Author: John Palmer

What Can And Can’t Be Fixed With Paintless Dent Repair

Accidents will happen—you can count on it! At some point, you may experience dents or dings in your vehicle and wonder what steps to take next. First, you want to look at the cheapest option known as paintless dent repair (PDR), but unfortunately, not all cars will be good candidates for this fix. You need to know what it can and cannot fix to determine whether you should take this action or choose a traditional dent repair method.

Before You Start

First, you need to speak with an insurance agent about the damage to your car. Provided you carry comprehensive or collision coverage, they will cover it. For minor dents, you may want to cover it yourself because you will wind up paying more for your premium after filing a claim. Either way, your agent will assess the damage to determine how to proceed. In most cases, they prefer PDR because it costs less than traditional dent repairs, but it may not work for every situation.

Categories of Damage from Dents
Dent repair falls into four categories such as:
Paint intact with cosmetic damage
Scratched paint with cosmetic damage
Intact paint but has severe damage
Scratched paint with severe damage

Paint Intact with Cosmetic Damage

In most cases, PDR works best for minor dents and dings. The first category means that the paint suffered no scratches, and the key focus here will be to restore the metal.

Scratched Paint with Cosmetic Damage

This is the second category with a larger amount of damage to where it scratched the paint. For anyone who doesn’t know, the original paint job from the factory will always be worth the most. Damage to this can cause the resale value to drop slightly, but you should be able to repair it with PDR. With this one, you have minor dents in the car, and you will need to repaint the car after.

Intact Paint but Severe Damage

In this category, the car suffered serious damage, but the paint remains intact. They may have damaged the mechanical system. You don’t need to repaint the car with this category, however.

Scratched Paint with Severe Damage

You don’t have any way around it because the paint was damaged severely. You will need to go the full mile with this and pay the extra to bring the car back to normal condition. Many times, you need to repair or replace panels on the car due to the extent of the damage.

When Can You Use PDR?

The best times to use PDR will be when you didn’t damage the paint job. If the paint job was damaged, the technician will need to use body filler to repair the cracked paint, which will require more traditional methods of repairs. Even in cases where your car suffered severe damage, as long as the paint job remains intact, you don’t need to choose the traditional route. You may consider this as a way to save money. In fact, whenever you can preserve the original paint through PDR, use it because your car will retain its trade-in value. PDR won’t work where the dents sit at the edge of the panel or the car had previous auto body work done.

What Is PDR?

We have gone on about PDR and when to use it, but you may wonder about the repair method. PDR requires no body filler, which means that it won’t mess with your paint. Instead, our technicians will gently reset the metal back to its original condition with specialized tools in the hands of trained technicians. This method requires no sanding or replacement of your panels. PDR costs less than what most auto body shops usually charge, and they can perform it faster. It depends on the damage, but it may take five minutes. We don’t want to set the expectations too high, however, because there are cases where it will take one to two days. Most of the time, they can do this repair while you go to work or shop.

Metal Only

You can’t perform PDR on plastic bumpers, fenders, or non-metal parts. PDR only works on metal auto-body parts. The dent must also be accessible to the PDR tools. Don’t worry about PDR not working or causing damage to your car. You have some stories making their rounds that it will damage the car. That is false. In fact, this is one of the cheapest dent repair options that will truly work. You have many cheap dent repair choices that will often fail or wind up costing you more money, but you don’t have to worry about PDR. Google, “Auto body shop near me,” and all of the reputable ones will tell you the same thing. The only time where they wouldn’t is when they hope to scare you to make more money off you.

Final Thoughts

If you crashed your car, you may need to remove the dents from it. You can speak with the experts at Elmer’s Auto Body. We have been in business for over 70 years in South New Jersey. We’re family-owned and operated, and we seek to serve the community with quality auto body repairs. If you’d like to learn more, call us at (856) 218-0202.

How Many Estimates Should I Get for a Car Accident?

If you’ve ever been involved in a car accident that is more than just a fender bender, you probably understand that there are procedures to follow for taking care of the damage to your vehicle. Getting repair estimates is part of that procedure and involves a series of steps that will get you back in the driver’s seat and on your way to wherever you need to go. Here are the most important steps to follow in obtaining estimates after you’ve been in an accident and know your vehicle will require repairs.

Finding Reputable Repair Shops

Before you actually get any repair estimates, research collision repair shops and their shop rates for body work along with their background information to verify their work performance. You want qualified professionals who can thoroughly and honestly assess damage. Also, ask others who have had recent body work done or go online and read reviews or reports from other vehicle owners concerning whether a body shop’s work is above standard and whether they have a stellar reputation.

Often your insurance company will give you the name or names of reputable collision repair shops that they recommend for repair work. Usually the shops that your insurance company provides are trustworthy and provide high-quality work. Most shops that an insurance company recommends will offer topnotch service and will deal with any of the paperwork and documentation that your insurance company will need. If your insurance company doesn’t provide a listing of reputable collision shops, go ahead and get up to three estimates in writing. You’ll want the estimates to include a complete breakdown of any repairs along with labor costs and parts (whether they are original, used or aftermarket parts).

Repair Cost Concerns

If you’re really worried about the cost of repairs, and how many estimates you should get and aren’t utilizing a repair shop recommended by your insurance company, it’s safe to get a few on your own estimates to determine what repairs will cost you overall.

High estimates don’t necessarily mean you are being overcharged, and estimates that seem to be quite a bit lower might raise red flags because of the possibility of poorly done body work or replacement with used or inferior auto parts, so basing your decision on costs alone is not always wise as collision costs can vary from one shop to another. It’s important once you do get estimates to scan through each estimate on a line-by-line basis. You want to compare costs for body work, vehicle parts and labor. You also want to determine what estimate meets your needs and which one will give you the best quality repair work.

Determining Average Rate for Repair Costs

When you get three estimates, it helps you to determine the average range of your repair costs. Three estimates will allow you to cancel out both the lowest and most costly estimate and take the estimate that falls in the middle. You can also take all three estimates and divide your total by the three, which gives you the average cost for repairs. Whatever final payout you receive through your insurance provider should be close to the average estimate.

Insurance Company Delays

If you’re going through your insurance company and a collision shop of their or your choosing, you don’t want to deal with extended delays that your insurance company may cause. Waiting for an insurance adjuster or representative to determine damages can be stressful, especially when you need your vehicle for work or other important activities.

When an adjuster fails to deal with assessing your damage within a week or so, it’s probably a good idea to obtain several estimates on your own and pay for any repairs made. You can ask for reimbursement of the repair costs through your insurance provider; however, one thing to remember is that full reimbursement from your insurer may be difficult to recoup after the collision shop has made repairs, particularly if you have gone with a higher repair estimate.

Your insurance company will likely not pay out higher estimates and will go with the lowest estimate the collision shop gave you. It’s important to remember that when you have repairs made before an amount is agreed upon, you risk your insurance company delaying your claim and reimbursing you. Also, once your vehicle is usable and you have it back in your possession, your insurance company no longer has to pay for alternative transportation.

How Many Estimates

When your insurance company offers a low payoff for your repairs or you believe the repair shop is charging too much or too little for your vehicle repairs, then you probably should get a second and third opinion.

The best option with estimates is to get one good one through a repair shop with an excellent repair record as opposed to getting several from repair shops that may give you middle of the road estimates and less than standard repair work.

Usually, one estimate is enough, especially when the repair shop has an excellent record and does quality work. If your repairs are costly and you’re worried about your insurance company not paying out and the body shop not doing what it should, it’s probably a good idea to get several estimates. Whether you go with one or more than one estimate and aren’t sure of the process, complete the online contact form and a representative will get back to you with the information you need to make a decision that fits your needs.

Are Used Tires Safe to Purchase?

When you are on a tight budget, hearing the words “you need new tires” can be stressful. According to CostHelper, the average price of a new, all-season tire can be as high as $250 each. Pickup and SUV tires may cost as much as $350 each. In order to save money, you may be tempted to purchase a set of used tires. Although used tires are cheaper than new, are they really safe to put on your car?

Unregulated Industry

Before you decide to purchase a set of used tires, it is important to understand that the used tire industry in the United States is completely unregulated. This means there is no standard for a used to tire to actually be safe enough to place on your car.

Internal Damage

The tread on the outside of the used tires may look good and, if the tires on your car are really bad, the used ones may seem to have more tread than yours. However, used tires may have internal damage that is almost impossible to see. For example, it is possible to plug a damaged portion of a tire if a sharp object penetrates it. That type of repair may not be visible without close inspection. In addition, if the repair is not done properly, the tire may be more likely to fail in the future.

Age of the Tire

There have been cases where a dealer painted used tires black to make them appear newer than they actually are. Manufacturers worn against purchasing tires that are more than six years old because the materials used to create the tire can begin to break down. You can find the age of a tire by searching for the stamped birthdate of the tire. It should be located on the sidewall following the letters DOT. Reading left to right, you will find a series of letters and numbers followed by an encircled set of four numbers that appear tightly spaced. Those four numbers are the date the tire was manufactured. The first two numbers are the week of the year and the last two are the year. For example, a tire with the code “3219” was manufactured in the 32nd week of 2019.

Lack of History

There is no way for you to know the history of a used tire. It could have been underinflated, overinflated or placed on a vehicle that carried heavier loads than the tire is rated for. You will not know what type of roads the tire traveled, whether the terrain was rough or if there were many potholes. Did the vehicle the tires were removed from have suspension issues? These conditions could damage a tire in ways that are not noticeable from the outside.

Weather Conditions

In addition to not know if the tires were taken care of properly, you may not know the type of weather the previous owner drove in regularly. High heat, sunlight and humidity can break down the materials of a tire quickly. Even if the tires have low mileage because they were on a vehicle that was not driven often, weather can cause the tire to degrade which makes them less safe.

Product Recall

When someone buys a set of tires, the manufacturer receives information about that owner, including an address that they will use to send recall notices. If you purchase the tires used, the manufacturer has no way of knowing the tires were sold and cannot notify you if there is a defect that could be dangerous.

What About Tires on Used Cars?

Many people purchase used tires using the argument that used cars have tires on them, believing the concept is the same. When you buy a used car, you can get an idea what condition the entire car is in and that includes the tires. You can even use the vehicle identification number to look up information on the car and get an idea how it was cared for before you buy. You don’t have that option when you purchase used tires.

Alternatives to Used Tires

If you are on a tight budget, there are alternatives to purchasing used tires. Watch for sales at your local tire shop. In some cases, you may be able to sign up for email notifications in order to receive coupons that can save you money on tires. Often, tire shops offer discounts if you purchase all four tires at one time as well.

If you are in the market for tires for your vehicle, contact Elmer’s Auto Body today. We offer a wide range of tire options and can find you the tires you need for your car at a price you can afford. When you drive your car out of Elmer’s Auto Body, you know that it is safe for you and your family. We don’t sell used tires as we know they are not safe and would rather help you find a new tire in your price range. Schedule an appointment today by calling or filling out the easy online form.

What Tools Should You Keep in Your Car?

As the weather warms up, you automatically begin thinking of that family road trip. Whether you are heading to a cabin by the lake, a cozy beachfront cottage or you just hop in the car for a weekend drive to get away, you don’t want to have any worries or concerns along the way. Unfortunately, Murphy’s Law usually does not allow that to happen and you don’t want a small car repair to derail your entire trip. One way to deal with those minor repairs is to carry a toolbox in your trunk. These are some of the best tools to have with you in your car to deal with those emergencies.

Aluminum Flashlight

Almost any flashlight is critical should your car break down on the side of the road at night, but a high-quality aluminum light may provide you with better illumination than a cheap disposable one. You can find good flashlights that require “D” batteries with a standard bulb, or you can purchase one with an LED bulb that uses lithium batteries. Before heading out on the road, be sure the flashlight batteries are good or that it is charged fully. Put an extra bulb in the glovebox as well.

Build an Emergency Tool Kit

You can purchase ready-made tool kits that are designed for the trunk of your car, but it may be easier to create one yourself to be sure you have what you need. You don’t need your entire garage full of tools. The tools you will most commonly need for a quick roadside repair include:

Adjustable wrench
Electrical tape
Electrical wire
Flat-head screwdriver in two sizes
Mechanics wire
Philips head screwdriver in two sizes
Pliers
Small ball-peen hammer
Spare fuses
Vise grips
Wire cutters with wire stripping option

Just place the entire tool kit in a small sports bag and you should be set to fix any roadside issue that comes up.

First Aid Kit

A small first aid kit in your car can be a lifesaver. You can purchase a ready-made kit designed for your glove box or trunk or you can create one of your own. If you want to purchase one that is already made, check sporting goods stores as they often have larger kits with more first aid needs than those offered at department stores.

Jumper Cables

An inexpensive set of jumper cables can be worth their weight in gold if you break down on the side of the road. Another great item to have in your trunk is a jump starter assembly that can jump your battery without needing a second vehicle.

Tire Pressure Gauge and Inflator

Tire issues are common when you are traveling. Newer vehicles include computerized tire pressure sensors but if your car is an older model, you will want to have a tire pressure gauge in your glovebox. A tire inflator with sealing qualities is another good item to have in your car. To use the inflator, remove the valve cap on your tire, insert the inflator hose, and press the button. Your tire will inflate, and the puncture will be temporarily sealed.

Tow Strap

If you are stuck on the side of the road due to mud or snow, a tow strap will be helpful to get you pulled out. Tow straps take up less room than tow chains or ropes. They also stretch a little when they are connected to another vehicle which helps dislodge you.

Flares or Safety Triangles

When your vehicle is disabled, especially after dark, you want to be sure that other cars on the road can clearly see you. Although flares are small, they can be difficult to light and there have been reports of small holes burnt into clothing while the flare ignites. Instead, purchase a set of safety triangles which can be used more than once. They are not as quickly visible as flares, but they do draw attention to your vehicle on the side of the road.

Fire Extinguisher

Many automotive stores sell fire extinguishers that are designed for vehicles but, too often, they are much too small to put out a gasoline-fed fire. Instead, purchase a 2.5-pound fire extinguisher along with a quick-release mount for your trunk. It is not safe to have a heavy fire extinguisher rolling around in the back of your trunk, so you want to secure it. However, you also want to be able to get it out as quickly as possible should your vehicle or another catch fire.

No one ever wants to think of emergencies on the side of the road when they are traveling. Unfortunately, they are more common than you think. If you are planning a road trip in the next few months, schedule an appointment with Elmer’s Auto Body for a quick inspection if you’ve been in an accident.

COVID-19 Message | No Contact Auto Body Repair Available!

COVID-19, commonly known as coronavirus, is having a major effect on business around the world. Elmer Auto Body’s leadership is closely following developments and we want you to know that we continue to operate our business as usual. In addition, we have business continuity plans in place and we are taking steps to ensure the safety of our employees, as well as the uninterrupted operation of our business, systems, and support for them.

Here are some of the things we’re doing to continue to provide outstanding service to our employees and clients:

Allowing customers to have their car repaired without human contact. (Please call or chat with us online)
Keeping our offices clean and safe
Increasing the frequency of cleaning surfaces like door handles, countertops, etc.
Increasing the availability of hand sanitizer throughout offices.
Encouraging employees to stay home if they don’t feel well and to work from home when possible if they are taking care of someone who is ill or if they have been exposed to someone who has the virus.

As we continue to monitor the evolving situation, we ask you to consider taking precautions when you go about your daily lives.

Here are some suggestions:

We are fortunate to live in an age when technology allows us many options for interacting with our clients. Whenever possible, we suggest you take advantage of those options and expand your use of phone and email correspondence as well as online technologies such as Zoom, GoToMeeting, Skype, FaceTime, etc. in favor of in-person meetings.
When face-to-face interactions are necessary, use hand sanitizer and offer it to clients and prospects before and after your visit.
Refrain from shaking hands.
Try to use social distancing techniques to minimize the risk of transmitting the virus.
Use sanitizing wipes to clean any shared items, such as pens, tablets, keyboards, etc.
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website (www.cdc.gov) for more information about the virus and how to deal with it.

Elmer’s Auto Body is proactively taking steps to keep our employees and customers safe while remaining committed to our mission to serve our clients and prospects in providing solutions to protect the things that matter to them.

Your health is very important to us and we will continue to provide you with updates.

Explaining Car Bumper Repair Costs

There is a number of factors that will determine car bumper repair costs. Understanding what is involved with the repair process will give you an idea of what your initial and final costs will be.

Type and Extent of Damage

Maybe you had a car wreck, rammed into a tree, or your vehicle was vandalized or stripped of parts, including your bumper. Whatever the case, you have to take into consideration any replacement parts as well as labor, paint and other repair materials. When you group all those necessities together, the average cost of a bumper repair can be anywhere from $900 to $1500 plus, or more. The repair process is going to totally depend on the kind and extent of damage. What those costs entail include:

Degree of Damage

The degree of damage to a bumper will govern the cost of repairs. The most common repairs usually involve small dents and scratches. If a bumper has scratches, the costs of repairs can vary from around $70 for materials for a clear coat, which can be done in your garage, or up to $1500 for a shop to improve a base coat with high-quality paints, supplies and other materials. A bumper scratch that is professionally corrected may include high labor and material costs.

Cracked Bumpers

A bumper can also be cracked, which can affect repair costs. Damage on the front or rear bumper is always more costly particularly if the front bumper is involved. In addition, pricing will go up with cosmetic and air intake repairs. A severely damaged bumper that is about to deteriorate and fall off should be replaced as it protects the front and back of a vehicle as well as and any passengers from possible injury. Safety is minimized with a faulty bumper.

Labor

Labor costs will go up with the degree of bumper damage. If the bumper is salvageable, the repairs are usually more basic and less costly. If a complete replacement is in the mix, labor costs are going to increase. Labor costs will also go up if the bumper has to be completely removed to make other repairs related to the bumper, and any underlying damage. Any kind of replacement is going to involve a thorough search for the exact match for the kind of vehicle and model you have. Labor and any materials used are naturally going to increase bumper repair and replacement, which can fall anywhere between $800 plus to 1300 plus. Other replacement costs are going to come through:

Any labor involved with removing an old or dilapidated bumper
Any labor related to a new bumper installation
The actual cost of the new or replacement bumper
Any costs connected with spraying for a true color match

Painting and Repair Costs

Both labor and materials are always going to increase costs whether it involves repairing a bumper or painting it. Paint jobs that are purely cosmetic in nature usually take a number of hours of labor, particularly if significant bumper damage is involved. If a bumper needs a coat of paint, the costs are somewhat steady and can run anywhere in the area of $150-$300.

As paint always enhances a vehicle as well as protects it, the value of a vehicle is heightened and that includes your bumper. In order to better determine the cost of painting a bumper, you have to consider the time involved with painting it, the amount of paint necessary and the cost of the paint. Painting a bumper yourself is always going to be considerably less than the labor and materials costs involved with a repair shop.

Other Related Bumper Damage

Oftentimes other associated damage is neglected when a bumper is being repaired. Much of bumper damage is linked to the lights, air intake system, headlights, taillights and other areas within the vicinity of a bumper. Damage should be inspected and scrutinized before bumper repair is initiated. Oftentimes the whole bumper has to be removed to get to other damaged vehicle parts. With bumpers, you need to remember that most of them have additional layers of trim. These trim layers will actually require serious repair in one stretch.

Replacing a bumper can be a expensive endeavor but there are ways to save on costs. If you are in need of a new bumper, need one repaired or just have general questions, complete the online contact form and a repair expert will get back to you with the answers you need to revitalize your bumper.