When Should A Bumper Be Repaired Versus Replaced

A bumper is more than just something that makes your vehicle look good, it’s a vital component for driver and passenger safety. If your bumper is damaged, you should consider having it repaired or replaced before something more serious happens. The good news, not all bumpers need to be replaced because many of them are repairable. Bumpers can become damaged in a number of ways, whether it’s a traffic accident, being rear-ended in a parking lot or you accidentally drive into an object yourself.

When it comes to filing an insurance claim for minor bumper repairs, depending on the extent of the damage, it isn’t always feasible and your rates can also be increased as a result. Therefore, it’s important to know when it makes more sense to repair a bumper or whether you should just replace it.

Below are three examples that explain when bumpers can be repaired and when they should be replaced.

 

Bumper Hooks are Broken or Damaged

If the bumper hooks are broken or damaged on your vehicle, you will need to replace your bumper. Bumpers are designed with hooks that adhere to the splash guard, grill, and valance panel. If your bumper hooks are broken or damaged, the integrity of your bumper will be compromised and could fall off without warning.

Simply repairing or replacing the broken or damaged hooks will not work because once hooks break, there’s no way to attach them. You will need a new bumper with the hooks already attached to ensure that your bumper stays on your vehicle.

 

Minor Paint Damage

Depending on the extent of the damage to the paint job, there are some options available for repair. If your bumper is full of deep scratches or is missing large sections of paint, you may want to consider replacing your bumper. Bodywork and repainting your bumper back to its factory condition can cost almost as much as a new bumper; therefore, it’s more feasible to buy a new one.

On the other hand, if your bumper has minor paint damage, you can easily have it repaired for a few hundred bucks by a professional auto body repair specialist. The best way to know which option is the best is to get an estimate for the damages.

 

Cracked Bumpers

Cracked bumpers are in the same category as paint damage. Depending on the size of the crack and length can determine whether or not you should repair or replace it. Since cracks in bumpers need to be filled with a body filler, sanded, primed, and painted, the size of the crack does matter.

Small cracks can generally be repaired without too many issues; however, large cracks can cause your bumper to lose its structural integrity and should be replaced as opposed to being repaired. For maximum vehicle and passenger safety, bumpers with large cracks should be replaced.

 

Finding a Trustworthy Auto Body Shop

Depending on where you live, there are several options for finding a trustworthy and professional body shop. Performing an online search with the key phrase “auto body shops near me” will result in the top auto body specialists in your immediate area being displayed on your web browser. You can also ask your friends and relatives if they know of one. Additionally, you may even know where some are located, simply stop in and have them access the damage to your bumper.

 

Getting a Professional Opinion

Taking your vehicle to a professional auto body and collision repair shop can help you to determine whether you need a new bumper or not. Most auto body repair shops are experienced with handling insurance claims, and they can get your vehicle back on the road in the fastest time, saving you both time and money. For more information about bumper repair or replacement, please fill out the contact form.

Can The Airbag Of A Car Be Fixed After An Accident?

Can The Airbag Of A Car Be Fixed After An Accident?

According to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), you should replace airbags that have been inflated or deployed following a collision without delay. They also recommend that you should only use authorized service centers for installation and not to drive the vehicle until a new airbag is installed.

Airbag Use

Airbags are often unable to be repaired or fixed once an accident has occurred. They are designed for one-time use. Airbags from older model vehicles can be repaired in certain instances. With newer vehicles, full replacement is usually the only option. Mechanics must replace airbags every time inflation has occurred, whether the deployment of the airbag occurred through the steering wheel, the passenger area, side panels, or seat areas.

Repairs

When an air bag’s sensors are triggered, or the bag inflates, repairs will be needed, and driving will be at a standstill until they are completed. Protection is imperative; you or any passengers could be in danger as the triggering sensors will be impaired, and there will be no airbag inflation. There are repair steps to be followed to fix the airbags of a car. The following steps are typically what happens restoring airbag use.

Indicators

Even when an airbag did not inflate, its sensors may have been triggered, which indicates that a reset of the sensors may be necessary. A warning light in most cars will come on to indicate that there is a problem with an airbag or airbags. If you see that light, you’ll probably need to have the airbag light reset. Again, airbags will not inflate properly if an accident has occurred.

Resets

Once airbags have been inflated or deployed, resets may be possible with certain vehicle types and models. That possibility will depend on whether the bag suffered any damage during the accident. The reset process involves packing or stuffing the airbag into its compartment and resetting the light. If you have a newer vehicle, the airbags will not be able to reset. It’s best to contact a vehicle repair shop to find out whether or not you can reset your airbags.

Replacement

If airbags have become over-inflated and have been released, or your vehicle is one where an airbag can’t be rest, any airbags involved in an accident will need replacement. In either case, a full replacement of an airbag module will be necessary. In addition, a deployed steering wheel airbag may have caused enough damage to warrant the replacement of the steering wheel itself and its column. Once new airbags are installed, and in position, the sensor can be reset. This action confirms that the airbags are functioning as they should.

Authorized Technician

When you make arrangements to have your airbag or airbags replaced, you want to make sure you are utilizing an authorized repair center. Since your airbags are in place to prevent injuries and deaths in collisions, you’ll want to be assured of a proper airbag installation by a qualified technician. If you decide to use an unauthorized service center, you could wind up with either a faulty, reprocessed, or used airbag, or even a defective and recycled one from an auto salvage yard or a questionable used car lot. When you go the unauthorized route, you are asking for trouble, as well as placing yourself and others in jeopardy if another crash occurs.

Costs

The costs of airbag replacement will hinge on several factors, including the make, model, and year of the vehicle, the number of airbags that inflated, and their location in the vehicle. Other costs will include any parts necessary to replace the entire airbag module. The average price of a replacement can run anywhere from three to five thousand dollars. Costs could be higher if your insurer has determined your vehicle to be a total loss because of any deployed airbags.

Insurance Coverage

When you have an accident, and your airbags inflate, you will be required to repair the airbags before you can drive your vehicle. Your car insurance should cover the replacement of the airbags and any extended damage issues, but reimbursement will depend on the extent of the damage. When an airbag deploys or inflates, quite a bit of damage can occur. Any covering or casing of the airbag itself will need to be replaced, as will the sensor. Side and front window damage can also happen, as well as damage to other interior structures that can include the steering wheel, column area, dashboard, consoles, panels, seats, and other components in the vicinity of any airbags.

In certain accident situations, quite a bit of crushing damage can occur, which means that the damage could be widespread, and critical components affected. Not only would the whole interior front section of a vehicle be involved, but other exterior parts in the front portion of a vehicle could also be affected. Fenders, bumpers, hoods, grilles, radiators, air conditioning condensers, and other components could be in jeopardy and require replacement, not to mention any extensive bodywork. Repairs could get expensive, and a vehicle even determined to be a total loss. In this case, insurance coverage and any reimbursement would depend on the actual cash value of the vehicle before an accident and the costs of repairs. Whatever the case, insurance should cover airbag replacement.

Airbags in a car can usually be fixed after an accident, which includes both resetting and replacing any that have been subject to damage because of a collision. Depending on the make and model of a vehicle, a full replacement may be necessary. To determine where you stand with airbag repair or replacement, complete the online contact form, and an authorized service center expert will get back to you with the information you need to reset, repair, or replace your airbags in the right way.

What Does OEM Mean For A Repair Shop?

You may have heard the term OEM in relation to cars or auto parts. In this article, we will give you an overview of the concept so that it will never confuse you again. The first thing you need to know is that OEM stands for original equipment manufacturer. As you will see, the name is self-explanatory.

All auto parts fall into one of two categories: OEM or aftermarket. OEM parts are original parts that are identical to those used at car factories. These parts are made by the same company that made your car, and that is a very good thing indeed. Aftermarket parts, on the other hand, are made by a variety of different companies and may contain features that the manufacturer never intended.

Why Would You Buy OEM Parts?

There are quite a few reasons to choose OEM parts over their aftermarket equivalents. First of all, we should start with the biggest reason. The use of aftermarket parts will often void your car’s warranty! You should check your warranty to be sure, but most vehicle warranties will become void if you use anything other than OEM parts.

From the company’s perspective, this makes a lot of sense. They are willing to guarantee their work, but they are not willing to guarantee anyone else’s work. Some warranties will not be voided by the use of aftermarket parts, but even these will surely specify that aftermarket parts are not covered by the warranty.

Some people also choose OEM parts to maintain their car’s value. This is an especially large concern when it comes to antique cars, show cars, and other vehicles that need to be kept in pristine condition. As soon as you start putting aftermarket parts on a collectible car, you will surely be reducing its value and appeal.

There is also a practical reason to choose OEM parts. When you stick with original parts, you can be sure that no compatibility issues will arise. Aftermarket parts are often made for a specific make and model, but there is some variation within different models. For instance, let’s say you own a Honda Accord (random example). There are five different variations on the Accord, and some aftermarket manufacturers may not take this into account.

When you buy an OEM part, you are also likely to get a more durable part. These parts are subjected to a lot more quality control, partly because the company knows they will be covered by the warranty. Thus, the company stands to lose a lot of money if they ship a bunch of defective parts. An aftermarket company, on the other hand, has less reason to care about quality.

Why Would You Buy Aftermarket Parts?

In many ways, aftermarket parts are inferior. They don’t tend to be as durable, they aren’t covered under standard vehicle warranties, and they can sometimes suffer from compatibility issues. That being said, aftermarket parts do offer one big advantage: They are cheap. In many cases, you can get an aftermarket part for half the price of its OEM equivalent. For those who are short on money, these parts might be the only option.

Aftermarket parts will also offer a greater variety than OEM parts. If you really want to customize your vehicle in a unique way, aftermarket parts will be a necessity. For instance, let’s say you want to put 1950’s-style tailfins on a newer Cadillac. While you can certainly do this, you aren’t going to get OEM tailfins for that kind of car. You’ll have to look for aftermarket parts or have them custom-made.

You might also choose aftermarket parts if your vehicle has a generous warranty. While no company will cover the work of another company, you might at least avoid voiding the warranty. This is why you should always read your warranty agreements carefully. If you can get a good enough deal, you can save a lot of money by using aftermarket replacements for less-important parts.

Aftermarket parts are also more readily available than OEM parts. While OEM parts must normally be ordered from a licensed dealer (or the auto company itself), aftermarket parts are cheap and plentiful within every auto parts store in the nation. Shipping delays can make OEM parts an inconvenient choice, especially when the part is coming from overseas.

Common Questions

Here are a couple of the more common questions that we receive on this subject.

Are OEM parts always better than aftermarket parts?

Usually, but not always. It would be more accurate to say that an aftermarket part is a roll of the dice. You might get something that is better than the original in some way, or you might get a piece of overpriced junk. It’s kind of a gamble, but you can lessen this gamble by checking plenty of product reviews.

Are OEM parts always made by car manufacturers?

Usually, but not always. While it is best to get your OEM parts straight from the auto company, they will often outsource their parts production to other companies. Still, they will have been made to the same standards as the original part.

Conclusion

As you have probably noticed, this whole thing is very simple. Just remember that the O stands for original, and you should have no trouble at all. Overall, OEM parts are superior to aftermarket parts, but their higher cost might be out of reach for some. In the end, it’s a question of cost versus quality.

When your vehicle is down, you can’t afford to waste time. Thus, you should go with the cost-efficient option. Still, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to switch that cheap aftermarket part with an OEM equivalent somewhere down the line. If you have enjoyed this article and found it to be helpful, we ask that you fill out the contact form below so that we can bring you more of the same.

Can A Car Accident Cause Transmission Problems?

Can A Car Accident Cause Transmission Problems?

When you take your car to the auto shop for repairs, the first step is always a diagnosis. At this stage, many people are holding their breath and nervously hoping that the problem isn’t the engine or the transmission. These are often the two most expensive and difficult parts of the car to repair, and that’s always a bad day for you.

To start, let’s answer the question posed by the title of this article: Yes, you absolutely can suffer transmission problems as a result of a car accident. Like any other part of your vehicle, a transmission can be ruined by a strong enough impact.

Impact Analysis Guide

After you have been in an accident, the first thing to check is your health. Once you know that you are not hurt, you should check the location of the impact. This will affect the likelihood of transmission damage. If you have a front-wheel-drive vehicle, the transmission will be located upfront. Thus, it will probably be safe if the car is struck from the rear. In rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive vehicles, the transmission will be in the back. Thus, it will probably be safe if the car is struck from the front.

In most cases, you will be able to visually inspect the damage and see if your transmission has been struck. It is usually one of the biggest parts of the vehicle, so it isn’t hard to find. Here are some pictures of a typical transmission to get you started. As you can see, there are slight differences in appearance between an automatic transmission and a manual one. Still, it shouldn’t be hard to find a component this large. When you have located the transmission, see if it’s leaking any fluid.

Any time your transmission has been struck by a direct impact, you should get it inspected by a qualified professional because it is probably damaged. Even if the outer casing is not damaged, the impact can knock those gears out of alignment and cause all kinds of problems.

Less Obvious Problems

Not all transmission problems will show themselves right away. You might drive away from the accident, thinking that nothing is wrong, only to find that your car is slipping out of gear or shifting too hard from one gear to the next. This will be especially obvious if you drive a manual transmission because you will feel the gears grinding as they try (and fail) to align correctly.

In most instances, this is not something that you can fix yourself. You might as well make peace with the fact that you will have to fork out some serious money to get this thing fixed. Transmission repairs can be so expensive that you might want to consider buying a different vehicle. However, there is something you can do to give your mechanic a better idea of the problem. Since they charge by the hour, this is likely to save you money.

A Quick Diagnosis

First, you will need to start your car and let it run until it reaches normal operating temperature. This will normally be the spot in the middle of the gauge, and you may want to step on the gas and rev the engine a little bit. This will speed up the process. Once you reach the right temperature, open the hood, and remove the transmission dipstick. If you don’t know where that is, try to find a parts diagram for your car. Your cars owner’s manual might also be of assistance here.

Keep the car running as you check the amount of fluid using the dipstick. If you are lucky, you might simply be low on fluid. In cases like this, you will be able to add the correct amount of fluid and call the problem fixed.

Next, close the hood and get in the car. Put the transmission in gear and see if it clunks or grinds. If it does, you have most likely found the problem. A clunking noise usually indicates that the gear mounts are failing. If it grinds, the gears might simply be misaligned due to impact.

Finally, give the car a short drive. Make sure that your vehicle shifts its gears enough for a proper test. If it slips in and out of gear, the problem is most likely in the clutch or the torque converter. Once again, you probably can’t fix those problems yourself, but you can save your mechanic some time.

Conclusion

Today’s article has been based on a simple question, and the answer is not a pleasant one. It would be nice if transmissions were better protected, but it won’t do us any good to lament that fact. All we can do is deal with the situation and get that crucial vehicle back on the road. By following the simple guidelines outlined here, you can probably take care of that process with a little less stress, uncertainty, and time. If you would like to thank us for that little bit of help, you can fill out the contact form below.

What Is the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act?

What Is the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act?

In New Jersey, most people have to take their vehicles in for repairs from time to time. The Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act is the name of several different bills that have been proposed by Congress and some state legislatures. This law would require car manufacturers to provide the same type of information to repair shops that they do to car dealerships.

Many independent automotive repair shops, such as Elmer’s Auto Body, have supported the various versions of the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act. Many dealerships and manufacturers have opposed this bill. At the federal level, this bill was first introduced in 2001. However, it was not adopted by any state or the federal government until 2012 when Massachusetts enacted its Right to Repair law. Massachusetts’s law came about after a binding ballot initiative passed with 86% support of the voters. In 2014, several groups, including the Coalition for Auto Repair Equality, the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association, the Association for Global Automakers, and the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, signed an agreement based on the law in Massachusetts that the manufacturers would follow the provisions of the law of Massachusetts in all of the states. This change would allow independent repair shops to have access to the same information that dealerships do so that consumers have a greater ability to take their vehicles for repairs where they want instead of being limited to dealerships.

Background of the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act

In 1990, amendments to the Clean Air Act mandated that all vehicles built after 1994 would include computer systems to monitor the vehicles’ emissions. Car manufacturers were also required to give independent repair shops the same types of emissions repair information as they gave to franchised new car dealers. California passed its law that required that the same types of emissions information and service tools would be provided to independent repair shops and to keep websites with the service information on a subscription basis.

Later, on-board computers advanced to the extent that they now control all of the vital systems of cars. These changes meant that automotive repair became highly technical and required the use of computer diagnostic tools.

State legislation

In 2012, Massachusetts passed the Right to Repair Initiative with 86% support by the voters. The first proposed bill was introduced in the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives in 2001.

New Jersey is one of the states that have had similar bills introduced. In 2006, it was introduced in the State Assembly and passed overwhelmingly. However, the bill did not pass the state Senate before it adjourned. Similar bills have been introduced in many other states.

Opposition to the Right to Repair bills

Multiple groups that represent the repair industry support the Right to Repair bills at both the state and federal levels. Initially, vehicle manufacturers opposed the law based on the National Automotive Service Task Force or NASTF, claiming that the proposed bills were unnecessary.

The NASTF set up a website in 2001 to guide technicians on how to obtain service information and specialized service tools. During that same year, the manufacturers said that they were committed to fixing all gaps by the beginning of 2003. The major associations of manufacturers announced that they had reached an agreement to provide independent shops the same training and service information as they offered to dealerships. However, two major manufacturers’ associations were not a part of that agreement. Instead, they said that they were not required to follow the agreement because there wasn’t any law that made them do so.

In 2005, Consumer Reports published an article that said that consumers would be helped by the passage of a federal Right to Repair Act because it would allow independent service shops to compete with dealerships. In a 2005 survey, 59% of people who responded said that they had trouble getting information about how to repair their vehicles or to obtain the tools that they needed. Out of the respondents, 67% said that they had to send their vehicles back to the dealerships.

Consumers and individual repair shops alike derive benefits when independent repair shops like Elmer’s Auto Body can access the service information and tools that they need to complete repairs. Allowing independent shops the needed information and tools helps them to compete with dealer shops. Competition helps to keep prices more affordable. It will enable people to access information and repairs when they are needed instead of having to send their vehicles back to the dealerships.

Elmer’s Auto Body has provided auto body repair services to people in South Jersey for more than 70 years. We are dedicated to providing the highest-quality services to all of our customers. To learn more about the repairs that you need and how we can help you, contact us today by filling out our contact form or by calling us at one of our three locations.

Fender Repair 101

Fender Repair 101

Any fender damage can be a real pain, and the whole idea of fixing the damage can put a real “dent” in your day. When it comes to thinking about the hassle and expense of repairing a fender bender, you may want to have some guidelines at hand. Any initial steps to tackle the problem are of definite help, and there several different ways to approach the situation. Here are some of them to get started. 

Fender Bender Causes and Characteristics

Fender benders are usually minor car accidents that can happen at slower driving speeds, or even while parked. A runaway shopping cart can be the cause, as can a rear-end collision, backing out of a driveway or parking space, or hitting a mailbox. You can identify fender bender characteristics through the appearance of numerous scratches, scrapes, cracks, and dents.

Fender Inspection

If you don’t have the time to deal with a fender bender repair yourself, the first thing to do is arrange for an inspection with an auto body repair expert. An inspection will entail a thorough examination of any exterior damage. It will also include the removal of outer trim and hardware to get a clearer picture of the extent of the damage. This kind of examination will help a collision expert determine how to properly repair or possibly replace any parts if the damage is significant, or beyond repair. 

 With a broken or severely damaged fender area, there may be unseen damage that requires moderate to extensive repairs. That could mean the replacement of any number of interior or exterior parts. In this situation, a more thorough assessment or examination should be conducted, including an estimate for repair replacement and labor costs.

Magnitude of Damage

Depending on the magnitude of the damage, minor fender repairs can be completed in a few hours. Any scratches that go along with a dent can be buffed out, and any intense or deeper scratches can be covered. The dents can be pushed out, and any cracks that occur alongside the dents can be filled with the right type of body filler or putty. If the fender bender is minimal, there is usually no need to replace the full bumper. 

 An expert body person can repair most dents by working with the right materials to restore the fender to its original shape and fit. Once the body shop repairs the damaged spots, they will place a primer over the area. The primer is allowed to set and cure. After that, the damaged area is sanded to get a smooth surface for paint application. Most paint can be easily matched through computer color technology to formulate a specific color for a vehicle. Once painted, a clear coat is applied, and any remaining flaws are buffed out for a smooth and even finish. 

Do-it-Yourself Fender Repair

 When fender damage is less serious, repairing a minor problem can be done on your own if you have the time and patience. With so many vehicles today having both metal and plastic parts, the pliability of both materials allows an amateur mechanic to repair minor dents and other flaws. There are several easier methods that you can use to repair fender benders. Here are some of the more successful options.

Hot Water

 Hot water use can make dent removal easier. Simply boil water in a pot and pour the water over the area in need of repair. The water should soften the plastic area and make it more pliable. Apply pressure behind the bumper, and steadily push out the dent. The dents may be somewhat alleviated, but their appearance will likely not be perfect because of the initial damage. This process can also work using a hairdryer to heat the area and push out the dent. Again, the procedure probably won’t leave a completely smooth finish. 

Suction Devices

Several suction devices can help when working out a dent. A plunger for sink use could be useful in a larger dented area, while a windshield mount used with cellphones could be used for smaller dents. The windshield mount should contain a pulling handle device.

Before tackling a smaller dent, clean the area thoroughly. Once clean, insert and press the windshield mount suction device onto the dent. Use the handle and pull the cup out, and the dent should release. This action should work with more shallow dents that are sunken or concave in appearance. However, this method is less effective with more involved dents and creases. 

Hot Glue and Pulling Sticks

 Similar to kits used by professionals, using hot glue and a wooden dowel is another do-it-yourself method for repairing a dent. Though a bit more taxing, the process is somewhat effective. Place hot glue over the area of the dent, and place the dowels on the glued area. Allow the glue to set up. The placement of the dowels allows you to pull on the various sections of the dent. Pulling should be straight out and at an angle to detach the dowels. A hairdryer can be used to soften and remove the glue. 

Filling and Painting

 One of the more difficult and time-consuming methods for fixing a fender bender is through using body filler on the area in question and repainting it once you repair the damage. Body filler is used to build the dented and creased areas back to their original profiles. The area where you will do the work should be clean and dry. In addition to the body filler, you’ll need sandpaper (both wet and dry), cutting or rubbing compound polish, and paint. This method is a step-by-step process that relies on completing each step carefully to avoid imperfections with the filler, the sanding, the polishing, and the final layer of paint, which you need to match to the vehicle’s original color carefully. This method is effective, though difficult.

Hot and Cold Air Use

 Hot and cold air can work reasonably well on fender benders. Use a heat gun or hair dryer to heat the area of the dent. Once it is heated, freeze the area with compressed air. The expansion of the heat will expand the area while the cold contracts and diminishes it, which will help pull out the dent. This method works best on more superficial dents in body panels made of plastic, though it can work on metal panels as well. It’s not a perfect method, and the dents may reoccur with weather changes. 

Fender benders are never fun and can ruin the appearance and possible safety of a vehicle. Do-it-yourself techniques are great to have at your disposal, but they aren’t always going to give you a showroom appearance. You also want to make sure that those dents, deep creases, and scratches aren’t causing any mechanical problems before you dive into the do-it-yourself scene. If you want more than quick fixes, complete the online contact form, and a qualified professional will get back to you with the information you need to make an informed decision concerning your fender bender.