Author: John Palmer

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.

Does Having A Child Make Car Insurance Cheaper?

Having a child can make car insurance cheaper but the steps involved in making that happen concern a number of changes and policy adjustments. Savings can be realized with a family addition, but rates are no doubt going to be higher for carrying an older child or teenager as opposed to a baby or toddler. So, just what makes an insurance policy less costly when it comes to children? There are different circumstances that can have an impact on insurance costs. Here are a few particulars that will affect insurance costs when it comes to children.

Family Changes

Anytime a family member, particularly a new baby, is added to a family there are considerations to be made with car insurance. The safety of a child needs to be assured and that means assessing current insurance coverage and including coverage that benefits a child’s welfare, at an affordable family rate.

Vehicle Capacity

When you think of providing affordable insurance coverage for a new baby, you have to take a look at your vehicle’s capacity. Is it large enough to accommodate a baby car seat, a baby carrier, diaper, blanket and clothing bags as well as food and bottle bags, a stroller and any other items that are necessary to have on board.

Safer Vehicles

A large, heavy-duty vehicle is going to withstand crashes better as well as provide safety. A larger and safer vehicle, like a van or SUV, may present the possibility of a lower premium. It’s to a family’s advantage to investigate larger and newer cars that are top-rated for worthiness and overall safety.

Newer vehicles are usually safer and better able to withstand collisions, and finding the right vehicle with built-in safety features is important. Vehicles with smart airbags, an airbag on/off switch, adjustable rear shoulder belt anchors, rear shoulder belts, (LATCH) Lower Anchors and Tethers, active head restraints, automatic door locks, child safety locks, push/pull window switches, driver-operated window disabler, anti-pinch automatic windows, accident avoidance system, collision warning, transmission shift interlocks, built-in GPS and a host of other safety features that even include teen driver systems are all features that can be of help in lowering car insurance premiums while protecting precious cargo.

Lower Risk Drivers

Owning a larger, safer and newer car is a good precautionary measure, especially when it comes to transporting children. A new parent is more likely to drive in a responsible and safe manner when a baby or younger child is riding in the same vehicle. A conscientious driver is more likely to receive lower premiums as opposed to an adult who has no children and has a less than stellar driving record. In addition, married adults usually pay lower premiums for coverage than single individuals, as married couples are considered lower-risk drivers.

Lower Premium Possibilities

Though not every parent owns a home, there are those planning on a family who do own property of some kind, which probably qualifies them for a discount or lower insurance rates. Lower premiums are also available to those who have an additional policy through the same insurance company for both their car and home. Joint policies with multi-car, multi-driver discounts are another good way to secure lower rates. Any connection with driver safety and the ownership of a newer car can prompt discounts or lower premiums.

Home Ownership

Buying a home or condominium and becoming a legitimate homeowner is another way to gain a discount on car insurance. Most insurance companies offer a homeowner’s discount on car insurance policies.

Revisions

When family dynamics change, it may be time to revise and increase your liability limits. With children and additional riders in a vehicle, the thought of a possible accident could create a real challenge. With added coverage, there is supplemental insurance available to relieve the cost of all damages. When coverage is limited, any other damages that exceed the limits of the policy will be the personal responsibility of the policyholder.

Deductibles

In addition to liability limits, you may want to look over your deductibles. When family size increases and finances and budgets change, premiums can be affected. As premiums for car insurance can fluctuate with deductibles, there are ways to budget them. You can either lower your deductibles, which will increase monthly insurance payments, or raise deductibles to keep your rates lower. It is advisable and makes sense financially to pay slightly more on a premium particularly if you have to make a claim. Out of pocket expenses will be lower if a claim does occur.

Discounts for Older Children

There are discounts that parents can qualify for in relation to their teen drivers. Professional driving schools, defensive driving courses, electronically monitored driving, good student discounts, and other incentives are available to parents who want to lower their insurance costs and keep their teen driver safe.

Whether you have younger or older children, there are approaches that can be of help in lowering your car insurance rates. It’s important to explore the best providers and their policies. You want to find a policy that will support a growing family and the changes that come with new family additions. If you need further assistance with finding that policy, complete the online contact form and a specialist will get back to you with the information you need to make an informed decision concerning your car insurance needs.

Emissions Testing 101: Everything You Should Know

Emissions Testing has been in existence since the state of California initiated the process in 1966. Subsequently, other states followed suit and required testing. There are 32 states that conduct inspections that have varying factors that influence an emissions inspection. Failure to pass an emissions test means making adjustments and repairs with follow up retesting.

Varying Factors Influencing Emissions Testing

There are varying factors that influence emissions testing through the states that currently conduct inspections. Those factors include:

The age of the vehicle
The type and weight of the vehicle
The kind of fuel or power that a vehicle utilizes
The kind of use the vehicle engages in, which require yearly inspections
The local area as whether urban or in a particular zip code
The registration of a vehicle whether in or outside of a state

Emissions Testing Specifications

States involved in vehicle emissions testing determine their own terms and conditions. Testing usually consists of detecting for levels of:

carbon dioxide
carbon monoxide
hydrocarbons
nitrogen oxide
emissions concerning evaporation

Differences in Emissions Testing and Vehicle Safety Inspection

These two operations are usually separate in nature, but various state emission and vehicle safety inspection locations may have available equipment to perform both procedures.

Cost of Emission Testing

Again, the cost for emissions testing differs from state to state. Most costs can be anywhere from $15-$25. Vehicles that require yearly testing pay lower fees.

Emissions Test Failures

There are states that offer free retesting if a an initial test is failed. With states that do require emission testing, a vehicle has to go through a repair process in order to fulfill emission requirements. Assistance with repairs for lower-income individuals is made available, in some states and under certain instances, and waivers may also be given under certain circumstances.

Testing Failure Causes

Fuel Mixtures – There are any number of mechanically related problems that can cause the release of pollutants. Mechanical issues can cause a vehicle to release excess pollutants. As an example, rich fuel mixtures can heighten the release of higher levels of carbon dioxide.
Air Injection – A faulty air injection system can also lead to the release of higher levels of hydrocarbons and even carbon monoxide.
Spark plugs – Worn spark plugs can cause increased gas emissions. They should be inspected and replaced when necessary.
Gas cap leakage – A leaking gas cap seems trivial but it can cause emission test failure If leaks are emanating from yours, replace it with a sealed one that has a secure seal.
Check Engine light – A malfunctioning check engine light can cause an emissions test failure, even when every other test has been successfully passed. The check engine light is an indication that the OBD-II device has found a failure or flaw in a the emissions control of a vehicle.
Unclean air filter – A dirty air filter can contain elevated hydrocarbons that can cause it to be clogged. An air filter is another part that requires cleaning and replacing if necessary.
Catalytic Converter – A catalytic converter should be inspected before any emissions testing is performed. If it is damaged, toxic gases will not be converted from harmful to those that are not dangerous to the environment and public health.
EVAP or Evaporative Emission Control System – If this system is malfunctioning, vapors from the gas tank will pollute the environment. The cause of this is usually attributed to hoses or vents that are leaking.

Repair Costs for Emissions Problems

Any repair costs that involve remedying emission problems are going to depend on the actual vehicle make and issues with the vehicle. Transmission related repairs could run in the hundreds of dollars, or even into the thousands, while a single replacement, such as an oxygen sensor could run around $100.

Diagnostic Testing

Diagnostic testing can be performed by a qualified mechanic, which should reveal what failures were noted in previous emissions testing. A mechanic will have to have the necessary tools and expertise to determine whether the problems lie. Also, an individual vehicle owner can also use a diagnostic program tool but most of these monitoring devices are only set up to identify a problem, not completely solve it.

Maintenance is a critical issue when it comes to emissions testing. If you take care of and maintain your vehicle before any testing is performed, you should be able to pass the various emissions testing monitors. It is important to have a professional mechanic take a look at your vehicle to determine if repairs or replacements are needed before any emissions or safety inspections are completed. If you are uneasy about an upcoming emissions test or inspection and need answers to your questions about the process, complete the online contact form, and an expert will get back to you as soon as possible with those answers.

Comprehensive vs. Collision Insurance: Which Is Better?

In looking at both comprehensive and collision insurance, there are strategies to determine which one is preferable in the sense of the needs of a driver and his or her vehicle. Both forms play a pivotal role in maintaining your vehicle.

Wherever you drive your vehicle, you are going to be susceptible to accidents and possible property damage. There are few safeguards for your own protection as well as that of others, and any property that may be involved, whether yours or theirs. There is a day-to-day concern with accidents and determining which coverage is better doesn’t have to be confusing. Here is a rundown of comprehensive and collision coverage to help you determine which one, or both, works best for you.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive insurance covers damage to a vehicle that happens through varying incidents in contrast to a direct vehicular collision. This type of car insurance covers other vehicles you drive as well. A rider goes along with your comprehensive insurance and specifically states what will be covered.

Comprehensive Coverage Details

A rider to a comprehensive plan will usually include coverage for:

Glass repairs as well as repair for windshield chips, cracks or shatters that can occur
Vehicle contact/collision with animals (usually deer, elk or other animals in the wild)
Protection from natural disasters, fires, storms, floods, wind and hail
Vandalism damage from break-ins, interior theft, keying or outright
Vehicle theft
Fairly priced coverage with low deductible

With the potential of most anything happening to a vehicle, in addition to a collision, comprehensive insurance is definitely a plan to consider for protection against any type of accident or material damage. You’re not left holding the bag when it comes to the added costs of damages caused through a casualty or unforeseen event. Comprehensive insurance can also be coupled with other coverage, or it can be used as an altogether separate coverage.

Collision Coverage

Collision coverage is critical as it protects your vehicle from damage. It will allow for repairs that occur when two vehicles collide and damage is present. Collision coverage will cover accidents when you are at fault or when the other driver is at fault.

Collision Coverage Allowances

Collision coverage pays for your vehicle repairs, but when the repair costs go beyond the true value of your vehicle, you will only be paid for the book value of your vehicle. Your options will be repairing your vehicle for less or taking what payment you are given and putting it towards a vehicle replacement.

This type of coverage is usually purchased with basic automobile insurance and is often combined with both liability and comprehensive coverage. Your deductible will likely be high, but your monthly payments will be low.

Other areas that a collision policy covers include:

Damage repair for vehicles that may have been involved in a collision while in drive or reverse modes
Damage caused by hit-and-run accidents
Damage caused by uninsured drivers
Coverage for hitting road ice and sliding into a stationary object
Coverage for pothole damage
Coverage for roll overs
Collision insurance can be costly and choosing a higher deductible will help lower policy costs

Comparison Aspects

In comparing the two types of coverage and deciding which one is better, there are aspects to be considered. One aspect is knowing the real worth of your vehicle. If your vehicle is new and of greater value, both collision and comprehensive coverage would be necessary, particularly in the event that your vehicle required extensive repairs or complete replacement.

Accident risk –

The greater risk of an accident is another consideration. If your continually driving great distances on a regular basis, having both policies would be necessary to cover different types of accidents that would fall on your shoulders expense wise.

Theft –

Also, what if your car were stolen, would you be able to take that money out of your savings to replace it?

Location –

Another important aspect is the area where you live and the places where you drive on a regular basis. Is the location one that has frequent reports of vehicle damage because of severe weather, falling power lines, tree branches or road encounters with wildlife?

If you are still questioning what coverage is best for your vehicle, you want to first consider the cost of coverage as well as the current value of your vehicle along with the possible costs of any repairs or replacement. If you have further questions or concerns and want more information about comprehensive or collision insurance, complete the online contact form and a representative will get back to you as quickly as possible with answers to your car insurance needs.

FAQs For Mechanical Repairs

You hear the term “preventative maintenance” thrown around with machinery – especially vehicles – a lot. You’ve probably never questioned the validity of this idea, after all, it makes sense that regular maintenance to prevent problems before they can happen, would be wise.

But, has a mechanic or “gearhead” ever told you that your preventative maintenance is lacking, despite your being sure that you check all the boxes on that. You keep your tires inflated properly, you keep your oil and fluids topped off, you get regularly-scheduled diagnostics and tune ups done. What else is there, aside from general upkeep?

Well, on a microscopic level, that’s mostly what you need, if you follow it all within the right parameters. However, on a more macroscopic level, that’s only scratching the surface. Today, we’d like to go over some FAQs about preventative maintenance. Some of this you can do yourself easily, but a lot of it should be handled by trained professionals – you can’t take chances with your vehicle, now can you?

What’s Involved in Preventative Maintenance?

First, let’s go over the various things that should be done, and a brief look at why.

Safety Inspection – Brakes can wear down, steering can break down, and airbags can sort of “expire” from disuse in some cases. Frequent checks to be sure these are all in working order is crucial. This includes brake lining, hydraulic lines, calipers and wheel cylinders.
Fluid Flushing/Change – Fluids in your vehicle are something you’re probably somewhat used to having to tend to. Oil depletes and becomes dirty. Antifreeze breaks down and becomes dirty and viscous, and so on. But, you should also flush/top off power steering fluid, brake fluid and other hydraulic fluids as they break down/deplete as well.
Other Oils – Motor oil isn’t the only oil your car has. You should also have differential gear oil changes, as well as trans-axle oil changes done.
Filters – Your filters become dirty over time, and while some filter designs can be washed our hosed out, it’s better to just replace them. These include air filters, (cabin and engine), as well as oil filters.
Belts and Gaskets – Belts become loose and worn out, and gaskets break down over time as well. These should be replaced or at least inspected regularly.
Hoses – Hoses can wear out due to heat or contaminants building up, and these are critical for delivering fluids where they need to be, like veins in a body. They need checked and/or replaced often.
Additional – Regular tune ups, windshield wiper service, spark plugs, electrical checks, and battery services should be done frequently – you probably already see to this kind of regular servicing, right?

When to Do These

So, now you know what goes into this, but when should these all be done?

Via Owner’s Manual – The following should be done per owner’s manual specifications: Valves, oxygen sensors.
Belts – Your drive and timing belts should be replaced every 4 years or 60,000mi.
Oil /Filter – Your oil filter and a complete lube change should be done every 3,000-5,000mi.
Air Conditioning – Every spring.
Tire Rotation – Every 5,000mi.
Yearly Services – These should be done yearly and/or as needed: Fuel filter, Battery Service, brake system and clutch system flushing, PCV valve inspection/replacement.
Every 2 Years – These should be done every 2 years and/or as needed: Radiator coolant, engine oil flushing, automatic transmission flushing, power steering flushing, EGR system service, carbon cleaning, throttle-body service, radiator coolant.

These aren’t all of the services that should be handled, as an entire car diagnostic, computer code scan, and other systems can very widely, but should be tended to often. To learn more, fill out our contact form today or give us a call!