Mobile estimates!

Needing an estimate can be enough of a hassle, let alone going and getting one. The times are usually during business hours or your schedule is jam packed. But at Medford Auto Body, we have started doing mobile estimates to better accommodate our customers!

To make life a bit easier for our customers and make us more accessible to future work, we have started doing mobile estimates. It's a pretty easy and usually quick (10-20 minute range) process. 

 Here are a few tips to get started!

1. Make sure you make an appointment! Give us a call at 609-975-8334 during the hours of 8:30am to 5:30pm. Then we will be able to schedule you for a mobile estimate! The business hours differ from our estimating hours. We can come to you after.
   
    
2.  Be in a safe location with plenty of room for the estimator to look in and around the car.
   
   
3. Have your registration out and ready-this makes the estimate time quicker, easier and more accurate.
   
   
4. We will then e-mail a copy to you, which you can print out on your own-or not to avoid more paperwork!
   
   
5. Call us or or schedule on the spot to bring your car in for repairs!

Mobile estimate

Auto estimates can be anything from a few scratches to a large accident or even a restoration project! However, we will not be able to do estimates on mechanical issues and we will not be able to fix anything on the car while there.

This can be a great option if the scheduling of our shop doesn't work for you, your schedule doesn't allow time to come to us, if you have time on your lunch break, if you want to avoid a tow bill upfront or just can't leave the house!

All estimates are free at Medford Auto Body and the only appointments required are those for mobile estimates!

We'll make your car as good as new!

What questions to ask Medford Auto Body before your next repair!

There can be lot going through someone's head when they need repair work done on their vehicle. Where do you go? How much will it cost? Can you trust the repair shop? Let Medford Auto Body take the guess work out of choosing a shop. And next time you need repairs/upgrades, you'll know exactly where to go!

First check out the reputation of the repair shop!

 

Check out the repair shop in question online-Does the shop have good reviews? Have there been specific issues in the past?  Check their social media (Facebook), Yelp page, website, etc.

Does the insurance company have good things to say?

Word of mouth? Have friends, family or acquaintances talked positively about the shop? Negatively?

 

 

Then, go to the shop for an estimate and get the answers you need.

 

 

 

Do you need an appointment for an estimate? 

Most places will not require an appointment for estimates, but be aware that some do. However at Medford Auto Body we take walk ins! Free estimates are given Monday through Friday, except major holidays.

It's also not a bad idea to get another estimate if you are unsure on pricing or the repair shop. Then you will have peace of mind for whichever shop you choose.

All of our estimates are put into writing before the repairs start; you will also be given a copy for your records. It gives a breakdown of what needs fixing, labor and parts cost.

The car isn't drive able, how do you get it to the shop?

If the car repair is going through insurance, the insurance company will most likely set that up for you. However, we do work directly with a towing company that will be able to make the process easier. We can call and set it up for you too.

A lot of repair shops do have their own tow trucks too.

 

 

What parts will be used in the repair?

 

CAPA parts

OEM part

There are all different qualities and prices for each car. Some are better than others, but we offer OEM, after market and LKQ. Check out the blog here to learn more and decide what is best for your car. We will suggest what may be a better option for each estimate.

 

 

 

What kind of work does the shop do?

 

Side scoops- can do small upgrades to any car!

A lot of shops do insurance work. At Medford A.B., we don't stop there! We do restorations on all types of cars (including fiberglass), small and large upgrades to your car, large and small repairs, etc. Just come in and ask us, we love to say yes! You can even get work done that isn't included in an insurance claim while your car is here. That can help save time and multiple trips.

 

Will your vehicle be inside or outside while being worked on?

Usually, the cars are kept inside while being worked on and uncovered. Once the repair starts, the car is left indoors where it is safe and dry.

 

What about paint matching?

Water based paint

Painting a car

Cars come with a factory paint code that all painters have access to. This allows the painter to get the "recipe" for your car's color. However, time and sun can affect the color on the car and a freshly painted panel may look a bit off. So, painters "blend" the adjacent panels of the car so your naked eye can't tell there is even a difference in color.

At M.A.B., we use a water based paint system for all repairs. This allows the color to be matched even more precisely than a solvent based paint, while being better for the environment! Check out more information here!

How long will the repair take?

Every repair is different and varies in time and price. However, most shops will allot 5 hours per day for business days only. Things that factor into timing: time for parts to come in, extent of damage, if there is underlying damage not seen at first, how busy the shop is, holidays, if the car is drive able, etc.

All of those factors take time, but we try to make it as quick as possible, while still maintaining quality.

Does the repair shop offer rental vehicle while you car is being worked on?

Some shops do offer this service and some are contracted to a rental car agency. At M.A.B., we don't have this service, but we do work with Enterprise Rent A Car. If you find yourself needing one, we can set up reservations, have an employee drop off a car for you at our shop and then you can leave the rental at our shop and drive away in your own car! Just one less thing to do during the inconvenient process of auto repairs.

Does the shop offer a warranty on all repairs?

Usually insurance companies warranty the repairs made on the car. Some shops stop there and are comfortable with that coverage. However, other shops go a step or two ahead and will warranty for a few years or life on top of what the insurance company already covers.

At Medford Auto Body(M.A.B.), we guarantee the repairs for life, or as long as you own the car. If there is ever trouble with the repairs or you have a question, stop by or call us!

Are there any promotions or deals to help save you money?

At Medford Auto Body, we run deals seasonally to save on your deductible. Check in or on our Facebook page for more information! We can also work directly with you to choose parts that work with your budget.

How should you pay?

Most shops will take a check, debit card or credit card. Come check us out and find a payment that works best for you! All payments need to be paid in full prior to leaving with your vehicle.

What about car washing? 

Most shops clean the outside, and sometimes the inside if it was a hefty repair, of your car before returning it to you. However, some automatic car washes may be too harsh for your new paint job so soon after. Ask what the shop recommends for your repair, some may differ based on depth of repair, and also if you want to wax the car.

Some more questions to ask that are specific to each shop:

Is the shop familiar and comfortable with repairing your make/model vehicle?

What are the hourly rates for labor?

Do they do any specialty work? (Disability vehicles, custom upgrades, restorations, etc.)

Check out our Facebook page, our website, call or stop in to check out our pictures and ask any other questions!

All you need to know about water based paint systems!

Here at Medford Auto Body, we use PPG water based paint systems on all of our paint jobs!

Water based paint systems are just that, water based. They don't have nearly as many chemicals as a solvent based paint, which was the most widely used type of paint. Recently, manufacturers and small shop owners have been switching over due to the ease and benefits of the water based product.

It's great for environment!

Water based paint systems are VOC (volatile organic compounds) compliant, which means the level of VOC in the paint is low and will adhere to the standards set by the state, county or region. The VOCs are chemicals that evaporate at room temperature. They are compounds like formaldehyde or benzene, chemicals known to cause health problems, so they must be limited to help the environment and the people in it. Some states or regions, nowadays, even mandate that a water based system must be used.

But most shops have opted to switch to water based paint systems without being told to do so. They  find it to be a better refinishing system with easier cleanup.

While not only great for the environment, it has proven beneficial to painters as well. They don't have to be around noisy mixers, breath in a ton of chemicals and they have more time to get more parts painted. While the water based paint is better for the environment, it is still a chemical paint. So the painter should still wear protective clothing and face coverage.

The time saved by using this type of paint is worth it, alone. Customers definitely benefit from the money saved on labor and materials, which means more business from happy customers. There is also a lifetime guarantee for customers (as long as they own the vehicle), "Lifetime Paint Performance Guarantee".

Outside the booth

Inside the booth

 

Color matching is a breeze!

Toners

Painters are saving more time through easier color matching, using the digital color chips. They will no longer have to create their own color matching chips for each car, PPG already has them made up in the computer with a program called "Paint It". They simply enter the car's year, make and model to get the OEM color. Most OEM cars are painted with a water based system, about 70% of vehicles these days, which only adds to the benefits! This also saves on material by not wasting anything with a bad color matches. The better color matching helps with blending of other body panels. And doing touch ups on a car is easier now that smaller amounts can be mixed, which leads to less paint being wasted.

However, if you do find yourself with extra paint, the painter can add a converter and/or activator to base-coat to turn the colors into semigloss or single stage matte color for use on the car interior and under the hood. Also, the shelf life is four years on unopened toners.

The appearance is noticeable!

Spraying the car with protection

The appearance is smoother and less thick than solvent paints, with about 30% less paint used. The metallic paints stay mixed and positioned better with help from the "anti-settle" technology. That also helps alleviate color streaks and spotting in the paint. The buffing time becomes less from the smoother coats.


With water based paint systems, there is no need for mechanical mixers, which saves space in the shop. All the paint needs is a few tilts back and forth. Which actually promotes a more even mixture of the paint, due to the "anti-settle" technology present. The toners are a pre-balanced, ready to go product, without the need of any additives. However, the clear coat is still solvent based.



The drying system and special equipment needed:

Water based spray gun

The repair shop saves money on booth upkeep costs, by eliminating "baking" the paint through use of an air drying system. For most shops, hand help or stand blowers can do most of the drying, but for high volume shops an entire air drying system may be needed to keep up with the demand. Unfortunately, the water based paints need more time to dry.



Special spray guns are needed, made from stainless steel and composite elements on the inside. And as this may sound different from the older use of solvents, the water based system is fast learning and easy to use with plenty of programs and aide from PPG.

Not all painters know how to use the water based system, so it may be harder to find a painter and you may have to pay more. But in the end, you're saving money on materials and labor times and getting a quality product with a happier customer!

Preventing and repairing sun damage & how to get a professional car wash at home!

How to prevent and repair sun damage to your car!

Believe it or not, but the sun can do harmful damage to your car's paint, jut like your skin!

Sun damage spots

The UV rays start to deteriorate the paint's clear coat and cause the paint to peel. Most times, when this gets pretty bad, you will need to get a professional paint job...which can be costly. The good news is there is are few things you can do to prevent it and fix the small spots as they appear. Try to park the car in a garage or shady spots outside if you can to avoid these spots. Window tinting can also help the interior from fading.

Preventing the damage:

• Wash the car often out of the sunlight. You can read below on how to properly wash your car like a pro!
• Hand dry the car with a cotton cloth rag, for best results.
• Apply wax to the exterior, this will not only make the car looking new and shiny; but it also puts a layer between the paint and any outdoor debris and sunlight.

Wiping off the scratch remover

Repairing the damage:

Try to do this out of the sun and in a garage, as to not let the sun react with any of the chemicals. Also, the sooner you notice the sun spots, the better the outcome. If the sun damage gets too bad, this buffing process may not help and you may need a new paint job.            

Buffer with shine restorer

Materials:

Buffer

Scratch remover

Shine restorer

Clean towels

Car wax

• You will need to wash and dry the car before attempting to repair the paint damage. If you don't, the dirt on the car could further damage the car.
• Then you can start with rubbing the restoration polish or scratch remover on the damaged paint with a sponge, towel or buffer. Use elbow grease and get all the flaking paint off. Do only one panel at a time.
• Next, wipe off the scratch remover with a clean towel and start buffing the shine restorer until the paint is shiny.
• Then wipe off the shine restorer and wax the area to reseal the paint.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  If you don't feel comfortable restoring the paint on your car, you can always take it to a repair shop for professional results.

Washing your car at home like a pro!

Make sure the car is not in direct sunlight; this could cause water spots and soap/chemicals drying on the car. Check that all windows and doors are closed and any antennas are put down, if possible. Put the windshield wipers up too.

Gather all your materials:

2 buckets
Hose
A clean cloth rag, sponge, microfiber towels or mitten (Scrub brushes can cause small scratches on paint)
Tire scrub brush
Car soap
Window cleaner (but not for outside tinted windows)
Clay bar
Wax
Interior plastic cleaner
Carpet cleaner

Car must be wet before soaping up

 Cleaning the exterior:

Use a soft cleaner

• Fill a bucket with water and your favorite car soap. Also, have a bucket of plain water.
  
• Start by hosing off the car to loosen any debris.
  
• Wash and rinse one section at a time on the car to avoid any premature soap drying, but keep the entire car wet the whole time to avoid water spots.
  
• Keep rinsing the dirt out of your sponge or cloth to avoid scrubbing dirt into the paint.
  
• Clean the lower car body and tires last, as they are the dirtiest parts on the car.
  
• Clean the hubcap or rim and the sidewalls of the tire.
  
• Then try to rinse under the car and in the wheel wells as much as you can with the hose (on a higher jet setting than you would use on the car's exterior). This is especially useful after a snowy winter; there is more salt than you would think under you car. And as good as salt is for keeping the roads clear and not icy, it can damage or corrode the parts under the car.
  

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  Cleaning the wheel

• Dry the car with clean towels or paint safe squeegee completely. Start with the windows and then move the the body. Get most of the water off the car first, then follow up with a fresh dry towel to fully dry the car.
  
• If you wish, apply wax to the exterior, following the instructions on the container. However, if there are still imperfections on the car after washing, use a clay bar (follow instructions on package) to remove the debris before waxing.
  
• It's also a good time to apply water repellent to dry windows. It's a rub on application; there are windshield wipers and washer fluid that can apply this as well. (Drying the windshields/glass with newspaper gets the glass extra clean).
  
• Don't forget to wipe down the door jams!

Cleaning the inside:

• Start by taking the mats out of the car and shaking them down away from the car.
• If you have an air compressor, use this to blow out vents, hard to reach areas and the car mats.
• Then get a shop vacuum and vacuum the car's interior from top to bottom, including and moving the seats. Then vacuum the exterior mats outside of the car. Don't forget the trunk either!
• Make sure you have a long, thin nozzle to get in between the seats and small areas.
• pray the carpet cleaning on the rugs and floor, following the instructions on the bottle. You could also use a steam cleaner. 

• The carpet cleaner may be able to be used on the seats, but if not, use an upholstery cleaner.

• Use the glass cleaner, paper towels and newspaper on the interior windows/glass.
• Next, use plastic car cleaner or any household dusting cleaner on the dash, doors, seat belts, center console and any other hard surfaces in the car.
• Run through the car with the vacuum again and place mats back inside.
• It's also a nice touch to replace air fresheners in the car and spray some fabric refresher or baking soda. (Baking soda will need to be vacuumed up after it sits for an hour or so.)

Hydroplaning!

We have all had this happen to us, but do you now how to avoid it and get out if it?

Hydroplaning is when the tires no longer have contact with the road surface and are sliding on the  water. Now, usually when a car passes through a puddle, the water splashes on either side of the tire and everything is okay. But, when there is too much water for the tire to handle, water gets pushed under the tire and the car loses control.


Usually hydroplaning happens when there is a lot of rain or some sort of flooding on the roadways, but it is actually more dangerous when it's the first 10-20 minutes of raining. That is due to the water mixing with all the car fluids on the roads, making it very slippery.





So, how do you prevent it? 

• Try not to drive faster than 35 MPH, but still remember not to disrupt the flow of traffic
  
• By driving slower, you will be able to avoid a lot of hard braking
  
• Don't make sharp or fast turns
  
• Make sure your tires are in good condition: Inflated properly, rotated and with good tread
  
• Try to avoid any visible puddles
  
• No cruise control! (Your car will start to accelerate when there is no traction)
  
• Avoid outer lanes where you see puddles water
  
• If you drive a manual, drive in a lower gear
  
• Always wear your seat belt
  
  
  
  

What to do if you find yourself hydroplaning?

• Don't panic

• Take your foot off the gas pedal, wait for the tires to gain traction before you use it
  
• Don't brake, the car will start to skid (or if needed brake very slowly)
  
• If it is quick, just wait a few seconds for your tires to find the road
  
• Turn your wheel in the direction your car is going, much like driving on ice or snow, it will help your tires and car start going to same direction
  
• Pull over, if need be, to calm your nerves

It's scary to have your car hydroplane, but just stay calm and keep control of your wheel.