Category: Collision Repair

One thing anyone who owns an automobile fears is returning from a shopping trip or outing and seeing a new dent or ding on their car, truck, van, or SUV. The danger is always going to be there, whether it’s from falling branches, runaway shopping carts, stray baseballs, car doors, or something else. Since most dents are cosmetic issues at best, you might opt to ignore it, but that could be risky. If you want to eventually trade-in your current vehicle, those dents could lower the trade-in value. Furthermore, untreated dents and scratches leave your vehicle susceptible to rust and corrosion, compromising safety.

And guess what? Repairing those small dings doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. You can get them removed easily with paintless dent repair.

What is Paintless Dent Repair?

Also known as PDR, paintless dent repair is widely considered as the most environmentally-friendly and swiftest solution to dent repair and removal. The method is non-invasive, does not require repainting, and does not harm the factory finish.

When PDR is performed by an auto technician, they follow crucial steps, such as:

• Assessing the damaged area
• Removing the affected body panel to see the extent of the damage from the interior side
• Applying continuous and even pressure to the dent to smooth out the metal

Differences Between Traditional Dent Repair and Paintless Dent Repair

When you have dents traditionally repaired at a body shop, it typically involves filling the dent with a filler or paint that is then covered to match the rest of the exterior color. However, while this process does make the dents “disappear,” the actual problem is not being addressed. The dent is still there. Not to mention that the traditional process is expensive, time-consuming, and may negatively impact the value of your vehicle.

Paintless dent repair takes a different route. There are no fillers used, and sanding isn’t required. The process is much faster than the traditional method while costing you a lot less in bills.

How Paintless Dent Repair Works

We mentioned that paintless dent repair works with pressure applied to the damaged section of the vehicle and that no fillers are used. In the auto body repair shop, PDR is more like a dance. Sometimes, the technician has to get creative with how they even out the dent and make the damage invisible to the eye.

There are a series of instruments that an auto technician might use, such as knockdowns or tap downs, fender rods, whale tails, and pivot tips. They may pick up a rubber or slide hammer or brace tools, too. From there, the technician will remove the panel so that both front and back are exposed. They will begin from the backside, applying pressure to the dent so that the damaged portion is returned to the proper place.

To ensure that the metal has been restored correctly, the technician will shine a special light to check the smoothness of the exterior surface.

Sometimes the damage is far too extensive. When that happens, PDR may be applied first to get the metal back to as close to its original state as possible. Afterwards, the technician will fill in the irregularities, sand down uneven places, and repaint when needed. This method is also known as “push to prep” or “push to paint.”

What Kind of Dents Can Be Repaired With PDR?

Paintless dent repair is most often used for shallow dents, but even larger areas of damage that are several inches in diameter can be corrected. As long as there is no paint damage, PDR will work wonders.

Typical applications include:

• Damage from gravel, pebbles, and small rocks
• Hail damage
• Bodyline damage
• Fender benders or other minor collisions
• Parking accidents and bumped car doors
• Other dings of various sizes

The main factors that are considered include the location of the dent, the size of the dent, and the extent of the damage. Generally, most dents can be repaired with PDR, but there are some exceptions. For example, a ding close to the edge of a panel is going to require more effort to fix than one that is in the center of a body panel.

Does The Type of Paint Affect Paintless Dent Repair?

It might seem strange that the type of paint on your vehicle could affect a process with “paintless” in the name, but there is some influence. Automotive paint is made to have elastic properties so that it can expand slightly before cracking occurs. Some paints are able to withstand damage or stress for longer periods of time, making it more suitable for paintless dent repair.

Acrylic polyurethane enamel is water-based and far more elastic than the paint used on older car models, where a single dent could cause paint to crack and crumble. Since these modern pains are so flexible and resilient, paintless dent repair can completely repair dents without affecting the enamel on the body panel.

In the event that the paint is cracked or the scratching is down to the metal, PDR will be less effective. The dented body panel will need to be repainted.

Benefits of Paintless Dent Repair

There are plenty of advantages to choosing paintless dent repair over traditional dent repair. No wonder PDR has become the more popular option for car owners. Here are some of the benefits of paintless dent repair to keep in mind:

• Paintless dent repair is a permanent solution. You never have to worry about the dent randomly reappearing one day. Once the dent has been repaired, the metal will retain its strength.
• It is cost-effective. When you are looking for an affordable option, you will be amazed to find that PDR is inexpensive when compared to other methods.
• Repairs are much faster than traditional dent repair. Rather than having to wait for an extended period of time and being inconvenienced by the lack of a car, you can enjoy a much faster turnaround time. Most PDR repairs take only a couple of days.
• Extensive repairs are possible. Paintless dent repair is not solely for small dents or dings from a door. As mentioned above, you can use PDR in a number of occasions, including things like hail damage to something more extensive, like dents from fallen tree branches.

Bottom Line of Paintless Dent Repair

Consider paintless dent repair when your car has small dents or dings caused by things like hail damage or car doors. As long as the paint is unscathed, PDR is a quick and reliable option for removing unsightly dings.

Although there are DIY paintless dent repair options out there, it is best to see a professional to ensure the task is done correctly. At Elmer’s Auto Body, we will go the extra mile to make dents and dings disappear. If you want your vehicle to look like it did when you drove it off the dealership lot, come to us.

Give us a call today to schedule an appointment or to ask us your questions.

After you have been involved in a car accident, you probably will take your vehicle to a repair shop. When they have finished the job, you can pick up your ride. However, you might feel a little nervous about the repair work. You want to know that the shop did the job correctly.

When you head to the shop, the technician will walk you around the vehicle. He or she will explain what was fixed and provide you with a written checklist of the work. At this time, you can ask about the shop’s warranty and what to do if there are any problems. It is still important for you to conduct your own inspection. Before you take your vehicle on the road, here are some key things to check.

Is the Vehicle Clean?

The first thing you want to inspect is the car’s cleanliness, including both the exterior and interior. Dirt can hide those imperfections. For that reason, you want to have a spotless car when you pick it up from the shop. Your vehicle should be washed and vacuumed so that you can inspect those repaired areas. From the engine to the floor mats, everything should be thoroughly cleaned.

There should not be any spare parts lying around in the trunk, interior, or other areas. If you find these extra components, you might want to question the professionalism of the shop’s work. A clean car gives the owner a high-quality impression, and you will have one less reason to doubt the shop’s work. If your vehicle is nice and clean, it has passed the “eye test.” Now you can conduct a more tedious inspection of the work.

Inspect All the Repaired Areas

Once you have done a quick glance at your vehicle, you should start to be more thorough. You need to pay attention to those areas that have been repaired. There should never be any gaps in the seams of the body panels. This is the time to close the doors, hood, and truck. With this, you can ensure that there are no rubbing or squeaking sounds. Along with that, this action will check that these components are operating correctly.

You might want to lift up the hood and inspect those wires and hoses. Are they all connected? Make sure that the shop correctly replaced a deployed airbag. This is also a great time to check the beam alignment of the headlights and the distance between the tires and fenders. If your frame requires an alignment, you can also request a printout of the frame specs.

You need to make sure that all the repaired areas were fixed accurately. If you find any spots with issues, you need to check the paperwork. There should be clear documentation of what was fixed on your vehicle. When there are discrepancies, you must call up the auto body shop.

If all those areas have been examined with no issues, take a look at the finish and paint on the car.

Check the Paint Job

When your vehicle has been involved in an accident, it will probably need new paint in certain areas. You want to be assured that the car will have matching colors of paint. No one wants to drive a vehicle that looks like a painter’s palette.

However, even with the factory paint codes, it can be hard to match the paint with the rest of the car. In some cases, the color has faded from other parts of the vehicle. A good technician will add a slight tint to perfectly match the shade so that you have a beautifully restored finish.

Many vehicles on the road also have something called an “orange peel” on the paint texture. With those vehicles, it can be challenging to match the color and texture. When you pick up your car, do it in the daytime, especially in the bright sunlight. You can compare the color from several different angles and look for any inconsistencies. This time of the day is the ideal way to spot imperfections due to dirt specks, hairs, or overspray.

Look for Other Collision Flaws

When you take these simple steps to inspect your vehicle, it can go a long way to ensure that the repairs were conducted properly. Before you approve the repair work, ask to go on a test drive. In some cases, the technician will take a drive with you. If you hear any strange noises, experience questionable handling, or have poor performance, you can ask for an explanation. Don’t ever sign off on the work if you are not completely satisfied. Once you leave the shop, you might be responsible for any additional repairs.

In some instances, the problems will not show up for a few days. Fluid leaks and uneven tire wear are some examples of damage from unprofessional work. A reputable shop will offer a warranty of up to 12,000 miles or one year after the shop completed the work. However, it is your responsibility to inspect your vehicle and ensure the work was done right.

Bring Out the Light

As mentioned before, you want to check your vehicle in the full light. With bright sunshine or even a pocket flashlight, you can make sure your car doesn’t have uneven panels, paint color differences, or minor dents.

Some shady auto body shops may rush you through the inspection process, but you are the one paying for the work. What might seem like a great job could turn into trouble after a detailed inspection. You have every right to check out your car. Once again, if you are not satisfied, you need to speak to the manager or owner of the shop.

Need To Find an Auto Body Shop Near Me?

Unfortunately, there are plenty of subpar repair shops in the area. At Elmer’s Auto Body, our customers’ satisfaction is our top priority. We want you to be delighted with our work. You can check our technician’s handiwork from top to bottom. We will make sure your ride is in tip-top shape before it leaves our shop. If you would like to schedule a consultation, please call the shop at (856) 218-0202.

After a visit to the collision shop, your vehicle will come home with a newly painted surface. A skilled auto body mechanic uses a meticulous process to match the fresh paint with your existing color. This process involves applying several layers of primer, paint, and clear coat. Once that is completed, the finish is buffed for a glossy appearance.

After all that work, you need to protect the new paint for the first 30 to 90 days. During that time, the paint needs to cure and harden. If you don’t protect the paint, it can lead to noticeable imperfections on the surface. Those blemishes are not covered by the auto body shop’s warranty. In other words, you need to protect the finish of your vehicle after any collision repair. Here are a few tips for maintaining the beauty of your fresh paint job.

Avoid Car Washes

After you have been driving your vehicle, you might notice that the surface is dirty. Many drivers want to take their car to the nearest commercial car wash. However, you need to think again. Most commercial car washes use stiff sponges and brushes that will scratch the paint, especially if you just applied new paint to your vehicle.

While you shouldn’t drive your vehicle through the local car wash, you still need to rinse away the dirt. Regular washing is good for your car. However, it needs to be washed by hand. You want to use a very mild car wash solution and cool water. It is not good to use dish soap on the vehicle since it can leave a film. Apply the solution with a foam sponge and only work in straight lines. Circular motions can actually damage the paint.

Even direct sunlight can ruin the paint. For that reason, you want to wash your car in the shade. Once you are done with the washing process, use clean water to rinse off the soap.

After that, you should use the proper drying methods. If you allow the car to air dry, it can leave behind minerals on the surface. Those water minerals can harm the paint. You want to take a microfiber towel and softly wipe the surface. It is important to use a microfiber instead of a rag or paper towel. Those drying fabrics can leave scratches on your fresh paint.

Along with these washing and drying methods, you should avoid polishing or waxing your vehicle for 90 days after a new paint job. Wax can damage the surface of your car and cause discoloration in the paint.

Don’t Scrape the Surface

If you live in an area that experiences snow and ice, you need to be careful with your vehicle. You might want to scrape the ice and snow off the windows and body surface. However, never take a hard tool to a newly painted surface. You are guaranteed to end up with new scratches on the paint. If you need to remove ice and snow, try a soft brush or use your hand. A little warm water on the painted surface can help to melt away the ice.

Stay Out of the Sun

Those ultraviolet rays from the sun can harm your skin and the paint job on your vehicle. Sunlight is known to fade a vehicle’s paint. In turn, your vehicle will look dull and dingy. If it is possible, park your car in the shade. No matter if your paint is new or old, this advice can help preserve the appearance of your vehicle.

Watch Out for Chemicals

If your vehicle needs work after a new paint job, you will want to make sure to keep away any automotive chemicals or solutions from the surface. Gasoline, oil, antifreeze, and transmission fluid can all damage your paint. Windshield washer fluid is even known to harm your new paint job.

When you bring your vehicle to a shop for routine work, you should take some time to point out the newly painted areas to the technicians. You even want to be cautious when filling up the gas tank. If it gets on the vehicle’s surface, take a soft wet cloth to wipe off any gasoline. Leaving any of these chemicals on your painted surface will cause damage to your new paint job.

Avoid Any Gravel Roads

When you have a freshly painted vehicle, you will want to avoid any loose gravel roads. This is good advice for any car. However, gravel roads can be unavoidable, especially if you need to drive through a construction zone. Your paint’s finish is vulnerable to flying rocks. In turn, you could notice chips on the surface, especially if the paint doesn’t have time to harden. A deep chip to the surface of the paint can expose the vehicle’s metal frame. As a result, the metal is exposed to water and can begin to develop rust.

Take Care of Your New Painted Surface

When you bring your vehicle to a shop for repairs, they will use the latest techniques to properly match your existing painted surfaces. After you take your car home, you want to protect all that hard work. It is important to follow the auto body shop’s advice so that you can enjoy your vehicle for many years to come.

For the first few months, you will have to do a little work to protect the surface of the vehicle. In some cases, you might have to change your routine to prevent damage to the new paint. All these tips are good advice that can preserve the appearance of any car or truck. You don’t need a new paint job to protect the surface of your vehicle.

Find an Auto Body Shop Near Me

If you need a professional paint job for your vehicle, make sure to take it to an experienced auto body shop. Elmer’s Auto Body uses all the latest techniques to restore the finish of your car. You will be delighted with our work. If you want to schedule a consultation, please call the shop at (856) 218-0202.

It’s no fun when you’re driving along during the early day or night, and suddenly a deer jumps out in front of your vehicle. You either have to avoid the run-in or plow right into the animal and experience the risks and damages that it does to possibly you, passengers, and your vehicle. What should you do in case you are involved in a deer-related collision?

Accident Avoidance

Whatever you do, don’t swerve when you encounter a deer. If you swerve, you’re at risk of causing an accident or hitting a light pole, ditch, or anything else in the way. Hitting a deer is not as bad as colliding with another car or other objects. Release the gas pedal, use the brake safely and stay on a straight pathway. A given is to wear a seatbelt at all times.

You also want to drive cautiously, particularly during the early morning and evening hours, and stay alert to your surroundings. Take notice of any deer crossing signs and limit your speed to what is posted and keep plenty of clearance between you and the next car. Maintain your vehicle as well. You want the tires, brakes, and lights in top working condition. Remember, if you’re in deer country, you want to be prepared for anything.

Park Your Vehicle

When a collision does occur with a deer, you’ll want to park your vehicle on the roadside and immediately engage your hazard lights. Get off the road or highway and stay out of the way of any traffic. Use your hazard lights or flares to alert other motorists. Since deer are out and about in the early morning and evening hours, other drivers do not see your vehicle, so it’s important to steer clear of the road.

Contact The Authorities

If you’re able, contact the police or any wildlife authorities. They’ll want to know if the deer is impeding traffic and creating a hazard to drivers in the area. If there are injuries or any kind of property damage, you’ll probably have to complete a report, which will be of help if you need to file a claim with your insurance company.

Record The Events

With safety in mind, you can take pictures of the roadway where the collision occurred along with any surroundings and damage to your vehicle. You’ll also want to note injuries that may have happened with any passengers. If there are witnesses to the accident, record what they have seen and be sure and get their information for future contact.

Animal Safety

For your own safety and the safety of others, steer clear of the deer. A deer that has been hurt can still move its legs and hooves which can hurt you or someone else.

Insurance Coverage

Before you have a collision with a deer or any other mishap, you’ll want to check on the right insurance to carry. When you hit a deer, comprehensive insurance coverage is what you want as most automotive collision policies don’t cover an accident where it involves an animal. If you live in a region of the country where deer are prevalent, look into a comprehensive policy that definitely covers animal accidents. You usually have to pay a deductible with such a policy when you hit an animal.

Insurance Agent Contact

You should report any damages or injuries and file a report with your insurance agent as soon as possible. Do make sure that your vehicle is operating properly after a collision with a deer. Watch for things like any leaks, broken lights, an unhinged hood, damaged tires, and any other hazards that would affect your vehicle’s safety. Contact a towing service if there are any doubts in your mind that your vehicle is not drivable or is unsafe.

Repairing Your Vehicle

When you experience a collision with a deer or other larger animal, the damage is usually considerable, and your vehicle may even be unrepairable. After consulting with your insurance company and assessing the damage, you can file a claim for repairs or replacement. Your car may have a broken bumper, smashed headlights, dents in the front end, a punctured radiator, and many other issues.

If the deer or other animal moves up onto the windshield area, there is the chance for bodily injury of you or any passengers along with extreme damage to your vehicle. There is even the possibility with that kind of encounter that the impact could force your car from the main road and hit another obstacle besides the deer. Whatever the case, you’re going to have to consider finding someone that can take on the repairs of your vehicle when damage occurs because of a collision with an animal.

You’ll want to contact your insurance company and start the claims process. With those details being negotiated, you can take the next steps to have any necessary repairs made to your vehicle. One thing you’ll think of doing almost right away is finding an auto body shop near me.

Deer Related Collision Frequency

In particular regions of the country, the frequency of deer and other larger animal-related accidents are many. When you know and understand how to respond to an encounter with a large animal on

the road, you can diminish any injuries and insurance bills. You also need to know your insurance comprehensive plan and any deductibles in that plan. Just be sure and speak with your insurance company and understand what your plan does and doesn’t cover.

If you want to know more about auto body work related to a collision with a deer or other animal, or you just have general questions or want to schedule an appointment for repair, contact Elmer’s Auto Body. Call them at (856) 218-0202. They’ll be happy to answer any of your questions and help you repair your vehicle after an unforeseen accident involving a deer or other animal.