Category: Accident

When you have experienced an accident, you want things to return to normal as quickly as possible. This includes the exterior of your car. Ideally, you want your car to look exactly as it did before the damages from the crash, whether because of the trade-in value or sentimentality. A major portion of the repairs is going to belong to paint repairs.

 

Post-accident repair requires the technician to match the color of your vehicle and repaint the damaged portions without needing to repaint everything. In other words, the colors must be matched perfectly, or you’ll be driving away with a patchwork car. While this might not bother some people, others are going to want nothing less than seamless repair. For that, auto body shops use a machine called a spectrophotometer to get the perfect color match.

 

Common Challenges in Auto Paint Matching

When a damaged vehicle arrives at the auto body repair shop, one of the first things the technician does is look at the paint. Cars usually have base colors that are listed on the spec sheet, and you can often find the color code somewhere within the vehicle, like on the inside of the driver side door. However, the paint is going to fade a little, based on aging and the environment.

 

This means that relying on the base color might not yield a perfect color match. When that happens, the auto body repair shop has to do one of the following:

 

• Deal with the mismatched color. If the paint is going to be somewhere that is unnoticeable, the client might be willing to accept the slight mismatch. This is the least desirable option, however, because it makes the repairs obvious.
• Create a custom color. While challenging, this is an aesthetically pleasing option. It’s also time-consuming, moderately expensive, and may require trial and error before the color is correct. This is made more difficult when performed with a visual color matching assessment.
• Repaint the entire vehicle. If the mismatch is going to be very noticeable, the body shop might decide to repaint the whole vehicle. However, this is problematic. The customer or—more likely—the insurance company is not going to want to pay the cost.

 

You may have already guessed that only one of these three options is truly acceptable—the custom color. Now, while it’s the best alternative, it also introduces a high risk of error. Even a small variation in the new paint will be noticeable and, worse, unsatisfactory. Auto body repair shops are committed to delivering the best experience, so rather than guessing what goes into a customized color, they use a modern spectrophotometer to color match correctly.

 

What is a Spectrophotometer?

A spectrophotometer is a device that was created to measure electromagnetic energy at a specific wavelength of light. The device then uses that energy and light to determine the colors present.

 

In other words, a spectrophotometer measures how much a substance or color reflects or absorbs light. While people might think of car paint as either blue or white or glossy or matte, the spectrophotometer breaks down those characteristics even further.

 

How Do Spectrophotometers Work?

The basic function of a spectrophotometer is to quantify the absorption of photons. The more photons present, the more intense the light. There are two parts of the spectrophotometer—the spectrometer and the photometer—that perform individual tasks:

 

• Spectrometer: Uses a lens to split a prism into individual wavelengths. A typical spectrophotometer can measure 31 wavelengths within a 300nm-wide range. More expensive versions can read over 150 bands of light within an 800nm-wide range.
• Photometer: A device that counts the number of photons absorbed before sending the calculation to a digital display. The intensity of each group is measured on a scale of 0-100.

 

Combined, the spectrophotometer generates data about the colors and wavelengths involved. You can then take that data and determine which color of paint was used on a vehicle.

 

How Spectrophotometers Help With Auto Paint Color Matching

Now that you know about how spectrophotometers work, you can see how these devices can assist with limiting the trial and error with color matching. Auto repair shops have portable spectrophotometers that work much more quickly and accurately than visual color matching. Even if the car has customized or vintage paint, the spectrophotometric color measurement works quickly and efficiently.

 

The process for using a spectrophotometer involves:

 

• Cleaning the panel that needs to be color-matched. Dust and dirt have to be removed completely. Otherwise, it will throw off the spectrophotometric color measurement.
• Taking several readings with the spectrophotometer. The technician will take multiple readings to get a precise result on the auto paint color.
• Testing sample colors based on the results. After finding the exact shade of the paint, the technician will mix up a few samples of paint and test that color against the vehicle to ensure the correct match.

 

As you can see, a portable spectrophotometer streamlines the color matching process while increasing accuracy. This is a useful tool, and if you need your vehicle repainted, ask the auto body shop if they have one of these devices on hand.

 

Wrapping Up

Spectrophotometers are an innovative way to mix auto paint colors even when that color is no longer commercially available. This means that even antique motor vehicles can be repaired without having a damaged exterior. Essentially, a spectrophotometer allows an auto body repair shop to return a vehicle to as close to its pre-accident condition as possible.

 

When you’re involved in an accident, one of the first things you want to do is get an estimate for repairs or any other damage to your vehicle. With my way of thinking about getting an estimate, I want to find an auto body shop near me that provides a fair and reputable quote.

If you’re affected by an accident, it can be a frightening and trying experience, plus if you’re dealing with any kind of injury or injuries, you’re not initially worried about getting your car immediately fixed. You know the whole situation means getting involved with insurance companies and the hassle of it all, but you need to take care of your transportation. Go ahead, if possible, and take your car in for an estimate. Patiently wait for the estimate and schedule an appointment for repairs.

 

Worthwhile Estimate

When you’ve been involved in an accident, you’ll want to find several body shops in the area where you live. One thing is certain, make sure that any shop you choose is well-established, qualified, thorough, and also conscientious enough to pinpoint all the damage to your vehicle, plus give you a fair estimate. With an estimate, you want quality work, a good price, and the timing necessary to accommodate your situation.

In addition, you want to make sure before getting an estimate that you have done your research as far as the reputations of body shops in the area. You’ll also want to read any reviews from other car owners. Do make sure that you get a breakdown of every repair that they will make along with the costs for labor and any parts.

Be sure that the estimate they gave you is the right amount to repair your vehicle correctly. Do comparisons of any estimates you receive on a line-by-line basis. This will enable you to make the best and informed choice, though quality work is your primary goal. Search for shops that offer factory allowed repairs, particularly if the vehicle you are driving is used for business use. Also, remember that the lowest quote or easiest estimate is not always the best. Ensure yourself with the right estimate, one that entails all expenses and real workmanship.

 

Low Estimates

Be careful of insurance adjusters that are acting as a third-party representative. They’ll tell you there are other body shops that can repair your vehicle for a lot less than the other estimates you may have gotten. Some insurance companies will engage in special deals with repair shops that offer low-end work for them. The shops will get more referrals for their less than quality work. None of these cheaper perks offer any guarantees that your inspection is thorough, and the work is of quality.

You also want to get inspections from independent body shops. With independent body repair companies, you can make comparisons with insurance recommended shops. If the independent estimates are higher than the insurance company’s estimate, the insurance company estimate is probably a poor choice. You would prefer that repair work be done by a shop chosen by you. Estimates from independent body shops can help you negotiate your claim.

 

Insurance Company Delays

An insurance company’s estimates or inspections often help to delay repair work on your vehicle. When your vehicle cannot be inspected in a timely manner, at least within a week of the accident and time has already been set aside for an inspection, plus you have gotten written independent estimates, there are always going to be reasons for delays.

There is almost always going to be a passage of time with insurance companies, which can’t be helped. They are busy handling other cases, so you need to take that into consideration. Be aware of these delays, but remain in contact with your insurance company. Call them with questions in the process and ask them about delays. It’s a standard procedure that an insurance company will inspect your vehicle within a week following the accident. Get written estimates and do what you can to move the process along. Give any pertinent information and answer questions that are put to you by the insurance company.

Don’t enable an insurance company’s estimates or inspections to delay your repair work. When you have heard nothing and you have gotten several estimates you should probably have the repair work done and ask for reimbursement once the work is complete. Again, be conscious of higher estimates, as an insurance company will probably approve the lower estimates and will not settle quickly when the work is complete. Also, most of the time, an insurance company doesn’t have to pay for a rental car or other kinds of transportation.

Just remember that your goal is to receive reimbursement from the insurance company as soon as possible. You want the repair work done quickly so you can return to a normal life. So, it’s usually best to wait, if you can, for the reimbursement check before you have any work done on your vehicle. Ask if they will pay for alternative transportation, like a rental car, while they make your repairs.

 

It’s Not Always About The Cost

You don’t want to determine your decision purely on price. Estimates vary, but you can’t just assume that a body shop is charging you more than necessary. The same holds true for a low estimate, which could be a tipoff to be wary of. In the end, you get what you pay for along with dissatisfaction with the repair work. Remember the line-by-line comparison with any estimates. Quality should always be foremost in your mind, along with the shop’s reputation.

If you’re still not sure of the estimate process and what you have to go through, yet still want a quality shop to do the repair work, contact Elmer’s Auto Body at (856) 218-0202. You’ll be happy you did, as Elmer’s is not only dependable, but they’ll work with your insurance company and do the work quickly, efficiently and return your vehicle in pristine condition.

 

When your vehicle is damaged in a collision, you might worry about those repair costs. If the damage is minor, you could be tempted to ignore it. However, even those minor scrapes and dents can lead to problems down the road. In any case, you will want to bring your vehicle to an experienced auto body repair center for an inspection. When the issues are addressed immediately, you can avoid many of those long-term problems. Plus, repair work ensures your vehicle looks and performs great throughout the years. Here are a few reasons why you should never ignore those minor dents and scratches on your vehicle.

 

Don’t Procrastinate on Those Repairs

Many people look at that minor damage on a vehicle, and they think it is no “big deal.” You might have other matters in your life, such as juggling responsibilities with work and family. The thought of leaving your car in the shop might seem like a hassle that you just don’t want to face. However, that procrastination can lead to costly repairs down the road.

Most minor car repairs can be completed in a short time without spending additional money on the vehicle. In some cases, your insurance might cover the majority of the expenses. Unfortunately, many car owners postpone these vital repairs. As previously stated, when you put off a minor body damage repair, it is never a good idea for your vehicle or budget.

 

Prevent Additional Damage

When you ignore minor damage to your vehicle, it can often lead to additional damage to the exterior of your car. The exterior plays a significant factor in determining the value of your car. If there is a minor dent or scratch, that damage can become worse over time. In fact, it only takes a little dent to break the clear coat of your vehicle to start the rusting process. For those proactive vehicle owners, you can maintain the value of your car and prevent any worsening problems by getting that body damage repair completed immediately.

 

Maintain the Appearance of Your Vehicle

If your car has a slight scratch or dent, that damage can affect the appearance of your vehicle. When the dent is severe and affects the paint, you might be looking at problems with corrosion around the damaged site. In most cases, a professional body shop has the tools to fix these problem areas quickly. Many times they can repair the problem in less than a day. When you have so many options available for a fix, why should you delay getting that minor damage repaired?

 

Avoid Lowering Your Vehicle’s Value

You might not think that that minor dent is a big deal now, but it will become an issue when you sell or trade-in your vehicle. A dent could signal that your car was involved in an accident, and many people will avoid purchasing these vehicles. Along with that, those unsightly dents and scratches can show that you just don’t care to maintain your car’s appearance. As a result, you will get less than the asking price. This lower price will also extend to those who trade in a vehicle at a dealership. If you want to get the best value for your car, then you need to get those minor issues fixed on your vehicle.

 

Prevent Further Accidents

While a dent on your car might seem like no big deal, it could be a symptom of more significant problems under the surface of your vehicle. If you want to assess the damage to your car, you should always make an appointment at your local body shop. When you repair those minor scratches and dents, you can avoid any potential accidents to your car.

For example, if you avoid fixing your bumper, it can lead to damage. A small scratch or dent can weaken the structural integrity of that component and compromise the safety of you and others on the road. If you are involved in another collision, all those safety features could be compromised, leading to severe injuries or death.

 

Filing an Insurance Claim

You could be tempted to skip the insurance claim for that minor damage, but that can cause issues in the future. If your bumper was damaged and you don’t fix it, the damage could be discovered down the road in the event of another accident. If your insurance company finds that unrepaired damage, they could deny your claim. In some cases, the insurance company will cover minor damage without increasing your rates.

 

Don’t Ignore These Repairs

While you already know that you shouldn’t avoid minor repairs, some need to be addressed immediately, such as:

Bad Alignment: If you have hit the curb with your car, you might notice that the steering wheel feels “off.” You might control the vehicle by adjusting your driving habits, but this problem will worsen over time. Along with that, misalignment can wear down your tires.

Taillight or Headlight Damage: Any damage to these areas must be completed as soon as possible. In many cases, these lights are required by law to be in working order. In addition to getting a ticket, it is dangerous to drive with this broken equipment. Without properly working lights and headlights, you could cause a serious collision.

Paint Scratches: Your paint protects your vehicle’s structure from rust. If you avoid these repairs, the metal underneath the surface can become damaged. Once rust settles into the metal frame, it becomes a costly repair to try to fix.

 

Auto Body Shop Near Me

If your vehicle has been damaged in a collision, you want to have an experienced auto shop complete those repairs. At Elmer’s Auto Body, we have the equipment and technicians to get your vehicle back on the road, and we will quickly take care of those minor repairs. In some cases, dent and scratch repairs can be completed in as little as a day. We will restore your vehicle back to its original condition. You can schedule a consultation for your vehicle by giving us a call at (856) 218-0202.

 

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

 

Engine Damage

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

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

 

Body And Frame Damage

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

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

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

 

Windshield Damage

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

 

Wheels, Suspension, and Steering

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

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

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

 

Fire Damage

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

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

 

Conclusion

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