Auto body shop technician offers great tips on choosing the right car for you:
There are many questions to ask yourself as you begin the process of choosing and buying a new car, including:
What do you use your car for?
Do you need a family car or a work van?
How long is your daily commute?
Do you prefer a manual or automatic transmission?
What safety features are you looking for?
How much do you want to spend?
Once you have an idea of the model you would like to own, do some research. Compare similar models that meet your criteria. There are several consumer buying guide sites for comparing vehicles. Study the market value, cost of ownership, including maintenance, depreciation rates, insurance cost and fuel efficiency. Shopping online rather than visiting dealerships allows you to save time and get more questions answered before facing the high-pressure sales person.
Now you know just what you are looking for. Contact several dealerships to see if they have the model that you are looking for, the right color, style, features, etc… Schedule a test drive.
The test-drive is very important and much more than a quick spin around the block. Do not allow yourself to be distracted by the salesperson; focus your attention on the car. Test-drive the car on the type of roads you will be using it for the most. Test it over bumps, around corners, in stop-and-go traffic and on the freeway. Pay attention to comfort. Is the car easy to get in and out of? How roomy is the interior; how is the back seat? How easy is it to operate controls like heat, radio, etc while driving? Look at other features like storage compartments in the door or console.
Test-drive a car from several dealerships; but, do this all in one day. Driving the cars one after another will allow you discover minor differences that may end up being an important factor in your new car choice.
Now it is time to start the buying process. You have a good idea of the model car you want and how much you can spend. Do you wish to lease or buy a car?
Leasing a car usually requires little or no money down with lower monthly payments; however, when the lease ends, you need to get another car. Buying a car can mean higher monthly payments, but when the loan is paid off, you own a car with no monthly payments. You can continue to drive it, sell it, or trade it in for a new car.
Whether you are leasing or buying, you will need to decide what do with the vehicle you currently drive. Will you be turning in a leased vehicle or trading in one that you own? In either case, you will come out ahead if your current vehicle is in great condition. If you have minor collision damage, dents or scratches, consider having a mobile auto body shop perform these repairs first.
Joaquin Hernandez owns Collision on Wheels, a mobile auto body shop specializing in minor auto dent repair, scratch repair and professionally matched auto paint repair. CW is the only mobile auto body repair business that is approved by a major insurance carrier to service their policyholders; they are fully insured and back their repairs with a money back guarantee. CW provides service to consumers and businesses including auto dealerships, limo companies and insurance agents in the Los Angeles area.
Dent repair, scratch repair, fiberglass repair, RV repair, collision repair, auto body repair, bumper repair, paint repair, fender repair, door repair, scrape repair, mobile dent repair, mobile auto body repair, mobile collision repair, green auto body repair, minor collision repair, auto body shops, auto painting, Los Angeles, Playa Vista, Playa Del Rey, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, El Segundo, Torrance, Gardena, Lawndale, Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Palos Verdes Estates, Palos Verdes, Signal Hill, Lomita, Long Beach, Hawthorne, Westchester, Harbor City and neighboring cities and communities.
90001, 90002, 90003, 90004, 90005, 90006, 90007, 90008, 90010, 90011, 90012, 90013, 90291, 90254, 90501, 90503, 90506, 90260, 90274, 90275, 90755, 90745, 90755, 90803, 90806, 90810, 90250, 90710, 90094, 90266, 90245, 90248, 90278, 90717, 90045, 90014, 90015, 90016, 90017, 90018, 90019, 90020, 90021, 90022 90023, 90024, 90025, 90293, 90254, 90502, 90505, 90261, 90274, 90275, 90804, 90807, 90746, 90802, 90805, 90807, 90815, 90250, 90710, 90094, 90266, 90245, 90249, 90277, 90717, 90045
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Dent Repair Expert has Advice for Palos Verdes, CA Drivers
Dent repair was completed and the vehicle repainted. Now you want to maintain your new auto paint job to keep your car looking good. Washing your car often and waxing every few months will go a long way in preserving the quality of the paint surface.
You can keep your paint job shiny and protect it from the harsh environment by waxing your car every few months. Sun beating on the car causes the paint to fade. In colder climate areas, salt used on the roads will cause corrosion.
Wax provides a shield to protect the paint and cover minor scratches and other damages, making them less visible and preventing corrosion. Waxing your car provides a seal to prevent water from coming into contact with bare metal exposed by deep scratches.
Wash the car and allow it to dry completely and park it in a shady spot as most products work better when the surface is cool to the touch. Use a good quality wax with no abrasives and a soft sponge or clean cloth to apply the wax. Work in sections, spreading the product on evenly. Allow a couple minutes for the wax to haze then buff it with a soft towel using circular motions to restore the shine.
Be careful not to touch areas like rubber door seals and black window trim as the wax will leave white stains on them. If this happens, window spray works well for cleaning these areas.
Wax your car every three months to protect the paint and maintain the color and shine. Don’t be fooled by products that claim to be more durable; use a quality car wax and reapply every 3 months for best results.
Be sure to wash your car often; a clean car dries quicker because dirt and dust hold moisture and speed up the corrosion process.
Joaquin Hernandez owns Collision on Wheels, a mobile auto body shop that provides same day, on-site, dent repair, scratch repair, collision repair, auto painting, and more for consumers and businesses in Los Angeles, Playa Vista, Playa Del Rey, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, El Segundo, Torrance, Gardena, Lawndale, Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Palos Verdes Estates, Palos Verdes, Signal Hill, Lomita, Long Beach, Hawthorne, Westchester, Harbor City and neighboring cities and communities.
90014, 90015, 90016, 90017, 90018, 90019, 90020, 90021, 90022 90023, 90024, 90025, 90293, 90254, 90502, 90505, 90261, 90274, 90275, 90804, 90807, 90746, 90802, 90805, 90807, 90815, 90250, 90710, 90094, 90266, 90245, 90249, 90277, 90717, 90045
You can keep your paint job shiny and protect it from the harsh environment by waxing your car every few months. Sun beating on the car causes the paint to fade. In colder climate areas, salt used on the roads will cause corrosion.
Wax provides a shield to protect the paint and cover minor scratches and other damages, making them less visible and preventing corrosion. Waxing your car provides a seal to prevent water from coming into contact with bare metal exposed by deep scratches.
Wash the car and allow it to dry completely and park it in a shady spot as most products work better when the surface is cool to the touch. Use a good quality wax with no abrasives and a soft sponge or clean cloth to apply the wax. Work in sections, spreading the product on evenly. Allow a couple minutes for the wax to haze then buff it with a soft towel using circular motions to restore the shine.
Be careful not to touch areas like rubber door seals and black window trim as the wax will leave white stains on them. If this happens, window spray works well for cleaning these areas.
Wax your car every three months to protect the paint and maintain the color and shine. Don’t be fooled by products that claim to be more durable; use a quality car wax and reapply every 3 months for best results.
Be sure to wash your car often; a clean car dries quicker because dirt and dust hold moisture and speed up the corrosion process.
Joaquin Hernandez owns Collision on Wheels, a mobile auto body shop that provides same day, on-site, dent repair, scratch repair, collision repair, auto painting, and more for consumers and businesses in Los Angeles, Playa Vista, Playa Del Rey, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, El Segundo, Torrance, Gardena, Lawndale, Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Palos Verdes Estates, Palos Verdes, Signal Hill, Lomita, Long Beach, Hawthorne, Westchester, Harbor City and neighboring cities and communities.
90014, 90015, 90016, 90017, 90018, 90019, 90020, 90021, 90022 90023, 90024, 90025, 90293, 90254, 90502, 90505, 90261, 90274, 90275, 90804, 90807, 90746, 90802, 90805, 90807, 90815, 90250, 90710, 90094, 90266, 90245, 90249, 90277, 90717, 90045
Auto Dent and Scratch Repair made Easier on Drivers in Redondo Beach, CA
Auto dent and scratch repair has been a troublesome service for drivers to have performed…until recently. New trends in auto dent and scratch repair have made it much easier to have cosmetic repairs done vehicles. Gone are the days of leaving the car at the auto body shop for days at a time while you arrange alternate transportation; a process that often requires one to miss a day or two of work.
Paintless Dent Repair
Paintless dent repair is one recent trend where small dings and dents up to 3 inches in diameter can be repaired within 15 minutes. Those who perform this service say it’s the least invasive way to repair a dent and it doesn’t require one to be without their car for as long as traditional auto body repairs.
Paintless dent repair is often used on cars with custom paint jobs to maintain the integrity of the original design. Collision repair shops can outsource these services to mobile auto dent repair companies or offer the additional service themselves.
Paintless Dent Repair has its Limitations
Paintless dent repair is not always the solution. One concern is the amount of metal that was stretched when the damage occurred. Applying pressure to overly stretched metal can cause further distortions and lead to problems with the paint. This is why paintless dent repair is less effective on dents larger than 2-3 inches in diameter.
The finished results of paintless dent repair are not always satisfactory. The process can cause paint to crack if it has reached a brittle stage. The techniques for repairing dents without repainting often leave visible damage or areas that will show damage after weathering.
In spite of its limitations, paintless dent repair is a popular solution for drivers who want to save time and money and are willing to accept the possibility of minor imperfections. Many auto body shops like to use paintless dent repair techniques to prepare the vehicle for a new paint job.
Mobile Auto Body Shop – Scratch and Dent Repair, Auto Painting
Now comes the ultimate solution for drivers; a mobile auto body shop that comes to your home or workplace to provide dent and scratch repair, bumper and fender repair, and auto painting.
Some mobile auto body shops use paintless dent repair; however, one national franchise, Collision on Wheels, paints every dent repaired, even those the size of a quarter or smaller.
There are many advantages to doing business with a mobile auto body shop; Collision on Wheels offers the following:
• Convenient, same-day service, at your home or workplace
• Affordable collision repair 20-50% less than a traditional auto body repair shop
• Any time dent repair in any weather conditions
• Professional customer service
• Exceptional warranty
Paintless dent repair (PDR) may be OK for very minor scratches and dents; however, it can result in visible damage later in the vehicle’s lifetime. Collision on Wheels does not use PDR, choosing instead to repair and paint all dents to avoid future problems and damage visibility.
Collision on Wheels specializes in minor auto scratch and dent repairs, offering the convenience of same-day repairs at your home or workplace. CW uses PPG finishes that are guaranteed to match your existing paint and they warranty their work for as long as you own your car. CW services auto dealerships, limo companies, RV dealerships and consumers in Los Angeles, Playa Vista, Playa Del Rey, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, El Segundo, Torrance, Gardena, Lawndale, Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Palos Verdes Estates, Palos Verdes, Signal Hill, Lomita, Long Beach, Hawthorne, Westchester, Harbor City and neighboring cities and communities.
90001, 90002, 90003, 90004, 90005, 90006, 90007, 90008, 90010, 90011, 90012, 90013, 90291, 90254, 90501, 90503, 90506, 90260, 90274, 90275, 90755, 90745, 90755, 90803, 90806, 90810, 90250, 90710, 90094, 90266, 90245, 90248, 90278, 90717, 90045
Paintless Dent Repair
Paintless dent repair is one recent trend where small dings and dents up to 3 inches in diameter can be repaired within 15 minutes. Those who perform this service say it’s the least invasive way to repair a dent and it doesn’t require one to be without their car for as long as traditional auto body repairs.
Paintless dent repair is often used on cars with custom paint jobs to maintain the integrity of the original design. Collision repair shops can outsource these services to mobile auto dent repair companies or offer the additional service themselves.
Paintless Dent Repair has its Limitations
Paintless dent repair is not always the solution. One concern is the amount of metal that was stretched when the damage occurred. Applying pressure to overly stretched metal can cause further distortions and lead to problems with the paint. This is why paintless dent repair is less effective on dents larger than 2-3 inches in diameter.
The finished results of paintless dent repair are not always satisfactory. The process can cause paint to crack if it has reached a brittle stage. The techniques for repairing dents without repainting often leave visible damage or areas that will show damage after weathering.
In spite of its limitations, paintless dent repair is a popular solution for drivers who want to save time and money and are willing to accept the possibility of minor imperfections. Many auto body shops like to use paintless dent repair techniques to prepare the vehicle for a new paint job.
Mobile Auto Body Shop – Scratch and Dent Repair, Auto Painting
Now comes the ultimate solution for drivers; a mobile auto body shop that comes to your home or workplace to provide dent and scratch repair, bumper and fender repair, and auto painting.
Some mobile auto body shops use paintless dent repair; however, one national franchise, Collision on Wheels, paints every dent repaired, even those the size of a quarter or smaller.
There are many advantages to doing business with a mobile auto body shop; Collision on Wheels offers the following:
• Convenient, same-day service, at your home or workplace
• Affordable collision repair 20-50% less than a traditional auto body repair shop
• Any time dent repair in any weather conditions
• Professional customer service
• Exceptional warranty
Paintless dent repair (PDR) may be OK for very minor scratches and dents; however, it can result in visible damage later in the vehicle’s lifetime. Collision on Wheels does not use PDR, choosing instead to repair and paint all dents to avoid future problems and damage visibility.
Collision on Wheels specializes in minor auto scratch and dent repairs, offering the convenience of same-day repairs at your home or workplace. CW uses PPG finishes that are guaranteed to match your existing paint and they warranty their work for as long as you own your car. CW services auto dealerships, limo companies, RV dealerships and consumers in Los Angeles, Playa Vista, Playa Del Rey, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, El Segundo, Torrance, Gardena, Lawndale, Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Palos Verdes Estates, Palos Verdes, Signal Hill, Lomita, Long Beach, Hawthorne, Westchester, Harbor City and neighboring cities and communities.
90001, 90002, 90003, 90004, 90005, 90006, 90007, 90008, 90010, 90011, 90012, 90013, 90291, 90254, 90501, 90503, 90506, 90260, 90274, 90275, 90755, 90745, 90755, 90803, 90806, 90810, 90250, 90710, 90094, 90266, 90245, 90248, 90278, 90717, 90045
Monday, October 12, 2009
Auto Body Repair Shops and Waste Water
Auto body repair shops are not often a great concern when we think about water pollution control in industrial businesses. Though auto body repair shops are not major violators, they are not waterless operations. Cars must be washed before and after auto body work is done. Water is also required for wet sanding. Auto body shops must follow rules and regulations when disposing of waste water.
Inspectors are most concerned with floor drains in auto body shops. The fact that they have a floor drain means something is being washed down it. If the drain does not lead to the city sewer system or a holding tank then the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) recommends that it be sealed.
The DEM monitors those auto body shops that choose to use floor drains that are not connected to the sewer system with regular sampling. This insures that wastewater discharged to an underground dry well or septic system will not pollute the soil and ground water.
By law, sanding/metallic dust or other auto body shop waste may not be washed down open floor drains; it must be disposed of in accordance with federal, state and local regulations.
Auto body shops should use a commercial car wash for washing the vehicles they work on. Commercial car washes typically have in-ground systems to catch and recycle waste water to prevent pollution, reduce waste water and conserve clean water usage.
Joaquin Hernandez owns and operates Collision on Wheels, a mobile auto body shop that provides collision repair, dent and scratch repair, and auto paint repair at the customer’s home or workplace. Collision on Wheels is an eco-friendly auto body shop that uses environmentally safe products for a healthier work environment and cleaner air. Joaquin serves consumers and businesses in Los Angeles, Playa Vista, Playa Del Rey, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, El Segundo, Torrance, Gardena, Lawndale, Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Palos Verdes Estates, Palos Verdes, Signal Hill, Lomita, Long Beach, Hawthorne, Westchester, Harbor City and neighboring cities and communities.
90014, 90015, 90016, 90017, 90018, 90019, 90020, 90021, 90022 90023, 90024, 90025, 90293, 90254, 90502, 90505, 90261, 90274, 90275, 90804, 90807, 90746, 90802, 90805, 90807, 90815, 90250, 90710, 90094, 90266, 90245, 90249, 90277, 90717, 90045
Inspectors are most concerned with floor drains in auto body shops. The fact that they have a floor drain means something is being washed down it. If the drain does not lead to the city sewer system or a holding tank then the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) recommends that it be sealed.
The DEM monitors those auto body shops that choose to use floor drains that are not connected to the sewer system with regular sampling. This insures that wastewater discharged to an underground dry well or septic system will not pollute the soil and ground water.
By law, sanding/metallic dust or other auto body shop waste may not be washed down open floor drains; it must be disposed of in accordance with federal, state and local regulations.
Auto body shops should use a commercial car wash for washing the vehicles they work on. Commercial car washes typically have in-ground systems to catch and recycle waste water to prevent pollution, reduce waste water and conserve clean water usage.
Joaquin Hernandez owns and operates Collision on Wheels, a mobile auto body shop that provides collision repair, dent and scratch repair, and auto paint repair at the customer’s home or workplace. Collision on Wheels is an eco-friendly auto body shop that uses environmentally safe products for a healthier work environment and cleaner air. Joaquin serves consumers and businesses in Los Angeles, Playa Vista, Playa Del Rey, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, El Segundo, Torrance, Gardena, Lawndale, Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Palos Verdes Estates, Palos Verdes, Signal Hill, Lomita, Long Beach, Hawthorne, Westchester, Harbor City and neighboring cities and communities.
90014, 90015, 90016, 90017, 90018, 90019, 90020, 90021, 90022 90023, 90024, 90025, 90293, 90254, 90502, 90505, 90261, 90274, 90275, 90804, 90807, 90746, 90802, 90805, 90807, 90815, 90250, 90710, 90094, 90266, 90245, 90249, 90277, 90717, 90045
How to Remove Auto Paint Contamination - Auto Body Paint Repair and Maintenance Advice
As you wash and dry your car do you notice a rough texture on the surface? The tiny, gritty bumps that feel like bits of metal fragments are called auto paint contamination. Auto paint contamination cannot be removed by washing and waxing the car.
What is Auto Paint Contamination?
Auto paint contamination is caused by tiny metal shavings from brake dust, rail dust and industrial fallout which is a byproduct of the modern industrial age. Rail dust comes from railroad tracks and is produced by the friction of a train’s wheels against the tracks. Since most new cars are shipped to dealerships by train, the damage can begin before your vehicle reaches the dealership. Brake dust is produced from the friction of brake pads rubbing against the rotor and dispensed into the air on the highway where it comes into contact with other cars.
You cannot prevent paint contamination. Using rubbing compounds to remove the contamination can be abrasive; eventually it will remove the top clear coat finish from your car.
Removing Auto Paint Contamination with a Clay Bar
The most effective and the safest way to remove paint contamination is with a clay bar. This is a time consuming process so plan on spending about half a day on this job. It is very important that you use a lubricant that is designed for use with a clay bar. The clay bar slides on the lubricant as it pulls out the embedded particles; without the lubricant you could actually burn a hole in the finish.
Wash the car and allow it to dry thoroughly then apply a light mist of lubricant to a small area. Gently glide the clay bar across the area until the surface feels smooth. Wipe with a clean, dry rag and move on to another section. Do not try to work too large of an area at one time or the lubricant will dry before you can get to it with the clay bar.
As the clay bar becomes soiled, pull, stretch and refold to expose a new area. When it is completely soiled throw it out. A 2 oz clay bar should last through 5 to 7 treatments. Be careful not to drop the clay bar on the ground.
The clay bar only removes auto paint contamination; it will not remove scratches or restore the shine. After you complete this job, wash the car and apply a good coat of wax.
Joaquin Hernandez owns Collision on Wheels, a mobile auto body shop who comes to the consumer to provide dent and scratch repair, collision repair, and professional auto painting. Collision on Wheels vans are specially equipped for technicians to provide a quality auto paint job, perfectly matched. Advanced technology allows them to work under most weather conditions. Joaquin serves consumers and businesses in Los Angeles, Playa Vista, Playa Del Rey, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, El Segundo, Torrance, Gardena, Lawndale, Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Palos Verdes Estates, Palos Verdes, Signal Hill, Lomita, Long Beach, Hawthorne, Westchester, Harbor City and neighboring cities and communities.
90001, 90002, 90003, 90004, 90005, 90006, 90007, 90008, 90010, 90011, 90012, 90013, 90291, 90254, 90501, 90503, 90506, 90260, 90274, 90275, 90755, 90745, 90755, 90803, 90806, 90810, 90250, 90710, 90094, 90266, 90245, 90248, 90278, 90717, 90045
What is Auto Paint Contamination?
Auto paint contamination is caused by tiny metal shavings from brake dust, rail dust and industrial fallout which is a byproduct of the modern industrial age. Rail dust comes from railroad tracks and is produced by the friction of a train’s wheels against the tracks. Since most new cars are shipped to dealerships by train, the damage can begin before your vehicle reaches the dealership. Brake dust is produced from the friction of brake pads rubbing against the rotor and dispensed into the air on the highway where it comes into contact with other cars.
You cannot prevent paint contamination. Using rubbing compounds to remove the contamination can be abrasive; eventually it will remove the top clear coat finish from your car.
Removing Auto Paint Contamination with a Clay Bar
The most effective and the safest way to remove paint contamination is with a clay bar. This is a time consuming process so plan on spending about half a day on this job. It is very important that you use a lubricant that is designed for use with a clay bar. The clay bar slides on the lubricant as it pulls out the embedded particles; without the lubricant you could actually burn a hole in the finish.
Wash the car and allow it to dry thoroughly then apply a light mist of lubricant to a small area. Gently glide the clay bar across the area until the surface feels smooth. Wipe with a clean, dry rag and move on to another section. Do not try to work too large of an area at one time or the lubricant will dry before you can get to it with the clay bar.
As the clay bar becomes soiled, pull, stretch and refold to expose a new area. When it is completely soiled throw it out. A 2 oz clay bar should last through 5 to 7 treatments. Be careful not to drop the clay bar on the ground.
The clay bar only removes auto paint contamination; it will not remove scratches or restore the shine. After you complete this job, wash the car and apply a good coat of wax.
Joaquin Hernandez owns Collision on Wheels, a mobile auto body shop who comes to the consumer to provide dent and scratch repair, collision repair, and professional auto painting. Collision on Wheels vans are specially equipped for technicians to provide a quality auto paint job, perfectly matched. Advanced technology allows them to work under most weather conditions. Joaquin serves consumers and businesses in Los Angeles, Playa Vista, Playa Del Rey, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, El Segundo, Torrance, Gardena, Lawndale, Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Palos Verdes Estates, Palos Verdes, Signal Hill, Lomita, Long Beach, Hawthorne, Westchester, Harbor City and neighboring cities and communities.
90001, 90002, 90003, 90004, 90005, 90006, 90007, 90008, 90010, 90011, 90012, 90013, 90291, 90254, 90501, 90503, 90506, 90260, 90274, 90275, 90755, 90745, 90755, 90803, 90806, 90810, 90250, 90710, 90094, 90266, 90245, 90248, 90278, 90717, 90045
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Body Shop Owner in Los Angeles Discusses Auto Collision Safety: Is Big Better?
Many people feel safer in a bigger vehicle; they believe there will be less chance of severe injury if they are involved in an accident. In the event of a rear end crash, head restraints are important for proper head and neck support. Studies have shown that many larger vehicles, like SUVs, that were analyzed by an insurance industry group did not have proper seat back and head restraint combinations. Passengers in these vehicles are at a greater risk of suffering a whiplash injury.
Rear-end crashes are very common. Though fatalities are rare, whiplash injuries are a major problem that cost insurance companies millions in claims each year. Pain and lack of flexibility can disable victims for years.
Rear Crash Protection
Airbags are only designed to work in front-end crashes to provide front, side and rollover protection. Researchers are looking at the geometry of seats and head restraints as a way to protect people from injury in a rear end crash. They use mannequins in crash simulation labs to determine the possibility of injury based on geometric data.
Some auto makers are working on improving rear-crash safety with improved seat designs and head restraints. Head restraints are required in the front seats of passenger vehicles; however, their shape and size continues to vary. There are currently no requirements for the back seat.
Seats and head restraints work together to provide the support needed in rear-end crashes. The force of the crash pushes a passenger’s body forward while the head remains behind the torso, causing the neck to stretch and resulting in whiplash injuries. The degree of injury depends on many factors, including the person’s weight, position on impact, the shape of the seat and the position of the head restraint.
Head restraints are crucial for keeping the head and body aligned as much as possible in case of a rear-end crash. Studies have shown that the best head restraints are height and angle adjustable and the seatback is designed to work well with the head restraint. Finally, it is important for passengers to adjust their head restraint properly and wear their seat belts.
The Problem with Back Seats
Back seat passengers have little or no protection from whiplash injuries. Some vehicles have built-in head restraints that cannot be adjusted; they’re just bumps on top of the seat back.
Some vehicles have adjustable head restraints that don’t lock into place so the can drop down when pressure is put on them. Some head restraints block the driver’s view out the rear window. One good idea that has been implemented in some cars is the head restraints that can be folded down when not in use.
Car manufacturers have a ways to go in creating and designing good seat back and head restraint systems for protection in rear-end crashes. Most cars rate poor to fair in this category.
Joaquin Hernandez owns and operates Collision on Wheels, a mobile auto body repair shop. Like crash safety technology, auto body shops have also improved their methods to provide a safer atmosphere for their technicians and the environment. Collision on Wheels only uses PPG Envirobase products for a healthier work place and to reduce the VOCs released into the atmosphere.
Collision on Wheels provides on-site auto body repairs, dent repair, paint repair, bumper repair or replacement, auto painting and minor collision repairs for consumers and businesses in Jefferson and Shelby County, Birmingham, Trussville, Roebuck, Mountain Brook, Vestavia, Homewood, Bessemer, Pelham, Alabaster, Center Point, Chelsea and neighboring cities and communities
Rear-end crashes are very common. Though fatalities are rare, whiplash injuries are a major problem that cost insurance companies millions in claims each year. Pain and lack of flexibility can disable victims for years.
Rear Crash Protection
Airbags are only designed to work in front-end crashes to provide front, side and rollover protection. Researchers are looking at the geometry of seats and head restraints as a way to protect people from injury in a rear end crash. They use mannequins in crash simulation labs to determine the possibility of injury based on geometric data.
Some auto makers are working on improving rear-crash safety with improved seat designs and head restraints. Head restraints are required in the front seats of passenger vehicles; however, their shape and size continues to vary. There are currently no requirements for the back seat.
Seats and head restraints work together to provide the support needed in rear-end crashes. The force of the crash pushes a passenger’s body forward while the head remains behind the torso, causing the neck to stretch and resulting in whiplash injuries. The degree of injury depends on many factors, including the person’s weight, position on impact, the shape of the seat and the position of the head restraint.
Head restraints are crucial for keeping the head and body aligned as much as possible in case of a rear-end crash. Studies have shown that the best head restraints are height and angle adjustable and the seatback is designed to work well with the head restraint. Finally, it is important for passengers to adjust their head restraint properly and wear their seat belts.
The Problem with Back Seats
Back seat passengers have little or no protection from whiplash injuries. Some vehicles have built-in head restraints that cannot be adjusted; they’re just bumps on top of the seat back.
Some vehicles have adjustable head restraints that don’t lock into place so the can drop down when pressure is put on them. Some head restraints block the driver’s view out the rear window. One good idea that has been implemented in some cars is the head restraints that can be folded down when not in use.
Car manufacturers have a ways to go in creating and designing good seat back and head restraint systems for protection in rear-end crashes. Most cars rate poor to fair in this category.
Joaquin Hernandez owns and operates Collision on Wheels, a mobile auto body repair shop. Like crash safety technology, auto body shops have also improved their methods to provide a safer atmosphere for their technicians and the environment. Collision on Wheels only uses PPG Envirobase products for a healthier work place and to reduce the VOCs released into the atmosphere.
Collision on Wheels provides on-site auto body repairs, dent repair, paint repair, bumper repair or replacement, auto painting and minor collision repairs for consumers and businesses in Jefferson and Shelby County, Birmingham, Trussville, Roebuck, Mountain Brook, Vestavia, Homewood, Bessemer, Pelham, Alabaster, Center Point, Chelsea and neighboring cities and communities
Auto Body Shop Tech Spills the Beans: What Body Repair Shops and Insurance Companies Don't Want You to Know!
Minor accidents resulting in small fender-benders often cost more than your insurance deductible to have repaired at a traditional auto body shop. If the accident is your fault, then be prepared to pay the deductible.
Auto insurance companies contract with auto body shops for a pre-negotiated rate for repairs. Some practices include requiring low hourly labor rates or forcing the body shop to pay for a rental car if they do not complete repairs timely. These practices often tempt the auto body shop to cut corners, using lower quality materials or neglecting to complete certain steps required for proper repair.
When will the repair work be completed? Quite often, not when promised. Auto body shops like to blame this on a delay in parts delivery when the truth is they took on more business than they could handle. Check out the shop you are using to see if there have been multiple complaints about repairs being completed on time.
Car rentals can be costly; make sure your insurance company covers the type of rental car you need while yours in the shop. Your policy might limit you reimbursement on a small car when you need a minivan.
Some insurance companies prefer auto body shops that use generic or salvage replacement parts to save money. This is fine for some repairs, but original-equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts are always designed to match perfectly and in some cases may be safer. If you are in an accident and you are determined to be at fault then there could be wording in your insurance policy that requires you to use lower quality parts or pay the difference for OEM replacement parts. If you are not at fault, be sure to tell the shop to use only OEM parts.
Many foreign made cars require special equipment and a high degree of precision to perform repairs properly. If you drive a foreign car make sure the shop you choose is certified by the manufacturer to do the work. Your insurance company will not be likely to recommend these shops because they charge higher rates; however, they should be willing to pay to repair your vehicle to its original condition.
Does your insurance company provide a parts and service warranty? If so, it’s useless! The auto body shop’s guarantee is the one that is important to you; most body shops guarantee their work and the parts manufacturers guarantee the parts.
Insurance companies have negotiated so many discounts with auto body shops that in order for the shop to stay in business they do lower quality repair work. Check with the Better Business Bureau, Vehicle Information Services or other agencies that monitor the quality of work done by auto body shops to be sure you are getting good service.
Joaquin Hernandez owns Collision on Wheels, a mobile auto body shop in the Los Angeles area. He comes to you at your home or workplace to provide auto scratch and dent repair, auto painting, and collision repair. Work is done in one day or less and the charge is often less than your insurance deductible.
Joaquin serves consumers and business owners in Jefferson and Shelby County, Birmingham, Trussville, Roebuck, Mountain Brook, Vestavia, Homewood, Bessemer, Pelham, Alabaster, Center Point, Chelsea and neighboring cities and communities.
90001, 90002, 90003, 90004, 90005, 90006, 90007, 90008, 90010, 90011, 90012, 90013, 90291, 90254, 90501, 90503, 90506, 90260, 90274, 90275, 90755, 90745, 90755, 90803, 90806, 90810, 90250, 90710, 90094, 90266, 90245, 90248, 90278, 90717, 90045
Auto insurance companies contract with auto body shops for a pre-negotiated rate for repairs. Some practices include requiring low hourly labor rates or forcing the body shop to pay for a rental car if they do not complete repairs timely. These practices often tempt the auto body shop to cut corners, using lower quality materials or neglecting to complete certain steps required for proper repair.
When will the repair work be completed? Quite often, not when promised. Auto body shops like to blame this on a delay in parts delivery when the truth is they took on more business than they could handle. Check out the shop you are using to see if there have been multiple complaints about repairs being completed on time.
Car rentals can be costly; make sure your insurance company covers the type of rental car you need while yours in the shop. Your policy might limit you reimbursement on a small car when you need a minivan.
Some insurance companies prefer auto body shops that use generic or salvage replacement parts to save money. This is fine for some repairs, but original-equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts are always designed to match perfectly and in some cases may be safer. If you are in an accident and you are determined to be at fault then there could be wording in your insurance policy that requires you to use lower quality parts or pay the difference for OEM replacement parts. If you are not at fault, be sure to tell the shop to use only OEM parts.
Many foreign made cars require special equipment and a high degree of precision to perform repairs properly. If you drive a foreign car make sure the shop you choose is certified by the manufacturer to do the work. Your insurance company will not be likely to recommend these shops because they charge higher rates; however, they should be willing to pay to repair your vehicle to its original condition.
Does your insurance company provide a parts and service warranty? If so, it’s useless! The auto body shop’s guarantee is the one that is important to you; most body shops guarantee their work and the parts manufacturers guarantee the parts.
Insurance companies have negotiated so many discounts with auto body shops that in order for the shop to stay in business they do lower quality repair work. Check with the Better Business Bureau, Vehicle Information Services or other agencies that monitor the quality of work done by auto body shops to be sure you are getting good service.
Joaquin Hernandez owns Collision on Wheels, a mobile auto body shop in the Los Angeles area. He comes to you at your home or workplace to provide auto scratch and dent repair, auto painting, and collision repair. Work is done in one day or less and the charge is often less than your insurance deductible.
Joaquin serves consumers and business owners in Jefferson and Shelby County, Birmingham, Trussville, Roebuck, Mountain Brook, Vestavia, Homewood, Bessemer, Pelham, Alabaster, Center Point, Chelsea and neighboring cities and communities.
90001, 90002, 90003, 90004, 90005, 90006, 90007, 90008, 90010, 90011, 90012, 90013, 90291, 90254, 90501, 90503, 90506, 90260, 90274, 90275, 90755, 90745, 90755, 90803, 90806, 90810, 90250, 90710, 90094, 90266, 90245, 90248, 90278, 90717, 90045
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