Author: elmers2021

How To Minimize Vehicle Depreciation After An Accident

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Everyone knows a car will depreciate over time and with accident involvement, the vehicle depreciates just as quickly. How can you minimize vehicle depreciation after an accident? Here are some guidelines that will help you understand what happens with vehicle depreciation.

Vehicle Repairs

When you make repairs to a vehicle and there are no signs of damage and once the repair process is over, your vehicle won’t appreciate in value. In fact, its value in retail terms won’t be what it was previously. If you think about hiding any repairs, you’re out of luck there as well as any accidents with your vehicle will show up in a CARFAX report which anyone can access. The average figure for depreciation differs with every vehicle, but after an accident, the depreciation rate is approximately 30%. You say, Wow, but when you drive a car away from a car lot, the vehicle depreciates by double digits (11 percent). So, how do you make up for the loss?

Fix your Vehicle

The first thing you want to do is repair your vehicle soon after an accident. You’ll probably contemplate, I want to find an auto body shop near me where the work can be accurately and professionally done. Even minor work will increase a vehicle’s resale value, so you want to find the best body repair shop to take care of those small damaged areas. When you have the damage repaired, the resale value of your vehicle will increase. In all your vehicle depreciates after an accident.

Use Original Manufactured Parts

When you search for a body shop that will do the work on your car, you’ll want to find one that uses OEM or original manufactured equipment to repair your vehicle. Using parts that are considered aftermarket will lessen the value of your vehicle. Keeping your car as original as possible is important if you want to get the most for its value. Whoever you choose to do the work, be sure and ask them whether they use OEM or aftermarket parts and how the value of your vehicle will be affected.

Diminished Value Insurance Claim

One thing you’ll want to do is file a claim with your insurance company that covers diminished value. If your car has been in an accident, it will lose more of its value. Also, if you did not cause the accident and you’re carrying full coverage, your insurance carrier should compensate you for the diminished value of the vehicle. Contact your insurance company to find out whether you are eligible to file for a diminished value insurance claim.

Diminished Value Types

Diminished value exists because of the results of an accident. If you put your vehicle up for sale after an accident, a diminished value is part of the deal. Even though the car goes through the repair process and is in good condition, it still faces a diminished value or depreciation.

There are different types of diminished value that include:

Immediate diminished value – This means the difference between your car’s resale value before any accident involvement to after the accident when any repairs are made.
Inherent diminished value – Once repairs are made after an accident, and the body shop restores the vehicle to pristine condition, you still need to consider that the vehicle was involved in an accident and its value is diminished. When it comes time to sell it or trade it in, the vehicle’s value decreases compared to before the accident.
Repair-related diminished value – You’re talking about the value lost in a vehicle that is based solely on the quality of the repairs made to it. Say the color of your car is not just the right match or after-market or generic parts were used to repair it. The car will suffer depreciation because of any repairs or equipment used that were less than the highest standard. Your vehicle has a good chance of a certain loss in its value from the repairs made to it.

If you intend to claim diminished value through your insurance company, you’ll want to determine what kind of monetary loss you would deal with because of an accident. When you have an older vehicle that has lost its value, making a claim would probably not be sensible, particularly if a court case and legal fees are in the mix.

Determining Diminished Value

In order to determine diminished value, you can find what the Blue Book value would be normally before an accident. From there, you can deal with a car dealership and ask them for a trade-in value on your vehicle. This figure would give you an idea of its diminished value. It may not be the best offer, but it gives you an understanding of your vehicle’s worth.

You can also verify your vehicle’s worth by evaluating it through a company that deals in diminished value insurance assessments. This option would be the most accurate for a more solid figure of your car’s worth. Just make sure that whoever evaluates your car is a qualified expert and is accepted by your insurance company.

When you have an accident and need repair work done, you’ll want to get the best return on any losses, and Elmer’s Auto Body can help you pave the way through to a more acceptable return. Their auto body technicians provide services that return your vehicle to its original looks while minimizing its depreciation. Call Elmer’s and book an appointment for repairs at (856) 218-0202.

Protecting Your Car’s New Paint After Collision Repairs

After a visit to the collision shop, your vehicle will come home with a newly painted surface. A skilled auto body mechanic uses a meticulous process to match the fresh paint with your existing color. This process involves applying several layers of primer, paint, and clear coat. Once that is completed, the finish is buffed for a glossy appearance.

After all that work, you need to protect the new paint for the first 30 to 90 days. During that time, the paint needs to cure and harden. If you don’t protect the paint, it can lead to noticeable imperfections on the surface. Those blemishes are not covered by the auto body shop’s warranty. In other words, you need to protect the finish of your vehicle after any collision repair. Here are a few tips for maintaining the beauty of your fresh paint job.

Avoid Car Washes

After you have been driving your vehicle, you might notice that the surface is dirty. Many drivers want to take their car to the nearest commercial car wash. However, you need to think again. Most commercial car washes use stiff sponges and brushes that will scratch the paint, especially if you just applied new paint to your vehicle.

While you shouldn’t drive your vehicle through the local car wash, you still need to rinse away the dirt. Regular washing is good for your car. However, it needs to be washed by hand. You want to use a very mild car wash solution and cool water. It is not good to use dish soap on the vehicle since it can leave a film. Apply the solution with a foam sponge and only work in straight lines. Circular motions can actually damage the paint.

Even direct sunlight can ruin the paint. For that reason, you want to wash your car in the shade. Once you are done with the washing process, use clean water to rinse off the soap.

After that, you should use the proper drying methods. If you allow the car to air dry, it can leave behind minerals on the surface. Those water minerals can harm the paint. You want to take a microfiber towel and softly wipe the surface. It is important to use a microfiber instead of a rag or paper towel. Those drying fabrics can leave scratches on your fresh paint.

Along with these washing and drying methods, you should avoid polishing or waxing your vehicle for 90 days after a new paint job. Wax can damage the surface of your car and cause discoloration in the paint.

Don’t Scrape the Surface

If you live in an area that experiences snow and ice, you need to be careful with your vehicle. You might want to scrape the ice and snow off the windows and body surface. However, never take a hard tool to a newly painted surface. You are guaranteed to end up with new scratches on the paint. If you need to remove ice and snow, try a soft brush or use your hand. A little warm water on the painted surface can help to melt away the ice.

Stay Out of the Sun

Those ultraviolet rays from the sun can harm your skin and the paint job on your vehicle. Sunlight is known to fade a vehicle’s paint. In turn, your vehicle will look dull and dingy. If it is possible, park your car in the shade. No matter if your paint is new or old, this advice can help preserve the appearance of your vehicle.

Watch Out for Chemicals

If your vehicle needs work after a new paint job, you will want to make sure to keep away any automotive chemicals or solutions from the surface. Gasoline, oil, antifreeze, and transmission fluid can all damage your paint. Windshield washer fluid is even known to harm your new paint job.

When you bring your vehicle to a shop for routine work, you should take some time to point out the newly painted areas to the technicians. You even want to be cautious when filling up the gas tank. If it gets on the vehicle’s surface, take a soft wet cloth to wipe off any gasoline. Leaving any of these chemicals on your painted surface will cause damage to your new paint job.

Avoid Any Gravel Roads

When you have a freshly painted vehicle, you will want to avoid any loose gravel roads. This is good advice for any car. However, gravel roads can be unavoidable, especially if you need to drive through a construction zone. Your paint’s finish is vulnerable to flying rocks. In turn, you could notice chips on the surface, especially if the paint doesn’t have time to harden. A deep chip to the surface of the paint can expose the vehicle’s metal frame. As a result, the metal is exposed to water and can begin to develop rust.

Take Care of Your New Painted Surface

When you bring your vehicle to a shop for repairs, they will use the latest techniques to properly match your existing painted surfaces. After you take your car home, you want to protect all that hard work. It is important to follow the auto body shop’s advice so that you can enjoy your vehicle for many years to come.

For the first few months, you will have to do a little work to protect the surface of the vehicle. In some cases, you might have to change your routine to prevent damage to the new paint. All these tips are good advice that can preserve the appearance of any car or truck. You don’t need a new paint job to protect the surface of your vehicle.

Find an Auto Body Shop Near Me

If you need a professional paint job for your vehicle, make sure to take it to an experienced auto body shop. Elmer’s Auto Body uses all the latest techniques to restore the finish of your car. You will be delighted with our work. If you want to schedule a consultation, please call the shop at (856) 218-0202.

Can an Accident Void My Vehicle’s Warranty?

When you have a new car, a warranty can give you some peace of mind. If there is a problem, many mechanical issues are covered by these warranties. However, if your car is involved in an accident, you might wonder if any repair work will void that vital warranty. When you need to fix your vehicle, here are a few things to know about voiding the vehicle’s warranty.

Warranty Limits

There are many ways to void the warranty of your vehicle. For the most part, a warranty does contain provisions for powertrain and bumper-to-bumper coverage. All these warranties are transferable and feature mileage or time limits.

The typical manufacturer powertrain warranty is valid for 60,000 to 100,000 miles. Some warranties have time limits, such as four to six years. However, many bumper-to-bumper plans will protect you up to 50,000 miles or five years. These warranties can help get your car back on the road. You might be concerned about scheduling repair work that could void those protections. When you are involved in a car accident, make sure to take a few steps to prevent a void warranty.

What Will Void a Warranty?

If you look at the fine print of your warranty, the manufacturer outlines several ways that can cause it to be invalid.

Title Salvage Distinction

When a vehicle is involved in a severe accident, your insurance company might give your car or truck a “salvage” title. With that title, the vehicle is a total loss, and any warranties are voided.

Abuse of Vehicle

Many warranties will have a clause defining “vehicle abuse.” What does that mean for you? If you use your vehicle for racing or subject it to excessive wear and tear, you could void your warranty. Any damage that is not considered “normal” by the manufacturer can be defined as abuse. In turn, your warranty will be canceled.

Odometer Tampering

Odometer tampering is known as “rolling back” your odometer. Some people roll back this component to make it appear that the vehicle has fewer miles. If you engage in this practice, you will have a voided warranty.

Natural Disasters

An environmental disaster can happen in any region in the country. These disasters are also called “an act of God.” They include tornadoes, floods, fires, earthquakes, and hurricanes. No matter how your vehicle is damaged, it will null your warranty.

Improper Fluids

If you use the wrong fuel type or oil, those fluids can cause damage to your car. According to your manufacturer, they will not cover these damages to your vehicle. You always want to make sure you are using the proper fuels and fluids for your car.

These are a few ways that you can void your warranty without getting involved in an accident. Once you are in a vehicle accident, here are a couple of things that you will want to avoid.

Non-Certified Mechanics

Everyone wants to save a few dollars. You might know someone who can work on your car. However, any work by a non-certified mechanic will void your warranty. Many manufacturers require you to use a trained and certified mechanic, especially for any auto body repairs. Some of these non-certified mechanics can make errors that will affect the performance of your vehicle. You always want to find an authorized mechanic for your specific make and model of vehicle.

Non-Approved Parts

A vehicle’s warranty can be voided when you don’t use OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts for the repair. The manufacturer approves these parts, and they will ensure that your car operates according to the automaker’s standards. If aftermarket parts are used for the repair, it may cause other components to wear down. For that reason, many manufacturers will void a warranty if you use unauthorized parts on the car.

However, the aftermarket is still a gray area for many people. Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975, a warranty cannot be denied unless the manufacturer can prove the aftermarket parts caused damage to a vehicle. If you want to avoid any hassles with your warranty, talk to the shop manager to get certified OEM or manufacturer-approved aftermarket parts.

Modifications

While your car is in the shop, you might want to add a few new features to your vehicle. Modifications can improve the look or boost the performance of your car, but they can also void your warranty. Some of these modifications include installing a custom bumper, changing the grill, or adding spoilers. However, those modifications can also cancel your vehicle’s warranty. If you want to change these features, make sure to read your warranty. Even a simple upgrade can null it.

After an Accident

For the most part, a repair to your vehicle will not affect the warranty. According to many experts, a salvage title is the only way a vehicle’s warranty is voided after an accident.

In most cases, when your vehicle is repairable, an accident has no bearing on the warranty. The insurance company will have to declare your vehicle a total loss if the collision repairs cost more than the assessed market value.

Many insurance companies will use the Kelly Blue Book to determine your vehicle’s value based on a few factors, such as:

Age
Condition
Make and model
Mileage
Non-standard and aftermarket features
Transmission type (manual vs. automatic)
Vehicle history, including past collision repairs and maintenance

Keep Your Vehicle Compliant After an Accident

When you are involved in an accident, it will not void the warranty. However, taking it to a non-certified shop or using unauthorized aftermarket parts will cause problems down the road. If you need repairs for your vehicle, make sure to find a certified auto body shop for your car or truck.

Trusted Auto Body Shop in New Jersey

Looking for an auto body shop near me? Reach out to the certified technicians at Elmer’s Auto Body. We have the experience to work on your vehicle. Our team will use the right parts to maintain the warranty for your ride. To schedule a consultation, please call (856) 218-0202.

What To Do In Case Of A Deer-Related Collision

It’s no fun when you’re driving along during the early day or night, and suddenly a deer jumps out in front of your vehicle. You either have to avoid the run-in or plow right into the animal and experience the risks and damages that it does to possibly you, passengers, and your vehicle. What should you do in case you are involved in a deer-related collision?

Accident Avoidance

Whatever you do, don’t swerve when you encounter a deer. If you swerve, you’re at risk of causing an accident or hitting a light pole, ditch, or anything else in the way. Hitting a deer is not as bad as colliding with another car or other objects. Release the gas pedal, use the brake safely and stay on a straight pathway. A given is to wear a seatbelt at all times.

You also want to drive cautiously, particularly during the early morning and evening hours, and stay alert to your surroundings. Take notice of any deer crossing signs and limit your speed to what is posted and keep plenty of clearance between you and the next car. Maintain your vehicle as well. You want the tires, brakes, and lights in top working condition. Remember, if you’re in deer country, you want to be prepared for anything.

Park Your Vehicle

When a collision does occur with a deer, you’ll want to park your vehicle on the roadside and immediately engage your hazard lights. Get off the road or highway and stay out of the way of any traffic. Use your hazard lights or flares to alert other motorists. Since deer are out and about in the early morning and evening hours, other drivers do not see your vehicle, so it’s important to steer clear of the road.

Contact The Authorities

If you’re able, contact the police or any wildlife authorities. They’ll want to know if the deer is impeding traffic and creating a hazard to drivers in the area. If there are injuries or any kind of property damage, you’ll probably have to complete a report, which will be of help if you need to file a claim with your insurance company.

Record The Events

With safety in mind, you can take pictures of the roadway where the collision occurred along with any surroundings and damage to your vehicle. You’ll also want to note injuries that may have happened with any passengers. If there are witnesses to the accident, record what they have seen and be sure and get their information for future contact.

Animal Safety

For your own safety and the safety of others, steer clear of the deer. A deer that has been hurt can still move its legs and hooves which can hurt you or someone else.

Insurance Coverage

Before you have a collision with a deer or any other mishap, you’ll want to check on the right insurance to carry. When you hit a deer, comprehensive insurance coverage is what you want as most automotive collision policies don’t cover an accident where it involves an animal. If you live in a region of the country where deer are prevalent, look into a comprehensive policy that definitely covers animal accidents. You usually have to pay a deductible with such a policy when you hit an animal.

Insurance Agent Contact

You should report any damages or injuries and file a report with your insurance agent as soon as possible. Do make sure that your vehicle is operating properly after a collision with a deer. Watch for things like any leaks, broken lights, an unhinged hood, damaged tires, and any other hazards that would affect your vehicle’s safety. Contact a towing service if there are any doubts in your mind that your vehicle is not drivable or is unsafe.

Repairing Your Vehicle

When you experience a collision with a deer or other larger animal, the damage is usually considerable, and your vehicle may even be unrepairable. After consulting with your insurance company and assessing the damage, you can file a claim for repairs or replacement. Your car may have a broken bumper, smashed headlights, dents in the front end, a punctured radiator, and many other issues.

If the deer or other animal moves up onto the windshield area, there is the chance for bodily injury of you or any passengers along with extreme damage to your vehicle. There is even the possibility with that kind of encounter that the impact could force your car from the main road and hit another obstacle besides the deer. Whatever the case, you’re going to have to consider finding someone that can take on the repairs of your vehicle when damage occurs because of a collision with an animal.

You’ll want to contact your insurance company and start the claims process. With those details being negotiated, you can take the next steps to have any necessary repairs made to your vehicle. One thing you’ll think of doing almost right away is finding an auto body shop near me.

Deer Related Collision Frequency

In particular regions of the country, the frequency of deer and other larger animal-related accidents are many. When you know and understand how to respond to an encounter with a large animal on

the road, you can diminish any injuries and insurance bills. You also need to know your insurance comprehensive plan and any deductibles in that plan. Just be sure and speak with your insurance company and understand what your plan does and doesn’t cover.

If you want to know more about auto body work related to a collision with a deer or other animal, or you just have general questions or want to schedule an appointment for repair, contact Elmer’s Auto Body. Call them at (856) 218-0202. They’ll be happy to answer any of your questions and help you repair your vehicle after an unforeseen accident involving a deer or other animal.

The Different Types of Windshield Glass Damage

Your car windshield plays an important role. It keeps you safe from debris and dirt on the road. It can bear an onslaught of rain and hail during those severe thunderstorms. While it is solid and durable, the windshield can become damaged after a severe impact. When your car has a damaged windshield, you will want to get it repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Here are the different types of windshield glass damage that you might see on your vehicle.

Types of Windshield Glass Damage

If your vehicle’s windshield is damaged, you can either replace or repair it.

Minor Chips

As you travel down the road, an impact from a stone or pebble can leave a small chip in the glass. These chips might seem like minor issues, but your glass could need a replacement. Depending on the chip’s size, severity, and location, a small chip could result in a total window replacement. You will want to have your window inspected by a professional. Some technicians can use the latest technology to repair those minor chips. If the chip damage is only on the surface of the glass, it should be a simple repair for your local auto body shop.

Bull’s Eye

One of the most common types of windshield damage is the bull’s eye. When debris hits your windshield, it can leave a circular break in the glass. Many of these cracks are small in size, but they could lead to a full windshield replacement. If you see this type of crack on your windshield, make sure to bring it to a repair shop right away. This type of damage can compromise the rest of your glass. However, most of these chips can be repaired by a trained technician.

Star Break

Everyone loves stars until you see one on your windshield. This chip damage resembles a starburst on the glass. From the point of impact, it might have various lengths extending from the center. If you don’t treat these cracks, they can spread throughout your windshield. In turn, the glass will start to weaken. When you spot a star break, you need to get it repaired immediately.

Clover Leaf

Despite the name, these chips do not bring good luck. This type of chip damage is more severe than the others. It involves a separation of the underlayers of glass. If you find this damage, contact your local technician. A professional can quickly repair these chips.

Bee’s Wing

A bee’s wing is similar to a star break, and it can spread out to other parts of your glass. However, this is another easily fixed chip.

Half-Moon

This chip looks like a half-circle in the middle. If you find the right windshield technician, it is an easy fix for your vehicle.

Combination Break

Some types of damages have a combination of these chips. In many cases, the chip damage can be easily repaired by a trained professional. Many of these chips are fixable, but you need to act immediately. If you leave the damage on the window, it will often expand to other areas of the glass. As a result, a simple fix turns into a complete windshield replacement.

Unrepairable Chips

Unfortunately, some repairs are not fixable. When a chip exceeds 40mm in diameter, you will need to replace the entire windshield. You also have to look at the severity of the damage. If the chip penetrates both layers of the glass, your windshield will need to be replaced.

The damage should never obstruct the driver’s vision. If that is the case with your windshield’s damage, it is time for a replacement. Finally, tiny chips can be easily fixed, but a vehicle littered with several chips will also need a new windshield.

Cracks

Along with chips, cracks can also be found on your windshield’s glass. Cracks can begin in the corners of your windshield and quickly spread. For that reason, these cracks compromise the integrity of the glass. You will have to replace the entire windshield.

If the polyvinyl layer of the glass has been damaged, then a crack repair is not a feasible option. You can always talk to a professional windshield expert about your damage. However, you will find that most cracked glass leads to a total windshield replacement.

Damaged Windshield Hazards

As you already know, the windshield is an important safety component of your vehicle. If you drive around with a chipped or cracked windshield, you could be putting yourself or others at risk. You need proper visibility as you drive down the road. When the damage is in your line of sight, it can lead to accidents.

Along with that, damaged glass can affect the structural integrity of the windshield. During an accident, your passengers can be ejected from the vehicle, or the roof might collapse. Even your airbag relies on a well-maintained window. If your windshield is broken, then this safety component could fail to deploy.

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If you find any damage in your car, you will want to contact a professional auto body shop. These technicians have state-of-the-art tools to fix your glass. If you need a windshield replacement, they also will make sure your vehicle has the right glass and proper fit. They understand the safety requirements to help protect everyone on the road.

You never want to drive around with a damaged windshield. It can endanger the life of you and your passengers. These tiny cracks and chips might seem harmless, but they can lead to catastrophic problems down the road.

Contact an Auto Body Shop Near Me

At Elmer’s Auto Body, we want you to be safe on the road. Our team has the experience to work on your vehicle. Whether you need a repair or replacement, we can handle all those tricky windshield issues.

We are an I-CAR Gold Class and Assured Performance certified shop. Our crew has the expertise to work on a variety of makes and models. Don’t drive around with a damaged vehicle. Make sure to call Elmer’s Auto Body at (856) 218-0202 to schedule an appointment.

What Collision Repair Challenges Do Hybrid Vehicles Present?

The market for hybrid vehicles has boomed in the past few years. Drivers want to find cars that are more eco-friendly than those older predecessors. However, there are few things you will want to know about these cars. For example, if your vehicle is involved in a collision, it can present some challenges for your auto body shop. Restoring a damaged hybrid does have some unique challenges. Here are some ways that an auto body shop will repair your vehicle and get it back on the road.

What Is a Hybrid Vehicle?

Hybrid vehicles (HV) were first introduced in the 1990s. These vehicles use a diesel or gas engine with an electric motor. As a result, the vehicle emits less CO2 and consumes less gas. You can purchase a hybrid vehicle as a “plug-in” or conventional model.

Most major automobile manufacturers offer the conventional hybrid. They have a gasoline engine that will charge up the modestly sized battery as you drive. Since the engine only charges the battery, you will not be able to charge it from an outlet. These cars can only drive a short distance on electric power.

The second type of hybrid vehicle is the “plug-in.” These types of cars are only available from a few automakers. They have a large battery that can be charged by plugging into a charging station or standard wall outlet. Once the battery is fully charged, it can run without any gas. This hybrid can also operate in a mode that consumes both electricity and gasoline.

Some Challenges To a Hybrid Vehicle Repair

Both types of hybrid vehicles have complex electronic systems with complicated equipment. If you need to get your car repaired, you want to stick with an auto body shop that has experience with these vehicles. Since the electric systems are vital, one wrong move could damage several essential components.

The battery is another vital piece of the hybrid vehicle. Over the lifetime of the car, you will save money on those traditional repairs. However, if you need to replace the battery, it can cost you a few thousand dollars. For those severe collisions, you will need to have your battery inspected to make sure it is operating at an efficient level. Once again, you want to take your vehicle to a certified and experienced auto body shop that can handle these hybrid repairs.

Finally, the biggest challenge is finding the right mechanic for your car. These components require a particular set of skills. Many repairs require more technical expertise than the standard car repair. If your mechanic doesn’t know what he or she is doing with your vehicle, it could cost you several thousand dollars in additional repairs.

I-CAR Hybrid Repair Recommendations

Since hybrid vehicles have unique safety concerns, the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) has established safety protocols to protect auto body shop technicians,

insurance adjusters, and the hybrid vehicle. These recommendations provide set safety standards for both plug-in and conventional hybrid models.

Before Starting a Repair

Since the hybrid’s system can be damaged from standard towing methods, it cannot be moved on its own wheels. The vehicle must be placed on a flatbed to prevent any damage. Those system components are sensitive. Any of these parts must immediately be inspected for signs of damage. A trained technician will examine specific areas of the vehicle, such as the cooling system of the engine. Due to the particular service requirements of these systems, the technicians must be trained and certified to work on a hybrid vehicle.

With standard cars, the body panels can be removed from the vehicle. However, in a hybrid, system batteries, connectors, wires, and modules are often placed in the panels. Your technician will inspect these areas for damage. If certain areas of the hybrid car are damaged, it can cause more issues with your vehicle. Your technician will use the right equipment and service oils to protect these valuable parts.

Wearing Proper Protective Gloves

Since a hybrid has a delicate electrical system, your technician will wear protective gloves to work on the vehicle. If a compromise is detected in the car, the built-in safety interlocks and circuit monitoring system will shut down.

The gloves also protect the technician from any injuries. There are plenty of high-voltage components in the vehicle, including the inverter assembly, electric drive motors, PHEV charge ports, and the service plug fuse and receptacle.

The Teardown and Reassembly Stages

Before the electrical propulsion system can be touched, it must be disabled for safety reasons. Your technician will shut down the engine to prevent damage and injuries to those around the vehicle. A digital volt-ohm meter is used to confirm that the car is completely disabled.

Trained technicians will never place their fingers directly on the system connectors or parts. It is important to keep these elements free from fluid, dirt, or other contaminants. A scan is used to detect any potential issues with the system. These issues come in the form of an error message, and the vehicle might also present DTC or MIL codes.

Once the technician has inspected the hybrid’s system, you will know if there have been any compromises to the vehicle. If the hybrid needs to be repaired, the technician will fix the components and parts according to your auto manufacturer’s specifications.

Repairing a hybrid car can be tricky. Without the proper training, an inexperienced technician can cause additional damage to your vehicle. If you want to avoid all those hassles, make sure to find a professional hybrid technician for your vehicle.

The Right Auto Body Shop Near Me

No matter what car you drive, you want to find a qualified and experienced technician for any repair job. Elmer’s Auto Body has been serving the South Jersey community for over 70 years. We have I-Car Gold Class and Assured Performance certifications. Along with that, we are certified by several manufacturers, such as Chevrolet, GM, Ford, and Nissan. You can count on us to bring back the original look of your vehicle. If you would like to schedule a consultation, call us at (856) 218-0202.