Reno Collision Repair: Are There Any Visible Problems?

Click here to view the embedded video.

Getting into a vehicle collision is stressful enough, but after that, you have to get your vehicle repaired so it will function properly and you can go about your life. Many people are afraid of being swindled by auto mechanics, but most individuals don’t know how to check on the level of quality in the Reno collision repair. By understanding what to look for and how to perform an overall inspection of the repair that has been done, you can save money and ensure that your car has been properly repaired after being in a collision.

What to Look for After Collision Repair or Dent Repair

Make sure the seams on your vehicle all line up properly. If you notice that some of the seams aren’t perfectly lined up, it could be that there was an accident during the alignment or that the technicians simply didn’t do an adequate job with the collision repair. In addition, the seams should be evenly spaced, with parallel lines from adjacent parts. Note the use of “shims,” which are small metal spacers that technicians often use between parts. These should be used sparsely, as several tend to indicate improper structure repair. You’ll also want to check for minimal seam sealer. If you notice more than what is typical, or the job looks sloppily done, it should act as a red flag to you that the collision repair hasn’t been done properly.

How to Check the Quality of a Welding Job

In some cases of collision repair, the technician will need to weld the metal on the vehicle. All areas where the metal was welded should look neat and clean. The welds should appear to be part of the metal of the car; sanded smoothly and protected from corrosion. It’s important that any added or replaced parts have been welded in the same areas as the factory parts would have been welded in. If not, the technician may not have known what he was doing, and the repair job may not be as good as it could be. Ask the technician to show you the areas that the car was welded in, if they’re viewable.

Inquiring about the Measuring System

One great way to determine whether your vehicle is being repaired properly is to ask the technicians at the auto body shop about the type of measuring system they use to ensure that everything is lined up properly. High-quality shops will use digital systems that accurately measure a vehicle’s structure and frame. The machine will compare the current measurements to those of the factory guidelines and then provide that information to the technicians so they can ensure that everything lines up properly.

If you still feel uncomfortable checking your own vehicle at the paint shop or Reno collision repair shop, take a more qualified individual with you to check it out. Before you leave the shop, you should thoroughly inspect your vehicle to determine whether the technicians did a great job or not. You should also obtain a report covering every procedure that was done to your vehicle.

Auto Body Repair in Reno: What Type of Shop is Right for You?

Click here to view the embedded video.

There are many types of body shops in Reno that specialize in different types of vehicle repair. While there are some full-service shops that offer to care for a variety of issues, many individuals feel that it’s better to choose a shop that specializes. There are a few different reasons for this. First, shops that tend to specialize in specific types of vehicle repair are generally experts in their specific area, rather than knowing a fair amount about all procedures. Also, a body shop that specializes in one aspect of vehicle repair is typically faster than a shop covering all issues.

Body Shop Types

In each town, you’re likely to find a few different types of body shops. Most individuals who have purchased vehicles from dealers know that dealers have their own body shops that care for the same vehicles that they sell, or the same models as the vehicles they sell. There are full-service body shops available at auto parts stores in some towns, and then there are the privately-owned body shops operated by small business owners and mechanics. The disadvantage with the car dealer body shop is that they don’t care for used cars, and they can be rather expensive.  Shops located inside auto parts stores can be convenient, and private shops with trusted mechanics are an excellent choice.

Services Offered by Specialty Shops

Different shops may specialize in many different aspects of vehicle repair. For instance, it’s a great idea to seek out a Reno collision repair center for vehicles that have been specifically damaged in wrecks and crashes and that need auto body repair. Some shops may only handle scratch repair and painting, windshield repair, brakes or tires, bumper repair, body work, or the mechanical aspects of vehicles. It’s advisable to seek out a specialized shop for the specific problem you’re having with your car. The experts operating these shops can quickly determine what’s wrong and fix it faster than an all-around auto body repair shop.

How to Find a Trustworthy Auto Body Repair Shop in Reno

While simply receiving a recommendation is a great way to find a body shop, there are some other things you should look for as well. Try to find a repair shop with ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certified technicians.  When technicians are ASE certified, they have passed numerous exams to gauge their knowledge of all aspects of repair as well as having 2 or more years of hands-on experience in the automotive repair industry. Comparing prices for services is another great way to find a trustworthy auto body repair shop.

Overall, when you need to have your vehicle repaired correctly, quickly, and for a reasonable amount of money, your choice of body shops is important. Understand what is wrong with your vehicle and find a body shop that specializes in that issue. Make sure the technicians are trustworthy and that the shop has a great reputation before taking your car or truck in.

Collision Repair: How Much Damage Is Too Much?

Click here to view the embedded video.

From minor bumps to high-speed crashes, most car accidents result in damages that require the expertise of an auto body repair shop. Collision repair isn’t always simple. Even minor accidents can cause auto body damage that is expensive and timely to repair. The type of impact and the style of the damaged car both play a role in determining how much damage has occurred.

Determining a Total Loss

Many drivers think that there’s no hope if their insurance company says that their car is ‘totaled.’ A car that is totaled is not necessarily unrepairable though. The extent of the damage has very little to do with whether or not an insurance company declares a total loss. Instead, the decision is based on the cost of the collision repair in comparison to the fair market value of the car. If repairing the auto body damage will cost more than the car is worth, it is said to be totaled.

Structural Damage

Correcting damage to a vehicle’s frame is one of the most expensive types of collision repair, but undoing structural damage is not impossible. A knowledgeable auto body repair shop will generally inspect a wrecked vehicle for misalignment before anything else. If the car doesn’t meet the exact measurements of the manufacturer, advanced machines are used to pull the frame back to its original specifications.

Rear End Collisions

Depending on the speed, a car that is rear ended can suffer quite a bit of damage. Structural damage is not uncommon after a powerful rear collision. The amount of damage will also depend on the car. In a recent IIHS study, a low-speed rear end collision in a compact car with a poorly designed bumper can result in more than $3,500 in auto body damage. On the other hand, a car with dent-resistant plastic body panels can often be repaired for less than $200.

Frontal Impacts

Front-end collision repair is often more extensive than rear end damage. At higher speeds, a head-on collision can cause damage to the front bumper, the hood, the windshield, and the quarter panels. If the damage is minor, the auto body technician may choose to repair the panels rather than replace them. Unless the parts are pre-painted, the body shop will also have to match the paint color and re-spray each panel before reassembling the car.

Rollovers

A car that rolls over generally has much more auto body damage than a vehicle involved in a frontal or rear end crash. Damage to the frame is usually inevitable in a rollover. There is a possibility that every piece of the car has suffered at least minor body damage. The decision to repair a vehicle that has rolled over should be made carefully. Extensive damage like this could require additional mechanical work, as well.

Whether auto body damage appears to be major or minor, an experienced collision repair specialist should examine the car for unseen damage. Accidents can cause cosmetic damage that is fairly easy to repair, as well as frame damage or mechanical troubles that are much more costly to fix. Almost any type of collision damage can be repaired, but sometimes it is more cost efficient to scrap the vehicle.

What Types of Parts are Used by a Body Shop in Reno, NV?

Click here to view the embedded video.

A body shop in Reno, NV uses many different types of parts for collision repair and other vehicle repairs. In some cases, an individual’s insurance company will require a body shop to use a specific type of part to repair a client’s vehicle. In other cases, individuals might want to specify the types of parts used in order to save money, or when other types aren’t available. The age of the vehicle is also taken into consideration, as new parts may not be available for that specific vehicle. The variables that go into choosing the types of parts used are many, so the parts are chosen on an individual basis.

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Parts

OEM parts are made by the same manufacturer that made the vehicle that is being repaired. In some cases, they’re made by a vendor that supplies parts for the manufacturer of the vehicle. An OEM part is the same as a “genuine part,” or a part that would be originally installed in a new vehicle before it’s sold. After a certain period of time, dealers are allowed to sell genuine parts, but they are placed in new packaging and typically are sold for a cheaper price. These are some of the most common parts used in collision repair and other types of vehicle repair.

Non-Original or Aftermarket Parts

A non-original or aftermarket part is created by a manufacturer other than the original car manufacturer or its supplying vendor. These are like “copies” of the original or OEM parts, and can be compared to purchasing the off-brand of something rather than the brand name. Aftermarket parts must meet the industry safety standards, and are usually the same quality or better quality than the OEM parts. In a lot of cases, aftermarket parts can help the customer save money on collision repairs and other types of vehicle repair. They are also sometimes required by the insurance company.

Recycled or Used Parts

Used parts have been removed from the vehicles on which they were originally installed and are being used to repair a different vehicle. Generally, before they are installed on a different vehicle, the parts are inspected and restored so that they’re “like in kind and quality.” Recycled parts are generally a lot cheaper than aftermarket or OEM parts, and can work just as well. However, these parts may not come with a warranty.

Knowing the different kinds of parts used by a body shop in Reno, NV for collision repair or other types of repair can help individuals select the perfect parts for their vehicle. It’s especially helpful if they’re trying to save a lot of money or want to ensure the quality of the parts before installation.

Does Your Bus Need Collision Repair in Reno? A Body Repair Service Can Help!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Buses that are used every day are frequently exposed to the potential for small and large collisions. When damage occurs, collision repair is often needed to restore the bus to its original condition. There are many options individuals have when it comes to bus body repair, but obtaining the repair in the first place should be something all bus owners do. By having the bus repaired quickly, owners can prevent additional body damage due to rust and other unforeseen complications.

High Quality Bus Body Repair

When considering having body repair done on a bus, owners should only consider high quality work. This means avoiding do-it-yourself techniques for fixing the bus as well as shady mechanics. Research should be done on the body shops in the area to find the best and most qualified technicians to work on the bus and ensure that it looks new. Collision repair will take different lengths of time depending upon the extent of the damage, but most body shops can return the bus quickly so it can be put back into service as soon as possible.

Common Bus Repair Needs

There are many different kinds of body damage a bus can sustain, but the most common include scrapes, dents, scratches and broken parts. In cases like this, dents may need to be pulled out while small scratches can be buffed out of the bus paint. Larger scratches or damage might need to be filled and then sanded and buffed out before being covered with professionally matched paint. Other common bus repairs include broken window or windshield repairs, mirror replacement, and broken light replacement.

Collision Repair Costs

The cost of bus body repair can differ greatly depending upon the extent of the damage. However, individuals should expect to pay up to a few hundred dollars. The cost is well worth the improvement in looks and value that bus body repair offers. In addition, getting buses repaired can help stop future damage occurring from rust that grows near the dents and scratches that were sustained in the collision. Before having a bus repaired, owners should shop around to find the best possible price.

Professional Paint Matching

Along with having the body damage repaired, individuals can have their buses touched up with professional paint matching. This means that the technicians can find out exactly what formula was used in the bus paint, and can then match it in order to cover the areas that were damaged during the collision. Professional painting is not always needed, but in some cases it is. It can further protect the bus body from future damage that comes from the original collision damage. In addition, a professional paint touch up looks great.

Body bus repair is a great idea for any bus that has been involved in a collision or accident.

Make Sure the Reno Auto Body Shop and Insurance Company Are on the Same Page

Click here to view the embedded video.

Roughly 20,000 car accidents occur each day in the United States. There’s a good chance every driver will be involved in at least one car accident during their lifetime. When an accident occurs, the driver plays an important role in making sure the Reno auto body shop and the insurance company are on the same page. Regardless of who is at fault, there are steps that can be taken to reduce out-of-pocket expenses and inconveniences.

Exchange Information with the Other Driver

Insurance companies need as many details as possible before paying an auto body shop for your accident repairs. If there are no injuries and everyone is safe, both drivers should exchange names and numbers. It is a good idea to jot down the name of the other driver’s insurance company, as well as the policy number if possible. Also note the make, model, and license number of the other car involved in the accident. Your insurance company will ask for this info when you file your claim.

File an Accident Report

If injuries are involved, the police should be dispatched immediately. An accident report will be completed on site and a copy of the report can be faxed to the insurance company. Minor accidents may not require police response, but a report can still be filed. A state vehicle accident report form is available through the police department or DMV. In some areas, the necessary paperwork can be found online. The sooner the insurance company has the report, the sooner your claim can be processed.

Document Everything

As mentioned, insurance companies want to know as much as possible about an accident before working with the Reno auto body shop to repair a vehicle. Besides the other driver’s information and an accident report, also make notes about exactly what happened, the location, weather conditions, and any other details pertaining to the accident. It’s also a good idea to take pictures of the damage on both cars and to keep documentation of all future conversations with the body shop and insurance company.

Contact the Insurance Company

A claim should be filed with the insurance company as soon as possible. It’s best to make the phone call before leaving the scene of the accident if you can. Once the claim process is started, the adjuster can help determine the best approach to completing the repairs. Keep in mind that a driver is not required to use their insurer’s preferred auto body shop in most states. Also remember to make a few notes regarding the conversation for your records.

Collect Estimates

Most insurance companies require multiple repair estimates if a driver would like to use an auto body shop outside of the company’s network. It is a smart decision to have the damage accessed by more than one body shop regardless. Have at least 2 or 3 garages prepare detailed estimates of the parts and labor needed to fix the vehicle. The adjuster handling the claim should be provided with copies so that a decision can be made to move forward with the repairs.

When the insurance company has the details they need, it is easier to work with an auto body shop to have accident damage repaired quickly. The claim may be paid directly to the auto body shop or it may go to the insured. Whatever the case, be sure to get the details in writing. The most important thing is to stay in contact with the insurance company, as well as the auto body shop, throughout the entire process.

Body Shop Repairs in Reno Aren’t Complete Without Professional Painting

Click here to view the embedded video.

Sometimes, accidents happen that can leave beautiful cars marred with dents, scratches and scrapes. When body shop repairs in Reno are made, many people don’t consider having a professional color match and painting done to make the vehicle look mint again. However, without that professional body painting, the vehicle will not look one-hundred percent. There are many benefits to having this done when taking a car in for body shop repairs in Reno.

What is Color Match?

Professional body shops use color matching when painting to ensure that the color they’re using is the exact color of the vehicle they’re working on. With this tool, auto body workers can repaint areas on the car that have been scratched or marred in accidents. They can use the color match to fix the vehicle and make sure that your car maintains it “like new” appearance.

Why Color Matching is a Must

When a vehicle is painted, a specific blend of colors is used to create the final color that customers will see on a car. Color matching is a definite must when having a car repaired. A “cherry apple” red could be mixed several different ways and the same color could have many different formulas for mixing. It is important to use the exact formula that was used on the car originally, or the finished product will stand out, not blend in. The paint booth workers can ensure a smooth and even finish that looks fantastic.

Extra Costs

Working with the body shop in Reno can be a great way to save money on a touch up paint job. Having a body shop that has the ability to paint your vehicle is a great convenience. You do not need to move your vehicle, simply drop it off and when you pick it up the body will be repair, paint matched and you will be ready to go. The cost for painting and color matching depends on the size of the job. It is important to discuss the damages and the extra costs with the body shop before having the repairs done. Remember, a professional paint job will help maintain the resale value of your vehicle. Many buyers look at the exterior of the car first, and it is safe to say that first impressions count.

Comparing Body Shops

Another thing individuals should consider before having their vehicle damage repaired is comparing body shops. Different body shops will charge different prices, so obtaining an estimate is important before deciding which body shop should handle the painting and body shop repairs.

Without professional painting, vehicle repairs can look less than perfect. However, professional painting with color matching can make a vehicle look fantastic again.

5 Ways To Tell If A Reno Body Shop Did Their Job

Click here to view the embedded video.

Car accidents are frightening. Trusting a body shop to repair the damage after an accident can be even scarier. The best way to feel confident with your car repairs is to use a professional auto body mechanic that is honest and reliable. Those who don’t have a regular auto body mechanic in Reno can still be sure that their repair job is done right by following the simple tips below.

Tip #1:  Understand the Estimate

Before giving a body shop the okay to get started, review the estimate carefully. Discuss the work to be completed with the mechanic and ask questions about the process if needed. Double check the cost breakdown and be aware of out-of-pocket expenses not covered by the insurance company. It is also a good idea to get a copy of the body shop’s warranty policy along with your written estimate. When the job is finished, look over the estimate again and confirm that the stated work has been finished.

Tip #2: Shop Around

Don’t decide on a Reno body shop without a minimum of 2 estimates. Remember that in many states insurance companies are not allowed to limit the repair options to their own network of body shops. The stated prices and services of each repair shop aren’t the only things to consider. Compare the organization and cleanliness of the work areas, look around the shops for certifications or job photos, and make note of the equipment. Every professional auto body center should have a paint booth and a frame machine.

Tip #3: Look at the Parts

Mechanics are notorious for installing aftermarket replacement parts but charging the customer for more expensive OEM parts. Less reputable auto repair centers may charge for parts that are never even replaced. When your repairs are finished, ask to see the damaged parts. Take a look at the newly installed components as well. It’s also a good idea to read over the estimate again. Most body shop quotes will tell if a part is supposed to be refurbished, rebuilt, new OEM, or a generic replacement.

Tip #4: Inspect the Repairs

When a vehicle leaves a professional auto body shop, it should look like a brand new car. The car should be clean inside and out, and there should be no signs of body damage. Inspect the area that was repaired to see if there are noticeable gaps or misaligned pieces. Make sure the doors open and close freely, as well as the trunk. Try to look at the car’s underside. If there’s visible evidence that the frame was straightened, it could be a sign of a bad repair job. Another useful test is to check the headlight alignment.

Tip #5: Examine the Paint

A poor paint job is the most common complaint people have when they pick up their cars. Check the color consistency and make sure the fresh paint blends with the old. Also look for drips or overspray that may have accumulated along the edges of the car. You shouldn’t see any fingerprints and the surface should be smooth. The most obvious signs of a bad paint job are rough spots or bumps in the finish. These blemishes are caused by dust and other debris that wasn’t removed before painting.

If there is a problem, address it with the body shop manager immediately. A professional auto body repair center that stands by their work will gladly fix any mistakes. Don’t be afraid to drop in while your car is being repaired either. Observing the job firsthand can be very reassuring.

Reno Body Shop Reminds That Dent Repair Can Add Value To Your Car!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Repairing dents of any size is a quick and easy way to boost the value of a car. Most body shops can fix dents ranging in size from small to large and it is estimated that this repair increases the value of a car up to $1,000. While the mechanical functions of a car should be the priority, most people buy a used vehicle based on its appearance and assumed maintenance. A car should always have dents of any size repaired before selling.

How Repairing Dents Increases Value

It’s well known that small touches can help a car sell for more. Cleaning wheels and interior, fixing burnt out lights and waxing a car improve the appearance and the value for very little money. Dent repair is similar; it is a small investment that can yield a big return. A good body shop can use a technique known as paintless dent repair (PDR) to fix dings without the need to repaint. This is one of the best investments to make in a used car before selling and is often used by rental agencies, dealerships and auctions to prepare a vehicle for sale.

How the Technique Works

Paintless repair of dents is a technique that can repair depressions in the metal. A technician at a body shop uses special tools to manipulate the metal back into its original form from behind the dent, causing no damage to the paint. The panel is accessed by removing trim pieces or through inner panels. This technique can only be performed by a trained PDR technician and requires experience. The dent is removed by working from the outside edges in, slowly decreasing the size until it becomes so small it blends in with the paint texture.

What Dent Repair Can Fix

Typically, dent repair by a professional can fix virtually any dent from very large to small. The paintless technique works best on 1990 and newer car models because of the type of paint and frame used. This technique is only recommended for dents if the paint is not cracked or broken as well. Lastly, the dent must not be near the edge of a panel and the area must not have any previous body repair work that has changed the integrity of the panel.

Advantages of Fixing Dents

There are many advantages to repairing dents in a vehicle before sale. There is no repainting or filler needed, which removes the chance of paint overspray on other areas of the vehicle. This also eliminates the need to match paint colors and allows the vehicle to retain its original paint. Vehicles with original paint have a better resale value than repainted vehicles. Repairing dents with the paintless technique is also much more affordable than traditional body work and some insurance companies even waive deductibles when this technique is used.

Many body shops today employ trained PDR technicians to remove dents affordably and safely. This technique is the number one way to increase a car’s value before selling because it raises the value a great deal for a small investment. Dents of all sizes can be repaired with this technique and the cost is usually under $150 at a qualified body shop. Although the process can’t remove all dents, it’s the best way to maintain the integrity and original color of a vehicle while making it as attractive as possible for resale.

What to Look for in a Reno Auto Body Shop

Click here to view the embedded video.

Without knowing what to look for, choosing a quality auto body shop is tough. It’s important to select the right auto shop to ensure the vehicle is fixed correctly the first time. It’s also the best way to make sure the shop is honest and reliable. There are many important features of a good body shop, including an experienced staff and certifications. It can also help to read customer reviews before making a selection.

A Certified Shop

A good body shop is certified by the largest auto organization, AAA. Facilities that gain the approval of the organization have proven their abilities as certification is often a lengthy process. To become AAA approved, an auto body shop must demonstrate it has the latest equipment, qualified technicians and a proper facility. It must also show it offers above average training to its employees. AAA always collects feedback from prior customers as well before issuing an approval. Auto shops can also receive certification from parts manufacturers and organizations like Autobody Alliance, which requires the shop to meet certain qualifications.

Qualified and Experienced Staff

A good auto body shop has qualified staff with a number of certifications. Certification from ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) is especially important. ASE is a non-profit organization that offers certifications to automobile technicians that show proficiency in their trade. Technicians may also have certification from car manufacturers like GM, Chrysler, Toyota and Nissan, showing their knowledge and experience dealing with particular car brands. Some auto technicians also receive aftermarket training from Bendix, Moog, or NAPA. Most training requires a great deal of knowledge and experience and demonstrates a technician is a professional in their field.

Positive Customer Reviews

When possible, former clients should be consulted about their experience with the auto body shop. Some resources to find reviews are online, making it easy to decide if a body shop has good feedback from the public. Reviews should mention that the vehicle was fixed properly the first time and work was completed in a timely fashion. Positive reviews should also discuss whether a warranty was offered by the body shop and if the facility was clean and orderly. A facility that has an AAA approval has shown a history of positive feedback from customers, although it’s always a good idea to check into a body shop as much as possible.

Accepts All Insurance

Another important aspect of a good body shop is its acceptance of all forms on insurance. An auto body shop that accepts all insurance providers demonstrates it has experience working with insurance companies to settle claims quickly. A shop that is hesitant to accept major insurance providers is a red flag that something may be wrong. This is also a matter of convenience and makes it easier for the vehicle owner to select a shop they feel comfortable with.

Selecting the right auto body shop requires a bit of patience and consideration. For example, choosing the first body shop available can be a disaster if the employees aren’t trained properly. A good auto shop is clean and up-to-date with a friendly and knowledgeable staff. The shop should have positive reviews and a range of certifications for both the facility and technicians. It should also accept all forms of insurance, making repairs easy and convenient.