Top Tips From Diamond Certified Auto Repair Experts

<img src="https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dcr-apis/wp_contents/uploads/DCR-ADMIN/2014-10-22-13.00.01.jpeg" alt="undefined" style="height: auto;width: auto"/> 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. Nana Sarkisian of <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/report/cal-auto-body/" target="_self">Cal Auto Body</a> A car accident is jarring even when it’s minor, which is why many drivers freeze up on what to do next. Once everyone’s safety is confirmed, exchange information with the other driver. Snapping a photo of their insurance card and driver’s license is faster than writing it down, and photographing the damage to both vehicles protects you if legal issues arise later. Before getting back on the road, make sure your car is actually safe to drive. A flat tire is an obvious red flag, but so is any fluid leaking from underneath the vehicle. Tristin Wurzbach of <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/report/b2-perfection-auto-body/" target="_self">B2 Perfection Auto Body</a> Bird droppings and tree sap cause more paint damage than most car owners realize, especially in summer, when heat bakes these corrosive substances onto the exterior. If left too long, the only way to remove them is to fully repaint the car, so it pays to clean them off right away. A “bug and tar remover” works well for spot-cleaning without harming the finish, and following up with a coat of wax adds a layer of protection against future buildup. Beyond spot treatments, applying high-quality wax to the entire finish at least twice a year fills the paint’s pores and helps preserve your car’s exterior. Savi Singh of <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/report/auto-collision-experts/" target="_self">Auto Collision Experts</a> Many drivers stick with the most basic auto insurance coverage without realizing how much value a few add-ons can provide. An OEM endorsement, for example, guarantees that only original manufacturer parts get used in repairs—an important clause for newer vehicles and a requirement for most leased cars returning to the dealership. It’s also worth reviewing your deductible. A higher deductible lowers your premium but raises your out-of-pocket cost after a collision, so match it to your vehicle’s age and value. Rental and towing coverage round out the list of affordable options that can make a real difference after an accident. Eduardo Porta of <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/report/fremont-foreign-auto/" target="_self">Fremont Foreign Auto</a> When it’s time to replace your brake pads, skip the temptation to save money by resurfacing your existing rotors instead of replacing them. Resurfacing extends the life of rotors that still look serviceable, but the practice often backfires. For example, pulsation problems can crop up within six months of the service, which is right when you’d expect smooth stops. For vehicles made in 2004 and earlier, new rotors cost so little that machining the old ones barely saves anything. Regardless of your car’s age, replacing rotors along with pads keeps you safer and maximizes the lifespan of your braking system. Walee Gon of <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/report/faxon-garage/" target="_self">Faxon Garage</a> Tires get all the attention when it comes to traction, but shocks play an equally important role. Because they rarely announce trouble until they’re already leaking, shocks tend to get replaced well past their useful lifespan. Most drivers assume shocks only affect ride comfort, but they also control body movement in ways that directly impact safety and stability. Ignoring them can accelerate wear on other vehicle components, leading to bigger repair bills down the line. Chester Kniss of <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/report/delta-transmission/" target="_self">Delta Transmission</a> A transmission flush sounds like a quick, affordable way to maintain a vital part of your vehicle, but it only tells half the story. Flushing swaps out the fluid while leaving the filter and gasket untouched, which means debris that has built up inside the transmission stays behind and often clogs the filter over time. A plugged filter can eventually create a bigger problem than the one you started with. Rather than opting for a flush, schedule regular transmission service (ideally every 30,000 miles) so a technician can replace the pan gasket, filter and fluid together. Cliff Do of <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/report/a1-performance-auto-repair/" target="_self">A1 Performance Auto Repair</a> Brakes are one of the most important components on any vehicle, which makes knowing when to replace them essential. Some newer cars remove the guesswork with brake pad wear sensors mounted on the caliper, which trigger a dashboard warning light once the pad gets too thin. Not every vehicle comes equipped with this feature, though, so routine brake inspections still matter regardless of what’s under your dash. If you notice your car taking longer to stop or you’re pressing harder on the pedal than usual, treat those as clear signals that it’s time for new brake pads. Will Trbovich of <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/report/acurit-auto-repair/" target="_self">Acur-it Auto Repair</a> Just like your home’s HVAC filter keeps your indoor air clean, your car actually relies on two separate air filters to do a similar job. The cabin filter (typically tucked below the dashboard or behind the glove compartment) keeps smog and other pollutants out of the air that you and your passengers breathe. The engine air filter gets more attention since a dirty one forces the engine to work harder and burn more fuel, which is why it’s a standard part of most maintenance checks. Both filters are simple enough to check yourself with a quick look at your owner’s manual, so there’s no excuse for letting either go unnoticed. Eric Murguia of <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/report/renson-automotive/" target="_self">Renson Automotive</a> A few simple maintenance habits can improve your vehicle’s performance, extend its lifespan and make it more comfortable to drive. Start by regularly checking your tire pressure and keeping it at the manufacturer-recommended level, since underinflated tires can reduce fuel efficiency and cause premature wear while overinflation can create uneven wear and affect ride quality. You should also pay attention to your shocks and struts, which play an important role in handling, braking, and suspension performance. Finally, replace your cabin air filter at least once a year to prevent dust, mold and odors from building up. Moises Rodriguez of <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/report/autoshield-collision/" target="_self">AutoShield Collision</a> Proper care will help your car’s new paint job stay fresh and vibrant. After your vehicle is painted, wait at least 15 days before washing it so the paint has enough time to fully harden and become less susceptible to scratches and water spots. Once the paint cures, protect it by waxing your car at least twice a year. Start by thoroughly washing and drying the vehicle, then apply wax one panel at a time and buff each section with a clean, dry towel before moving on to the next. Regular waxing helps protect the finish from dirt and contaminants while preserving its shine and appearance.