How to prevent rust and corrosion on your vehicle

Do you know the types of rust and corrosion and how to avoid and fix them?  Let us guide you!

 

RUST

Rust is iron oxide, which happens when any type of iron mixes with oxygen. A lot of frames on cars are made of steel, which is a mix of iron, carbon and sometimes other less expensive, lighter metals. Although iron is the only type of metal to rust, other types of metal corrode, which is very similar. Pure iron does not rust as fast, the alloy (mixture of metals) metals break it down faster. But they are lighter, which is better for your car being stronger, better on gas and more flexible.

CORROSION

Corrosion is for other metals, such as copper, tin, bronze, gold etc. This happens, also, when these metals mix with oxygen. These metals are mainly used in wiring and springs in vehicles.

Most of these metals will corrode or rust eventually. This can lead to weakening of the metals and alter their structure and performance. But, you can use cleaners to rid some of the rusting. However, that does not make the metals stronger or restore them to their original quality.

Rust can happen in a number of ways.

SURFACE RUST

The first being "surface rust": This is on the car paint that may have been scratched or cracked. When the sun, salt and/or water get to these chips, they speed up the rusting process. To avoid this from happening, try to keep the paint touched up and buffed. Adding an anti-rust sealer can only help. But if it does happen, use a small wire brush to rid the area of the rust, add some touch up paint, clear coat and a buff. It should be good as new.

SCALE RUST

 "Scale rust": This is usually brought onto exposed iron that comes in contact with salt and water. It's basically just an environmental factor. People that live in colder climates, generally with snow and rock salt, will have cars that rust faster. As well as people who live near the ocean. This is also a more serious type of rust. It is generally larger, has bubbles, flakes or pits (dents). The visible rust needs to be scraped away or wire brushed to prevent any further damage. Then it must be sanded down, primed, painted, clear coated and buffed.

 

 

 

 

 

PENETRATING FRAME RUST

"Penetrating rust": This rust has been oxidizing for quite a while. It will become very weak and have holes in the rusted part. This is generally in areas you would not see often, like the frame or parts under the car. There is no quick fix to this problem. You can either replace the entire part or cut out the affected parts and weld new pieces in. If you are unsure of what you're doing, take it to a professional body shop. They will be able to fix it safely for you, without compromising the integrity of the previously rusted area.

Luckily, nowadays most cars are manufactured better than they used to. Older cars rusted much faster and easier. But just because they are newer, doesn't mean there couldn't be an issue. Toyota recently had a frame rusting recall on fairly newer models. But, the manufacturers are trying to avoid and prevent rust more actively. They have been introducing other, less likely to corrode, metals to the process; such as magnesium. However, they are pricey and used sparsely. There are other ways to ward off rust though. Anti-rust dips are being done to car parts before paint, thicker walled sheet metal and extra anti-rust coatings under the car and frame. These definitely delay rusting, but it is always a good idea to check out your car and keep an eye on any spots that look troublesome. Another way to prevent rust at home is to make sure the vehicle is clean, especially after being in a salty area. And any drain holes that are visible should be cleaned out every so often with pipe cleaners or tiny wire brushes.

When buying an older car, check the whole car top and bottom for rust. If there is visibly rust to the frame or shocks that you are thinking about buying, it might be best not to. As it can pose a serious safety issue and costly. Parts of the frame can break and might cause more damage in an accident. Also, if there is rust present on or near the break and gas lines, they can be very expensive to replace and are very dangerous.

TSB (Technical Service Bulletins) VS Recalls

 Do you know the difference between a TSB and a recall? 

Let Medford Auto Body help you!

A TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) is a document sent out by the car manufacturer to the dealers and sometimes the owners of the vehicle. They detail any issues the vehicle may encounter after it has been released. They can be related to anything from a safety issue to a faulty door handle. Some cars have more than others. While the bulletins can outline some safety issues, generally recalls are used for serious safety hazards.

Dealers: They help the dealers or repair shops out by explaining the problem, the repair and/or parts needed. They can also let them know about any changes to maintenance changes or procedures.

Customers: For customers, this can save you money down the road. Say your vehicle needed new tires prematurely. Then you see a TSB about abnormal tire repair, allowing an extended warranty for the specified problem, you could then send in your receipt for repairs and potentially be reimbursed. However, the repair is not always covered by the dealers.

The TSB can be a very valuable tool when preparing to purchase a car. They can kind of alert you to potential problems and expenses down the road. It could possibly help negotiate the price or request the problem be fixed before purchasing the car.


Some manufacturers will send the vehicle owner, directly, the TSB outlining what is wrong and how the dealers will help you fix it. For example, 2006-2009 Honda Civics were issued a TSB about the engine block overheating and making the car un-driveable. While this does seem like a serious safety issue, Honda sent the TSB and replaced any engine blocks that had the issue free of charge. But not every car has the same problems. However, if the issue were to get out of hand and cause serious health problems or death in vehicle owners, the vehicle will probably be recalled. Take the 2003-2007 GM vehicles (a few different models), the vehicles were randomly and suddenly shutting off due to a faulty ignition switch. This caused several fatalities and was turned from a TSB to a recall.



While some manufacturers are nice enough to send the TSB to your house (file them away for future use if not needed now), others are not. There are a few ways to go about getting a TSB on your vehicle though: 

• Repair shops or dealers have access
• Websites and car forums online
• Independent companies will sell them
• The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Admin) has them for free by mail

They are a bit easier to get now, with the internet having almost immediate access to almost any information. If any are sent to your house or you see them online, file them away or bookmark them for possible future use. And of course, save any receipts for work done or parts purchased. Not only will this help you get reimbursed later on, if needed,  but it will also come in handy if you plan to sell your car.

  

 

Recalls are just like TSBs, but are concerned with more dangerous safety issues. Just like some TSBs, the recalls are sent, first to the dealers and second to the vehicle owner. You can always check online for recalls on your vehicle. If you find that your car is recalled, take it to or call the dealer as soon as possible. Also, if you find that you think something should be recalled on the car and are experiencing serious car troubles, you can always take it to the dealer/shop. Save all your receipts for repairs for TSB and recalls. You could be reimbursed down the road.

 

The manufacturers are required to pay for any work done for a recall. Sometimes they even put out a recall before they are forced to. The NHTSA will gather information and reports about all vehicles and if there is enough of the same problem, they will go public and force a recall if one has not been made already. So, it can't hurt to make a claim or report serious issues. It could help save lives down the road.

Recalls are very serious, as the vehicle is being recalled because you could be put in serious danger or be killed while in the car.

The truth about car dealerships!

What you need to know about leasing, trade ins and buying a new car at a dealership!

Leased cars: This is a car that is financed through monthly payments with a car dealership's bank and allows the lessee to only pay a portion of the entire price. The length is about 3 years, but can vary either way. It is a brand new car with a warranty and is great for people who don't drive too far or too much. The lease is determined by miles driven and/or a number of years.


This car is basically like buying your own new car but you get to return it before it's too much work! The wear and tear on tires and fluids need to be replaced by the lessee. Also, if the car is involved in an accident of some sort, the lessee is also responsible for choosing  a shop and getting the car repaired. However, no major upgrades or changes are allowed. The car will come with a warranty though, like any other new car, which should be the length of the lease. Any time over that may become more expensive with upkeep. It might be a smart idea to purchase GAP insurance (which covers the remaining amount, after your insurance company pays, if a car were to be totaled soon after purchasing or leased). The insurance companies do not always give full value or close to what you paid for the car due to the quick depreciation of cars.

Areas bigger than a credit card may cost you.

Upon returning the car to the bank (first it is taken back to any dealership under the same name), the bank will conduct an inspection on the condition of the car. They allot a certain amount of money for minor damages to the car, generally small scrapes or the usual wear and tear. While some may be lenient with the wear and tear, others may be very uptight and count every single scratch. This is why requesting an early inspection from the bank, if there are questionable spots, is a good idea. This will allow time to get the car repaired before being charged.


The bank generally is only concerned with the car being in good working condition. This means, for example, they aren't concerned with different tires than it started with. The car is then sold, sometimes back to the original dealer you purchased it from, as used. The bank will allow the dealership that leased the car to have first dibs on buying it back to sell in their lot. Sometimes there's a lease to own option though. The contract for the lease will show the remaining dollar amount on the car and is usually a pretty good deal for a newer car.The mileage is also checked to make sure the amount agreed upon is at or under the limit. Over mileage can cost up to 25 cents per mile.


Leases are great for some people, specifically if the person driving the car doesn't drive often or many miles, enjoys new cars often or do not care to maintain a vehicle for a number of years after it is considered new. But for people who drive a lot or long distances, leasing a car is not the best option.



 
Trade-ins: These are cars people 'trade in' to add to or use for a down payment on a new car. They are not determined by pricing on websites like Kelly Blue Book, they go by what people will pay for each car. This can be upsetting for people who believe they are getting what the value says online. The dealerships use stats to know what people will pay for each car, then consider how much they want to make on the car.





Car Fax/Vehicle History Reports: The facts come from estimate systems used by repair shops and insurance companies. Car Fax will buy information about the VIN number (not personal information) from those companies. They tell if there was any auto body damage, for example.

Dealerships will use a clean Car Fax to jack the price up of a car for sale and lower the worth of a trade in value with an unclean Car Fax. It will tell you how many owners the car had, if there was damage with a reported accident, type of usage, any type of damage and if the car was salvaged, junked or a lemon.

Labor is listed as auto body damage or work.

Frame work will list as auto frame damage.

Airbag sensor damage will list as airbag damage. 

This information is taken without knowing the situations of each car and may not be as bad as they seem on paper. But sometimes it is exactly what happens. Then there are times when the damage isn't written in these systems or reported to the insurance companies. There can be damage or minor work done without realizing it. But sometimes there is a big dent in your car with a clean Car Fax. So while this is a good source to use while buying a car, it may not always be accurate.



Buying cars: This can be anywhere from a brand new car to buying an older car in the back of the lot. The older cars are other people's trade ins, which is why you may see a Nissan at a Honda dealership.

Check for a Vehicle History Report on any car being purchased; usually the dealership will have them. While they are not always accurate, they are still helpful. Check for a warranty for peace of mind too. The older models probably won't have one, but if you really want one, dealerships offer a warranty for a fee and aren't as inclusive as new warranties.

Then obviously, the more you put as a down payment, the less your payments will be a month. Also, for financing a car, the insurance on the vehicle must be full coverage. It also can't hurt to try and get the payments as low as possible. A few minutes of haggling can save you hundred of dollars in the long run.

There are also some 'dealership options' available when purchasing a vehicle. Some are good, like a bumper to bumper warranty and others are almost a gimmick, like fabric protection that costs them next to nothing. So be wary of them trying to take advantage.

Tips for driving defensively!

I know we have all heard this before... Generally from the insurance company or driving schools. If you have or haven't taken a class or just need a refresher; here are some useful tips for the road!

There are many dangers on the road between bad weather, damaged roads, bad drivers, stray animals or pedestrians. Many of these can not be helped. But bad drivers, although their actions can not be controlled, you may be able to avoid an accident by driving defensively.

Stay attentive and alert: This means no sleepy driving, no using electronics, making sure your passengers are not bothering you, no drugs or alcohol prior to or while driving, etc.

Pay attention: To your surroundings, your car and other drivers. Take notice of patterns of other drivers and you may even be able to predict their next, possibly careless, move. By paying attention to them, you can give yourself some time if it seems like the person might cut you off and cause an accident.

Check your mirrors

Remember what your mirrors are for... checking on others cars and objects. Keep an eye on how far or close they are to you, especially while stopped. Other drivers may not notice you're stopped and hit you. Don't assume anything from other drivers!

Always be on the look out for people under the influence. If there are people driving noticeably slow and swerving, avoid these people at all costs. Go a different route or pass them. If they seem especially reckless, pull over and phone the police.

 

Driving while tired can have the same effect as a drunk driver. Get yourself some coffee, some form of caffeine or maybe something small to munch on to keep you alert. If you notice, as a passenger, that the driver is falling asleep offer to drive if you can or pull over.

Always look ahead: That means not just the car in front of you, but all the cars in front of you. If you notice a car or cars that are braking and the person in front of you does not, you should know to start braking to. The person in front of you may not be paying attention.




Avoid road rage: Driving can be maddening at times, but trying to stay calm and keep a clear head can really do wonders for your driving record. Also, driving in a rush and tailgating people may only hurt you in the end. Generally, the car that has been rear ended is not at fault. So that can leave you with a ticket, points on your license, increased insurance premiums and/or a possible lawsuit. None of that seems worth it. Try to keep a car or two's length in between yourself and the cars in front of you. Driving fast poses the same hazardous as very slow drivers.
 


Have a plan: If you do find yourself in a possible accident, always check for an escape route. You should look to your sides to see if there's a clear path or lane to move. But do not accidentally drive into oncoming traffic. Swerving is also an option too, if clear.

Blind spots

Try not to be in another car's blind spot. Either speed up or slow down, they might not double check to see if its safe before making a move and side swipe you.

Keep these in mind: You must remember that, although driving a car is very normal to most people, it is still tons of metal that can seriously injure or kill yourself or others. The car should be thought of as a weapon, used with caution and care.

Buckle up!

  

Wear your seat belt!

Drive the speed limit!

Always use turn signals! 

Check for working head/tail lamps!

And in bad weather, everything needs to be slowed down immensely. Check out this blog to learn more on how to drive in inclement weather.

Safe winter driving tips!

Here are a few key tips for snow/ice driving:

•  Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface (wet, ice, leaves, sand). It can be harder to control the car if you need a quick stop.

• Make sure all the snow is cleared off the whole car, including the roof and tail lights!!
• Check to make sure your headlights are on while driving in the snow and rain.
• Make sure you have weatherized antifreeze and wind shield washer fluid, not water. It can freeze and break the tank.

• Always wear your seat belt.
• Be wary of plows and salt trucks while driving. Remember, the roads behind them are much safer than those in front. They are plowing for a reason.
• Remember too that the speed limits may not apply if the roads are bad. It's safer to go slower.
• It's easier to drive slower than to have to break often, which causes spin outs and sliding.
   
• STAY OFF THE CELLPHONE while driving, especially in bad weather!

 


 
How to get out of a slide or 'fishtail":

You can be pulled over for this.

First, try to drive below 45 MPH to avoid this, but if it does happen, here are a few pointers on how to correct it. As soon as it happens, take your foot off the brake. Your brakes may be locking up and then make the car entirely useless. Then slowly start to slow down and gently turn the steering wheel in the direction your back end is sliding into. Don't go too far or it could cause more sliding and spinning. But if it does happen, turn in the opposite direction lightly. Do these motions without jerking the wheel. It is very scary to slide and spin, but panicked motions will only make it worse. Spins and slides are very hard to get out of, but these tips can help! This is useful for black-ice too.

Specific ice driving:

If you see an accident, try not to stop and help unless of serious danger. It might cause a pileup, so if with someone else, call the authorities who are more knowledgeable and helpful in the situation. 

If you are in an accident on icy roads, it might be best to get out and away from your car. One icy accident is usually sure to bring a few more on. People get panicked, break, slide and crash. Be aware of your surroundings.

For long distance driving in inclement weather:

Make a kit, just in case!

Drive slower than normal and let someone know where you are going and your ETA.  Check the weather report before you go; if you don't need to drive then stay home and safe.

It might be a safe bet to keep sand or kitty litter (traction while getting unstuck), windshield scrapers, jumper cables, blankets, a flashlight, bottled water and dry non-perishable snacks in the car too. This could come in handy in case a big snow storm comes and you are unable to safely drive your car or no one is able to get out and help you if your car breaks down. Also, you don't want to risk exposure trying to walk and find help.

This is visible to rescuers.

If stranded: Stay in your vehicle (if it's safe) with something colorful on the exterior of the car for rescuers to spot easily. While with your vehicle, check that the tail pipe is clear of snow and debris before heating the car; you don't want to accidentally poison yourself trying to keep warm.

Do you know the difference between wheel drives?

All wheel drive (AWD):  The main feature, available for a variety of vehicles, is all the wheels have power to them and can work together or separately for better traction control. There are not many limits to an AWD vehicle; it's great for everyday driving, snow, rain and high performance (Not so much off-roading though). The best part is the vehicle knows when to send power to each wheel, so no participation is needed from the driver. I would say this is your best bet for an all around good vehicle in good and bad weather.

Four wheel drive (4WD): This feature is usually in larger vehicles like pick-ups and SUVs. It works by sending power to only the wheels that need it (in sets of two). All of them can be used, but generally the rear gets most of the power until the front has use for it. The front then gets half the work, which is great for plowing, large amounts of debris (Mud, snow, etc.) and hills. However, when this feature is not needed, its pretty much just a heavy rear wheel drive vehicle with bad gas mileage. So, if you don't have the need for it, it's not worth it. 

Stay behind the plows.

Front wheel drive (FWD): This is most common in modern sedan type cars and crossovers. The front wheels control the car which is a better option that rear wheel drive. They also have better gas mileage and are all around pretty good vehicles in bad weather. Although they are great everyday cars, it's not optimal for high performance and tight driving. It also doesn't help too much that they are lighter cars, which can hinder traction control a bit.


Rear wheel drive (RWD):  This type of wheel drive was standard for most cars. They are lighter cars with better weight distribution, especially for high performance driving and police officers. But in the snow, they are sometimes a mess. 'Fishtailing' and sliding are all too familiar for drivers, especially for pick-up drivers. If you do have a RWD vehicle in the snow, putting extra weight in the back can be useful. These are the worst vehicles for winter driving.

For more information on how to keep safe in busy parking lots during the holidays, check this out!

The truth about fuel efficiency!

You've heard a million different ways to up the mileage you get out of one tank of gas; but do you know how much of it is true?

Small cars are the only fuel efficient cars:

 
Nowadays, car manufacturers are making larger cars to be as fuel efficient as small cars. While this typically is limited to sedans right now, the manufacturers are working on more options! There is new technology that allows this, such as diesel engines, hybrids, partial electric cars, turbochargers, etc. they all make for a smoother more efficient ride! 
 

Manual transmissions are more fuel efficient than automatic:

 
Automatic engines these days may have more gears than the manual transmissions, which makes it better for highway driving. But for older cars, a manual will usually be better for gas.

For city driving, the manual transmissions generally still rank better on gas mileage. But for highway driving, the automatics are usually the same or even better.

 

Replacing your air filter will help on fuel efficiency:

 

On modern cars this doesn't ring true anymore. However, this will help with any car that has a carburetor. The fuel injection systems allow for better emission control and better gas usage. This does so by using less fuel than before to power the car, so it doesn't get thrown off by a dirty air filter. The engine's technology maintains and corrects the air and gas mixture used to drive on its own. But a dirty air filter may affect how your car performs, so it does need to be changed at times.

It also allows the car to need less time to 'warm up' before driving in colder weather. Which leads us to our next point...

 

 

 Starting your car uses more fuel than idling:  

 

Modern cars are made to only need about 30 seconds to warm up for driving in cold weather, as opposed to the 5-10 minutes thought before. So the old way of letting the car sit and warm is not necessary anymore. Unless it is for ice, snow or comfort.

There is now "stop-start" technology, common in hybrids, which helps with idling at red lights. It turns the car off after a certain time and then can be restarted by pressing on the gas pedal. It uses  gas wisely and efficiently. However, manually shutting off and restarting the car at stops can be a hazard.

Idling just wastes gas, so it is better to turn the car off if you need to wait in the car. 

 

Using a better quality gas will save on mileage:

 

Using any other quality of gas than your car needs really doesn't help the car at all. There isn't even a noticeable difference with saving gas; just in your wallet. It's best to use the gas your car manual says.

 

 

Having properly inflated tires helps with gas efficiency:

This is absolutely true. And not only does it help you get more mileage out of your tank, but it greatly helps with traction. Additionally, check the tire pressure with a gauge to avoid over inflation, which can cause damage to the tires and less traction. Your car manual can tell you the correct pressure needed 

 Using the air conditioner eats the gas:

While driving on the highway, using the air conditioner and having the windows open had the same effect on the gas tank. Having the windows open on the highway will create a bigger drag and slow the car a bit. However, while city driving the air conditioner might not be your best bet. It does use a lot of energy to get and maintain the temperature. So if you are going to use the air, it is best to either use it at speeds above 50 MPH or just use the fans once the car is cooled inside.

Keeping the tailgate down on a pickup is good for gas savings:

 

By doing this, it will actually use more gas than having the tailgate attached normally. When the tailgate is up there is a sort of bubble created to let the air flow over the pick up bed. But when it's down, there is a drag created. If you are especially concerned, and not convinced, with this a mesh tailgate will help.

Driving while angry uses more gas:

This is surprisingly true. Driving while angry can cause the driver to use about 50% more gas than a stress free relaxed person. So calm down before getting behind the wheel, for the gas tank's sake and your own.

Gas additives and fuel saving gadgets

Myth: Advertisements for products promising to reduce gas mileage are everywhere. One of the most commonly used ones is acetone, the chemical found in nail polish remover. Some people claim it helps them save gas.
Fact: The EPA has tested hundreds of products over the years that promise to raise fuel efficiency and hasn't found one that has made a significant difference. Acetone, in particular, is corrosive and can damage your fuel system.
- See more at: http://www.boston.com/cars/gallery/fuel_saving_myths_and_facts?pg=8#sthash.SPbQDTrC.dpuf

 

 

Busy holiday driving tips!

The holidays can be a very stressful time, imagine adding an accident in the middle of shopping on top of that. Here's a few tips on how to avoid a mid-errand fender bender.

During the season, people can be very impatient to get everything done on time. This can lead them to look through receipts while driving in parking lots, become drowsy at the wheel, check on coupons, map out the next store and just rush around. The best tip is to always drive for the other person: be very aware of your driving, as well as what others are doing or might do soon.

Drive slowly to give yourself enough time to react to a possible accident, especially when the ground is wet or snowy. The average adult can run about 6-11 MPH, imagine running that fast into a brick wall. It would definitely cause some damage. Just because parking lots and traffic areas are for slow driving, doesn't mean you can't cause serious damage to vehicles or people.

Also, be aware of speeding cars rushing around and cutting through parking lots and spots. It helps to not fight over parking spaces with other shoppers, too. This could lead to an accident, fight or vandalism of your car. The mall and shopping centers are a very popular area for young and inexperienced drivers. However, people may also try to be courteous and "wave you on" into traffic. Make sure it is entirely clear before exiting a lot or wait until the traffic has cleared. 

Additionally, be sure to take care of yourself as a pedestrian. Lock your doors after you get into your car, be wary of people who may be after your items and always check the car before getting into it. There is a surprising number of people who get robbed and/or kidnapped in parking lots, day or night. Parking in a well lit, possible security camera, area can ward off possible thieves, as well as hit and run accidents.

Make sure your mirrors are set for optimal visibility and your turn signals are always being used while turning. The holiday season is when it is dark, wet and cold most; so be aware of pedestrians, especially with small children. The kids might be very excited and sprint from adults they're with. Pedestrians have the right away!

Make sure all windows are clear!

Back up sensors aide with blind spots.

Try to avoid backing out of a spot whenever possible, it's best to be able to pull through. But, if you must back out of a spot, take care to look for those small children. If you feel unsure about backing out, try back up sensors for you car with possible camera attachment! Make sure all windows are clear before driving!

 

Add caption

 If you stick to the rules of the road and give a little extra time and patience during this season, you should have a less stressful holiday shopping experience! Remember, it's better to be late than dead.

Do you know how your car is keeping you safe?

People are often confused by ABS and SRS; two sensors located on the dashboard. Both are key in aiding against injuries in accidents.

 

ABS: Anti-lock Braking System. This lets the brakes keep traction on the road and preventing 'lock-up' while trying to come to a quick stop.

SRS: Supplemental Restraint System. This is the passive (airbags) and active(seat belts)

 restraint systems your car offers.

Seat belt Restraints:

Seat belts are designed to keep the occupants restrained in the seat to reduce injury from minor incidents to large accidents. It is especially useful to keep the occupants from flying out of the car or smashing their heads on the interior during serious accidents. When the vehicle senses a hard stop, the buckle or belt will pull tight to keep the occupants stable. 

Just wearing your seat belt properly can reduce injuries by half. It is extremely important to wear your seat belt properly, not just half. Using it improperly can damage the occupants more than help them. Using the full 3 point harness belt will reduce the risk of paralysis by only using the lap part or sliding under the seat belt by only using the sash part.

Seat belt indicator light on dash

Studies have shown that since states have started implementing the seat belt law, more people have been wearing theirs for fear of a ticket. The seat belt indicator 'beep' also aides in the use of wearing one. However, in the span of a 26 year study, the NHTSA (Nation Highway Traffic Safety Association) has estimated that over 145,000 lives have been saved by wearing seat belts. They also found that by not wearing a seat belt in accidents, the risk of getting inured was about 50% more than not wearing one. On average, about 8,000 more lives can be saved by wearing a seat belt.

Airbags: 

Airbags are designed to keep the occupants safe and in a position which will lessen bodily injuries. However, they are meant for occupants over the age of 13. If under this age, the front seat airbags can prove more harmful, even fatal. But with the new technology to determine the size and weight of the occupant in the car it may not be as harmful or even inflate at all if a child is in the front seat. They can only deflate one time though, so they may not be able to protect from a second collision in the same accident. 

Signal showing the passenger
airbag is off.

There is an airbag control unit (ACU) that measures force in milliseconds by impact and speed. They specifically take wheel speed, brake pressures, seat and door sensors, impact and acceleration into consideration before deploying. 

The NHTSA (Nation Highway Traffic Safety Association) has estimated that over 8,000 lives have been saved from airbags in a span of a 14 year study.

Front (for driver and passenger): These are located in the dashboard and steering wheel. Frontal airbags are designed to inflate and deflate quickly in case the driver needs to regain control of the car. This process is usually done in 40 milliseconds or .04 seconds.

Knee Bolster: This airbag is located directly under the steering wheel and dashboard. They are made to protect the knees from damage in an accident.

Side/Bolster & Curtain: Side airbags are located in the seats and the curtain airbags are located above the window glass. They inflate and stay inflated to keep the driver/passengers in the car, especially when the car rolls. The are specifically helpful to reduce injuries on the head and brain.

Now, you know the difference between SRS and ABS and how your car is working to keep you safe. ALWAYS remember to wear your seat belt properly, it saves lives!!

Why rental car coverage is important!

Have you ever gotten your car towed after an accident and were left there wondering how you were going to get to work for the next couple weeks? 

You wouldn't have to if you had rental car coverage on your car insurance policy!

Why purchasing rental reimbursement is worth it: You won't have to worry about getting rides to work, daily activities, emergencies and so on. Just because your car is out of commission, does not mean you have to be as well.

Costs about 30$ a year: The policies generally cover about 30$ a day for 30 days. Can be longer, shorter, more or less money depending on your policy. Compare that about 30$ a year to about 400$ for a few weeks of a rental. It just makes sense to have it. The rental car companies usually give you a car close to what you currently drive for ease. This, however, can only be used with auto claim through your insurance carrier. Maintenance, leisure and minor repairs do not apply. This is also a great to have if you need to buy a new car after your car is totaled.

Additional costs: If you decide to go to a rental place that is not affiliated with your insurance carrier, you may to have to pay out of pocket and submit the receipts afterward. This can take some time to get your money back. If you do go with an affiliated company, the insurance carrier may even do all the hard work for you and set up payment and a reservation. Sometimes, though, will have to put a security hold on your car, but that will be returned after the vehicle is returned.

The rental company will most likely try to sell you a damage waiver or temporary insurance for the rental. You do not need these when you rent; your current policy will cover it. If you do decide to purchase the additional coverage, that is an out of pocket expense. 

When to get the rental: If you car is safe to drive and the repairs can wait for a better time, then don't get your rental right away. There is no point in using the coverage unnecessarily. But, if you car is unsafe to drive, it is best to get the rental as soon as possible!

How to tell if your car is unsafe to drive: If you were to be pulled over by a police officer and they would be able to write you a ticket: Damaged headlights, parts falling off the car, windshield is cracking or broken, missing bumpers and so on. Also, if you notice the doors or hood will not open and clearly if the wheels are damaged. If any of these are present after an accident, GET YOUR RENTAL CAR ASAP!

Car insurance companies do not push this extra for you policy as it doesn't make them money. But once you need it the rental, you cant add it. Using it for just one day pays to have it. If there is an extra vehicle at the house, then it may not be necessary.

Typical Auto Repair Process

Did you ever wonder what happens between the time you get into an accident and when it is returned to you?

Let Medford Auto Body help!

Estimate- The car can be brought to an auto body repair shop or be done wherever the car is (usually just for insurance adjuster estimates). A visual assessment is done of the outer damage. If there is internal damage, that will be seen during the breakdown. The person writing the estimate will go through and write up any damage using a computerized system, to ensure it is done as quickly as possible.

The process is reviewed with the customer and given an estimated time to repair. If the car is not able to be driven, this might be a good time to get your rental car.


Insurance company reviews estimate- The insurance company's claims department will go through and review the estimate. Sometimes the estimate is changed or the car is totaled. When the insurance company okays the repair, the parts may be ordered and the repairs can start. Sometimes this does take a little longer than usual.

Breakdown

Breakdown and supplements- The car is then taken apart where the damage is to see if there is an underlying issue. If so, the auto repair shop will send in a supplement for repairs; which is basically an additional estimate for the same repair. The insurance company will then send out the adjuster to review it. Sometimes this may come later on through the repair process and can add time to the original estimate.




Parts ordered and checked for accuracy- The parts are ordered either through a manufacturer, an after market company or a salvage yard. You can check out the types of car parts here.
Depending on the car, parts are usually readily available and are delivered quickly. However, there are some cars that have parts are not easy to come by, so it may take longer to receive them. If the car was able to be driven, now is the time to bring your car in to start the repair process.

Frame machine

Structure repair (Frame machine)- The car's structure gets fixed back to factory standards. There is a precise measurement system to ensure quality and stability. Your car may be put onto a frame machine, which pulls the car back to the original shape. 

Body filler on truck

Body work-  The technician will replace parts, if needed, or repair the damaged area. Body filler is used to smooth out any small dents or scratches. A measurement system is used to make sure all the repaired or new parts match up and the gaps are correct. Welding may be involved in this step. 

 

Outside paint booth

Inside paint booth

Prime, paint and seal- The painter will prep the area for paint by wet sanding to ensure the new paint sticks and seals to the parts. The car is taped off, if the whole car is being painted, or the single part is brought into the booth. Everything gets primed, painted and sealed with a clear coat and sometimes a rust inhibitor. The car paint is cured in the booth so no foreign objects or debris mess up the paint.

Spraying a car

Paint tints

There are specific paint codes for each car, so they match, using a computerized mixing system. However, if the car has been through a lot of wear and tear or is older, the paint may look too new. That is why some parts close to the damaged area are blended to a smooth cohesive finish. Blending is a process where the adjacent car part is partially painted with the new paint so the eye cannot tell where the old paint ends and the new paint starts. 

Assembly/Detailing- The car is then put back together; all the small parts, details and moldings. The car is checked for all working parts and is sometimes test driven.

Then the car gets cleaned off, washed up and, if it was a long repair, the inside gets vacuumed and given a minor detail. This is done right before the customer picks up.



Return to customer- The technician will go through the repairs on the car with the customer and assure it is the way it was pre-accident. The customer will receive a copy of the final estimate, make payment and enjoy their newly repaired vehicle.

At Medford Auto Body we ensure all repairs for a lifetime guarantee.

Affordable upgrades!

Do you wish there were visual upgrades available for your car that won't break the bank?

 

 Medford Auto Body can help!

 

Back up sensors/back up cameras:
Medford Auto Body can have sensors purchased and installed for 200$, add a camera for 300$ total.


Cameras and sensors are a great tool to have for your vehicle, as they help to avoid accidents especially in parking lots and homes with small children and pets. Studies have shown that the sensors and cameras are best for larger vehicles, trucks and SUVs. Generally, the larger the car, the more blind spots available. But these sensors are great for any size vehicle!
 

Sensors on bumper

View on mirror

 There are four small round sensors that attach to your bumper and are wired into the car. The display camera is either a clip on rear view mirror, that is placed on your previous mirror seamlessly; a dash mounted camera or hooked directly to the screen in
your display system. All of these
options turn the display camera on
automatically when the car is in reverse. The camera in the rear of the car is attached near the bumper or license plate. While using the sensors, the closer you get to an object/person, the louder and longer it will beep.

Although this is an effective way to avoid accidents while backing up, these sensors and cameras can have blind spots too. Make sure to always check your surroundings especially in bad weather and at night.

Spoilers (lip, front and wing):
Medford Auto Body can have the spoiler painted and installed for about 50$-250$. Not including the price of the spoiler you choose.

  

Spoilers are great for many reasons, aside from just the cosmetics. They increase fuel efficiency, aide in braking, make your car easier to see and reduce the weight while drag racing.

Wing spoiler custom painted

Lip spoilers are smaller, subtle and slightly sporty looking. They are usually placed on the trunk lid, but can be placed beneath the grill on the front of the car. The front spoilers, or air dams, can alleviate the drag, or slow down, produced by the rear spoilers. 

Wing spoilers are larger, sportier and more effective in drag racing or fast cars. They are more effective for racing, as they improve the traction, without added weight.

Hood scoops:
Medford Auto Body can have the hood scoop painted and installed for about 50$-250$. Not including the price of the hood scoop you choose.

Side scoop in front

Side scoop in back

Hood scoops allow direct air flow to the engine, which feeds the engine cold and dense air to give it more power. There are a few different types of scoops, but they all are used to increase performance in the engine. At faster speeds, you can feel more of a supercharged effect. However,
some hood scoops are solely cosmetic.

Scoops can be located on the hood of the car, as a single piece or be attached later on. Side scoops are also available with the same function. They are located on the sides of your car near the doors.




Stereo upgrades:
Medford Auto Body can purchase and install a new stereo equipped with a CD player and smartphone hook up for as low as 150$. Other upgrades and pricing may be discussed.

There are many upgrades available to make your sound system sound just the way you want it. You can go with new speakers for a reasonable upgrade, either in the front, the rear or different types of woofers in the truck. Many types of speakers can be purchased depending on the type of sound you're looking for: bass, mid range, higher pitched, or amps for louder music without distortion.

Or you could go ahead and replace the entire head unit; that way you can completely customize the sound you want. This can be somewhat timely and costly, but it less expensive than it used to be. A new head unit can be hooked up to your phone, using blue tooth or AUX. Your phone can even control your car radio, as well as your radio can take your calls for hands free driving.


New headlight bulbs:
Medford Auto Body can purchase and install high quality halogen bulbs for as low as 20$ a headlight. HID conversion kits start at 150$. 

HID conversion kit

There are two types of bulbs you can switch to for better visibility while lasting longer than a normal bulb. Halogen bulbs, very common,  produce more light using Halogen gas and a filament. They don't burn out as fast as a normal bulb.

HID bulbs, also known as Xenon, have no filament and last 90% longer than Halogen and regular bulbs. They are filled with Xenon gas and produce a light twice as bright as the others. However, these usually require a conversion kit to use. But they come in a few different tints, just to customize it a bit more.



Chrome grill replacement:
Medford Auto Body can purchase and install chrome grills for as low as 150$.

These snap on grills get installed right over your existiing grill, making it a quick and easy upgrade. They are chrome grills designed specifically for your car, so the fit will always be right. You can buy after market or OEM. They add a nice visual touch!



Pinstripes:
Medford Auto Body can install pinstripes right over your paint job in any color for 30$.

Custom pinstripes

Are your pinstripes fading or cracking? Let Medford Auto Body fix them up for you! We can repair existing or faded pinstripes, match colors, or start fresh with any color of your choosing.

Tape on pinstripes are a quicker, easier, yet just as lasting as paint on pinstripes. They can take a fraction of the time and cost. All we need to do is make sure the area is free of debris or wax and get started. About an hour later, the car is ready to go.