Auto Classics & Hot-Rods company Southern Colorado : Driving on the highway can be brutal on your car’s body and paint. Rocks and pebbles fly up hitting your car, with some chipping paint or even cracking your windshield. A chipped or cracked windshield can spread causing your windshield to shatter. Any crack or chip in the windshield can spread. Yet, most people fail to inspect their tires until it’s too late. They discover their tires are in need of repair or replacement when they have a flat or a tire blows out.
If your radiator builds up deposits, it can mess with the cooling system in your car. To keep the radiator in top shape, a radiator flush will do the trick. How often you need to replace the radiator fluid will depend on your vehicle. Start by consulting the owner’s manual to get an idea. For the most part, you can get away with flushing the radiator every couple of years. Now that you know about these basic car repairs, you can keep your car in top shape for many years to come. Remember to rotate your tires, change the oil, replace the brake pads, and more.
To repair dents with body filler, a shop will apply the filler over the dented surface and then sand it to achieve a smooth look. If the damage is particularly severe, a shop may apply a putty over the filler for additional smoothness. The surface is then painted over so that it matches the rest of the vehicle. Specific step-by-step instructions on how to use body filler: Clean the dented area with soap and water along with a residue remover. Attempt to remove as much of the dent as possible using various dent removal tools. Sand the dent and surrounding area to remove any paint. Mix the body filler according to its instructions and spread over the dented area. Wait about 20 minutes for the filler to dry (drying times may vary by the brand/type of filler used).
Decide between the independent corner garage and the dealership service department. Technicians at the dealer are specialists; they are manufacturer-trained and typically work exclusively on your make of vehicle. Most dealers have an ongoing training program for the service staff, which includes not only the service technicians but also the service manager, advisors and support staff. (See “Roles of the Dealership Service Staff…Who Does What”.) But the dealer service department is usually the most expensive route. And it doesn’t mean that the dealers always have the best technicians. Many independent auto repair service facilities are started by previous dealer employees who want to operate their own repair store. For help deciding which is right for you, see “Corner Garage vs. Dealer Service Department.” Find additional info at this website.
In other words, go to an auto shop that gives you a higher estimate and show the owner a lower estimate for the same repair job from another shop. You have nothing to lose if you’re turned down. Tips for Detecting a Dishonest Mechanic: If a mechanic is dishonest, he or she probably will probably be hesitate to use simple layman words when asked for an explanation. Recognize when a mechanic is trying to test your knowledge of cars. The best way that a shady mechanic can access how much you know about your car is by asking basic questions, such as the number of cylinders your car’s engine has.
Cheaper than professional repair. Paintless dent repair (PDR) kits can substitute a trip to the repair shop and help keep more money in your wallet. There are kits for tiny, medium-sized, and large dents, and the average price of the kits is generally a fraction of what you’d pay for repairs. Easy and convenient. With the right dent puller, it’s very easy to set up in your driveway or parking lot. The best PDR tools are shipped with detailed, easy-to-follow instructions. You can rest easy knowing they will not damage your car’s paint. From the ease-of-use standpoint, the suction dent puller is the undisputed winner. The suction cup works with metal and plastic auto bodies. The cups are made of rubber and plastic. Depending on the size of the cup, it can lift upwards of 130 pounds. If you want one of the best suction dent pullers, consider whether the kit includes multiple suction cups. The PDR process is requires patience and a trained eye to see the tiny changes made during each use of a tool. During the repair process it is often required to cycle through each of the previous steps until the dent has been completely removed.