Category: Collision Repair

Top 6 Most Common Body Shop Repairs

Everyone has to repair a vehicle throughout the time they have one, two, three, or even four or more vehicles. Most of those repairs involve some kind of bodywork either from an accident or just age and wear and tear. So, what are the top 6 most common body shop repairs? If your car has taken on damage, maybe it fits in one of these categories. Here is a rundown on common body shop repairs.

1. Scratches and Paint

Scratches and chipped paint may be two of the many things that result from an accident. There are many other ways scratches and chips can occur. Simple rubble from the road can get stirred up and land on your vehicle and cause scratches, dings, and chipped paint, or another vehicle could come close to the driver’s side of your car door and cause damage such as a large scratch or even a ding.

No matter the cause, scratch and paint damage seem to be routine kinds of normal repairs that technicians see regularly. These kinds of issues are usually fixed fairly quickly through different painting methods that include matching paint, sanding, and redoing the surface areas affected. A vehicle can often look like new when body technicians address problems like scratch and paint repairs.

A whole new paint job occurs when a vehicle is in dire need of exterior paint, particularly after an accident. A vehicle that has been repaired may need to be completely painted just to protect its exterior and give it a new kind of appeal. Body shops do paint jobs fairly regularly. Whether a vehicle is affected by rust, paint issues, scratches, or other damage, painting it can have a huge effect.

2. Dent Removal (PDR)

Major dents can come from anywhere and anything. It could be a runaway shopping cart, flying objects, or even hail. They all can leave dents in the panels and doors of a vehicle. If the dents are left untouched, the most minor of dents often cause more damage later. To make sure that the damage is corrected, PDR or paintless dent removal is used.

With PDR, there are no extensive sanding or filler materials involved. A body shop technician who goes through extensive PDR training uses an assortment of specialized tools to push any dents out, which doesn’t at all affect the paint job. Paintless dent removal or PDR is a less costly and lasting way to get your vehicle in shape and looking new once more.

3. Other Dent Repair

When you use PDR dent repair, you’re seeing damage from a dent that doesn’t require any paint touch-up. You’re fixing a dent without the added expense of repairing the dent with paint. These kinds of dents are fixed more easily. Dents with chips and paint issues are what make the problem more serious and a technician will have to take further steps.

A body shop specialist uses metal rods, a specialized pick body hammer, and other devices to push out dents. The repairs center around where the dent happens to be on a vehicle. Once the dent is eliminated, there will be other steps that include lightweight to heavier sanding, buffing out and smoothing the area, and finally painting over it all.

4. Glass Repair

Accident damage can affect any part of your vehicle where glass is. It can come in the exterior form of chips, breaks, and fragments. Glass breakage may require repairs, but often a new windshield or replacement of windows may be essential. Any auto body shop near you or in the vicinity usually has a glass repair specialist who is a permanent employee of the shop, so if your vehicle is undergoing other body repairs, often a glass technician will be of help if necessary. There are even glass repair specialists who are called out to do windshield and window replacements before the vehicle goes into the shop for body repair work.

5. Frame Issues

Many vehicles that are involved in accidents sustain damage to the frame. This means testing the frame and straightening it. A weak frame or one that is bent can put anyone in the vehicle in danger, especially with a follow-up accident. Vehicles with bent frames will drive choppily along a road, plus they’ll handle it inadequately and likely cause the steering and tires to deteriorate early. In checking on the safety of a vehicle’s frame, technicians usually follow the routine that includes:

A technician inspects a vehicle for indications of damage.
If damage is suspected, the vehicle will be situated on a frame alignment machine.
The machine’s hydraulic force and rotational force (torque) will adjust the frame to its initial specifications.
Once the frame is adjusted, a vehicle should drive normally and be safe for driving.

6. Bumper Repair

Accidents that involve front and rear bumpers are common and body shop technicians repair them fairly regularly. Bumpers are usually the major part of a vehicle that receives direct contact in a collision. Getting the right repair process is critical.

Repairing a bumper involves not just painting over the damage or erasing recesses, dents, scrapes, and scratches. With bumpers and bumper covers being made of some form of plastic, the repair process is more than just repairing or replacing the plastic. Even less extensive damage to a bumper brings on other problems, such as alignment issues, steering problems, bent frames, and even electrical system issues. A thorough inspection of a bumper is imperative in discovering any underlying problems.

If you’re looking for an overall body shop that does common collision repairs in the southern New Jersey area, look no further than Elmer’s Auto Body. We have been in business for over 70 years and have the experience and knowledge to perform common and not-so-common repairs. You want a reliable body shop that provides the right services. If your car has been in an accident or if your vehicle needs maintenance, why not call us at (856) 218-0202? You’ll be glad you did.

Collision Repair Myths

After being in a collision, your vehicle and nerves are rattled. Along with that, now you have to find a reliable auto body shop to complete the repairs. Unfortunately, many myths in the repair industry lead to unnecessary stress for vehicle owners. Here are some common collision repair myths.

Use Repair Shops Approved by the Insurance Company

While using a preferred shop is easier for settlement issues, you can take your vehicle to any shop. However, you will want to use a recommended shop in most cases. If you have problems with a particular shop, ask for another recommendation. Some repair shops have a good relationship with your insurance company, meaning you can get the repair done in almost no time.

A few shops will not accept compensation from the insurance company. That means you might have to get the repair completed and wait for a reimbursement. Working with an approved shop will help to speed up the whole process.

Insurance Covers the Total Cost of Repairs

Unfortunately, most drivers believe that car insurance will pay for all repairs. Vehicle insurance will only cover a portion of the costs if they exceed the deductible amount. When choosing a high deductible, you will get a lower monthly rate. Those low rates can cause problems for those collision repairs. In the end, you could pay for most of the repairs out of your pocket. Paying a higher monthly rate could lower your deductible, reducing your out-of-pocket costs.

The Dealer Provides the Best Repair Service

When choosing between a dealer or an independent repair shop, some people believe that dealers only have access to trained technicians and quality parts. There are plenty of shops that have received the same training and use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts. With that in mind, you can choose an independent shop. If the auto body shop has been certified by a manufacturer, then you can feel confident in their services.

You Need Multiple Estimates

Many people believe that you need to get several estimates for the repair. Some states have laws that require at least three estimates. In most cases, you do not need to search for the best price. This misconception comes from the insurance industry. These companies want you to get the lowest price for the job, but it is usually not required to do that by law. If you are looking for a hassle-free approach, you may want to search online to find auto body shop recommendations. With information at your fingertips, you don’t have to visit these repair shops in person. You can quickly get a few estimates with a click of a button. Whether you want to work with the first shop or the cheapest one, you have the freedom to decide how many shops you need to contact for your estimate.

You Can Never Fix a Damaged Frame

Many vehicle owners believe that a damaged frame is unrepairable. If you can find an experienced repair technician, you don’t have to worry about frame repairs. If the frame has not been weakened to the point of unreliability, it can be restored with little effort. In the past, damaged frames could be a problem, but that is not the case for those modern vehicles. Newer cars have unibody frames that a technician can quickly fix. If there is a part with significant damage, the technician can remove it and install a new section. As long as you work with a reputable auto body repair shop, you can restore the vehicle to its pre-accident condition.

You Only Get One Insurance Check

Trying to get a settlement after a collision can be a frustrating experience. It can also be challenging to estimate the cost and extent of the damage. Until the repair work begins, even an experienced technician might not know the intensity of the damage. If the mechanic takes apart the vehicle and finds further damage after the initial estimate, they will call the insurance company to get a reappraisal. You can receive multiple insurance checks for the damage. In the case of underlying damage, don’t hesitate to call your insurance company. Some auto body shops will even handle this process for you.

Those are some of the most common vehicle collision repair myths. Despite evidence to the contrary, they refuse to die in the industry. With this knowledge, you can be better informed when it comes time to choose a shop or contact your insurance company.

Find a Reliable Auto Body Shop

It can be a frustrating experience after being involved in a collision. You have to work with the insurance company, find a reputable shop, and be without your vehicle for a few days. When you work with a professional and experienced shop, they can take some of the hassles out of your hands.

At Elmer’s Auto Body, we have over 70 years of experience. You can visit our multiple locations in the South Jersey area. Our shops focus on providing convenient and fast repairs for your vehicle. If you have been involved in a collision, we have a strong relationship with most insurance carriers in the state, meaning you can be back on the road in no time. Don’t leave your vehicle in the hands of any shop. Trust us to get it back to that pre-collision appearance. When you need an auto body shop near me, count on us. Schedule your consultation by calling (856) 218-0202.

What Are The Benefits Of Paintless Dent Repair?

Few things in life are as annoying as a dent in your nice fresh paint job. Getting an automobile finish can be a difficult and/or expensive process, so it really is annoying when someone or something ruins that perfect shine. You may think that the vehicle needs to be repainted at this point, but that would be untrue. In many cases, a vehicle dent can be repaired without damaging the paint. This is what we call a “paint-less dent repair”, and it has several distinct benefits.

1. Cost Savings

What Are The Benefits Of Paintless Dent Repair? Any other kind of dent repair will involve at least partial repainting. Needless to say, this equals a much larger repair bill. A paint-less dent repair, on the other hand, tends to be a fairly quick and easy process. It does take some specialized tools, but it isn’t very hard. Thus, your repair bill is likely to be a lot smaller.

2. No Worries About Poor Touch-Up Work

You should probably know that most auto body shops will not repaint the entire car over a single dent. Instead, they will normally repaint the affected area. If they do a good job of matching the colors and blending the edges, a “spot” job like that can be perfectly adequate. However, if they don’t do such a good job, that repainted spot will be very noticeable and very ugly. When you go for a paint-less dent repair, you simply don’t have to worry about that.

3. Less Down Time

Being without your vehicle is a major life disruption. When you aren’t able to go anywhere (without asking someone else for a ride), a lot of plans will have to be delayed or canceled. That is why you should try to minimize that repair time as much as possible. Sometimes, you may not have that option, but a paint-less dent repair will pretty much always be done quickly. Thus, you will experience less disruption of your life and plans.

4. Preservation Of The Vehicle’s Market Value

In general, vehicles have a higher market value when they still have the original factory finish. Like anything else, a vehicle will bring more money when it is in “mint” condition. Paintless dent repair allows you to fix those minor dings without removing any of the original finish. This is especially important if you plan to sell the vehicle at some point.

5. Environmental Friendliness

If you are concerned about keeping your activities “green,” paint-less dent repair will fit the bill nicely. It does not require any chemicals, whether toxic or otherwise. It does not produce any pollution of any kind. This is mainly because paint-less dent removal is an inherently simple process. The dent is pushed from the inside of the panel, allowing it to “pop” back into place. Again, it just requires the right tools for the job, Since it is a simple mechanical process, paint-less dent repair is ecologically friendly.

Can You Do A D.I.Y. Paint-less Dent Repair?

It is possible to do a P.D.R as a home repair job. However, it is not recommended for most people. Not only does it require specialized tools, but it also requires the knowledge to use those tools correctly. It’s not quite as simple as pushing the dent outward from the inside. That is a part of the process, but there are numerous little tricks that make the difference between a mediocre P.D.R. and a perfect one. If you can’t do a perfect job on your own, it really is better to call a reputable and experienced body shop.

When You Can’t Do A Paint-less Dent Repair

Unfortunately, there are some instances where a paint-less dent repair is not possible. If the finish has already been damaged by the impact, you obviously cannot use this method. The paint-less method will only work if the finish itself is undamaged. If you have lost even a single flake of paint, the P.D.R. method will not work.

That brings us to the crucial factor of dent size. If you are dealing with a very large dent, there will probably be paint damage. Even if it isn’t visible right away, any damage to the paint itself will render the paint-less method ineffective. When they have to pop out a larger dent, more force is required, and that will often knock away pieces of paint. Thus, you should know that this method is primarily effective for small dents and minor impacts.

Conclusion

Although it might not always be an option, paint-less dent repair offers many benefits. To sum up those benefits, it will save you time, money, risk, and trouble. If you are interested in paint-less dent repair (or any other auto bodywork), Elmer’s Auto Body is the place to call.

There is no need to ask “where can I find a good auto body shop near me?” because the answer is staring you in the face right now. Elmer’s Auto Body has been proudly serving the New Jersey area for over 75 years, and we look forward to showing you why our reputation is so good. If you would like to know more, you can reach us at (856) 218-0202.

Repairing VS Replacing Your Cars Bumper

No one likes to think about the possibility of getting into a car accident. Most of us go about our daily driving and try not to think about those ugly possibilities. However, collisions happen all the time. Even if you don’t make a mistake, someone else might. Because bumpers are usually the first parts of your vehicle to take the impact of a collision, bumper damage is very commonplace. So, let’s discuss the question of when to repair that bumper and when to replace it entirely.

When Can Bumpers Be Repaired?

First of all, we should tell you that it’s generally better to replace a damaged bumper if possible. This is one of those parts that exist to ensure your safety, so you don’t want to cut corners here. However, if your bumper has only suffered some scratches, paint damage, and/or small dents, there may be no need for a replacement.

In some cases, you may only sustain damage to the plastic housing that covers the bumper. When this is the case, you can just replace that outer covering rather than the entire bumper. In some other cases, your bumper might simply be knocked a little bit loose. If there is no damage to the bolts and brackets that hold the bumper in place, you can simply adjust everything to the correct position and re-tighten the loose bolts.

Once again, it is important to avoid cutting corners here. You don’t want to do anything that will endanger the safety of you or your passengers. That’s why you need a competent mechanic to examine the damage and determine if repair is an option. At Elmer’s Auto Body, we have plenty of experienced mechanics who can help you make that decision.

When Must Bumpers Be Replaced?

First of all, a cracked bumper should always be replaced. In fact, anything that compromises the structural integrity of the bumper calls for replacement. You might be tempted to use some kind of a filler substance (like epoxy or fiberglass) to repair those small cracks, but this is a bad idea. Those filler substances will never have the strength of a solid piece of steel, and that means less protection from impact.

As we said, scratches are usually not a big problem. However, if the scratches are deep, that could be a different matter. The rest of the bumper will have to be ground down in order to get rid of those scratches. After a certain point, the bumper will simply become too thin to do its job. Minor paint damage is also usually not a problem, but major paint damage could be another story. Major paint damage often indicates that there is a bigger problem underneath.

If you have ever seen a detached bumper, you know that they have small “hooks” on the inside that help to hold them in place. If these hooks are broken, damaged, or bent more than a little bit, the bumper will need to be replaced. Some unscrupulous mechanics will try to cut corners and weld the hooks back in place. However, that weld will never have the strength of a solid piece.

Sometimes, in the case of an extreme collision, a bumper might be completely bent into a “V” shape. Obviously, there is no good way to repair this kind of damage. Even if you bend the bumper straight again, the metal will have already been weakened beyond repair. If a second impact were to occur, such a bumper would provide little protection and would likely snap in half. The same reasoning applies to large dents.

Any holes or gaps in a bumper are cause for replacement as well. These are less likely to occur from impact and more likely to occur as a result of rust. Older vehicles, in particular, need to watch out for this kind of thing. By this point, you might be noticing a theme: Anything that compromises the structural integrity of the metal bumper itself is cause for replacement. Only a strong and solid piece is capable of giving you sufficient protection from impact.

Cost of Repair vs Replace

Usually, replacement is going to be more expensive than repair. As for the cost of replacement, that will typically cost anywhere from $500 to $1500. The costs will vary a lot because labor has to be taken into account. If the job is particularly difficult for one reason or another, the costs will naturally end up being higher. $5000 is a maximum figure, although most bumper replacement jobs do not cost nearly that much.

In cases where repair is possible, the costs will generally be much lower. This is mainly because there will be a lot less labor involved in fixing the problems. These jobs can be as cheap as $50, although $300-$400 is more common. It is rare for these kinds of repair costs to exceed $600.

Now you can see why many people choose to repair their bumpers rather than replace them. There is a lot of money to be saved by repairing a bumper rather than replacing it, but that doesn’t always make it the better option. Repair is only a better option if your bumper remains strong enough to do its job. Once again, remember that a bumper is usually the first part of your car to receive an impact, so it is your first line of defense.

Conclusion

If you have been asking yourself: “Where can I find a good auto body shop near me?”, then you have come to the right page. Elmer’s Auto Body has been in the business of collision repair for over 70 years, and we have always taken pride in serving Southern New Jersey with the highest degree of service and professionalism. We are family-owned and operated, and that is why we can make your bumper repair quick and convenient. If you would like more information, you can call Elmer’s Auto Body at (856) 218-0202.

Do I Need to Report a Car Accident in New Jersey?

Major or minor, car accidents in the state of New Jersey must often be reported, according to several laws. Those laws usually include reporting the accident to local, county, or state police agencies, as well as a report on the damages or costs incurred. If you are wondering whether or not you have to report your car accident in New Jersey, keep reading for more information.

Do You Have to Report a Car Accident in New Jersey?

If you’re a driver in New Jersey and are involved in a car accident, you’re obligated to report the accident if the situation means the following conditions: the collision resulted in a death or injury of any individual involved, or if the damages exceeded $500. You must report the accident to the local or county police departments or the New Jersey State Police.

After the collision, you must also file a written report about the accident. Though it is not legally required to file a claim with your insurance company, your policy may have stipulations about accident reporting. If you fail to notify your insurance company about an accident, they may deny you coverage for the claim.

How to Report a Car Accident in New Jersey

While New Jersey statutes do not tell you exactly when to report the accident, it is best to make the report as soon as possible. This could mean calling from your cell phone soon after the accident occurs or using another electronic device. Should you be unable to call by phone, it is best to visit the nearest police department—if the police have not arrived already. If your vehicle is totaled and inoperable, you can always report the accident upon returning home.

To file a written accident report, which is also required by law if the accident causes death, injury, or over $500 in damages, you can use the “Self-Reporting Crash” form, which is available from the New Jersey Department of Transportation. This must be done within 10 days of the accident.

The rules for filing a written report are found in section 39:4-130 of the New Jersey Statutes.

Because New Jersey is a “no-fault car insurance” state, you must report a car accident and file a claim in order to get compensation for financial losses and medical bills.

What Happens If You Fail to Report a Crash?

Since reporting an accident that caused injury, death, or $500 in damages is compulsory, you do not want to forget. In the event that you fail to report a car accident in a timely manner, you could potentially be fined up to $30 to $102, excluding court costs. Your driver’s license and vehicle registration may also be suspended for a period of time. However, failure to report an accident in NJ is not a points violation.

Leaving or Fleeing The Scene

Did you know that leaving the scene of a car accident you were involved in is considered a criminal offense in NJ? Abandoning the accident and failing to check on the other people involved carries a heavy penalty, especially if there were injuries, death, or property damage caused.

When there is property damage in a collision and you flee the scene, you could be convicted for up to 30 days in jail, a fine between $200-$600, and suspension of your driver’s license and registration. Plus, NJ adds 2 points to your driving record.

Was there an injury or death? You could be convicted for 3-5 years in prison, the loss of your driver’s license for 1 year, fines up to $15,000, and 8 points on your driving record. You can also expect up to $600 added to your current insurance rate.

Looking For Repairs After an Accident?

When you’re involved in a car accident in New Jersey and meet the stipulations of reporting the accident and making a claim, you’ll probably need repairs to your vehicle. If you’re in the southern New Jersey area, Elmer’s Auto Body can help you with any repairs or bodywork. We have been in business for 70 years and are a family-owned and operated business, so we are prepared to make the services we perform easy, convenient, and fast. We will provide you with the service that gets you and your vehicle up and running in no time. Call us at (856) 218-0202.

Is A Fender Bender Considered An Accident?

Experiencing a fender bender is one of those things that happens to almost anyone who drives. It usually results in limited property damage with no serious injuries. Yes, you can consider a fender bender an accident.

What is a Fender Bender?

The term fender bender is a way to describe a minor accident between two vehicles, which involves minor damage to the vehicles with no serious injuries to the drivers or any passengers. You wonder whether you should even involve the police when such an accident occurs.

Minor accidents usually mean actions like rear-end collisions at low speeds or slight bumps from a preoccupied driver or even a parking lot incident where a slight collision occurs. Despite it being a minor accident, a fender bender needs to be dealt with right away. Here are further explanations of what damage a fender bender can cause and what to do about it when one occurs.

Is a Fender Bender an Accident?

You usually consider a fender bender a minor car accident since it occurs at a low speed. During a fender bender, the involved vehicles sustain the most damage to their fenders. They may require fender repairs.

Fender Bender Accident Examples

Someone driving stops suddenly, and a hit occurs from the rear
Someone driving backs out of a parking space and hits the car behind them
Someone distracted while driving hits a moving or parked car

What to Do In/After a Fender Bender

Even a fender bender can be a jolting experience and unnerving. The first thing to do is move your vehicle to the side of the road and make sure that you and any passengers are free from injuries. You’ll also want to confirm that the other driver and any passengers are safe and uninjured. If there are any injuries because of the accident, call 911 for medical help.

Once everyone involved is safe and secure, call the police. Maybe you think you don’t need to, but you’ll want a report concerning the details of the accident. This gives you the leverage to report the fender bender to the authorities and you get your own copy of the police report.

Also, make sure your vehicle’s doors, hood, and trunk open and close correctly. Lean down and look for any damage underneath your vehicle and look out for leaking fluid and any issues with misalignment.

Another thing of importance is that both parties share their insurance information. You’ll also want to get the other driver’s contact information and other details with their driver’s license, registration, and license plate number. Take pictures of any damage to your car and the other driver’s car. When there are witnesses to the accident, be sure and get their contact information as well.

Contact your vehicle insurance carrier and provide the details of the accident. You can probably upload your pictures from the accident scene. There may be a mobile application that you can use to get evidence to your insurance provider quickly. Make sure your vehicle is drivable before you leave the accident scene. Check for any hidden damage. Also, be sure your brake lights, head and tail lights are working.

Hidden Damages of Fender Benders/What Might Happen During Repairs

Fender benders usually equate to rear-end collisions that happen when a vehicle is moving at a slow speed. The car behind you may have been following too close and a sudden stop results in a damaged bumper. With this kind of accident, you may see hidden damage and damages like dents and scratches. What other damages should you be looking for?

Hidden Damage – This could be damage to a vehicle’s frame or mechanical system. It could also be within the electrical system of a vehicle.

Vehicle Frame – A vehicle’s frame is its mainstay. Even a fender-bender can displace the frame and render your vehicle out of alignment. A damaged frame can cause unique problems.

Alignment Problems – Typical indications of alignment problems can include:

Steering wheel drifts in one direction
The steering wheel exhibits shaking or wobbling
Tires show irregular wear
The vehicle shakes, vibrates, or is noisy

Faulty Latch Mechanisms – The inability of your trunk, hood, and doors to close properly could be related to damage to your vehicle’s frame. Damage to the seals around the doors or trunk could allow moisture in and cause rust and mold damage to the interior.

Suspension problems – With frame damage, you may see wear on your vehicle’s suspension system, which is what regulates and limits the brunt of road conditions and helps a driver to remain in control of their vehicle. The vehicle will suddenly ride rougher, which shows alignment issues and wear on the shocks, struts, or suspension parts.

Electrical System Damage – With the electrical system in your vehicle, you’re dealing with many wires and sensors that, when affected by a minor fender bender, can cause damage to the system. For example, with a collision affecting the rear-end bumper, even a minor accident can affect the sensors in the bumper.

Bumper sensors monitor things like cruise control, blind-spot viewing, and the overall system of ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems). To determine if your vehicle has electrical system damage, you’ll probably want to pursue a diagnostics test through an auto body shop near me to eliminate the possibility of damage. There can be damage to other electrical system components, such as brake lights, battery connectivity, airbag deployment, and other parts.

Vehicle Mechanics – Rear-end collisions can cause mechanical damage too. Both all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive and other transmission parts can sustain damage from a rear-end collision. When your vehicle experiences issues with leaking fluids or has problems with shifting or acceleration, your transmission may have damage.

Conclusion

When you have a minor accident or fender bender, you never know what kind of hidden or overt damage you’re dealing with. It’s probably best to take your vehicle to a reputable auto body shop. Elmer’s Auto Body is a tried-and-true family-owned and operated business that has dealt with every kind of vehicle damage. We will assess the issues and give you exceptional service while making it easy, fast, and convenient for you. Call us at (856) 218-0202. Our 70 years of service to the Southern New Jersey area is proof enough of our ability to find the damage and ease your fender bender problems.