Category: Collision Repair

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.

 A vehicle accident is one of those things that no one wants to consider. 

When your car is involved in an accident, one of the first things you should do is to inform your insurance company. Of course, your first call should be a call to the police so that they can file a report, but the insurance company is your next priority. They will probably send an inspector to your home in short order to evaluate your vehicle. This article is intended to help you understand the terms that the inspector will likely use. 

The Four Categories Used To Assess Vehicle Damage

 Based on the level of damage, an insurance assessor will classify your vehicle into one of four categories. We should note that these categories have changed in recent years. In the past, vehicle damage was classified into categories A, B, C, or D. This system worked pretty well, but it had one flaw: It was based only on the estimated monetary cost of the damage. The new ratings take cost into account, but they focus more on safety concerns.

 It is crucial to understand the legal aspects when dealing with an insurance claim. Anytime an accident occurs, your insurance company (and the authorities) will want to determine who was at fault. That will determine who pays for the majority of the damages. Without an inspection, there is no way to know what kind of insurance claim to file. 

Category A: Completely Ruined

 This category represents the worst kind of damage and indicates that the car cannot be repaired. A vehicle in this category cannot be driven again, and its parts cannot be removed and re-sold. When this level of damage occurs, the only thing you can do is send it to the scrapyard and collect whatever you can.

Category B: Only Good For Parts

 A car in this category has suffered severe damage, and can never be driven again. However, it is permitted to salvage any undamaged parts for re-sale. The salvage yard will scrap all of the damaged parts. Most of the time, the insurance company will not permit you to salvage any part of the vehicle’s body. Cars in this category have usually suffered extensive body damage. 

Category S: Major Damage

 You could describe this level of damage as “bad, but repairable.” A vehicle in category S has sustained severe structural damage. The letter “S” indicates this fact. As such, the frame is probably no good, and the body is also likely not salvageable. However, it might be possible to salvage the frame if you take your vehicle to a skilled professional. You must take vehicles in this category to a licensed mechanic for extensive repairs, and you cannot drive the vehicle until repairs are complete. 

Category N: Minor Damage

 This category is the one that you want to hear when the inspector comes around. Category N damage might be as light as a busted headlight or a broken wire. As such, you might be able to repair this damage without taking it to an expensive body shop. Since these cars have no body or frame damage, you will only have to swap the damaged parts with undamaged parts. These vehicles might be safe to drive in the meantime, but you shouldn’t take any chances. If the car has any damage to the brake system, turn signals, transaxles, or transmission, you shouldn’t drive it until its repaired. 

Buying A Damaged Car

 Sometimes, you can buy damaged cars at a very low price. Of course, you need to have some basic auto repair skills (or maybe a little more than that, depending on the level of damage). Even those with no auto repair expertise, you might be able to turn a profit by re-selling a car after completed repairs. 

 If this is your intention, it is vitally important that you familiarize yourself with the damage categories listed above. In this way, you can make sure that you get a vehicle that isn’t beyond your ability to save. You can also make sure that the seller has been honest with you by doing a vehicle history check. If you don’t know how to do that, you will be relieved to hear that it’s quite easy. All you have to do is get the VIN from the seller (before you pay, of course!). The VIN is just a unique identifying number that allows you to check the vehicle’s history. Once you have it, search the number on this website. Some companies will try to get you to pay for this service, but it can be done for free if you know where to look.

Conclusion

 Thankfully, this system is not complicated or difficult to learn. After reading this short article, you should at least be able to understand the terms in which your insurance provider will describe the damage. For most people, that’s all that is necessary.

 When it comes to legal questions, we recommend that you contact your attorney as soon as you have finished dealing with the police and the insurance company. We hope that we have been helpful to you and that you will fill out the contact form below for more information.

Collision repair is one of those things that has to be left in the hands of those who know what they are doing. If you trust your collision repair to someone who isn’t properly trained, your decision will likely result in a lot of wasted money. Once you pay the mechanic, the deal is done, and you’re stuck with whatever he has (or hasn’t) done.

Are you tired of dealing with these kinds of mechanics? Are you sick of shelling out good money for repairs, only to be forced back to the shop by the need for more repairs? Well, if that’s the case, you’ve probably been going to the wrong mechanic.

Why It’s Important To Choose A Certified Collision Center

The auto business has changed a lot in the last few decades. Before the 1980s, most cars were built in a very similar fashion. If you have ever peered under the hood of an older vehicle, you have probably noticed a simplicity that modern cars usually lack. Back then, a mechanic didn’t need a whole bunch of different certifications to work on someone’s vehicle.

Of course, times change. These days, cars are becoming more like computers, with all the complexity that you would expect from such. And even now, the auto companies are still trying to one-up each other with various technology and gimmicks, each one racing toward a nonexistent finish line. That is why you need to make sure to choose a certified mechanic when it’s time for collision work.

Without proper training from the manufacturer, a mechanic will probably not know all the important points that are necessary in order to do a good job. To ensure that you get someone with the knowledge to do things right, always make sure that you ask to see an I-CAR certification.

Another obvious benefit of using a certified mechanic comes from your car’s warranty. Most auto manufacturers will guarantee work done on a car of their brand. However, they will only cover those repairs that are done by a licensed and certified professional. There is a very logical reason behind this: The company doesn’t want to pay for anyone else’s mistakes.

What Is An I-CAR Certification?

I-CAR stands for Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair. It’s basically a trade organization that works hand-in-hand with many of the world’s biggest auto manufacturers. The I-CAR certification program was created to deal with rampant fraud in an industry that doesn’t always have the best safeguards against that kind of thing.

I-CAR provides training, research material, and a lot of other resources to collision specialists. Since 1979, they have served as the definitive authority in this field. That is why certification from them means so much. If you see a mechanic with an I-Car Gold Class certificate, you have found a very good one indeed.

To be fair, however, we should realize one thing: The I-CAR program does not require that all of a business’s employees be trained in the necessary skills. In other words, not everyone at your local auto shop has completed their I-CAR certification. The program stipulated that a certain percentage of people in a business must be certified in order to qualify for all the benefits. That’s why a smart consumer should ask the people at the garage about who will be working on their car and what will be done.

The Certified Mechanic Always Has The Right Tools

There are many kinds of vehicles (especially foreign vehicles and older vehicles) that require special tools. If your vehicle is one of these, it is even more important that you choose a mechanic that is properly certified. While other mechanics will be forced to improvise as best they can, a certified mechanic will have all the right tools to get the job done quickly and easily.

The Certified Mechanic Always Gets The Right Parts

We’ve all had to deal with this problem at least once: You take your car to the shop for some much-needed repairs, only to find out that you will have to wait for a part to arrive. Then, a day or two later, you head back to the shop to get the job done. When you get there, you find out that the wrong part was ordered, and thus, you will have to wait even longer.

Why does this happen? Because the mechanic is probably ordering parts from a variety of different sources, and some of those sources are (of course) less reliable than others. Not to mention the fact that a non-certified mechanic will be more likely to misidentify the needed part. When you choose a certified mechanic, you can bypass both of these frequent problems.

A certified mechanic will always know the correct part to order, and will always order it directly from the company. It’s very hard to get the wrong part when you do that! They should be using only brand new OEM parts, and there is more than one reason for that. First: OEM parts will have no wear and tear. Second: OEM parts will be guaranteed to fit your car. Third: Only brand new OEM parts will be covered by any kind of warranty. As soon as you start throwing used parts on there, you can kiss that warranty goodbye.

Conclusion

Whenever you want to get collision repair work done, it just makes sense to shop around and find the place with the greatest number of certified people. You might even consider calling up I-CAR or your vehicle’s manufacturer so that you can verify the certifications of anyone who will be working on your car. After all, the world has a lot of scumbags in it, and you can never be too careful.

In spite of this caution, we advise you to trust the word of your certified mechanic, as long as they can prove that they are, in fact, certified! If you have found this article to be helpful and informative, please help to support our work by filling out the contact form below.

You would think that crash parts would simply mean emergency exterior and interior parts needed for immediate replacement on a severely damaged vehicle. However, not all crash parts, otherwise known as cosmetic parts, are created equal. Many of these parts are looked at as aftermarket parts, or non-original equipment manufactured (Non-OEM). Crash parts are actually parts made through independent manufacturers who produce less costly replacement parts then OEMs, or original equipment manufacturers. 

Categories

 Many of these parts that are considered crash parts, or aftermarket parts, are divided into different categories. What constitutes a crash part? Here is a breakdown of parts. 

Crash Parts

 Crash parts are sheet metal or plastic parts installed on the exterior of a motor vehicle. When you speak of aftermarket parts, you are talking about non-original parts and non-original manufacturers. A “non-original manufacturer” is a manufacturer other than the original manufacturer. For example, an OEM, or original part, would be from a company that produces the gear shift, steering wheel, or tires that are placed on a new vehicle. They could be installed on a car, truck, or another type of vehicle as it goes down an assembly line in a car plant. 

Crash Parts/Aftermarket Parts

Again, most crash parts are both sheet metal and plastic parts. Auto body shops install these on the outside of a vehicle. These aftermarket parts usually include:

• Hoods
• Doors
• Fenders
• Bumper
• Bumper accessories
• Inner and outer panels

Aftermarket Crash Parts Certification

 CAPA, or the Certified Automotive Part Association, additionally categorizes aftermarket crash parts. This association assures the adaptability and quality of replacement or aftermarket parts. 

 To assess the quality of the parts, CAPA examines a host of different areas of a manufacturing plant. They assess the actual manufacturing process, the equipment used, and the final products produced. If the replacement parts meet specifications in their configurations, appearance, structure, composition, and mechanical processes, the aftermarket parts will rate a CAPA certification. If the parts are in line with new OEM parts, CAPA gives them their seal of approval. 

Mechanical Parts

 Those parts that are mechanical and not included within the crash parts category include:

• Engine parts
• Batteries
• Filters
• Shock Absorbers
• Mufflers

Consumer Crash Parts Issues

 The latest trend when it comes to crash parts is repair shops involving consumers more in the repair process. When it comes to repairing a damaged vehicle, it boils down to whether or not an insurance company is going to pay for original equipment (OE) replacement parts or an alternative. Repair shops do their best to educate consumers as to what their rights are concerning the use of those parts.

Crash Parts Legislation

 In addition to shop owners going to bat for consumers, it seems that crash parts legislation has come into its own. Most states have put through legislation intending to inform vehicle owners of the steps involved in a collision repair, and the parts used. In addition, groups led by the Automotive Service Association determined at a recent meeting with repair service experts, insurers, consumer groups, and service-related industries that an across the board policy should make consumers aware of the following:

• Consumers should be aware of the kinds of parts that auto body shops install in their vehicles.
• Consumers should be aware that they have the right to authorize (in written form) what parts the auto body shop can use on their vehicle during the lifetime of that vehicle.

 In addition to the consumer protections, they placed a draft consent form under consideration. This consent form would inform the consumer of the kinds of parts that an auto body shop would use on their vehicles, along with a listing of the parts used in the repair. Once informed, consumers would be able to decide whether or not to use the parts selected. If a consumer chooses to agree to use the listed parts, he or she would sign the form. Another issue that arose was what parts an auto body shop would or wouldn’t use through a warranty period of a vehicle. The various groups did agree about a consumer’s right to know what type of parts an auto body shop would use. 

Different State Crash Parts Legislation

 Those that deal in collision repair also have a right to know what their state’s particular crash parts legislation entails. For example, the state of Washington requires that any transaction associated with an invoice must show whether any parts are used, rebuilt, aftermarket, or Non-OEM (body parts). 

 It’s important that consumers know what type of parts are being used in their vehicles and what their rights are when it comes to repairs. If you have questions regarding what your state may or may not require, or simply want to know more about crash parts, complete the online contact form. A parts expert will get back to you with the answers you need to understand your protections as a possible crash parts consumer.

There is a number of factors that will determine car bumper repair costs. Understanding what is involved with the repair process will give you an idea of what your initial and final costs will be.

Type and Extent of Damage

Maybe you had a car wreck, rammed into a tree, or your vehicle was vandalized or stripped of parts, including your bumper. Whatever the case, you have to take into consideration any replacement parts as well as labor, paint and other repair materials. When you group all those necessities together, the average cost of a bumper repair can be anywhere from $900 to $1500 plus, or more. The repair process is going to totally depend on the kind and extent of damage. What those costs entail include:

Degree of Damage

The degree of damage to a bumper will govern the cost of repairs. The most common repairs usually involve small dents and scratches. If a bumper has scratches, the costs of repairs can vary from around $70 for materials for a clear coat, which can be done in your garage, or up to $1500 for a shop to improve a base coat with high-quality paints, supplies and other materials. A bumper scratch that is professionally corrected may include high labor and material costs.

Cracked Bumpers

A bumper can also be cracked, which can affect repair costs. Damage on the front or rear bumper is always more costly particularly if the front bumper is involved. In addition, pricing will go up with cosmetic and air intake repairs. A severely damaged bumper that is about to deteriorate and fall off should be replaced as it protects the front and back of a vehicle as well as and any passengers from possible injury. Safety is minimized with a faulty bumper.

Labor

Labor costs will go up with the degree of bumper damage. If the bumper is salvageable, the repairs are usually more basic and less costly. If a complete replacement is in the mix, labor costs are going to increase. Labor costs will also go up if the bumper has to be completely removed to make other repairs related to the bumper, and any underlying damage. Any kind of replacement is going to involve a thorough search for the exact match for the kind of vehicle and model you have. Labor and any materials used are naturally going to increase bumper repair and replacement, which can fall anywhere between $800 plus to 1300 plus. Other replacement costs are going to come through:

• Any labor involved with removing an old or dilapidated bumper
• Any labor related to a new bumper installation
• The actual cost of the new or replacement bumper
• Any costs connected with spraying for a true color match

Painting and Repair Costs

Both labor and materials are always going to increase costs whether it involves repairing a bumper or painting it. Paint jobs that are purely cosmetic in nature usually take a number of hours of labor, particularly if significant bumper damage is involved. If a bumper needs a coat of paint, the costs are somewhat steady and can run anywhere in the area of $150-$300.

As paint always enhances a vehicle as well as protects it, the value of a vehicle is heightened and that includes your bumper. In order to better determine the cost of painting a bumper, you have to consider the time involved with painting it, the amount of paint necessary and the cost of the paint. Painting a bumper yourself is always going to be considerably less than the labor and materials costs involved with a repair shop.

Other Related Bumper Damage

Oftentimes other associated damage is neglected when a bumper is being repaired. Much of bumper damage is linked to the lights, air intake system, headlights, taillights and other areas within the vicinity of a bumper. Damage should be inspected and scrutinized before bumper repair is initiated. Oftentimes the whole bumper has to be removed to get to other damaged vehicle parts. With bumpers, you need to remember that most of them have additional layers of trim. These trim layers will actually require serious repair in one stretch.

Replacing a bumper can be a expensive endeavor but there are ways to save on costs. If you are in need of a new bumper, need one repaired or just have general questions, complete the online contact form and a repair expert will get back to you with the answers you need to revitalize your bumper.