The facts about paintless dent removal and glass repairs!

Paint-less dent removal: 

Before and after

This is commonly used for hail damage, small-medium size dents (like ones from doors in parking lots) and even some creases. It's is a more cost effective option than going to a body shop, having them use body filler and repainting the panel that is damaged. It's also a good idea to find a shop that guarantees their repairs and have been in business for a decent time (over a year). The dent removal should cost about 1/2 to 1/3 less the cost of an estimate from a body shop, so it can't hurt to get an estimate beforehand.

The technician doing the dent removal will have to asses the dent or crease; they will look for thickness of metal, how deep the dent is, if the paint is chipped and size. They may need to remove and head/tail lamps or body panels (inside or outside) etc. or sometimes they have to drill a very small hole in the door jam (which they plug up with a rubber stopper) to access the back of the dent.

Some technicians are mobile, so they can come to your for convenience. However, if the dent is in a hard to reach area or the paint is chipped or scratched, they may not be able to do it and you'll have to see a body shop for a full repair. 



The paint-less dent remover will use a small pointed metal tool to push the dent from the inside of the panel. They sometimes use heat to manipulate the metal so it doesn't crack or peel. These technicians do it carefully so there are no high or low spots, which people can come across when trying to do the removal with an at home kit.

Dent removal tools

  The at home kits generally have a suction cup dent remover, which may work. However, they will leave a raised bump where the dent used to be. It's definitely quick, but not very effective. It's best to leave it to the professionals to remove the dent seamlessly.

Paint-less dent removal is a great tool to have access to, but it is not recommended for high end, show or rental cars.

Glass repairs:

Glass repairs can be repaired on site at a shop or wherever your car is at the time. This is dependent upon the company you choose and their standards. It takes a lot less time to repair a chip than replace an entire windshield. Always go with a shop that guarantees their repairs and has a good reputation.

Types of chips

Chip repairs:

Chip repair

These can be done easily and more quickly than a whole replacement. The repair can be done on site or wherever your car is. You can also leave right away, without any wait time for seals to dry. It is also a cheaper route, but the chip should be less than the size of a quarter. However, some companies will repair a crack that is 6 inches or less. That might not always hold though; it can still grow into a larger crack and still need replacement.

If you notice a chip in the glass (any glass on the exterior of the car), get it fixed right away. Its cheaper and easier to fix a chip than to let it go and it turns into a growing crack. Then you will need to replace the entire piece of glass.

Windshield replacements:

Large crack

Spider Crack

 These can take a bit of time to do. It takes time pulling out the old windshield, putting the new one in and sealing it, then waiting for the seals to dry. After you leave, you have a speed limit restriction for a few hours after the glass is replaced. This usually has to be done onsite or at another repair shop, but some companies are mobile.

Windshield replacement

When getting the whole thing replaced, make sure to look into the shop doing it. Sometimes they might use a lesser quality glass and adhesives. Which, in turn, might cause more problems down the road; visibility might be less than it used to be, the risk for it to break again is higher and can cause injury to the driver and/or passengers especially if in an accident within about 12 hours of replacement.

What to pack in your emergency safety car kit!

Everyone should have this kit, even those with brand new cars and road side assistance! 

Emergency car kit

Just because you have AAA, doesn't mean you don't need a safety kit. If your phone is dead, has no reception or they can't get out to you for a while, this kit can help you!

Multi-tool: These tools have a concealed knife to cut seat belts and a pointed metal end to break glass. Make sure you get one that has tools which also come in handy. Or buy a separate multi-use pocket knife.







 
Jumper cables: These should be about 10 feet long. Most people do not carry these, so you could use them to help yourself or others. Learn how to use them in our blog about DIY maintenance!






Fire extinguisher: For class B and C fires (these are for flammable liquids and electric fires). These are very common in car fires and contain specific chemicals in the extinguisher for these types of fires.








First aid kit: (With warming blanket) This should include bandages, scissors, gauze, antiseptic wipes and/or hand sanitizer,  triple antibiotic ointment, asprin or ibuprofin, allergy medicine for example. Plus anything specific to your family's health (prescription, epi-pens, etc).







Flares or reflective cones: This is extremely important is poorly lit areas. This way people can see you to help you and also to avoid further injury or accidents from passing cars.

Tire pressure gauge

Foot pump for tires

Tire gauge and/or mini foot air pump: These might be a little harder to use, but the foot pumps do not require electricity for use and will get the job done. The tire gauge will help you to avoid over/under inflation of your tires.

Portable tire jack

Spare tire with jack: This can save a lot of time, instead of waiting for someone to change it. It's especially useful if the car is in a dangerous/high traffic area. Makes sure the jack and tire are in good working condition occasionally.






Portable cell phone charger: One that can be plugged into the car and/or pre-charged ones that do not need another electric source to charge. Having a fully charged phone every time you go out is also helpful; being able to call for help could be a difference of being stranded for a few hours vs days. However, you can't always rely on your cell phone as a safety tool in emergencies. They often die and sometimes can't get service.






Ice scraper/snow shovel: For quickly getting visibility and digging yourself out, if need be.

Sandy cat litter

Cat litter: Works to absorb liquids spilled or mud for getting un-stuck. It provides traction and can also be a good for added weight in a rear wheel vehicle.





Warm gloves/clothing: Should be water proof, in case you need to change a tire or just keep warm if stranded.


Flash light: And not just the one on your cell phone. Pack extra batteries with it.




Non perishable snacks and water: Something like granola bars, nuts, jerky and food that will keep your energy up if needed. There is also a thing called "Life-straw" which was invented for people in third world countries with poor water supply. This straw allows a person to drink unclean/contaminated water by filtering through the straw. But they are readily available online for a reasonable price with an unlimited shelf life.

AAA or roadside assistance: Even though they may not be able to get to you due to inclement weather or unknown location, they are usually pretty good with timing and are extremely helpful. Insurance companies offer this in their policies.

Bug spray, sunblock, plastic bags, a real blanket, matches/lighter, duck tape, tarp, toilet paper, extra fluids (washer fluid, antifreeze and oil), a funnel and some rags are also great to keep handy. They also sell 'roadside emergency kits' in stores and online; you can always add to pre-made ones.

This might seem like a lot, but being prepared could save lives!

What to do after an accident.

Do you know what to do immediately following an accident and the steps to take care of yourself and your car?

Let Medford Auto Body help you out!

Firstly NEVER LEAVE THE SCENE OF AN ACCIDENT! You could be charged with a hit and run and many other serious offenses.

Next, check on your health and anyone else involved. If you feel serious neck and/or back pain, stay put. If not and it's safe, check on the others involved. If the scene is hazardous, fluids leaking, fires, etc, get to safety immediately.

Next, call the police if someone hasn't already. The officer(s) will ask for your insurance information, registration and license of any drivers involved. They will then compile the information into a police or crash report and issue any violations needed. The police or crash report will be available about a week after the accident.

EXCHANGING INFORMATION

While waiting for the police to arrive, exchange information with other drivers, if any are involved. This includes insurance information, names, numbers, policy numbers, etc. Remember, even if it was your fault, do not accept fault to anyone involved. That is for the insurance companies and police officers to decide. This is a good time to talk to any witnesses and see what they saw. This is also a great time to take pictures of your car, any other vehicles, property damage and if there are any injuries. This could be great, especially if there is any other damage done to the vehicle between the accident and an insurance appraiser.

If anyone is hurt, the police will call an ambulance and tow trucks if necessary. They will asses the scene to see if it's safe and if there are any injuries that need tending to. If any vehicles have to be towed away, the police will most likely need you to get a tow release before you can get your car to a repair shop.

Here are a few things to check for to see if the car is safe to drive: All lights must be in good working condition, no fluids should be leaking, nothing should be touching the tires in any direction, tires must be fully inflated, no smoke is coming from the car, if you feel unfit to drive, if there is airbag deployment and if electrical problems are present. Clearly is the car was in a serious accident, do not attempt to drive it.



Call your insurance company and explain, in detail, what happened. They will then explain the process to you and set you up with a rental, if you have the coverage. The insurance companies can not tell you what shop to use. They may suggest a reliable shop however. If the car needs to be towed, the insurance company will arrange a tow from the tow yard it is in to the repair shop to be fixed.



If the accident was a hit and run, call the police right away. Try to remember, if possible, any information about the car and driver. After everything with the police is settled, call your insurance company. Hit and run accidents are a 'no fault' accident and will not count against you.



If there are any visits for injuries, tell the insurance company too. If the accident is not your fault, your insurance company will be able to tell you and help you get payment from them. If it was clear who was at fault, you may be able to go through the other person's insurance company directly. They will set you up with an appraiser and possibly rental car. The finances and any injuries will be taken care of by them as well.

ADJUSTER WRITING AN ESTIMATE

The next step is someone to asses your car. Whichever insurance company you use will send an adjuster or appraiser out to thoroughly estimate the damage on the vehicle. They will produce you with the estimate, as well as the repair shop of your choice and the insurance company. If the car is drivable, it may be easier to choose a soon, but convenient time for you. If the car is non drivable it will most likely be fixed right away.






Sometimes the insurance company will total the car if the damage is more than the car is worth. Factors in this can/will be the value of the car, rental charges, custom upgrades, fees for a new car and car loans. The car loans will be payed off first with the amount the insurance company decides to pay out for the car. The remaining is left to the owner of the vehicle. The car is usually sold for scraps, which the insurance company keeps the money for.

If you decide you want to keep the totaled car, there are a few options. This can only happen if they think the car will be safe to drive. Remember, just because it is declared a total loss does not mean it can not be repaired. Some totaled cars do not look like what you would expect. You still have to pay the deductible for the loss and you may not get back everything you originally paid for the vehicle. It is face value now.

SAMPLE SALVAGE TITLE

If you and the insurance company decide together that you can buy back the car with a salvage title, you will then receive the remaining payment. Deductions will be taken from the payout you would get, including any scrap money they would have gotten for your car, the deductible, any fees for the salvage title and any other fees involved. Then you will need to pay for the repairs to the car on your own. It is usually a better bet to just accept the payout and get a different, safer car. Some people keep the car to scrap or donate it.

The title can read salvage, flood or reconstructed. This can be hard to resell or trade in. A salvage title can also be from weather, fire, stolen, vandalism or accident. This is also good to remember when you are buying a car too.



The car will then be repaired at the shop of choice.