Category: Safety

The Importance Of Proper Frame Damage Repair For The Safety Of Your Vehicle

In many ways, the frame of your vehicle is the most important part. Engines and transmissions are the most expensive parts to replace, but they are still interchangeable components. A frame, on the other hand, isn’t really an interchangeable component. You can’t simply remove the old one and bolt another one in place. If a damaged frame cannot be repaired, the whole car is a loss. Why? Because it simply isn’t safe to drive a vehicle with a damaged frame.

Knowing When Your Frame Has Been Damaged

The frame of your vehicle is not readily visible, so it isn’t always easy to see when those critical struts have been damaged. However, other cases are much more obvious. For instance, if you have been in a head-on collision and the front of the vehicle is crumpled in, you can bet that the frame has been damaged.

One good idea is to look at the vehicle from all angles and see if it has been “twisted” by the impact. If so, the lines and corners won’t be quite right, and that twisting indicates frame damage. You also might be able to detect frame damage when you drive your vehicle. Telltale signs include:

Unusual vibrations coming from the wheel area
Odd noises and/or vibrations when turning
Lack of stability in general
In severe cases, the vehicle may lurch to one side, making it hard to stay in your lane.

In the end, though, you won’t usually know for sure until a qualified professional has assessed the vehicle. If you see any of these signs, it is essential that you get the vehicle to a shop immediately. Yes, it’s inconvenient to be without your car for any length of time, but serious injury and death tend to be a lot more inconvenient.

Why Is It Unsafe To Drive A Vehicle With Frame Damage?

If your frame has only sustained minor damage, you might feel that you can ignore the problem and keep driving. This, however, is a very bad idea that could even result in serious injury or death.

Even if you are a careful and competent driver, an accident can happen at any moment. Even if you do everything right, someone else’s carelessness can still cause a collision. That’s why you always wear your seat belts, that’s why you always keep your airbags in good shape, and that’s why you never drive a car with a damaged frame. That frame is like a cage that gives you some protection against the outside world. Think of it this way: Would a smart knight go into battle with weak armor? No, of course not.

In some cases, frame damage may even cause a collision. As we said in the earlier section, frame damage can make it hard to keep your vehicle on a straight course. Obviously, that can cause you to run right into another vehicle through no fault of your own. So, if you’re thinking of driving a car with such issues, don’t do it.

Can Frame Damage Be Repaired?

In many cases, frame damage can indeed be repaired. However, it depends on the full extent of the damage. You should probably know this right away: If the frame damage is bad enough to be visible after the accident, it probably can’t be repaired. However, there are many instances in which a frame just receives a little warping from the impact. That metal can be straightened, but only to a certain point. If you go too far with that straightening, you will weaken the metal significantly. So, you can bend and beat the metal back into place, but only to a certain extent.

The location of the damage also plays a role in this question. There are some parts of a vehicle’s frame that are less essential than others, and some parts can even be replaced. In the end, it comes down to two questions:

1. Is the cost of repairing this vehicle greater than its value? (in other words, is this thing more trouble than it’s worth?)
2. Can this vehicle be returned to a safe and usable condition?

Frame Types Also Make A Difference

There are two basic types of vehicle frames: Unibody and body-on-frame. A unibody frame is incorporated with the outer parts of the car (i.e., the “body”). This allows the components of the frame and body to mutually support one another. Most cars will have this type of frame, so this is probably what you have.

Most trucks and larger vehicles, on the other hand, will have a body-on-frame design (also called a ladder frame). In these vehicles, the frame is a separate piece, shaped roughly like a ladder with wheels, to which the body is bolted. In most cases, bolt-on-frame designs are easier and cheaper to repair because they represent an older and simpler design.

Conclusion

No matter what kind of damage you are dealing with, the help of competent professionals will be needed. Frame repair is not the kind of job that you can do at home in the garage, so it pays to trust those who have earned your trust. If you are now asking yourself: “where can I find a trustworthy auto body shop near me?”, then we have the answer. All you need to do is call us at (856) 218-0202.

5 Most Common Causes Of Auto Collisions And How To Avoid Them

In the United States, car collisions are an unfortunate but common occurrence. American roadways are constantly plagued with minor bumps and crashes caused by a number of reasons. While some accidents may end up being minor, there are some that end up being catastrophic. Obviously, you want to do your best to avoid such events. Knowing the five most common causes of auto collisions and how to avoid them may one day come in handy.

1. Distracted Driving

Ever since the advent of mobile phones and texting, more and more people have fallen sway to distracted driving. Even if you are a conscientious driver, you could be hit by someone who is driving distracted. But what is distracted driving? It involves any of the following actions:

Checking your appearance in a mirror
Changing radio stations
Eating or drinking
Texting
Looking at someone in the passenger seat
Swatting at your children in the backseat
Becoming distracted by someone else on the roadway

To avoid distracted driving, it is important to avoid such distractions. Do not drive when you are tired, make use of hands-free cell phone devices like a Bluetooth speaker clip, avoid multitasking, and let passengers navigate for you.

2. Excessive Speeds

Yes, it may be tempting to speed down a highway, especially when you are running late to work, but excessive speeds make your car much harder to control. In the event something unforeseen or unexpected happens, such as a car suddenly switching lanes in front of you or an animal darting across the road, you could lose control. You also may not have enough time to react and brake, which could cause an impact.

Avoiding driving over the speed limit is easy. You just have to slow down. Observe the speed limit and stick within that range. You may even consider utilizing your vehicle’s cruise control to avoid accidentally accelerating during a long drive. Furthermore, if you are speeding because you are behind schedule, consider planning around traffic and leaving for your destination a little earlier.

3. Poor Driving Weather

There are a number of weather conditions that make the roads more dangerous than usual. Wind, rain, fog, snow, ice, hail…it’s all possible. Wind can blow your car sideways or cause debris to gather in the road. Ice and snow can cause skidding and sliding. Even wet conditions make the surface of the road more slick than usual. Unfortunately, you cannot control the weather. It can also be hard to predict what will happen.

What you can do to avoid accidents caused by inclement weather is drive more carefully. Avoid becoming distracted. If possible, go below the speed limit and put distance between yourself and others on the road. Stay away from any clusters of traffic that may force you to slam on the brakes or jerk the steering wheel. Lastly, if the road is extra dangerous, consider pulling over and waiting out the worst of the weather or calling for assistance.

4. Chaos at Intersections

Who hasn’t gotten flustered at a 4-way stop? Intersections, whether they have traffic lights or not, can be harrowing. Sometimes it is not clear who should go first. Then there are instances where people cut in front of you or rush to make a turn. It is not uncommon for people to side-swipe one another, particularly when one person is making a left at the same time another car is trying to make a right into the same lane.

Also, if you live somewhere with a lot of truck traffic, avoid pulling up too far past the line. Give the trucks space to turn and maneuver. Far too many people get the front end of their cars swiped by trailers.

In order to avoid intersection bedlam, it is recommended that you avoid running through yellow lights about to turn red and to always come to a complete stop at 4-ways. Do not do a rolling stop. Use hand signals to others, if need be, to signal your intention.

5. Drunk Driving

Far too many die each year because they or someone else decided to get behind the wheel of a vehicle when intoxicated or impaired. Drunk driving kills people and totals vehicles. Many substances, including alcohol and medications, can make judging speed and distance incredibly difficult. Some people even fall asleep behind the wheel.

Do not consider driving if you plan on drinking or using another substance. Arrange for a designated driver or use Uber or Lyft to get to your location and then bring you home. Stay at a friend’s house and give them your keys. Rest assured, they would rather see you on their couch in the morning than receive a call that you died while driving home from their party.

Get Your Collision Damage Repaired at Elmer’s Auto Body

Now that you are familiar with the top 5 most common causes of auto collisions and how to avoid them, it is time to commit to being a better driver. With more people aware of the danger, the roads may be safer. If you have experienced an auto collision, turn to Elmer’s Auto Body for assistance. Our amazing team of highly trained technicians will get your vehicle back to its undamaged condition. Give us a call today to learn more about our services or to book an appointment at one of our locations.

What Is the Safest Car on the Road This Year?

When choosing any vehicle, safety should always be one of the primary concerns. There is no need to prove the fact that vehicle accidents kill large numbers of people every year. This reality is, unfortunately, so commonly known that it requires no proof. With that in mind, it pays to try and get the safest car that you can afford. There are many ways in which to evaluate the safety value of a particular car, but it does pay to listen to the experts as well. With that in mind, let’s try to determine which vehicle is the safest car on the road this year.

Finding A Legitimate Source Of Information

The first problem is finding a legitimate and independent source for car safety information. Most vehicles will claim to be particularly safe, but it can be hard to tell if that is real or just advertising hype. Certainly, all of them must meet certain safety standards in order to be road-legal, but that’s not what we are seeking. We want to know which current-year vehicles are objectively the safest on the road.

To help with that, we turned to the website of an organization called the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety). This is an independent scientific study group that focuses on vehicle safety. Along with their partner organization, the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), they work with automakers and insurance companies to ensure better vehicle safety and greater accountability for those who fail to provide such.

Because this is the best independent source of vehicle safety information that we could find, their website will be the primary source for this article. There is another respected organization called the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which carries out most crash tests, but the IIHS-HLDI rankings take their findings into account.

What Makes A Vehicle Safe?

The safety of a vehicle is determined by its design and features. Those features can vary a lot, as most vehicle models offer more than one type. In general, safety features fall into one of two categories: Crashworthiness and mitigation. The term “Crashworthiness” describes the ability of a vehicle to withstand impact with minimal damage. Some cars are simply more durable than others, and a tougher vehicle will always give you a better chance of walking away from a collision. “crashworthiness” also includes things like the weight and balance of a vehicle, both of which make a difference as well.

Mitigation, on the other hand, includes features that are intended to prevent the crash from happening. This might include things like:

Backup cameras
Blind spot mirrors/cameras
Automatic emergency braking
Stability control systems
Airbags
Anti-Lock brakes
Automatic safety belts
Tire pressure sensors
Collision detection systems

Basically, anything that will potentially help you to avoid an accident makes for a safe vehicle. However, it’s not just about the features. That is why every vehicle model undergoes extensive crash testing before it is put on the market. When crash tests are performed, all the various sections of the car are tested to determine how resistant to impact they might be. For instance, some vehicles might have very good forward crash protection while offering little protection on either side. In fact, vehicles like that have caused big problems in the past.

Safest Vehicles On The Road For 2022

According to the safety ratings of the IIHS, there is not one vehicle that stands head and shoulders above the rest. Instead, there is a list of vehicles in each category that have earned top marks in all categories. As such, these vehicles are probably about equally safe. There are over 100 vehicles on this top-rated list, but here are some of the standouts:

Small Cars

Honda Civic 4-door sedan
Honda Civic 4-door hatchback
Honda Insight 4-door sedan
Hyundai Elantra 4-door sedan
Kia Soul 4-door wagon

Midsize Cars

Honda Accord 4-door sedan
Hyundai Sonata 4-door sedan
Kia K5 4-door sedan
Nissan Altima 4-door sedan
Nissan Maxima 4-door sedan

Midsize Luxury Cars

Acura TLX 4-door sedan
Audi A4 4-door sedan
Audi A4 Allroad 4-door wagon
Audi A5 Sportback 4-door hatchback
BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe 4-door sedan

Large Cars

Kia Stinger 4-door hatchback
Toyota Avalon 4-door sedan
Volkswagen Arteon 4-door hatchback

Large Luxury Cars

Audi A6 4-door sedan
Audi A6 Allroad 4-door wagon
Audi A7 4-door hatchback

Small SUVs

Buick Encore GX 4-door SUV
Chevrolet Trailblazer 4-door SUV
Ford Bronco Sport 4-door SUV

Midsize SUVs

Ford Edge 4-door SUV
Ford Explorer 4-door SUV
Ford Mustang Mach-E 4-door SUV

Midsize Luxury SUVs

Acura MDX 4-door SUV
Acura RDX 4-door SUV
Audi Q5 4-door SUV

Large SUVs

Audi E-Tron 4-door SUV
Audi E-Tron Sportback 4-door SUV
Audi Q8 4-door SUV

Minivans

Chrysler Pacifica minivan
Honda Odyssey minivan
Kia Carnival minivan

Small Pickup Trucks

Hyundai Santa Cruz crew cab pickup

Large Pickup Trucks

Ford F-150 crew cab pickup
Ford F-150 extended cab pickup
Ram 1500 crew cab pickup

Conclusion

It always pays to seek out a car that offers a high safety rating, no matter what the advertisements might say. Of course, even if you choose one of the safest cars on the road, accidents can still happen. If that happens, you might find yourself in need of a good NJ body shop. When looking for auto body shops in South Jersey, your choice is not a difficult one. Just call us here at Elmer’s Auto Body at (856) 218-0202.

Can Damage From A Head-On Collision Be Repaired?

A head-on collision is one of the worst types of auto accidents that you can suffer. These types of collisions are far more likely to result in serious injury, and also much more likely to decimate your vehicle. Obviously, the damage will mostly be in the front, and that’s where the most important part (the engine) is located. So, that brings us to the essential question. Can damage from a head-on collision be repaired? It depends on several key factors.

The Extent Of The Damage

The first thing to understand is that it all depends on the extent of the damage. If you are talking about a low-speed collision or an indirect collision, the damage might be minimal. In most vehicles, the radiator is right in the front, so it’s probably going to be toast. There is always going to be a fan right behind that radiator, so it’s likely going to be destroyed as well. However, those parts can be changed out without much trouble, so they aren’t the biggest concerns.

The biggest concerns are the frame of the vehicle itself, as well as the engine. When these things are damaged beyond repair, it’s better to scrap and replace the car. If there is frame damage, it might still be possible to repair the vehicle, but that is something that has to be decided on a case-by-case basis. While it is certainly possible to replace an engine, the parts and labor involved are going to be extremely expensive.

Type Of Damage Incurred

It’s not just about the sheer extent of the damage, as the type of damage will also be a determining factor. If the frame has been bent to the left or the right, this is called “sway damage.” Likewise, “twist damage” involves the frame being twisted. You also might have “mash damage”, in which the metal of the frame has been compressed like an accordion.

Mash damage is probably the worst of the three, while sway damage is generally less serious. Twist damage is right in the middle, as it all depends on the extent of the twist. After a certain point, the frame can no longer be restored to a safe and stable state. However, if you just have some light sway, the vehicle can probably be repaired. Body shops have straightening machines that are great for light damage, and damaged sections of a frame can often be replaced.

Safety Concerns

Safety should always be a key factor when choosing whether to repair or replace a vehicle. For example, let’s say that your car has suffered severe mash damage and some twisting in key places. It might be possible for a skilled body shop technician to restore that vehicle to a point where it can be driven. However, it will never be particularly safe to drive that vehicle. Should it be involved in another collision with a badly weakened frame, the results could be catastrophic.

Body shops have to think about these things when repairing vehicles. If they send someone out with an unsafe vehicle and something terrible happens, they can be held liable. There are also various laws and state-level regulations that determine when a car can legally be allowed back on the road after a collision.

Type Of Vehicle Frame

All cars and trucks made today will generally have one of two frame types: Uni-body or ladder-frame. A uni-body frame is exactly what the name implies: The entire frame is one piece. A ladder-on-frame design, by contrast, uses the frame as more of an anchor on which to attach the body. You usually see ladder-frame designs on trucks and other larger vehicles, as it is better for bearing a large amount of weight. In any case, uni-body repairs tend to be more expensive and more difficult.

Availability Of Parts

If your vehicle is damaged severely enough to compromise the frame, there will certainly be other damaged parts as well. Most (if not all) of these will need to be replaced. Of course, this might include sections of the frame and body, so you’re definitely looking at some expenses for all those parts. And, of course, that problem becomes much harder if your vehicle’s parts are not so easy to find. Aftermarket parts can often be substituted for rare ones, but that might reduce the vehicle’s resale value.

Can You Drive A Vehicle With Frame Damage?

Absolutely not. It is not safe to drive a vehicle that has suffered frame damage. We have already mentioned the fact that such vehicles are unsafe due to their structural integrity being weakened. However, there is another problem: Such a car usually won’t drive straight. The frame is the very core of the vehicle, so you cannot expect it to travel straight on a bent frame.

Conclusion

As you can see, there is no simple answer here. Damage from a head-on collision may or may not be possible to repair. It mainly depends on how much damage the vehicle took, what type of damage was incurred, and the amount of time and money that will be required to return the vehicle to an acceptable condition. If you are in need of a frame repair, there is no need to ask yourself “where can I find the best auto body shop near me?” because you are already looking in the right place. To find out more, you can call us at (856) 218-0202.

7 Signs That You Might Have Received Bad Auto Body Repair

Unfortunately, not all repair shops are equally good. While many of them are run by highly competent and well-trained people, there are always a few exceptions here and there. In many cases, substandard mechanics will rely on the customer to accept the work without asking too many questions. This, of course, is a mistake, and it often leads to shoddy repair work going unnoticed and uncorrected. Here are 7 of the plainest signs that you might see if you have received a bad auto body repair.

1. The Steering Doesn’t Feel Normal

When a vehicle impact occurs, it will frequently affect some aspect of your steering. This might be something obvious (like wheel damage), but an expert repair technician should be able to catch the subtle issues, too. If your steering feels choppy or “gravelly” after being repaired, they probably missed something. If there is clicking or excessive resistance when you turn the wheel, there is definitely something wrong. You might even experience a handling delay while turning, which could be dangerous.

2. The Alignment Of The Wheels Is Off-Center

Whenever major collision repairs are done, the wheels should be balanced and aligned. The purpose of this is to make sure that everything is pointed in the right direction (i.e., straight ahead). Some mechanics will try to skimp on this step, but it’s easy to tell if your alignment is not right. Simply find a long straight stretch of road without much traffic. Country roads are the safest bet. While traveling completely straight, take your hands off the wheel for just a second or two and see if the car starts drifting to one side. Obviously, you need to grab the wheel again quickly so that you don’t go too far. If the car wants to drift, that means your alignment has not been fixed.

3. Irregular Braking

If you find yourself experiencing brake behavior that doesn’t match with the pre-collision performance, it’s also a sign that your repair shop may have done a poor job. When you hit the brakes, it should stop as easily and quickly as you would expect. If there is a lot of noise coming from them, something is probably wrong. If the vehicle tries to drift left or right when you hit the brakes, something is definitely wrong.

4. Gaps And Misalignment

Collision repair often involves the replacement of external parts, such as bumpers and panels. However, a less-savvy type of mechanic might have a hard time getting everything to line up properly. If someone doesn’t know what they are doing, it is very easy to end up with gaps between panels, misaligned parts, and other such issues. These gaps can cause serious problems over time by allowing rainwater into places that would normally be protected. You can check for gaps and misalignment by opening and closing doors, the hood, the trunk, and/or the tailgate (if you have a truck). If these have trouble closing or staying closed, it’s a dead giveaway that something isn’t lined up properly.

5. Electrical System Issues

Modern vehicles have a lot of electronic components, and that means many things that can go wrong during a collision repair. When you get your vehicle back from the shop, do a quick check of all the electrical components and make sure they still work correctly. This would include the radio, air conditioner/heat, power locks, power windows, dashboard lights, turn signals, brake lights, etc. If you find something wrong, it’s time to head back to the shop.

6. Your Car Is Returned Dirty

If your vehicle is in the hands of a competent professional, it should not be returned to you in a dirty state. Auto repair is often a messy business, but it is the responsibility of any good mechanic to return your car in the best possible state. If they don’t take the time to clean the thing, it makes you wonder what else they may have neglected or forgotten to do. This one isn’t a huge problem in itself, but it is an indicator of unprofessional service.

7. The Paint Job Is Splotchy

Technically, anyone can repaint a vehicle. However, it takes a little bit of expertise to do it right. The real art lies in matching colors, which allows paint repairs to blend into the existing paint job. If they do not match your original color well enough, you will be able to tell when you look at that spot. In some cases, the “splotch” might only be visible in bright daylight, but that is still unacceptable. A professional and well-trained collision repair shop should not send your vehicle home with an ugly finish.

Conclusion

There are many other signs that can indicate substandard repair work, but this article could never hope to cover them all. However, you definitely need to think about the nature of the work that has been done, and this will tell you what problems are likely to occur. For instance, if they were working on your brakes, that is obviously the first thing you should test. That kind of thinking will help you to find any additional problems.

If you find yourself asking: “where is the best auto body shop near me?”, we have your answer. Elmer’s Auto Body is the most respected auto shop in South Jersey, and we’ve been in the business of collision repair for over 70 years. To find out more, you can call us at (856) 218-0202.

Best Ways to Avoid Damage Caused by Potholes

Potholes might look like small craters in the road, but they can cause significant damage to your vehicle. For that reason, avoiding potholes is a must, especially if you want to prevent costly repair bills. Here are a few things you can do to limit the damage caused by a pothole.

What Causes a Pothole?

Any depression on the surface of a road is considered a pothole. They often develop after water seeps into the crevices and cracks of the pavement. As a result, gravel and dirt push towards the surface when the water freezes and expands. Once the temperature warms up, holes will form in the pavement. These large divots in the road cause damage to vehicles. Unfortunately, any pothole damage is the driver’s responsibility, and it can affect the suspension and other parts of the car.

How To Safely Drive Over a Pothole

Depending on the size of the hole, damages from a pothole can be minor or severe. If you want to avoid any possible repair bills, you must learn to move around these holes. Here are a few things you can do to prevent pothole damage to your car.

Slow Down

Significant damage can result from traveling over the hole at a high rate of speed. When you spot that pothole, you should lower your speed. Before you get to the pothole, slow down but don’t push on the brakes. Braking can actually increase the risk of damage to your vehicle.

Use Caution When Traveling Over Puddles

Always assume that a puddle could be a large pothole. After a heavy rain, water can fill up the pothole, making it seem like a small puddle. However, these puddles are covering up a large pothole in the road. You always want to avoid driving in any pool of water. Try to maneuver around the puddle safely.

Prepare for Impact

Hitting a pothole can cause you to lose control of the vehicle. You need to take a firm grip on the steering wheel to maintain control. If you have passengers in the car, warn them of the potential impact.

Keep a Safe Distance from Other Vehicles

When you spot a pothole, keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. You can reduce the risk of an accident by providing enough space for other cars. This action can prevent a rear-end collision, especially if the driver in front of you swerves or slams on the brakes.

Inflate Your Car’s Tires To the Proper Level

If you have under-inflated tires, they might not withstand driving over a pothole. You always want to ensure that the tires are inflated to the proper air level for your vehicle. The correct PSI is located in the owner’s manual or on the side of the driver’s door. If you want to stay safe, always check the tire pressure about once a month.

Potholes and Vehicle Damage

Pull over to a safe area if you have already driven over a pothole and think it damaged the vehicle. You should get out and inspect your vehicle for any signs of damage. In some cases, the damage might not be visible to you. Here are a few places to check on your car.

Tires

Potholes can affect the integrity of your tires. Most of the damage occurs to the sidewall. After the tire hits the pothole, it can lose air. You might even see the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) light on your dashboard. In many cases, the tire will need to be replaced.

Wheels

Wheels are also susceptible to pothole damage. When a wheel is damaged, it will not travel smoothly on the road. Like a tire, wheel damage often requires a complete replacement.

Suspension

Driving over a pothole can cause damage to your suspension system. In some situations, your vehicle would shift out of alignment. If the vehicle is pulling to the left or right, you need to get your car inspected by an experienced auto body repair shop.

However, these areas are not the only places where damage could occur. If any strange noises are coming from the car, you will need to have it inspected by an auto body shop. Even minor damage could cause significant problems down the road.

Potholes are problematic, and you will always want to avoid them on the road. If you cannot avoid these holes, try safely driving over them. With that, you may be able to lower your risk of damaging your vehicle.

Unfortunately, potholes cause hundreds of dollars of damage every year. Potholes can develop on any road or street when the temperatures drop and rise quickly. If you have traveled over a pothole and now notice problems, make sure to schedule an inspection for your vehicle. With that, you may save yourself from larger repair bills down the road.

Get Your Vehicle Inspected Today

At Elmer’s Auto Body, we can repair your vehicle and get it back to that pre-accident condition. Potholes can cause damage to the wheels, tires, and suspension. Driving a car with poor suspension can be dangerous, putting you and other drivers at risk. A full inspection will ensure that your vehicle is safe for the road.

Our technicians use the latest technology and tools to fix those damaged areas. Your satisfaction and safety are our top priorities. Don’t ignore any pothole damage. When you need to find an “auto body shop near me”, schedule a consultation by calling (856) 218-0202.