Category: Collision Repair

How to Choose the Right Windshield Repair Shop

Your windshield is a critical part of your vehicle, doing more than simply allowing you to see what is in front of you. Your windshield is actually part of the support system for your car and a crack or chip could lead to roof collapse if you are involved in an accident. Therefore, it is important to fix any issues with your windshield as quickly as possible. These tips can help you choose the right windshield repair shop.

Look for Experience

One of the first things to look for in a windshield repair shop is experience. If the shop is fairly new, you want to ask how much experience the technicians have who will be replacing your windshield. In most cases, you are better off to choose a shop that has been around for awhile and has technicians who have worked on vehicles like yours for many years. If the chip or crack has not broken through both layers of glass, an experienced company may be able to repair it, eliminating the need for a replacement.

Insurance Claims

Many times, insurance policies cover the cost of windshield replacement. If your policy includes windshield damage, ask the repair company if they accept the insurance and if they have the ability to file the claim. Most reputable auto repair shops have experience completing insurance forms, billing insurance companies and helping you navigate the process so that all you pay is your deductible.

National Chains

National chains are convenient and easily recognizable. Unfortunately, they also have high staff turnover and some lack the friendly, local customer service you will receive by using a local shop. At Elmer’s Auto Body, our staff has been with us for many years and have the experience necessary to repair your windshield quickly and efficiently, getting you back out on the road as soon as possible.

Check Reviews

Online reviews can be helpful when you are searching for windshield repair companies as well. Some websites offer star ratings for companies that are reviewed which can be helpful. You can also check the Better Business Bureau since their reviews are monitored more closely than on random websites. Asking your friends and family is another way to find a reputable windshield repair company as word-of-mouth is often the best way to find experts in any field.

If your windshield is cracked or chipped, you need to get it repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Contact Elmer’s Auto Body today to arrange for an appointment to replace or repair your windshield. Contact us by phone or complete the easy form online.

Understanding Car Accident Repair Cost Averages

After an accident, once you know everyone is okay, your thoughts turn to the damage to your vehicle. Not knowing what to expect when it comes to the cost of repairs can be stressful. On top of that, you may be concerned about what will happen with their insurance, wondering about deductibles, how it will affect premiums and how much of the repair will be covered. Gaining an understanding of how repair costs are determined can help ease your concerns while also providing you with information that will confirm the quotes you are given are fair and accurate.

Minor Damages

If your vehicle has minor damage it is possible that modern technology will allow technicians to repair the damage with no need for paint. Elmer’s Auto Body offers paintless body repair that uses no body filler and no sanding. This means there is no need for painting which saves you time and money. In some cases, your repair may cost as little as $500.

Minor Damages Requiring Paint

If just one panel of your vehicle is damaged, like a bumper or fender, you may still see a relatively small repair bill. Although painting will be necessary, labor may be less intensive which can also save time and money. Estimates should average as low as $500 or as much as $1,500 although some estimates could be higher depending on the panel that is damaged.

Damage to Multiple Panels

If the damage is to more than one panel of the vehicle, costs can rise rather quickly. At minimum, you should expect a $1,500 estimate but it could go as high as $4,000. The body shop will need to replace or repair the panels. If they can be repaired, there will probably be body filler and sanding which means the technicians will need to paint. If the entire car cannot be painted, they can use computer systems that will match the paint on the rest of the car.

Damage that Can Affect Drivability

If your car has sustained damage that is not only cosmetic but also affects how your car drives will lead to extremely expensive repair bills. Depending on how severe the mechanical damage is, you could be facing a repair bill that will start at $4,000 but will more than likely be significantly higher.

Damage That Leaves Your Car Undrivable

If your car cannot be driven at all, you will more than likely see cost estimates that start as high as $6,000 or more. A car that has been damaged to the point it cannot be driven will require auto body technicians and mechanics who have extensive experience repairing such damage. This means their labor costs will be much higher, but they will be more likely to return your car to its pre-damaged condition. It is possible that when your insurance company receives your estimate, they may decide to “total” your car. A car is totaled when the cost to fix the vehicle exceeds the value of the car. In New Jersey, insurance companies use a total loss formula. This means that the cost of repairs plus scrap value must equal what the car was worth prior to the accident. If this should happen, the insurance company will not repair your car but pay you for the value instead.

If your car has been damaged in a collision, contact Elmer’s Auto Body to set up an appointment. You can reach us by phone or by filling out the easy form online.

Common Auto Paint Problems And How To Avoid Them

Minor paint damage on your vehicle is not uncommon. Someone opens a car door into yours in the parking lot of the grocery store or a stone flies from the wheel of the truck in front of you causing a ding in the paint, for example. You can often repair these minor problems on your own. Even what appears to be a large scratch can often be fixed easily at home without taking your car to the body shop.

However, there are a few common auto paint problems that can occur when you choose to make paint corrections on your own. These are just a few common issues and suggestions for how to avoid them.

Bleeding

If the color is seeping through the new topcoat color or if you notice the original finish discoloring, the issue is known as bleeding. This is often caused by dyes and pigments in the old finish, especially if the original finish was red.

The best way to prevent bleeding is to clean the areas before you sand them. This is especially important if you are painting a lighter color over a darker color. If bleeding is already happening, apply two medium coats of primer seal making sure to follow the directions. Once it is dry, reapply the color coat.

Dirt

If you notice small bumps in, on or under the paint it is possible foreign particles have mixed with the wet paint. There are several things you can do should you notice this problem. First, check to see if the issue is only in a small area or throughout the project.

Make sure that there was a strainer on the paint cup while you were pouring and check the environment to be sure there is no dust or debris. Make sure the spraying equipment is thoroughly clean and make sure the filters are not contaminated.

Fish Eyes

If you notice small blemishes on the surface that look like popped bubbles, the culprit may be silicone in your wax or polish. Silicone adheres to the paint film and requires additional work to remove. Check to be sure that the paint is not contaminated and be sure to clean the area well.

If the problem is the old finish, you will need to clean the area well to remove embedded silicone. Always clean the area to be painted thoroughly with wax and grease remover. Although you should use a fish eye eliminator, the eliminator does not replace good surface preparation.

Paint Runs and Sags

When paint is applied to heavily, it can run or sag. Running and sagging can also occur if there is too much thinner or reducer. Be sure to read labels and follow instructions to be sure you have the right mixture. Always allow sufficient time to dry between coats and use proper gun adjustment.

There are many more common issues when it comes to painting your vehicle. Instead of attempting to do the work yourself, contact Elmer’s Body Shop to have the car painted professionally. You can schedule an appointment by filling out the form online or giving us a call today.

What Factors Determine Your Car’s Trade-In Value?

When it comes time to purchase a new car, there is always the age-old question of what to do with your old car. You have several options when it comes to your old car, the one that commuted with you to work each day, picked your children up from school and ran errands for your family.

You can keep it to hand down to a teenager, you can sell it to someone else or you can trade it in at the dealership where you buy your new vehicle. If you have decided to simply trade in your car, these are some of the factors the dealer will more than likely use to determine value.

Maintenance and Mileage

If your vehicle has over 100,000 miles on it, you will probably see a significant drop in value. Even if your vehicle is dependable and has driven 200,000 miles without the need for a major repair, the dealer will probably lower the amount they will give you, especially if the mileage seems excessive.

The average person drives between 12,000 and 15,000 each year. This means that if your car is less than six years old and has over 100,000 miles, your dealer will assume the car has been driven hard and that mechanical issues are just around the corner. Maintenance is also critical. It is important to follow the manufacturers recommendations for maintenance and keep all records, even if they seem minor. When it comes time to sell the car, having those records can help improve the trade in value.

Options on Vehicle

When you purchased your vehicle, you may have added options that increased the cost of your vehicle, or the dealer may have thrown them in to entice you to purchase the car. Options like automatic transmissions, power windows and locks, anti-lock brakes, cruise control and navigation systems are all welcome options.

Buyers also look for leather seats that have been taken care of, remote starts, entertainment systems and sunroofs. However, most buyers want options that were installed by a dealer or manufacturer, not after-market or performance-based options. Cars that are neutral colors, like gray, black or white are usually easier to sell than unique, limited edition paint colors.

Condition of Interior and Exterior

Buyers want cars that have been taken care of and although you may not worry about a spot or two on the seat, a buyer may see a bigger problem. If your car is a mess on the inside, a buyer will question how well you took care of the rest of the vehicle. Avoid smoking in your car and clean up spills quickly to avoid staining.

When it comes time to trade in the car or sell it yourself, have the interior detailed in order to return it to as close to new condition as you can. The same is true of the exterior. Just one or two small dents can lower your vehicle from “good” to “fair,” which significantly lowers value. If possible, have small dents repaired before trading it in or selling it.

Market Value

There are some things you absolutely cannot control when it comes time to sell your car. Some types of vehicles sell better in certain areas of the country than others. A convertible in Miami may fetch top dollar but that same car in Buffalo probably won’t. Some vehicles hold their value, like Subaru, Honda, Huyndai, Mazda and Toyota, so if you have one of these brands, you may see a higher trade in offer than with others. Supply and demand will have an impact as well. A dealer with a dozen Accords on the lot is not going to pay top dollar for another one.

If you are considering a new car purchase and have exterior damage that needs to be repaired, contact Elmer’s Auto Body today by filling out the easy form online or giving us a call. We can repair minor dents and scratches quickly and have you back on the road in no time.

What Do Collision Repair Technicians Look For When Assessing Collision Damage?

When your vehicle is involved in a collision, you want to get it repaired as quickly as possible, but you also want to be sure the car is as safe as possible. When you take your car to a NJ collision repair technician, one of the things they should do is inspect the car for a wide range of problems. A highly-trained collision technician will not simply address the cosmetic damage or the issues that can be seen with the naked eye. There are many other factors they must consider when they determine what repairs are needed.

Door Panel Damage

Door panel damage may initially seem minor and you may believe the damage is only to the exterior of the car. A collision involving the door panel can cause significant damage, however. A collision repair technician will inspect the damage to determine if an entirely new panel is necessary. They check for misalignment or unevenness in the door gaps, and if any exists, the entire door panel should be replaced. If there is no misalignment, it is possible the panel can be repaired rather than replaced.

Damage to Fenders or Bumpers

Fender and bumper damage are the most common after a collision which is why they are designed to absorb a significant amount of impact. The fender and bumper are often made of lightweight material, so a collision repair technician will look for cracks or scratches which can usually be fixed easily. If the damage is severe, the fender or bumper will need to be replaced.

Cracked or Chipped Windshields

Your windshield is part of the roof support in your car. Even if the collision caused a minor crack or chip, it could lessen the integrity of your roof. If you are involved in another collision, the roof of your car could collapse. If a chip has broken through both layers of glass in your windshield, you will need to have it replaced. In addition, it is possible that an accident could cause tiny cracks that are not clearly visible. A collision repair technician will recognize those cracks and replace your windshield, keeping you and your passengers safe.

Collision repair technicians should be able to recognize all types of vehicle damage, even damage that is not easily seen. If you have been involved in a collision, schedule an appointment with Elmer’s Auto Body today by calling or by filling out the form online.

What Is Paintless Dent Removal?

No matter how careful you are with your car, dents are going to happen. It doesn’t take much for something to cause a dent, whether it is a rolling shopping cart in a parking lot or the handlebar of a bicycle in the driveway. Even a minor dent should be addressed as a break in the paint could lead to rust, something that is extremely damaging to your car’s exterior. Due to modern technology, minor dents can now be repaired using paintless dent removal which requires no body filler, sanding or painting.

In the Past

In the past, when your car suffered a minor dent, a body repair technician had to either replace the entire section of the car or use a suction tool to remove the dent. The suction tool required that a small hole be drilled near the dent which then required body filler, sanding and painting. The repair was often noticeable because it was difficult to match the paint exactly.

Paintless Dent Removal

Today, instead of removing the section with the dent or drilling a hole and suctioning the dent, auto body technicians can use paintless dent removal. Using this process, the technician restructures the dent from behind or below by pushing the dent back into place. Because the pressure is behind or under the dent, the outside of the car remains intact. This means that there is no need for body filler, sanding or painting the damaged area once the dent is repaired.

What Are The Benefits of Paintless Dent Repair

Restores Car to Original Quality.
PDR is much more cost-effective than your average traditional dent repair service.
There is no body fillers, sanding or repainting.
Antique cars can also benefit from paintless dent repair without worry of losing its vintage value.
Reduces Repair Time.

What Can Paintless Dent Repair Fix?

Vehicle Value

One of the benefits of using paintless dent removal is that the repair is virtually undetectable. This means that the resale value of your car is unaffected. Your car is returned to its original condition and the turnaround time is much faster than with traditional repair methods. Not only does paintless dent repair restore your car quickly, it is often less expensive than traditional types of dent repair.

Dents will happen to your vehicle, no matter how careful you are. If your care suffers a minor dent, it is possible that paintless dent repair can return it to its original condition. If your vehicle has suffered a minor dent, or you have been involved in a collision, contact Elmer’s Auto Body today. You can schedule an appointment by filling out the form online or you can give us a call to speak to our customer service representatives.