How to Avoid Aftermarket Body Parts

Following a collision, your car may need replacement parts in order to be restored by an auto body shop to working order. If your car is relatively new, you'll want OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts. This is because OEM parts, made by the original manufacturer or a subcontractor, are designed to work in your vehicle. They will work exactly as well as the part being replaced, and are often warrantied. Aftermarket parts are not made by the car's manufacturer or its subcontractors, so quality is variable at best. But how can you make sure you get the OEM parts?

Don't Go By Price Alone 

When choosing the auto body shop to repair damage to your vehicle, you may be tempted to simply choose the company that can fix your car for the least amount of money. However, don't make this your only criteria. The cheapest estimates are sometimes so cheap because shops don't use quality parts or they have ways of getting around the regular expenses of buying OEM parts. In choosing an auto body shop, going with company that you can trust - one that has good word-of-mouth and that has been in service for a long time - can be infinitely better than depending on the projected amount of the bill. See how D&I autobody shop makes sure to quote you fair, competitve rates to assure you are satisfied with their services.

Ask Questions About Your Estimate 

In most states, repair facilities are required by law to disclose in their estimates that they will use aftermarket parts. If that is not true of your state, you should ask questions and make sure you are satisfied with the answers. Find out exactly what parts will be used, if they are new or used, and if the parts have been previously repaired. Also, be alert for the terminology that the body shop uses. For example, aftermarket parts can also be "imitation," "third party," or "white box" brands.

 

Advocate For Yourself 

Most importantly, make sure to use your own judgment and don't get sidetracked by a body shop's promises that you'll pay reduced rates, get guaranteed insurance coverage, or save your deductible. This usually means that they have other ways of cutting costs. Don't stick to auto body shops "preferred" by your insurance company, because these two often work out deals that result in corner-cutting for consumers. Use the same strategies you would use in choosing any business over another, and don't let your lack of knowledge make you easily manipulated. You may not always need OEM parts, but the ones provided by the manufacturer or a licensed agent may be the most dependable and long-lasting regardless of the age and condition of the vehicle. Protect yourself and make sure you know how to get what you want. D&I Auto Body has a variety of services ranging from paint touch-ups to full body repair. Check out their services and rest assured that they will ethically take care of all your restorative needs.


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

Had an accident? Ways to tell you need serious auto repair

Having to pay for serious auto repair after an accident can be a huge loss to those who can’t afford the deductible or are without insurance.

While driving your car after an accident without getting it repaired can seem like a good idea, there may be underlying problems that your car could have sustained in the accident. Here are a few ways to tell your car may need serious auto repair after an accident:

Your car drives different

Whether you were in a minor fender bender, or a pile up accident; if your car drives differently than it did before the accident, then you may need serious auto repair. If your car looks like the bumper may have been dented, but after the accident you hear weird sounds or your car is driving different than before, then you should get your car checked out with an auto body specialist. The accident that you think is minor could have been major for your car, so save yourself a few bucks in the long run and get your car checked out before it turns into something serious.

Your car is making sounds

If your car is making a sound that you don’t recognize after an accident, then you should get it checked out by an Atlanta Auto Body Expert. When a car makes unusual sounds that is the car’s way of telling you that you need to get something checked out. While that fender bender may seem like it did minimal damage, it could have actually done more damage than you think. When you ignore small car problems and sounds that your car makes, in the long-run it could turn into something worse so you should always get it checked out immediately. You want your car to last as long as it possibly can and one way to do that is to get problems fixed as soon as they occur.

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

Ways to Revitalize the Look of Your Car

Have you found yourself dreaming of a shiny new car lately? Do you feel like you're falling out of love with your current set of wheels because it's just not what it used to be looks-wise? Don't plunk down your hard-earned cash for a new car just yet -- chances are, your current ride just needs a bit of a face lift. By taking a little time to give your car a little TLC, you might be surprised at how much life your automobile has left in it. So where's the best place to start?

1) Dent Removal

As your car goes through it's normal life, chances are it's going to get a bit of wear and tear just from normal road conditions. Extreme temperatures, minor fender benders and even salt and grit during the winter months can all leave their mark on your car, making it look less than impressive on the road. Instead of learning to live with those small dents and scrapes, why not get them fixed? Removing those dents and dings helps to get rid of those wrinkles of age your car might be showing, leaving you with a showroom-fresh looking car.

2) Paint Job

As you car spends most of its time outside, it's only natural that its paint job may fade with time and exposure. The harsh sun and other weather conditions can cause fading, and a general less-than-shiny appearance. Additionally, you might have bought that color that was hot back in the early 00's and might be looking for something a little more updated. Getting a quality car paint job for your car can breathe new life into it, making it shine like new.

3) Headlight Restoration

Not every element of getting your car up-to-scratch has to be expensive or time consuming, either. In fact, something as simple as getting a simple headlight restoration can really improve your car's looks in very little time. Have you noticed that your headlights are looking a bit foggy or frosty? This comes with natural wear on your car, and small scratches that you're not even able to see. A headlight restoration will have it looking like you've had a new pair of headlights put in, and the results can be surprisingly uplifting for your car's overall appearance.

Before you elect to ditch that set of wheels, try looking into what you can do to improve its looks first. Things you can do range from the simple to the more involved, but the results are sure to impress. Speak to your car professional today for all the latest ideas.

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

4 Reasons You May Need Auto Body Repair

Is there anything sadder than a dent in your ride? There are many reasons why you may need to go visit your local auto body shop for a repair, with some more common than the other. Having a reliable auto body shop on your side is essential as a car owner. Not only can auto body work keep your car looking great, it can also offer preventative measures should you notice small scratches or spots of rust. What are some of the most common reasons you might need the services of an auto body shop?

1) You've been in a fender bender.

Probably the number one reason people seek out auto body repair is due to an accident they've had. This can either be serious, or just a minor ding. While it may be tempting to try to put off any repairs, even minor scratches from an accident can eventually turn in to larger scale problems, like rust or corrosion.

2) You've noticed some post-winter problems.

The winter can really take its toll on your car's paint job and body work. There's corrosion from salt and scratches from that essential gravel that's everywhere around. Getting your car a yearly check-up is important after a particularly tough winter, so take the time to look everywhere for potential problems. Failing to act on even a tiny scratch can be a serious rust repair later on down the road.

3) Your car just isn't what it used to be.

Have you fallen out of love with the look of your car? Have the dents, dings and fading paint made it difficult for you to want to give it the same love and attention you used to when you first bought it? Auto body repair shops can offer a whole range of solutions to rev up the look of your car, from buffering out scratches to a whole new paint job. Speak to your auto body repair shop to find out what's available, and what it can do to improve your car's looks.

4) You're restoring an old car.

Many people across the country love the look and style of old cars, and fixing up that old piece of junk has become a much-loved hobby. However, there are some elements to professional car restoration that should be left to a professional. Dents and dings in the body work, as well as other elements to the body of your car, will generally always come out better if left to the pros. After all, you want all that work to mean something, right?

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

4 Signs Your Auto Repair Shop is Taking You for a Ride

It is not uncommon to get varying estimates from different auto repair shops. You might get a whole body repair for only $300, whereas another service provider offer you the same service package but for $2000.

But how do you spot which auto repair shop is worth your money and your trust? How do you know which car services provider is true to the tenets of customer service and is not after a quick buck at your expense?

There are many ways to tell whether an auto repair shop is taking you for a ride, but here are four sure signs to look for:

1. If an auto shop is a legitimate business and claims it has a team of certified car experts, then they will display all sorts of certifications and recognitions like ASE (National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence) or AAA (America Automobile Association) certifications.
   
   A state license and a business permit should be on the wall of the establishment. Somewhere visible where you could immediately spot them the moment you enter the building. If the shop you are dealing with doesn’t have such parchments displayed on their wall, you better take your car somewhere else.
   
2. When an auto repair shop states that they are particularly popular in the area yet not one of your friends and relatives have provided a word-of-mouth testimony about their services and business, you might be better off looking somewhere else. Recommendations from people you know are good indications of a business’s reliability and good service. If the shop you are talking to is not getting the love from your peers and loved ones, then perhaps they don’t deserve any from you.
   
3. Never ever sign a blank authorization form with your name on it. Auto repair shops that sweet talk you into signing such documents are usually throwing you through a loop. Run away as soon as they do this. Legitimate auto shops provide a list of estimates as well as warranties that apply to the job required.
   
4. When a mechanic says he does not need any modern tools and equipment to have a good look at your car, do not be fooled. Modern cars now require modern technicians and they need more than just a trusty old monkey wrench.

These four signs are just the tip of the iceberg. Let your instinct and common sense guide you to pick a good auto shop that is worthy of your trust and money. Filter out those that prey on people who don’t know anything about the auto repair business.

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