket piece of junk, they can pocket the difference and make some extra cash from you. Needless to say, reputable and certified shops are not known for that sort of behavior. You should always make sure that your body shop uses OEM parts with lifetime warranties for each one.

Finally, we have the problems that come from specialized tools. Many vehicles will require specialized proprietary tools for proper repair jobs, and these tools can be very expensive. In fact, some of them can’t even be sold to non-certified shops and mechanics at all! However, certified mechanics and shops can get these tools at a lower cost, making it much more practical to buy them. Thus, going with a certified shop will ensure that only the correct and approved tools are used on your vehicle.

Nissan Vehicles Require More Specialized Work Than Most

There are actually some mechanics that will refuse to work on Nissan vehicles, as surprising as that might be. This is because they tend to use a lot more advanced engineering in their products and this can be a real problem for substandard mechanics. However, any shop that turns away your Nissan is probably not worth visiting in the first place.

One good example of this superior technology is Nissan’s “Safety Shield 360” system. By using a combination of sensors, cameras, radar, and sonar, the car can basically sense the presence of any other vehicle that gets too close. If such a thing happens, it will automatically slow or stop the vehicle with no input from the driver. If your car is equipped with this option, you must definitely avoid any shop that isn’t completely certified by Nissan. Just think about this: What will a low-tier mechanic do if he is forced to work on a radar or sonar system? Chances are, they won’t have a clue.

How To Recognize A Certified Nissan Collision Center

If you are trying to find the best Nissan mechanic, it pays to shop around and look at the details. For one thing, you should ask to see credentials and certs long before they ever touch your vehicle. Any shop that is hesitant or unwilling to show these credentials should be crossed off the list immediately. Remember that you are a paying customer and you have a right to know what kind of service you are buying.

That is the best way to begin, but you shouldn’t stop there. For instance, Nissan’s standards require that a Nissan-certified collision repair facility should be clean, well-organized, and professional-looking. If the place looks like your neighbor’s dirty garage, that isn’t a good sign at all.

You can also ask for some paperwork relating to their last inspection. Nissan, working through various third-party companies, will carry out periodic inspections of every shop in the Nissan-certified collision network. If they aren’t up to the standards, their licenses and certifications can be pulled. Thus, you should ask to see the results of their last inspection, as that will really tell the tale better than anything else.

Be Careful About Insurance Company Recommendations

In many cases, insurance companies will want their policyholders to visit one of their approved shops. However, this can be a bad idea in some cases. Your insurance company doesn’t determine the terms of your warranty and they are not necessarily interested in giving you the best quality. They recommend certain shops for financial and liability reasons, so those shops may not be fully approved by Nissan. The important thing here is to ask plenty of questions and vet the mechanic just like you would do with any other.

Post-Repair Scanning

Nissan requires post-repair scanning whenever one of their vehicles is repaired. This is something you should ask about, as it is another good way to recognize a high-quality body shop. If they are skimping out on the scan, who knows what else they might be forgetting?

Conclusion

If you want to get the best collision repairs for your Nissan, you might be asking yourself: “Where can I find the best auto body shop near me?” For those of you in South Jersey (or any adjacent area), Elmer’s Auto Body is the answer you seek. We are properly certified in all areas of Nissan service and we aren’t shy about proving that fact to all potential customers. You have every right to see our credentials, so we will never be offended at that prospect. To find out more (or to employ our expert services), feel free to call us at (856) 218-0202.

The Importance Of Using The Same Shop For All Your Body Work

When you need to take your car into the shop for some body repairs, it can be a frustrating experience. If you need several types of repairs done to your vehicle, you want to maintain a consistent level of quality work. When you take it to a different shop, that repair might not match up with your previous bodywork. Here are a few reasons why you need to stick with the same body shop for all of your repair work.

Work With a Familiar Face

It can be heartbreaking to see your beloved car damaged by an accident. You want to get your ride back to its best shape, and one way to do that is to take it to the same body shop. These shops are familiar with your vehicle and understand its unique needs. Plus, you can count on these professionals to get the right parts for your car. Some shops might try to use aftermarket parts to complete the repair. However, when you use the same shop, they will work hard to use OEM parts to meet your vehicle’s warranty requirements.

Along with that, the same auto body shop understands the types of repairs that need to be made to your specific make and model.

When you use the same shop for all your bodywork repairs, you will know that your car is in good hands. These repair shops believe in building trust with their clients, and they want to deliver a car that is back to its original shape and meets all of your expectations.

Manufacturer Certified Repair Knowledge

When you choose a specific body shop for your vehicle, you can count that their technicians are trained and certified to complete your repairs. Some technicians are specially trained to work on specific makes and models. These vehicles might have a few unique components that need to be repaired by professionals. Along with that, when you use the same body shop, you can be guaranteed that the repair will meet your manufacturer’s specific needs and that any repairs will not void your vehicle’s warranty.

Aluminum Repair Expertise

For the most part, vehicles that are involved in an accident will have damage to their metal components. Many modern car manufacturers have integrated aluminum into the manufacturing process. This type of metal is high-performing, which leads to higher resistance to rust. If your car has aluminum in the metal, you need a professional auto body technician trained in this specific repair work. When you use the same body shop, you can guarantee that those technicians will quickly and efficiently work to repair your vehicle.

Get a Better Price

If you have ever received an estimate for your car’s bodywork repairs, you know that those prices can vary. The price differences are due to a variety of reasons. In some cases, one shop might have high overhead costs due to insurance, technician training, required licensing, and upgrading equipment. When you use the same shop, you can often get a better deal for your repair. In fact, some might offer a discount if you have all the repairs completed by them.

In addition to that, you will know that you can count on the shop’s warranty if anything happens to break after the repair. You won’t have to deal with the endless circle of blame as two different shops find fault with each other for the damaged parts or work.

However, remember with pricing, several factors can lead to your final costs. If your car requires experienced technicians to complete the repair, then you might have a higher price for your vehicle. A low price does not always mean a great deal. You want to find a reputable shop that can handle all of your vehicle’s repairs, from simple body painting to intensive collision adjustments.

Records on File

You might not think about it, but you want to take your vehicle to a shop with the correct paperwork for your car. You might have forgotten about some bodywork in the past. However, when you take it to the same shop, they can pull up your vehicle’s files and find out the car’s past history. In most cases, these shops can tell whether you want aftermarket or OEM parts, when your last oil change took place, and the type of paint for your vehicle. In other words, these reliable shops know your car inside and out, and you can count on them to deliver fantastic repair results.

Easy Fleet Management

If you have a fleet of vehicles, the same body shop makes it easy to get them maintained and repaired. With that, you will know how the shop operates its business and repair process. In turn, every repair will have a certain level of expectation when the vehicle is returned to you. Fleet services might even have a dedicated point person so that you will work with the same employee every time you need a repair completed on the vehicle.

As you can tell, when you use the same auto body shop, you can expect the same level of service and care when you bring in your vehicles. Plus, the same shop will know the history of your car and use the right parts to maintain your vehicle’s warranty. In addition to that, all those repairs will look identical, and you don’t have to worry about mismatched paint or parts for your car.

Auto Body Shop Near Me

If you need auto bodywork repairs for your vehicle, make sure to find a team of trustworthy and highly skilled technicians to handle the job. At Elmer’s Auto Body, we have the expertise to bring your vehicle back to its original condition. With our services, you can expect consistent repairs whether you need a simple adjustment or a complete collision fix.

Our shop services a wide range of models, makes, and body types. We promise to deliver exceptional results for your vehicle. You can schedule a consultation by calling our shop at (856) 218-0202.

Why GM Collision Certification Matters

General Motors is one of the largest vehicle manufacturers on the planet. Brands such as Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, and Cadillac have been absorbed by GM, making them a very multi-faceted company. Of course, any of these vehicles can easily be involved in a collision. Even if you are the safest driver in the world, the mistakes of another driver can cause the same level of damage. For those who find themselves in this situation, it is important to take your vehicle to a shop with a GM collision certification.

How Hard Is It To Get A GM Collision Certification?

Unlike some certifications of this kind, a GM collision certification requires a fair amount of education and time. As part of the GM collision certification program, the license holder must become familiar with a wide variety of vehicles and systems, including (but not limited to):

Engine repair
Transmission repair
HVAC repair
Brakes
Steering
Electrical work/ wiring
Body work of all kinds

Of all these criteria, that last one is probably the most important. In the event of a collision, the body is normally the first part of the car to feel the impact. With the plastic-like bodies found on many modern cars, whole sections can be crumpled like a tin can. Needless to say, most collision repairs will begin with the bodywork.

Why Gm Collision Certification Matters

There are several factors that make it important to use a certified body mechanic. First of all, a certified mechanic will be more familiar with the details and needs of your vehicle. As such, they will be far more likely to do things right the first time. Secondly, taking your car to a non-certified shop can (and probably will) void the warranty. So, unless your warranty doesn’t matter to you at all, you pretty much have to stick with a GM-certified collision shop.

On a lesser note, asking for a GM-certified collision specialist is a good way to filter out the unprofessional choices. Some shops are simply not operating with a high degree of professionalism, and these will almost certainly be non-certified. By demanding to see that collision cert, you can immediately see who is serious and who is not. A shop that isn’t likely to be around in a year or two isn’t going to care about certs, so a lack thereof should be considered as a red flag.

The Importance Of Using The Right Parts

There is another reason that you should avoid non-certified body shops, and it is a very practical one. When you go with a certified shop, you can be sure that they will only use original GM parts. At the very least, they will use parts that have been approved by GM, even if they aren’t 100% original.

On the other hand, many disreputable shops will make use of cheap aftermarket parts to make some extra money. Basically, they charge you for a premium part and then order the cheapest part that they can find. Of course, the cheapest option probably won’t be approved by GM. This allows the crooked mechanic to pocket the extra money that would have been spent on a high-quality part. If you really want to be sure, ask for the part number or product code on any replacement part that your body shop may use.

The Importance Of Using The Right Tools

If you have ever tried to do some DIY mechanic work (particularly on foreign-made cars), you may have noticed that some tasks will require specialized tools. These are what most authorities call “proprietary tools” and that means they are not so easy to acquire. In some cases, you can’t even get the right tools for a repair job unless you are certified by the company that made the car. In other cases, getting the right tools might cost a non-certified mechanic hundreds of thousands of dollars. Of course, for those who are qualified, it is easier to get those specialized tools and do the job correctly. While it still isn’t cheap, it is a lot more realistic.

You can bet that auto companies do this sort of thing on purpose. They don’t want just anyone working on their vehicles, so they make it difficult for non-certified mechanics to do that work. Some people think that they do this in order to “screw” the customer, but this doesn’t make much sense if you think about the particulars. The auto company doesn’t really make any money by forcing you to visit a mechanic (unless you go to a dealership, which many people will avoid due to the higher costs). In reality, these specialized tools are used to try and filter out substandard mechanic work.

Don’t Trust Your Vehicle To Anyone Else

Here at Elmer’s Auto Body, we only employ the best mechanics that we can find and all of them must be properly certified. If you happen to be within our service area and you need some collision repair, you can stop by anytime and see what we have to offer. We have no problem showing our credentials and certs to any customer, as you have a right to know what kind of people you are hiring. Your vehicle is important to you, and it’s equally important to us.

Conclusion

Right now, you might be asking, “where can I find the best auto body shop near me?” If you are in or around South Jersey, Elmer’s Auto Body shop is the answer to your question. We pride ourselves on doing the most professional work because we value our customers very highly. We understand that a vehicle collision is a traumatic event and that most people simply want to get it behind them. If you would like us to help you do exactly that, feel free to call our shop at (856) 218-0202.

How Do I Get Hail Damage Repaired on My Car?

Weather can be quite unpredictable at times, and Mother Nature may decide to send some hail your way. It’s nice if you have the opportunity to plan ahead, but your vehicle may be left exposed to the hail if you can’t get to it in time. If hail is small enough in size, your vehicle may hold up just fine. If the size of the hailstones is very large, this can lead to some pretty bad vehicular damage. Generally speaking, hail that is larger than one inch in diameter is worth worrying about. Luckily, Elmer’s Auto Body can take care of any necessary car hail damage repair that you may need.

After hail has swept through your area and you’ve noticed damage has taken place, there are some steps that you should take to address the issue at hand.

Take Photos

Take some photos of your vehicle after it has been damaged. You want recent photos as soon after the damage as possible. Hail usually causes small dents in your paint job, and it might be difficult to get proper photos. You can play around with the angle that you’re taking the photo at. When the light hits the dents in different directions, this will help you take good photos.

Make sure that you save your photos either to the cloud, or you should back them up on your computer at home. Having proof of damage is incredibly important as you move towards having the damage repaired.

Wash Your Vehicle

You’ll need to obtain an estimate for the repairs that are needed, but you want your vehicle to be as clean as possible before you show it to a repair shop. This gives them quick access to your vehicle, and they’ll be able to spot whatever damage needs to be addressed. You don’t have to go to great lengths in order to prepare your vehicle for an estimate, so feel free to skip the coat of wax for now. You’re just trying to get the majority of the dirt, bugs, and debris off your vehicle.

Assess the Damage Yourself

While you can’t write yourself up an estimate for the damage, you can take a look at the vehicle to see what has happened. You’ll want to jot down how many dents there are, and make a list of where those dents are located. Also, take note of any other damage that may have occurred. This might apply to chips in your windshield or damage to your headlights. You can discuss with a professional what you’ve noticed, and make sure that they’ve assessed everything that needs to be fixed.

Hail Damage Car Repair Estimate

You should obtain an estimate for the repair of your vehicle. Your insurance company may want a copy of a few estimates before they will determine that the repair can be covered. The estimate will outline the extent of the damage, what work needs to be done and how long it will take for the work to be completed. There will also be a final cost included. If you’re wondering whether or not does car insurance cover hail damage, this will often depend on the type of coverage that you have. This is always a good thought to keep in mind when you’re choosing your insurance policy. While you may have the best intention when it comes to moving your vehicle inside a garage when hail is forecasted, things don’t always work out how you would hope. Having that safety net to fall back on is important.

If you would like more information regarding having your vehicle fixed after it has incurred damage to its exterior, you can reach out to Elmer’s Auto Body. We can be reached for an appointment by calling us at (856) 218-0202.

What Kind of Damages Can Your Car Suffer In A Front-End Collision?

Needless to say, there are many ways in which your car can suffer from a head-on collision. Those are some of the most dangerous auto accidents and they can easily result in injury or death for the occupants of the vehicle. However, we are going to focus on vehicle damage today, as this is much easier to fix. If you find yourself in this situation, it is very important to be prepared. Not only do you need to have some money set back for the repair costs, but you should also make sure that you have asked yourself the crucial question: “Who is the best auto body shop near me?”

Engine Damage

This is one of the most severe problems that can result from a collision, and it happens a lot. The engine is located in the front of the vehicle, so it will be one of the first components to suffer an impact. Sometimes, the parts that are situated in front of the engine (like the radiator and fan) can be shoved back into the engine itself, causing terrible damage.

The engine is like the beating heart of any vehicle, so it should always be the first repair priority. In most cases, an engine that has suffered serious collision damage will need to be removed and replaced. This is never easy or cheap, but it can be a lot easier and more affordable if you employ the right body shop.

Body And Frame Damage

As the name implies, a body shop specializes in repairing the outer shell of the car (commonly called the “body” of the car). It’s pretty much impossible to suffer a collision without some kind of body damage, and that is why body shops are so easy to find. Most body problems can be fixed, although there is a question of how much it will cost. Obviously, dents and scratches aren’t usually expensive to fix at all, but major body damage can be another story.

If your car has a “unibody” design (i.e., a body that is all one piece), that can make things a little more difficult. With these designs, you can’t just swap out a panel and fix common problems. Still, body problems don’t tend to be that bad.

Frame problems, on the other hand, represent a serious threat to the structural integrity of the car. That’s a fancy way of saying that your car won’t hold together without a whole frame. A hard collision can certainly break parts of the frame, especially the thinner parts around the windows. Bending and twisting, however, are both more common than flat-out breakage. These kinds of repairs are so crucial that you should only trust them to be the best.

Windshield Damage

Windshields are definitely some of the most fragile parts of any vehicle, and the reason is obvious: They have to be made of glass. Thankfully, this is not quite as dangerous as it may seem. Windshield glass is made with vinyl layers in which the glass is held. Thus, if the glass breaks, it will not fly into a million pieces. Thus, it will crack and “spiderweb” without shattering. That being said, an extremely sharp impact can be enough to overcome that technology. In any case, there is pretty much only one remedy for a damaged windshield and that is a replacement.

Wheels, Suspension, and Steering

These components are also very likely to suffer damage in the event of a collision. Your wheels are the only point of contact between your vehicle and the road, so they suffer a lot of wear and tear anyway. To put it simply, your wheels are more likely to suffer damage because they are carrying all the weight. Of course, the suspension system gives them a hand, and it is also more vulnerable to damage as a result.

When we talk about the wheels, we also need to talk about that which controls them. The steering system of your car is also located in the front compartment (although the exact location varies). Regardless of design, the steering system has to transfer force to the wheels and make them react.

Now, imagine what happens when your front end is struck at a high speed. Everything in the front is going to go backward, and the thinner pieces of the steering system make them unlikely to win that contest. If your front wheels are bent or twisted inwards, anything connected to them is also likely to be damaged.

Fire Damage

Before we even talk about this, we need to dispel a common Hollywood myth: Vehicles do not usually catch fire or explode after a collision, even a serious one. That being said, fires can occur in some cases. You have probably seen a vehicle fire at least once in your life. If not, just do a quick internet search and you’ll see that it does occasionally happen.

In most cases, this occurs because of ruptured fuel lines. Your fuel pump constantly pumps a stream of highly flammable liquid (gasoline, of course) into the engine. If the line carrying that gasoline is ruptured, gas will spray all over the place until the vehicle is shut off. If yours is one of those unlucky cases, you are probably looking at much more extensive repairs.

Conclusion

No matter which one of these problems you may have, you can count on the people at Elmer’s Auto Body to correct them. We have been doing this for over 70 years and there are very few problems we haven’t seen. Collision repair allows you to get your vehicle back on the road and get on with your life, but you need the right body shop if you expect to get good results. If you would like to employ our services or just know more about our business, feel free to call us at (856) 218-0202. We look forward to giving you the great service for which we are known.

Finding a Collision Repair Shop After a Car Accident

Getting into an accident is terrifying and flustering, especially in the moments afterward. Amid the chaos, you know that you have to deal with your insurance company and make a claim. But once that happens, what steps do you take to get your vehicle repaired? Sometimes, the process of post-accident repairs can seem like a maze, but when you know what options are available, it truly isn’t that difficult.

We’re going to explain the ins and outs of finding a collision repair shop after a car accident, so keep reading.

Using an Insurance Company Recommended Body Shop

You have completed the initial steps by communicating with the other drivers involved, collecting evidence, and speaking with the police. Either your car is towed or you drive it home. Now, you have to call your auto insurance provider. It doesn’t matter if you’re the one who caused the accident or someone else. You should always contact your insurance provider to get the process started as quickly as possible.

After you get in touch with the insurance company, they will send out an inspector to look at the vehicle to see how much repairs will cost. There may be instances where the insurance provider requests that you send the car to an auto body repair shop. If you go to a shop, simply request an estimate. You don’t want to get started on the repairs right away.

After you have the estimate from the collision repair shop or adjuster, you now have options. You can either take your car to the insurance company-recommended body shop (also known as a direct repair program facility or DRP), or you can go somewhere else.

A DRP shop has connections with insurance companies, so that has some advantages:

One-stop shop. Since direct repair programs are affiliated with insurers, that means you can take the car for an estimate, get it repaired, have a rental car in the meantime, and never have to worry about dealing with the claims process.
Quick repairs and easy payments. The whole repair process is going to be streamlined and prioritized. You’ll have less paperwork to complete, and you won’t wait nearly as long for your car to be repaired.
Quality standards. DRP facilities have been screened by the insurance company to meet a certain level of quality.

Reasons Not to Use a Direct Repair Program Shop

A direct repair facility sounds great, doesn’t it? You can have everything handled by the collision repair shop and the auto insurer, and you know for certain that you will have a rental car. So why would anyone want to go anywhere else? Turns out, there are plenty of reasons why you might not go to a DRP collision shop.

Prior relationships. Since dealing with the aftermath of a car accident is hectic enough, you might not want to take your car to an unfamiliar repair shop. If you have a repair technician at the auto shop where you usually go who knows the history of the vehicle, that may be better. That technician may be able to find damages that someone unfamiliar with the vehicle would overlook.
DRP shops do not use OEM parts. Many DRP shops use aftermarket car parts to reduce the cost of the repairs for the insurance company. While many aftermarket parts will function fine, they may not have the same level of quality as original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts. If you want parts designed specifically for your vehicle’s make and model, go with a collision repair shop that uses OEM parts.

How to Shop Around for a Body Shop

If you decide to choose the collision repair shop on your own, you shouldn’t choose the first body shop to show up on Google. Follow these tips:

Read Reviews and Get Recommendations

You may be able to ask friends, family, or even check an approved list from your insurer for trusted collision repair shops near you. You should also read online reviews about local auto body shops and mechanics.

Look for Industry Certifications

If you are considering getting OEM parts, make sure the shop you choose has the credentials for it. Look for certifications from the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR), Automotive Service Association (ASA), and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). It also helps if the collision repair shop has been certified by specific manufacturers.

Shop for Several Estimates

Make a list of potential auto body shops and get an estimate from each one. There shouldn’t be a wide discrepancy in the estimates, though you might be able to find that some charge more or less, depending on what they provide. Keep in mind that the cheapest estimate isn’t always the smartest, since it could mean the auto body shop has missed damages or is not that experienced.

Ask Questions

Whether you are going to a recommended shop or one that you found on your own, you want to know whether you can communicate with them. It is important to ask plenty of assessing questions since the answers won’t only tell you about the auto body shop but also about customer service. You should be able to trust the person working on your vehicle.

Here are some questions to ask:

Are your technicians certified?
Do you use aftermarket or original equipment manufacturer parts?
Is there a warranty available on the repairs?
Is a rental car available and for how long?
Do you have experience working on this type of vehicle?
Your estimate is more/less expensive than others. Can you explain why?

Final Thoughts

Working with a collision repair shop doesn’t have to be frustrating or confusing, not when you find the right one. The best collision repair shop will work with you through the process and ensure that you get your vehicle repaired sooner than later. Ultimately, the choice of where you take your car is up to you, so make sure you are choosing an auto body shop with great reviews, certifications, and warranties.