Diamond Certified Resource Auto Body Guide
From protecting your car’s finish and handling the aftermath of a collision to maintaining essential components like brakes and tires, these insights from Diamond Certified Expert Contributors will help you keep your vehicle safe, reliable and performing at its best.
With some basic tools and knowledge, you can tackle minor auto body repairs yourself.
Here are some of the most common services requested of auto body repair shops.
Educate yourself on auto collision and body repair terms and processes.
Here are several commonly asked questions about auto body repair, including hiring and working with a local body shop.
Posted By Matthew Solis
SUNNYVALE — One mistake many vehicle owners make is overlooking their auto insurance coverage options. A lot of people just go with the most basic coverage, but there are several additional options that can benefit policy holders. One worthwhile option is getting an OEM endorsement: a clause on your policy that ensures aftermarket parts won’t be used to repair your vehicle. This policy clause is key for newer and leased vehicles. For newer cars, OEM parts are recommended to maintain the vehicles’ long-term integrity, and leased vehicles are required to have OEM parts when they’re returned to the dealership. It’s also wise to look at your policy’s deductible and make sure it’s an appropriate amount. Read more
SUNNYVALE — An often-overlooked cause of auto paint damage is natural elements like bird droppings and tree sap. If not cleaned off promptly, these corrosive elements can leave permanent marks, especially during summer, when high temperatures can cause them to bake onto your car’s exterior. Since the only way to fix such damage is to repaint your entire car, it’s important to keep an eye out for these elements and remove them as soon as possible. A good cleaning agent for this job is bug and tar remover, which provides a reasonable degree of cleaning power without harming your car’s finish in the process (as other, more abrasive products can). Once the elements are removed, Read more
COLMA — A car accident can be a jolting experience, even if it’s just a minor collision, which is why drivers sometimes forget what to do next. Besides confirming the safety of all passengers involved, there are a couple crucial steps to take following an accident. After making sure all passengers are safe, the first thing you should do is obtain the other driver’s information. While writing down contact and insurance information is standard protocol, the prevalence of smartphones often makes it more efficient to simply take a picture of the other driver’s insurance card and license. Also, be sure to take a few photos of the damage sustained by each vehicle—these pictures can serve as documented evidence for any legal issues that come up in the future. Read more
Auto body repairs affect the safety, appearance and long-term value of your vehicle, but not all body shops offer the same level of quality or transparency. Knowing what auto body shops do and how to choose one can help you get repairs done right.
Educate yourself on auto collision and body repair terms and processes.
Here are several commonly asked questions about auto body repair, including hiring and working with a local body shop.
COLMA — A car accident can be a jolting experience, even if it’s just a minor collision, which is why drivers sometimes forget what to do next. Besides confirming the safety of all passengers involved, there are a couple crucial steps to take following an accident. After making sure all passengers are safe, the first thing you should do is obtain the other driver’s information. While writing down contact and insurance information is standard protocol, the prevalence of smartphones often makes it more efficient to simply take a picture of the other driver’s insurance card and license. Also, be sure to take a few photos of the damage sustained by each vehicle—these pictures can serve as documented evidence for any legal issues that come up in the future. Read more
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