Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Auto Body Shops Seattle with Spring Cleaning Tips – Interior Clean-up and Organization

Auto Body Shop in Seattle with interior auto cleaning tips…

Auto detailing means keeping the inside looking good too. Many people spend more time in their vehicles than they do their homes. On the occasion that someone asks for a ride, do you find yourself scooping piles of debris from the front passenger seat so they have a place to sit? Is there a pile of clutter on the floor to toss into the back seat as well?

How can you stand a cluttered car? The messier it gets the more overwhelming the thought of cleaning it up can be. Take advantage of a nice day and set aside some time to clean the vehicle that you live in.

Step One – De-clutter

First, take everything out of the car, including child seats, floor mats, everything in the glove box, console and door pockets. Empty the trunk as well. This is a good time to vacuum the seats and floor, wash the windows, wipe down the dash and do a good cleaning.

Go through the rest of the clutter and decide what you need to have in your car. Put it back neatly, considering how often it is used by the driver or passengers and how easily accessible it needs to be to the driver.

Step Two – What do you need?

How do you use your car? Is it just transportation from here to there or do you use your car for business? Are you involved in carpooling where you take turns transporting the kids to and from school or do you take business clients to lunch?

What do you need to have in the car at all times? Tissue for the children, pen and paper, change for parking meters, cell phone, etc…

Step Three – Where do you need it?

Decide what you need to keep close at hand and what you can store in the trunk. The snow brush and ice scraper can be kept in the trunk during the summer months. If you are one to keep CD’s in your car, just keep a few favorites in a small organizer and put the rest in the house. Rotate them every few weeks as you get tired of listening to the same ones.

Step Four – Organize for Safety

Loose objects that clutter up your car can be dangerous in the event of a fast stop or a crash; flying projectiles can cause damage to the vehicle or injuries to passengers.

Most auto parts stores carry a variety of accessories and organizers for cars including trash bags, CD storage, cup holders, trunk organizers and more. There are even organizers for the person who conducts business in their car; a container that holds files and has a writing surface and detachable portfolio.

Step Five – Put the rest away

Now that you have cleaned everything out of your car and returned items that you need while driving, look at the rest of the pile. No doubt, some if it is garbage. Throw out the empty water bottles and fast food bags full of wadded up wrappers. Put the book you borrowed last month (and meant to return promptly) on your nightstand, read it and return it with your apologies! What else is left? Does it belong in the house, the garage, or is it trash?

Step Six – Remember and Promise

Remember how much effort it took to clean up your car and promise yourself to never allow it to get this way again. Will you keep the promise? Think about how you feel when you pick up an important client and you don’t have to scoop everything into the back seat. Even better, think how impressed your clients or coworkers will be when you pick up several and have a nice clean back seat as well.

Keeping the interior of your car clean promotes safety, makes a good impression on others and can even reduce stress. A lot of people find clutter to be quite stressful; not a good thing for a driver who needs to be focused on the road. In addition, you need to be able to produce your registration and proof of insurance quickly when asked for it by a police officer. Just being pulled over is bad enough; but it’s really intimidating when the officer is standing there waiting while you fumble around looking for these important documents. Your quick cooperation may even save you from a ticket!

Mike Tompkins owns Collision on wheels, a mobile auto body shop that provides same day, on-site service: dent repair, scratch repair, collision repair, auto paint repair, bumper repair, fenders and doors for consumers and business in the Greater Eastside and Seattle area, Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond, Kent, Renton, Woodinville, Lynnwood, Kirkland, Bothell and neighboring cities and communities.

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Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Avoid Rip-off with Auto Repairs - Tips from a Seattle Auto Body Shop

Auto repairs can be very expensive; labor is often the largest part of the repair bill. Add a large mark-up for replacement parts and you find yourself facing a large expense.

Your mechanic recommends a list of maintenance services to be done; you check the manual and find that it calls for these items later. Do you listen to the dealer and have it done now or go by the manual and do it later?

Your owner’s manual is a valuable resource. If you do not have one, get one. You can find them at major auto parts stores or online. Reading the manual will give you the information you need to have an intelligent conversation with your mechanic and to make a wise decision.

If your car has very low miles and is in need of repair, chances are there was a defect in manufacturing and a recall notice was sent out. You can find out if this is the case for you by visiting http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/

Check with the Better Business Bureau to learn if there have been many complaints filed against the mechanic you are doing business with. Also check to see if they are ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certified in the category of repair you need, such as engine, brakes, electrical, etc…

Your mechanic should be able to give you an estimate before repairs are done so you can either authorize the work or decline some or all of the repairs suggested. Take the time to make some calls to see how much other mechanics are charging for the same type of repairs.

Ask for a written warranty on all service performed and request that they give you the old parts to confirm that work was done. Some mechanics automatically leave old parts in your trunk. Don’t forget to check before you leave in case you don’t care to carry them around with you. If you trust your mechanic and prefer to have them dispose of the parts you can request this service when you pick up the car.

When you pick up your car take the time to look over the bill and ask questions. It’s OK to request that the mechanic point out what they did and explain further if necessary. A good mechanic should be willing to go for a test drive with you so you can be sure they addressed the noise, vibration, or symptom that brought you to them in the first place. Do not pay the bill and leave until you are satisfied with the repair work.

Mike Tompkins owns Collision on Wheels, a mobile auto body shop offering convenient auto body repairs to the general public. Most people are too busy for the inconvenience of taking their car to a traditional auto body shop for small fender benders. We Come to You – Convenient, professional, on-site repair and refinishing services for your car. All work is done in full view of the customer and completed in one day.

Same day, on-site service: dent repair, scratch repair, collision repair, auto paint repair, bumper repair, fenders and doors for consumers and business in the Greater Eastside and Seattle area, Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond, Kent, Renton, Woodinville, Lynnwood, Kirkland, Bothell and neighboring cities and communities.

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Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Auto Paint Repair and Maintenance Tips from an Expert in Seattle, Washington

Regular washing and waxing helps maintain your auto paint job, but is it enough? After washing and waxing your car, does it still feel rough? Are there tiny bumps that feel like bits of dirt and metal fragments? Don’t worry; this is not because the car came out of the factory with an inferior paint job. This is called auto paint contamination which cannot be removed by washing and waxing your car.

What is Auto Paint Contamination?

Auto paint contamination is caused by tiny metal shavings that come from brake dust, rail dust and industrial fallout which is a byproduct of the modern industrial age. Rail dust is produced by the friction of a train’s wheels against the tracks. As new cars are shipped to dealerships by train, the damage begins before your car reaches the dealership. Brake dust is particles produced from the friction of brake pads rubbing against the rotor and dispensed into the air on the highway where it comes into contact with other cars.

You cannot prevent auto paint contamination. Using rubbing compounds to remove the contamination can be abrasive; eventually it will remove the top clear coat finish from your car.

Remove Paint Contamination with a Clay Bar

Using a clay bar is the safest and most effective way to remove auto paint contamination. This process takes time, so allow yourself at least half a day. It is very important that you use a lubricant designed to work with a clay bar. As you glide the clay bar over the lubricant, it will pull out the embedded particles, without causing additional damage to your auto paint. Failure to use a lubricant can burn a hole in the finish.

Begin the process by applying a light mist of lubricant to a small section; do not try to do too large an area at one time or the lubricant will dry before you work the area. Gently glide the clay bar across the area until the surface is smooth. Wipe with a clean, dry towel and continue on to the next section.

As you work and the clay bar becomes soiled, knead and stretch the clay to expose a fresh surface. Be careful not to drop the clay bar on the ground or it will pick up dirt and transfer it to the car, scratching the surface.

Removing paint contamination with a clay bar is a lot of work so finish the project by applying a good wax to protect the surface and renew the shine.

Mike Tompkins owns and operates Collision on Wheels, a mobile auto body shop that comes to you to provide same day, on-site service: dent repair, scratch repair, collision repair, auto paint repair, bumper repair, fenders and doors for consumers and business in the Greater Eastside and Seattle area, Bellevue, Redmond, Kent, Renton, Woodinville, Lynnwood, Kirkland, Bothell and neighboring cities and communities.

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Auto Paint Maintenance from Auto Body Repair Expert in Seattle

You can maintain your auto paint job by waxing your car every three months to protect it from the harsh environment. The hot sun beating on your car can cause the paint to fade; salt used on the roads in the winter can lead to corrosion. Waxing your car helps to maintain the natural shine and protect it from the harsh environment.

Wax provides a shield to protect the paint and cover minor scratches, making them less visible and reducing corrosion. Waxing your car regularly will provide a seal to prevent water from coming into contact with bare metal exposed by deep scratches.

Don’t be fooled by products that claim to last much longer. You should wax your car every three months to protect the paint and maintain the color and shine.

Most car wax products work better when the surface is cool, so after washing your car, allow it to dry completely and park it in a shady spot. Choose a good quality wax with no abrasives and use a soft, clean cloth to apply the wax. Work in sections and spread the product on evenly. Allow a couple minutes for the wax to haze then buff it with a soft towel using circular motions to restore the shine.

Be careful not to touch areas like rubber door seals and black window trim as the wax will leave white stains on them. Window spray works well for removing wax from these areas.

If you have neglected to wax you car for a long time you may want to have a professional auto body detailing shop buff the car with polishing compound to remove scratches and abrasions.

A much better solution is to have the body shop come to you! A mobile auto body shop can often repair minor dents and scratches in just a few hours so you don’t have the inconvenience of leaving your car at the body shop.

A mobile auto body shop that comes to you is typically cheaper than a traditional body repair shop and the quality of work is just as good, if not better. Mobile auto body shops are also convenient because you don’t have to be without your vehicle while pay for a rental car or arrange other transportation.

Regular washing and waxing will keep your auto paint looking new and shiny while protecting it from harsh weather. A clean car dries quicker as dirt and dust hold moisture, speeding up the corrosion process.

Mike Tompkins is an auto body repair specialist who owns Collision on Wheels, serving consumers and businesses in the Greater Eastside Seattle area, Bellevue, Redmond, Kent, Renton, Woodinville, Lynnwood, Kirkland, Bothell and neighboring cities and communities.

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Monday, August 17, 2009

Auto Body Maintenance Tips from Auto Body Repair Expert in Seattle

Due to economic conditions people are keeping their vehicles longer. Proper maintenance will prolong the quality of your car’s paint job and prevent rust and corrosion. Keeping your car looking new also helps when you decide to sell or trade in your car. Here are some tips for maintaining your vehicle:

Wash the Car Regularly

Wash you car at least once a month to remove dirt, salt, dust, bird droppings and bugs that leave permanent stains and cause rust and corrosion over time. Dirt holds moisture which causes damage to the paint job. When a car is clean moisture dries quickly. Pressure washing your car removes the dirt from difficult to reach areas like behind moldings, under the bumper and inside the wheel wells. Take care not to hold the pressure wash jet too close or too long in one area.

Salt build-up in the winter time is especially corrosive; pressure washing the under-body helps remove salt build-up. Pay extra attention to the windshield to remove debris caught by the wiper blades which can scratch the glass when wipers are operating.

Wax the Car

Waxing your car regularly maintains a shiny look and helps to shield the paint from the hot sun and harsh environment. A good quality car wax will protect the car for three to four months. Don’t be fooled by products that claim to last longer; a car should be waxed 3 to 4 times a year to protect and maintain the quality of the paint.

Undercoating and Rust Proofing

In areas where the climate is very humid or where salt is used on the roads in the wintertime, undercoating and rust-proofing helps prevent rust and corrosion. This is not only important maintenance for the paint, but for other areas like the brake system and steering parts that we often take for granted. Excessive rust can cause deterioration of brake parts causing brake lines to burst. Undercoating and rust-proofing prolongs the life of your vehicle.

Repairing Stone Chips, Small Dents and Scratches

Stone chips and scratches can lead to corrosion if they are not repaired quickly. Touch-up paint can be ordered from the dealership to fill in small scratches and stone chips.

Some abrasions will require a multi-step process to repair. Being careful to avoid damage to the clear coat, gently sand the marks with wet sandpaper until they are gone. Use the polishing compound to restore the shine then buff the area with car wax.

Use the same method for minor scratches. First, use the polishing compound; be sure to choose the one with the finest abrasive. Using a circular motion, buff the area until the scratch disappears. Now, apply a think coat of liquid wax onto the area; allow it to haze, then buff with a soft towel.

Professional Auto-Paint Restoration

No matter how hard you work at it, you may not be completely satisfied with the results you get when you attempt to repair scratches or abrasion on your vehicle, but whatever you do will be better than neglecting the damage and allowing it to get worse. Eventually, you will want to take your vehicle to an auto body shop for an exterior make-over and paint job…or will you?

A Convenient, Time-saving Option

How convenient would it be if you could have the auto body shop come to you and fix your car right in your driveway or in the parking lot of your work place? Guess what? You Can! New trends in the auto body collision repair business include a mobile auto body shop that completes these repairs in just a few hours. It is no longer necessary to leave your car at the body shop for a few days just for minor repairs.

Mike Tompkins owns and operates Collision on Wheels in Seattle, Washington. Collision on Wheels is a mobile auto body shop that comes to your home or workplace to perform minor collision repairs, dent repair, scratch repair, paint repair and more. Mike Tompkins serves consumers and business in the Greater Eastside and Seattle area, Bellevue, Redmond, Kent, Renton, Woodinville, Lynnwood, Kirkland, Bothell and neighboring cities and communities.

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Auto Body Shops go Mobile in Seattle, Washington: New Trend in Auto Body Dent and Paint Repair

Have you heard about the new trend in the auto body repair industry? The mobile auto body shop offers the convenience of on-site scratch and dent repairs. The concept of the mobile auto body shop, where the service is performed at your home or business, is convenient, time saving and less expensive than the traditional auto body shop.

Most people don’t have the time to take their vehicle to a body shop and leave it for a few days just to have scratches and small dents repaired. This is where the convenience of a mobile auto body shop comes in.

How a Mobile Auto Body Shop Works

With the mobile auto body shop you enjoy the convenience of driving to work and having your vehicle repaired right in the parking lot while you work. By the end of your work day the repairs are complete and you can drive your car home. In fact, some repairs are done within a couple hours so your vehicle is ready when you go to lunch.

A mobile auto body shop is a van equipped with everything the service technician needs to repair minor scratches and dents right in your driveway or at your workplace. You go about your business while they repair football-sized dents, scratches, scrapes and abrasions on your car. This is a great convenience because you don’t have to be without your vehicle for days at a time while it sits at the body shop. A mobile auto body shop is also a great money saver with no need to rent car while yours is in the body shop. The cost is often less than an insurance deductible so you don’t have to file a claim.

Quality of Repair with a Mobile Auto Body Shop

Some people are concerned with the quality of repair that can be done by a mobile auto body shop. Mobile auto body shops have the technology to computer match the color of the paint on your vehicle for a perfect match. There is no reason to sacrifice quality for this convenience. Advanced technology enables a mobile auto shop to be completely portable. They will also work under a tent so they are not disrupting others or damaging nearby property. Another amazing feature is that they work in all weather conditions.

Convenience of a Mobile Auto Body Shop

A mobile auto body shop can complete some repairs in just a couple hours. These same repairs, done in a body shop, would require leaving your vehicle for a day or two. Body shops often focus on the bigger, more expensive jobs while the vehicles in need of minor repairs sit and wait.

Cost of Service by a Mobile Auto Body Shop

A mobile auto body shop typically has less overhead than the traditional auto body shop; therefore, they are able to pass the savings on to the customer. They don’t have to lease a building and expensive equipment, pay utility bills, property insurance or any other costs associated with a building. Everything they need is in their vehicle.

One of the main reasons a customer will use a mobile auto body shop is that most of the minor repairs cost less than an insurance company’s deductible. Most people would rather pay for these small repairs without involving their insurance company because they are concerned about premium increases. They want to remain in good standing with their insurance company in case they need them for something more serious. In the event that repairs are more than the deductible, mobile auto body shops do work with your insurance company.

Mike Tompkins owns and operates Collision on Wheels, a mobile auto body shop in the Seattle, Washington area. Collision on Wheels offers convenient auto body repairs to the general public, fleet managers, city and county vehicles and police cars just to name a few. Mike Tompkins serves consumers and business in the Greater Eastside and Seattle area, Bellevue, Redmond, Kent, Renton, Woodinville, Lynnwood, Kirkland, Bothell and neighboring cities and communities.

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