Car Frame Damage 101

Car Frame Damage 101

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.

Does Paintless Dent Repair Work?

Does Paintless Dent Repair Work?

At some point, everyone will have to deal with a dent in their automobile. It might come from a minor collision in a parking lot, a rear-ending incident, or maybe even from hail damage. Wherever it comes from, nobody wants that kind of accident messing up their nice pristine vehicle. Even though most dents are minor problems that don’t affect the functioning of the car, they can still affect our enjoyment of the vehicle by marring its appearance.

 

Dent Repair Options

There are lots of ways to repair dents in an automobile. When the dent is extremely severe, it may not be possible to repair. In a case like this, all you can really do is replace the damaged part. However, the good news is that most dents can be fixed.

At one time, it was common to fix dents using a “filler” method. Putty can be used to fill in the dented area. It is then necessary to paint over the putty filler and repaint the surrounding area to match. Needless to say, this is a highly imperfect method. Not only does it fail to actually fix the damage, but it also requires a lot of expensive repainting.

Fortunately, paintless dent repair has become the new standard. This method involves the use of specialized tools to “pull” the dent out of the vehicle. As long as the dent is minor, this is the best option. Not only does it actually fix the damage and restore the structural integrity of your vehicle, but it also saves you a lot of money on labor and repainting costs.

 

Does Paintless Dent Repair Work?

This method, often called PDR for short, does indeed work very well. It may not work for all cases, but most dents can be repaired in this way. PDR has gained a lot of popularity in recent years because it is better on every level: It is cheaper, faster, easier, and more effective.

PDR is also better for repair businesses because it is so cost-effective. Not only that but the speed and convenience of the process allow mechanics to work more efficiently. This translates to shorter wait times for the customer, which is another great benefit.

 

When Paint-Less Dent Repair Doesn’t Work

Unfortunately, there are still times when you will simply have to replace the entire part. Even a highly effective process like this won’t be effective for every situation. We already mentioned that huge, deep dents will probably not be fixed in this way. PDR will not be a good option if:

  • The dent has sharp edges and/or corners
  • the metal itself has been torn or punctured
  • The area is already damaged by rust
  • The paint inside the dent has already been detached
  • The dent is situated right at the edge of a panel

 

Advantages Of Paintless Dent Repair

The biggest advantage of this method is cost reduction. It’s cheaper for the repair shops, and so it is also cheaper for the customer. Auto repair bills generally consist of two components: Parts and labor. With PDR, there are no expenses for parts, as that would defeat the entire purpose of the process. You’re trying to get rid of the dent without having to replace an entire section of your car body. Therefore, PDR costs mostly consist of labor fees. Since it doesn’t usually take long to do these repairs, no one can really justify a high price tag.

PDR is also a lot faster and more convenient. If you have the right tools, and if you have the expertise to use them correctly, minor dents and dings can be fixed with much greater ease. This is an important factor because nobody wants to wait a long time for their vehicle to be ready. Chances are, you need your vehicle every day for crucial things.

Another great benefit is the fact that you don’t have to worry about color-matching. Even for a professional, it can be very hard to match the exact shade of your old finish. The problem is made more difficult by the fact that auto finishes tend to fade a little with time. Thus, if you want the new paint job to match, you have to reproduce that “fade” effect artificially. Even if all vehicles were painted in a standard set of colors, fading would still make color-matching difficult. However, when you go with PDR, you don’t have to worry about all that.

Finally, we should mention resale value. You may not be planning to keep your vehicle forever, especially if it has problems. If you are one of those people, the resale value becomes pretty important. That’s another area where PDR shines because it allows you to keep the original paint job. Vehicles that have retained the factory paint are always going to be worth a little more.

 

Conclusion

People across the world have found out that paintless dent repair really does work. In fact, when PDR is possible, it is truly the best method to use. Vehicle paint and primer aren’t cheap, and that has a lot to do with the high cost of automobile repainting. If you would like to know more about this process, or if you need competent dent repair, there is no need to ask: “Where is the best auto body shop near me?” Instead, you can give us a call at (856) 218-0202.

Best Ways to Avoid Damage Caused by Potholes

Best Ways to Avoid Damage Caused by Potholes

Potholes might look like small craters in the road, but they can cause significant damage to your vehicle. For that reason, avoiding potholes is a must, especially if you want to prevent costly repair bills. Here are a few things you can do to limit the damage caused by a pothole.

 

What Causes a Pothole?

Any depression on the surface of a road is considered a pothole. They often develop after water seeps into the crevices and cracks of the pavement. As a result, gravel and dirt push towards the surface when the water freezes and expands. Once the temperature warms up, holes will form in the pavement. These large divots in the road cause damage to vehicles. Unfortunately, any pothole damage is the driver’s responsibility, and it can affect the suspension and other parts of the car.

 

How To Safely Drive Over a Pothole

Depending on the size of the hole, damages from a pothole can be minor or severe. If you want to avoid any possible repair bills, you must learn to move around these holes. Here are a few things you can do to prevent pothole damage to your car.

Slow Down

Significant damage can result from traveling over the hole at a high rate of speed. When you spot that pothole, you should lower your speed. Before you get to the pothole, slow down but don’t push on the brakes. Braking can actually increase the risk of damage to your vehicle.

Use Caution When Traveling Over Puddles

Always assume that a puddle could be a large pothole. After a heavy rain, water can fill up the pothole, making it seem like a small puddle. However, these puddles are covering up a large pothole in the road. You always want to avoid driving in any pool of water. Try to maneuver around the puddle safely.

Prepare for Impact

Hitting a pothole can cause you to lose control of the vehicle. You need to take a firm grip on the steering wheel to maintain control. If you have passengers in the car, warn them of the potential impact.

Keep a Safe Distance from Other Vehicles

When you spot a pothole, keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. You can reduce the risk of an accident by providing enough space for other cars. This action can prevent a rear-end collision, especially if the driver in front of you swerves or slams on the brakes.

Inflate Your Car’s Tires To the Proper Level

If you have under-inflated tires, they might not withstand driving over a pothole. You always want to ensure that the tires are inflated to the proper air level for your vehicle. The correct PSI is located in the owner’s manual or on the side of the driver’s door. If you want to stay safe, always check the tire pressure about once a month.

 

Potholes and Vehicle Damage

Pull over to a safe area if you have already driven over a pothole and think it damaged the vehicle. You should get out and inspect your vehicle for any signs of damage. In some cases, the damage might not be visible to you. Here are a few places to check on your car.

Tires

Potholes can affect the integrity of your tires. Most of the damage occurs to the sidewall. After the tire hits the pothole, it can lose air. You might even see the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) light on your dashboard. In many cases, the tire will need to be replaced.

Wheels

Wheels are also susceptible to pothole damage. When a wheel is damaged, it will not travel smoothly on the road. Like a tire, wheel damage often requires a complete replacement.

Suspension

Driving over a pothole can cause damage to your suspension system. In some situations, your vehicle would shift out of alignment. If the vehicle is pulling to the left or right, you need to get your car inspected by an experienced auto body repair shop.

However, these areas are not the only places where damage could occur. If any strange noises are coming from the car, you will need to have it inspected by an auto body shop. Even minor damage could cause significant problems down the road.

Potholes are problematic, and you will always want to avoid them on the road. If you cannot avoid these holes, try safely driving over them. With that, you may be able to lower your risk of damaging your vehicle.

Unfortunately, potholes cause hundreds of dollars of damage every year. Potholes can develop on any road or street when the temperatures drop and rise quickly. If you have traveled over a pothole and now notice problems, make sure to schedule an inspection for your vehicle. With that, you may save yourself from larger repair bills down the road.

 

Get Your Vehicle Inspected Today

At Elmer’s Auto Body, we can repair your vehicle and get it back to that pre-accident condition. Potholes can cause damage to the wheels, tires, and suspension. Driving a car with poor suspension can be dangerous, putting you and other drivers at risk. A full inspection will ensure that your vehicle is safe for the road.

Our technicians use the latest technology and tools to fix those damaged areas. Your satisfaction and safety are our top priorities. Don’t ignore any pothole damage. When you need to find an “auto body shop near me”, schedule a consultation by calling (856) 218-0202.

How to Choose The Right Auto Body Shop

How to Choose The Right Auto Body Shop

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.

Can An Auto Body Shop Charge More Than The Estimate?

Can An Auto Body Shop Charge More Than The Estimate?

After a vehicle accident, you need to get your car inspected and repaired. Sometimes, you may not want to file a claim with the insurance company. You need an estimate to know some of those repair costs. Even if you work through your insurance company, you will need to get an estimate from an auto body repair shop. While the estimate might seem like the final price of the repair work, there could be a few hidden surprises. Here is what you need to know about estimates and the final bill.

 

What Is an Estimate?

While you may think an estimate is a final price, it is just an estimation of the costs. When there are unforeseen complications or expenses, the estimate could change. An estimate is not a contract. It is a courtesy to you as the customer and a requirement in New Jersey. However, a reputable shop will always inform the customers of complications and higher expenses that could affect the final bill. Most estimates tend to be on the dollar or slightly below the quoted price.

The technician gives a general estimate. Often, they have not opened up the car, taken off panels, or completed a comprehensive inspection. Any problems could arise when those nuts and bolts come off the vehicle. Remember that estimates are based on that visual damage.

An auto body shop can charge more than the estimate, but exceptions do exist. All auto body work cannot start without giving the customer a written estimate. This estimate must include the exact dollar amount of the labor and parts. You might even see “price not to exceed” on the paperwork. What happens when the amount exceeds the expected repairs? Customers cannot be charged more than the estimate given without prior written or oral consent.

Unfortunately, you might have to work with the other driver’s insurance company. They may agree to a specific price but refuse to pay for repairs over that amount. In those situations, you might have to pay for the repair out of your pocket or fight with the insurance company for reimbursement. When you work with an experienced auto body shop, they have working relationships with many insurance agencies. Most shops want to repair your vehicle and get you back on the road. Often, they can help guide you through the claims process.

In short, the auto body shop can charge more than the estimate, but they must have your consent before working on the vehicle. Now that you know that, what causes the final bill to be higher than an estimate?

 

What Can Cause a Higher Bill?

Once the technicians get your vehicle on the lift, they can see the extent of the damage. You may have a problem with your chassis or the drive train. Some of that damage may be obvious based on the type of accident. However, damage can be hard to predict until the panels and parts start to come off the vehicle.

Any damage to the bumpers can lead to higher repair costs. For that reason, many shops will price a new bumper on the estimate. Plus, most safety features can be compromised when involved in an accident. It is better for everyone when the bumper is completely replaced instead of repaired. Remember that a bumper does have several components, including the cover, absorber, reinforcement bar, and mounting system. If any of them are compromised, you might have to replace all those parts.

Technicians often use specific techniques to repair vehicles. In a few cases, that reliable technique might not work. For example, a dent can often be pounded or pulled out. If the dent is stubborn, it may need to be filled with compound and painted. That extra work can increase the final costs.

Added costs are often called supplemental damage. You will hear that term when working with an insurance company. The insurance company will work with the shop to restore the vehicle to the condition before the accident. There are times when “betterment” can affect the price. For example, if your tire needs to be repaired but has little tread left, the insurance company might elect to pay for a new tire. Remember that the price difference could be passed down to you. Betterment is handled between you and the insurance company. Often, the body shop will not have a say in these repair issues.

 

Choose a Reliable Auto Body Shop

An estimate is just an educated guess of the price of the bodywork required to fix your vehicle. While you may be concerned that you will face huge bills, choosing the right auto body shop for the job can help. You want to work with a shop that will explain the charges and make you feel comfortable during the process.

A professional shop will help you to understand the estimate and explain why certain factors could cause a higher bill. A customer should never feel forced into a repair. Remember that New Jersey consumer laws require you to consent to extra work outside your estimate’s scope.

At Elmer’s Auto Body, we are a family-owned and -operated business. We want to make the repair process fast, convenient, and easy for all our customers. When you bring your vehicle for an estimate, we will explain the entire process and contact you when there is an unexpected problem. When you need an “auto body shop near me”, schedule your consultation by calling (856) 218-0202.

Is It Worth It to Repair a Bumper?

Is It Worth It to Repair a Bumper?

The bumper may not seem like the most important part of the car, but maintaining your bumper can help you keep your car at a good value and protect the structural integrity of the car. Little cracks and dents to your bumper seem like minor repairs, therefore is it worth it to repair a bumper?

 

Should I Repair The Bumper?

Repairing the bumper can be a more cost-effective way of maintaining your car and allowing your car to have more longevity. We would recommend that you look into the different types of bumper repairs that are available at one of our auto body repair shops in South Jersey before deciding if you would like to repair your bumper or replace your bumper.

Whether your bumper needs repairing or replacing is all based on the damage the bumper has undergone. If you have simply scratched your bumper while parking or you have a small dent in the bumper, there will be no need to replace the whole bumper. A bumper repair can range from very affordable prices and is a more budget-friendly method of fixing your bumper.

Repairing a bumper can be a quicker way of fixing the problem, compared to replacing your bumper. Repairing bumpers is the best way to go, especially if you own an older or classic car. Often, if you own an older car like a classic, opting for a bumper repair will be the only way to go as the bumper will not be able to be replaced due to a lack of parts suitable for that particular model.

 

What are the different types of bumper repairs?

Depending on what your vehicle needs, at our auto body repair shop in South Jersey we can help with all types of bumper repairs. There is a range of repairs that will work on a broken bumper and we can suggest the best repair for your car based on the circumstances. The types of repairs that work for bumpers can range from paintless dent repair to fixing cracks. Here is a list of different types of bumper repairs:

  • Dent Repair
  • Scuff Repair
  • Crack Repair
  • Puncture Repair

 

1. Dent Repair: There are two types of dent repairs that can be applied to the bumper. The first is paintless dent repair and the second is traditional. A paintless dent repair is a method that will remove the dent from the car in a way that will not affect the paintwork. A paintless dent repair is done by using a varied amount of tools with heat to restore the car. A traditional dent repair works in a similar way to pulling the dent out of the car. This again is done by using specialized tools to smooth the dents and then paint is added to restore the car.

2. Scuff Repair: Repairing scuffs on the bumper can easily be done using filler. The filler is used to fill in the scrapes, which is then sanded down to a smooth even surface. Paint is then applied on top of the filler to make sure the car is restored aesthetically.

3. Crack Repair: Repairing cracks on the bumper is very similar to repairing scrapes and scuffs. If there are splits on the side of the bumper, a plastic filler can be used to seal these crack backs together. Wherever filler is applied to a bumper repair, the filler is then sanded down and painted.

4. Puncture Repair: When repairing punctures on the bumper, the filler can still be used but a popular alternative is to use adhesive. The adhesive works in a very similar way to how the filler would work and would still require the paint to be applied at the final stages to make sure that the car returns to its original look.

 

Is A Bumper Worth Repairing?

At Elmer’s Auto Body, we believe that a bumper is worth repairing as it can help in many other ways other than the visual aesthetics of the car. Here is a list of reasons why repairing your bumper is worth the effort:

  • The bumper could be unstable: If you have damaged your bumper the hooks may be damaged too, which could make your bumper unstable without you knowing.
  • Insurance claims could be needed: If you are in doubt that your bumper is stable, you should always get your bumper checked over by a professional so that you can be sure your bumper will not fall and cause an accident. Feel free to bring your car to one of our auto body repair shops in South Jersey for a consultation.
  • Your car could lose value: This will be very relevant, especially if you own an older or classic car. The better the condition of your car, the higher the value of your car will be.

 

Contact Elmer’s Auto Body To Repair Or Replace Your Bumper

If you need any bumper crack, scratch, or dent repairs give us a call at Elmer’s Auto Body today. The team at our auto body repair shop in South Jersey is ready to repair your bumper and get it back to its original form. Schedule your consultation by calling (856) 218-0202 or filling out the contact form.