Watch That Crack! The Importance Of Quick Auto Glass Repair

There’s nothing worse than hearing that tell-tale crack while you’re on the road. The next thing you know, your windshield has a small chip or a crack. No big deal, right? Wrong. Failing to fix your chipped or cracked auto glass can only result in a future expensive repair. Sure, you may get away with it for a little while. However, there are many factors that could easily leave you dealing with a much bigger mess, or even a dangerous driving situation, should you continue to ignore it.

Cracks & Chips Hate The Cold

Getting a chipped windshield in the winter isn't hard. There’s grit and salt all over the roads which can easily get kicked up by bigger vehicles and thrown onto your windshield. However, as the weather drops to freezing temperatures, the glass in your windshield can expand and contract, causing even the smallest crack to become a huge problem in a matter of minutes. While it’s easy to dismiss a small scratch as “no big deal,” ignoring it can easily lead to a shattered windshield at the slightest touch.

Potholes: Your New Enemy

It’s only a small crack, right? Big deal. However, small chips and cracks in your windshield are a destabilizing factor in the structure of your auto glass. Whether you live in a small town or a big city, potholes on the road are a common fact of life. If you hit one of these at speed, it can easily cause your windshield to “give way” while you’re driving, leaving you with a massive repair or a lap-full of glass. Fixing a small chip or crack is easy and can take less than 30 minutes, ensuring you don’t wind up in a tragic situation down the road.

Yet Another Driver Distraction

Believe it or not, your eyes are drawn to objects on your windshield, particularly when driving long distances or sitting in traffic. This can mean stickers and even cracks can become a dangerous distraction, which can lead to a possible accident or minor fender bender. What’s worse is that minor bump can also crack the rest of your windshield, making putting off getting it repaired a truly terrible idea. Keep yourself safe by dealing with the problem before it becomes a bigger one.

If you’re like most drivers, you might occasionally put off those seemingly “non-essential” repairs due to possible cost or hassle. Getting your auto glass repaired before it becomes a huge problem is actually covered by many auto insurance policies, and can take less than 30 minutes in some circumstances. Check with both your insurance company and auto glass professional for further details. Remember: the longer you put it off, the worse it can become.

More about D&I Body Shop
1779 Marietta Blvd NW
Atlanta, GA 30318
(404) 885-9575
www.dandibodyshopandglass.com

5 Car Restoration Upgrades that Breathe Life Into Your Vehicle

Whether it’s that old beater that you just can’t seem to get rid of or a classic car that you still lovingly care for, an older vehicle requires a little extra TLC to keep it running smoothly and looking great. While some restoration projects are more expensive than others, they can extend your car’s looks and pep, thus keeping you in love with it a little longer. As buying a new car is usually more expensive than a few cosmetic and engine changes, restoring your car can actually help to keep more money in your pocket.

1) Paint Job

As cars age, their paintwork can fade, look rusty or even appear bleached by the sun. Alternatively, you may not have even liked the color to begin with, particularly if you bought the car used. A custom paint job can have your car glowing and looking like new in a matter of hours, and the cost is surprisingly affordable.

2) Seat Covers & Rugs

Few things see more wear and tear in your vehicle than the upholstery and rugs. Spills, stains, burns and just general wear can make you feel like you’re driving a garbage truck rather than a nice-looking car. There are many internet-based companies that can offer you replacement kits for your carpets and seat covers that are custom-fitted to specific makes and models.

3) Wheels & Tires

Anyone who’s ever watched one of the numerous car shows on television knows that the range of wheels and tires on the market is flashier and better than ever before. A new set of wheels can dramatically improve the look of your car, as well as make it look a lot more expensive. Getting a good set of tires can also increase your car’s drivability, giving you a smoother and oftentimes better ride.

4) Bolt-On Turbocharger

If you find yourself jealously watching other, newer vehicles overtake you on the highway, then improving your car’s engine is a must. While this is one of the more expensive restoration options, it can deliver in the speed and drivability stakes. A bolt-on turbocharger can add up to 90 horsepower or more to your sad, lacking car engine,. As this can be a major selling point for later on, be sure you keep the receipt as proof that the work was done. Turbochargers are also a good idea for those looking to get their classic cars restored.

5) Car Detailing

It’s a fact: a dirty car is an ugly car, and an ugly car is an embarrassing one. A professional detailing session can get your car shiny and smelling like new in no time at all, and usually for under $100, depending on what you want done. You can also easily do this yourself with just a quick visit to a car care store.

When you find yourself disliking your car’s looks and general performance, your first thought might be to go new. However, a great paint job and other cosmetic improvements can go a long way to getting you to fall in love with your car again. You don’t even have to bring it flowers afterwards.

More about D&I Body Shop
1779 Marietta Blvd NW
Atlanta, GA 30318
(404) 885-9575
www.dandibodyshopandglass.com

Collision Repair: How to Know You're Paying a Fair Price

Unless you’re already a mechanic, chances are you’re a bit clueless when it comes to getting your car repaired after a collision. While you may be primarily concerned with the aesthetics, such as the dings, bumps and scratches in your paint job, damage to your car after an accident can go much deeper than that. After a collision, you’ll need to enlist the aid of a professional. However, if you don’t have the knowledge, how can you be sure you’re getting a fair price? By asking the right questions and requesting documentation, you can keep rip-off merchants at bay and get quality repairs to your car.

Get multiple estimates.
When you’re investing money in any service, particularly one that’s expensive, it’s important to get more than one estimate. As you get various estimates on the costs of repair, it will give you an idea of what the ballpark price should be. Additionally, getting several estimates allows you to negotiate with your mechanic by pointing out that the garage down the road offers the same service for less.

Get a full breakdown of their prices.
Some unscrupulous mechanics may try to pull the wool over your eyes by simply giving you a price for what the repairs will cost. By doing this, it becomes easy to artificially inflate prices. Ask for a full breakdown of what item and repair costs what. A reputable mechanic should provide you with this from the start.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
It’s difficult to ask questions if you don’t feel confident in understanding the answers, but when it comes to collision repair, it’s essential. Ask what each price means and what’s included. For example, is it just the cost of the part, or does it also estimate labor? It’s perfectly okay to ask that they explain something in layman’s terms. If they’re a good mechanic, they should be comfortable with doing that.

Do your research.
The internet can be your best weapon in ensuring that you get the fairest price for the repair work you need. Check online sites such as Yelp or Angie’s List for customer reviews and ratings. Doing so can reveal potential pitfalls before you even drive into the garage.

Ask for references.
Any mechanic worth his motor oil will be able to give you some references of customers that use their services regularly, or point you towards where you can get that information. Like any business, they know that a happy customer is their best advertising. Many auto body shops keep a file of customer letters to show to potential clients.

When you've already been through the trauma of an automobile accident, there’s nothing worse than then having to deal with getting your car repaired. Use caution when finding the right auto body shop and mechanic for you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and be sure to do your research. By doing so, you’ll save a lot of headaches down the line.

More about D&I Body Shop
1779 Marietta Blvd NW
Atlanta, GA 30318
(404) 885-9575
www.dandibodyshopandglass.com