Category: Accident

Every car will get damaged at some point, but frame damage is one of the most serious kinds. The frame and the engine are the two most crucial pieces of any vehicle, so frame damage must not be ignored. If you let this kind of thing go, it will only become worse and could become a serious safety hazard. For those who have never had to deal with this situation before, let’s go over the basics of car frame damage.

Uni-Frame Vs. Body-On-Frame Designs

You will need to know what kind of frame your vehicle might have. There are two basic types, referred to as “uni-frame” and “body-on-frame.” As you might guess from the name, a uni-frame is a combination of frame and body. The two pieces are fused together (usually through welding) so that they are one unified piece. Most passenger automobiles have this kind of frame, so this is most likely what you have.

Body-on-frame vehicles, on the other hand, have a separate body and frame. These two pieces will be bolted together for stability, but they are still two different parts. These frames are most often seen in large vehicles like trucks, SUVs, and buses. For these large vehicles, a uni-body frame would be impractical. The complications of shipping such a large uni-frame alone make it more sensible to keep the two parts separated.

What Does A Vehicle Frame Do?

A vehicle frame serves several purposes, but it’s mostly there to serve as the “skeleton” on which the rest of the vehicle is built. Like an actual skeleton, it is also there to provide support for everything else. Apart from that, a frame is also there to provide protection for the car and its occupants in the event of a collision.

How Can I Tell If My Vehicle’s Frame Is Damaged?

It can be difficult to recognize frame damage if it isn’t particularly severe. Sometimes, of course, it is obvious. If your car has suffered a collision that is bad enough to render the vehicle unusable, it is time to get checked out for frame damage. For those cases which are not so obvious, here are a few potential warning signs:

• Wheels are out of alignment and/or don’t track properly
• Body panels have become misaligned
• Uneven tire wear
• Strange grinding or rattling sounds
• The vehicle no longer sits parallel to the ground

Repair Or Replace?

When it comes to frame damage, you need to remember that this is a safety issue. If you should happen to suffer another collision, a damaged frame could reduce your protection and make injury (or even death) more likely. That is why replacement is preferable to repair. The good news is that you don’t always necessarily have to replace the entire frame. Most vehicles are made in such a way that you can replace one section of the frame when needed.

We would recommend that you always consider replacing the vehicle if it has suffered major frame damage. Most people recommend that you avoid buying a car with frame damage (no matter how cheap it may be). In like manner, you shouldn’t drive one like that, either. Yes, replacement tends to be more expensive, but how much is your life worth to you?

Frame Components

When a mechanic refers to your frame, they will probably refer to one of the frame components. It pays to understand these terms so that you know what your mechanic means:

• Core support: The front part of the frame where the radiator sits
• Unirail: Two beams located at the front and back
• Strut Tower: four pillars at the corners of the vehicle
• Apron: Front inner fender areas
• Firewall: The wall-like section that separates the engine from the cabin
• Floor pan: The metal sheet that makes up the floor of the vehicle
• A-B-C Pillars: Vertical support pillars
• Rocker panels: Located between the wheels and under the doors
• Quarter panel: The panels that make up the front and back corners

Conclusion

The most important thing to remember is the fact that frame damage is very serious. If you have been in a collision and you suspect that frame damage has occurred, it is crucial that you get your vehicle to a trusted mechanic as soon as possible. Even if there is no frame damage, you will want to confirm that fact rather than trust your initial impression. With this in mind, you might be asking: “where is the closest auto body shop near me?” The answer to that question is Elmer’s Auto Body, as we have been providing the best auto body service in South Jersey for over 75 years. If you would like to learn more about frame repair or replacement services, give us a call at (856) 218-0202.

When your car is in need of repair, who are you going to call? Since car problems cannot be ghostbusted, the next best thing is finding the right auto body shop. Sure, you could probably name several off the top of your head, but how do you know they are good? Rather than getting stressed out about finding a decent mechanic, here are some tips on how to choose the right auto body shop to solve your car troubles and give your exceptional service:

Location, Location, Location

While this is not always true, it is almost always better to choose a local auto body shop. Not only does that limit the distance you have to drive with a problem, but you also will have a better idea of the most trustworthy local businesses. The auto body shop around the corner from you that has been around for 30 years or more will generally provide you with all the services you need. Plus, choosing local makes it easier to ask your friends and family if they know about it.

What is The Auto Body Shop’s Reputation?

Linked in with location, you want to be able to gauge the auto body shop’s reputation. If their business has been consistent for as long as they have been open, that is an excellent sign. You can check for the reputation and credibility of auto body shops near you by hopping online. Check the website and any social media profiles for any testimonials or comments then head over to Google Maps. There, you can read a list of real reviews, which will tell you about all the good and bad experiences people have had there.

If you spot a negative review, be sure to read that as well. How the business responds to negativity often says much more than their responses to five-star reviews.

Don’t forget to check with your friends, family, and coworkers to see if they have any recommendations. Most people with cars have had to deal with an auto body shop in their lifetime.

Seek Out Certified Technicians

Only the best auto body shops are going to employ mechanics who are certified by specific manufacturers. . Associations like the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) certifications, for example, are proof of the skill and expertise of the auto technicians. To become a recognized body shop for a specific manufacturer ensures that the business is using OEM parts sourced directly from the maker.

At Elmer’s Auto Body, the technicians are I-CAR Gold Class Certified; we are also a recognized body shop for Acura, Chrysler, GM, Ford, Honda, Nissan, Kia, Hyundai, Infiniti, and Subaru.

Ask The Right Questions

A good auto body shop is going to welcome whatever questions you have when you call. In other words, if there is something you are unsure about, call! Here are some questions you may need to be answered before selecting a reputable auto body or collision repair shop:

• Does your shop provide warranties for parts and repairs?
• What happens if my vehicle gets damaged while it is at your shop?
• What kind of materials do you use? If I request OEM or aftermarket parts, can your body shop accommodate that?
• Do you provide estimates?
• Do you work with insurance companies?
• What kind of turnaround time should I expect?
• What is your payment policy?
• Can you walk me through the repair process?

These are some general questions; it is always smart to ask about your specific issue, too. Some auto body shops specialize in a certain kind of repair. Also, some shops may not have the kind of parts needed to repair your vehicle. Therefore, calling ahead of time to see what the shop can and cannot do will save you some time.

Go With Your Gut

At the end of the day, you are going to know what feels right. It does not matter if a location has thousands of excellent reviews and dozens of certifications hanging in the front window of its office. If you do not feel good about leaving your vehicle somewhere, don’t do it. You should feel confident about the auto body shop where you take your car. The front desk should be welcoming and answer your questions. The mechanics should appear professional and knowledgeable. Remember, there are many auto body shops near you; keep searching until you find the right one.

Quality Service from Elmer’s Auto Body

Now that you know how to choose the right auto body shop, you have some searching to do. You could also bring your car to Elmer’s Auto Body, serving the South Jersey area for more than 75 years. From our reliable estimate process to our highly trained and qualified technicians, we have everything necessary to perform superior work on your vehicle. We will even handle your insurance company after an accident. Give us a call or send us a message today.

There are potholes on most roads and nowadays, they are very hard to avoid! Depending on the size of the pothole and at what speed your car hit it, a pothole does have the ability to damage your car and cause your car not to work in crucial ways. Knowing the signs of pothole damage will help you keep your vehicle safe when on the road.

What Is A Pothole?

Potholes are unplanned dips or holes that are in the road that has been created by erosion. Potholes can be very damaging to vehicles, especially if they are deep. A pothole is created when water enters a crack within the pavement, which then softens the tarmac. It is common for potholes to increase over the winter months due to ice, snow, and heavy weather conditions. It is always best to check your vehicle if it has hit a pothole suddenly and the car has felt the knock quite badly.

Signs Of Pothole Damage On Your Vehicle

• Flat Tires
• Structure Damage
• Leaks
• Scrapes
• The Vehicle Pulls To One Side
• Different Exhaust Noises
• Bulging
• The Rims Are Bent
• The Car Can Not Stay Steady
• The Wheel Begins To Shake

Flat Tires

The first sign that you have hit a pothole and you have caused damage to the vehicle will be the tires. The tires will show the damage as that is what hit the pothole and took most of the brute force. A tire may instantly go flat or it may take a while for the damage to truly show. It is best to park up after hitting a pothole and check your tires immediately. If you do need to purchase a replacement tire, contact one of our auto body repair shop in South Jersey.

Structure Damage

One of the most common parts of the car to be damaged after hitting a pothole is the steering and suspension systems. The suspension arm and tie rods could easily break after hitting a large pothole. The way to check if these parts are broken is to attempt a corner jounce test. Pay attention to how your car feels and if it feels slightly different then contact a professional to make sure your car is safe for the road.

Leaks

If you heard your vehicle being scrapped or heard a general scraping sound when you hit the pothole, this may mean that there is a leak to follow. If your car has been scraped underneath, this could allow water or salt to enter different areas causing large issues with the vehicle.

The Vehicle Pulls To One Side

Aim to try to drive the vehicle in one straight line after you have hit a pothole. If the vehicle pulls to one side while you are driving this could be a sign of a problem, that could even be linked to the break or steering. The pothole may have even affected the wheel alignment which could cause issues with your car and may even mean that your car is not safe to drive. If you believe that the wheel alignment has altered then call our auto body repair shop in South Jersey.

Different Exhaust Noises

The way your car feels when you are driving it is the biggest tell sign that there may be something wrong with your vehicle. Make sure that you pay attention to the way your car feels but also the noises it makes. If you hear exhaust noises that sound strange or different, this could mean that hitting a pothole has caused a problem with the exhaust system.

Bulging

Once you have hit a pothole, aim to pull the car over and park so that you can exit the vehicle safely and inspect the tires. If the tires are starting to bulge at the sidewalls this is a sign of damage. Any kind of bulging in the sidewalls should be seen and repaired before you drive further. If your tire is bulging, it is a sign that the air in the tire is escaping.

The Rims Are Bent

One of the easiest ways to tell if a pothole has caused damage to your car is if the rims are bent. Most rims on modern-day cars are made with a metal called aluminum. Aluminum is a type of metal that can bend if it is forced. Bent rims are more of a cosmetic issue than a safety issue but it may suggest that you might have further damage to the vehicle caused by the pothole.

The Car Can Not Stay Steady

If the car starts to bounce while you are driving, this could be a sign that it is damaged and you will need to pull the vehicle over. If the vehicle is making swaying or bouncing movements it may be a sign there is a problem with the suspension.

The Wheel Begins To Shake

If the steering wheel is shaking or vibrating, this is a sign that the pothole you hit may have caused damage. If you do find that your steering wheel is affected after hitting a pothole, it could mean that a component within the steering has now stopped working. If you would like a consultation, call our auto body repair shop in South Jersey.

Contact Elmer’s Auto Body To Repair Pothole Damage

If you have noticed a change in your car after hitting a pothole call in at Elmer’s Auto Body today. Our teams in South Jersey are ready to repair your vehicle and get it back to its original form. Schedule your consultation by calling (856) 218-0202 or filling out the contact form.

Whether you’re dealing with damage to your vehicle by yourself or need to file an insurance claim, you need to stick to a strict deadline. Whatever you do, make sure to bring the vehicle into a repair shop for an inspection. You never want to drive a damaged car down the road. After that, you should work to get your vehicle repaired in a timely manner. Let’s look at a few things you should know about fixing your vehicle after an accident.

The Deadline To Fix a Damaged Car

This answer will depend on your insurance company. Companies will have guidelines regarding reporting and using the policy coverage after an accident. In most cases, you must contact your insurance company immediately after an accident. The sooner you start the process, the better the results. With that, your vehicle will be repaired and back on the road. Plus, you can also remember all those details of the crash. Once the insurance company has been contacted, a claims adjuster will walk you through the rest of the process, including explaining any deadlines for using your insurance coverage.

What To Do With the Insurance Money?

If you have minor damage, you might be tempted to forgo those repairs and use the insurance money for other things. Whether you own the vehicle or not, you might be able to keep the money legally. For anyone making payments on the car, the lender is technically the owner of the vehicle. Those companies have a vested interest in retaining the vehicle’s value. In most cases, you must have it repaired after an accident. However, if you outright own your vehicle, then you are free to use the insurance money for other purposes. Most people will want to repair their vehicle and take the insurance money to get it fixed.

Can I Drive My Car After an Accident?

If your car is still operational after an accident, you may want to continue to drive it. While minor dents and dings will not affect the safety features, you must bring the car to a reputable shop. Some types of damage will affect the safety components, making driving your vehicle illegal. These types of damages include:

• Hoods, trunks, and doors that do not latch
• Cracks in windshields that impair or obstruct your vision
• Missing bumpers
• Sharp or jagged edges on the frame
• Damage that threatens the integrity of the gas tank, engine, or structure

Timeline To Repair a Vehicle

Many factors will determine the timeline to fix a car. The location of the damage, the severity of the impact, and the vehicle’s make and model play a part in this timeline. Sometimes, a broken windshield can be replaced in a day, while extensive frame damage could take weeks to months to repair. Plus, if the parts are not easily accessible, it can take longer for the shop to fix your vehicle. When you work with a reputable repair shop, they will take the time to give you an accurate estimate. With that, you can have a general guideline for the repairs. Remember that there is always the chance for a complication that can add to the project’s timeline.

Should I DIY Those Repairs?

After watching a few videos, you might think you are ready to tackle those simple car repairs. However, resist the urge to save a few dollars and take the vehicle to a reliable, trained auto body shop. These technicians use specialized equipment and understand the latest manufacturer-recommended standards to repair your car.

The technicians understand how to fix most types of damage. It is not uncommon for the shop to find additional damage after inspecting the car. When you leave your vehicle at the shop, you can have confidence that they will complete the proper repairs without any problems.

The Timeline for Work

Remember that different insurance companies will have their own requirements and policies regarding the timeline to fix your vehicle. You should never wait to repair the car. Damaged cars are just unsafe on the road. If you happen to be involved in another accident, you could compromise those safety components. In some situations, waiting can cause additional damage to your vehicle and cost you more money in repairs.

After an accident, always report it to the insurance company and file a claim. Once a claims adjuster has been assigned to your case, you can determine the exact deadline to get your car fixed. Ultimately, you just want to get your vehicle back to its pre-accident condition.

Contact a Professional Auto Body Shop

After an accident, you want to choose the right body shop to repair your vehicle. Elmer’s Auto Body is one of the most trusted shops in South Jersey. Our team of certified technicians will inspect your vehicle and provide you with a detailed estimate. Along with that, we have a working relationship with the top insurance companies in the state. We will help you through the entire claims process. Our team wants to get your vehicle back on the road as conveniently and quickly as possible.

It is a frustrating process after an accident, but you don’t want to delay. With those pressing questions, you can turn to us. Trust our experienced team at Elmer’s Auto Body. We will work to restore your vehicle back to its pre-accident condition. Your satisfaction is our top priority. Schedule an appointment by calling us at (856) 218-0202.

Being rear-ended by another car is a constant danger on the highways of the world. There are always vehicles behind you, and there is always the chance that one of them could fail to stop in time. Luckily, these kinds of collisions tend to be a lot less damaging than head-on collisions, but that isn’t saying much. A rear-end collision can still cause significant damage, especially if the impact occurred at a high rate of speed. If you should find yourself in that situation, here are a few things that you should remember. This will explain what to do when you have been rear-ended.

1. Get Off The Road And Make Contact

Your first priority should be getting off the road. At the same time, observe the car that hit you. They should be doing the same. If it looks like they aren’t going to pull over, make sure you get a good look at their license plate. Repeat that combination of letters and numbers to yourself until you can find a way to write it down. If nothing else, you can use the “notes” feature on your phone. If they try to drive off, they are guilty of a serious crime.

Once off the road, make contact with the other driver. This might not be a friendly situation, but it has to be done. Try not to get hostile, even if it was completely the other driver’s fault: Even if you might be justified, no good will come of that. Just try to remember that they have already pulled over and taken responsibility for their mistake. Obviously, if you or the other driver have been injured, you need to call 911 immediately.

2. Call The Police

Either you or the other driver will need to call the police so that a properly certified accident report can be made. This is very important because your insurance company will want a copy of that police report later. Make sure to ask the officer where, when, and how you can obtain a copy of that police report.

When you tell the officer what happened, just be completely truthful and make sure the other driver does the same. Some people will try to lie their way out of culpability, so don’t let anyone get away with that. If nothing else, there might be camera footage that can be pulled in the event of a dispute. The important thing is to make sure you are nothing but truthful at all times. Anything else will simply discredit you.

3. Take Plenty Of Pictures

Everyone carries a smartphone these days and tends to have high-quality cameras. Therefore, there is no excuse for not taking plenty of pictures. You particularly need pictures of the damage that occurred from the accident. Get pictures of all involved vehicles from as many angles as you can, focusing on the areas that suffered the impact. This is likely to help you later on, should a dispute about blame arise.

As for when you should take these pictures, it would probably be best to take them immediately after calling the police. You are going to be waiting for at least a few minutes anyway, so you might as well put that time to good use. Besides, it gives you something to do and takes away from the awkwardness of the situation.

4. Contact Your Insurance Company

At the earliest possible opportunity, you should call your insurance company and let them know what has happened. Bear in mind that the call will surely be recorded and that it will surely be reviewed later. So, make sure there are no inconsistencies between what you told the officer and what you tell your insurance company. Again, the important thing is to be completely and consistently truthful. Even if the whole thing is your fault, it will be easier on you in the long run.

It would probably be best to contact your insurance company immediately after the police officer has left. If the accident occurred after-hours, call them early the next morning.

Avoiding Rear-End Collisions

You might remember a concept from your old driving manual called “the space cushion.” This is a certain amount of space that must be maintained at all times. Basically, it just means that you should avoid getting too close to other vehicles as much as possible. That way, you will have more time to stop if necessary. Since it is hard to judge exact distances while driving, it is best to maintain a space that is about the same size as your vehicle. Maintaining this space in the front and back will help you to avoid rear-end collisions.

Awareness is also very important. Brake lights and turn signals exist for a reason, so keep your eye on them. This includes keeping an eye on your own brake lights/turn signals and making sure they work properly. When the car in front of you is braking, you probably need to do the same. When you do so, you should brake as gradually as possible. If you slam on the brakes and stop very quickly, the car behind you might not react quickly enough.

Conclusion

If you have been paying attention, you should now know what to do if you are rear-ended. However, there is one aspect that has not been discussed, and that is auto repair. You will probably need the services of a good auto body shop, and that’s where Elmer’s Auto Body can be of help. If you need post-collision auto repair or any other kind of automotive work, you can call our team at (856) 218-0202.