Dent Repair Portland

Auto Repairs: The Corner Garage or the Dealership?

2010-01-26T09:46:00.000-08:00

Auto repairs and maintenance is not top on our list of things we like to do; however, necessary to keep your car running efficiently. Some people prefer to have everything done by the dealership; others are more comfortable with the friendly neighborhood mechanic.

Here are some pros and cons of the corner garage versus the dealership:

Technical Training:

Dealership: Dealership technicians are manufacturer-trained and certified to work on your specific make of vehicle. Training is also extended to the support staff and service manager. Dealer auto repair and service technicians receive ongoing training to keep up to date on the latest technologies and enhancements.

Corner Garage: Many independent auto service businesses are started by someone with dealership experience who has had the specialized training and keeps up to date by taking regular classes. Some technicians who work for the smaller repair shops are both manufacturer-certified and ASE-certified (Automotive Service Excellence).

Recalls

Dealership: The dealership service departments are notified by TSB (Technical service bulletins) of recalls. They should automatically check for recalls when you come in for service.

Corner Garage: The smaller auto repair service providers can subscribe to software that notifies them about recalls; however, it is a paid membership. Ask your garage if they subscribe to a service or if they have a way of finding out about recalls.

Customer Relations

Dealership: Dealership technicians are expert mechanics but they are also playing a salesman role; their intent is to get you to spend money. Since they usually work on a commission, they might try to convince you to perform a specific maintenance procedure that could wait until your next oil change. This doesn’t mean that they are all dishonest; however, beware of high-pressure sales tactics.

Corner Garage: Here, you will probably know who your mechanic is and he will likely be familiar with your car. You will be greeted by name and maybe something like, “Hi Ms. Vehicle owner; are you here for a follow-up to get the brakes adjusted?” They will remember that you recently had your brakes worked on and that you would be back after driving a certain number of miles for a follow-up check.

Customer Satisfaction

Dealership: Dealership repair technicians may appear to be more concerned with keeping “corporate” happy than they are about their customers; however, they don’t want an angry customer complaining to the manufacturer. The manufacturer often surveys customers to measure their degree of satisfaction with the dealership service.

Corner Garage: Your local auto repair shop is smaller and they depend on your repeat business and referrals to stay in business. The small shop is part of the community; people talk and reputations are formed. The small repair shop knows that they cannot afford to have an unhappy customer, especially if they are a long-standing, highly-respected person in the community.

Convenience

Dealership: In most cases, you will have to drive further to get to the dealership. This is inconvenient, especially if you have to leave your car overnight for service. Of course it’s worth the extra drive if the repairs are covered by a warranty or part of a complimentary maintenance plan.

Corner Garage: There are probably several of this type of auto repair shops between your home and the dealership. If you know that your friendly neighborhood auto repair man is qualified to perform the service you need, then the convenient location might influence your choice.

Warranties

Dealership: Dealerships are paid by the manufacturers to perform repairs that are covered by a warranty. Dealer warranties are good nationwide, so if you have something done and it doesn’t hold up, it can be fixed free by a dealer in another area.

Corner Garage: The small auto repair shop can offer warranties; however, the coverage may not be as long and it might just cover parts or labor, but not both. If you have a problem when traveling, your warranty might be worthless because the corner garage doesn’t have nationwide locations.

Quality and Price for Parts

Dealership: Dealerships and manufacturers use only OE (Original Equipment) parts with a standard of quality and engineering that only the manufacturer can authorize. There are some cases where you should only use OE parts for safety and quality.

Corner Garage: The corner garage can offer aftermarket parts that are supposed to be a generic substitute that works as well but cost less. In many cases these parts are inferior in design, may not last as long or they may be a threat to your safety.

Facilities

Dealership: Dealerships are cleaner and more organized. They have a nice waiting room for customers with vending machines, coffee, snacks, magazines and TV. Sometimes, they even wash the car too, making the experience more pleasant.

Corner Garage: The local auto repair shop isn’t likely to have the nice accommodations for customers who wait with their vehicle.

Price of Labor

Dealership: The manufacturer pays for the technicians to be well educated and certified to work on your specific make of car. They are required to keep up to date on the latest repair methods and upgrades. Highly qualified technicians and a nice waiting area increase the cost of operations; this cost is passed onto the customer in labor charges.

Corner Garage: The corner garage is simply there to perform auto repairs and service. They might have a sitting area; however, it will not compare to that of the dealerships. Most people make arrangements to go shopping or have lunch while their vehicle is at the corner garage.

So the decision to go to the dealership or the corner garage depends on many factors, the most important being the type of service you are having done and the qualifications of the mechanic. If you are certain that the corner garage can handle what you need done and you can save some money, let them do the work. If the item is under warranty you might be better off going to the dealership.

Willie Fisher owns Collision on Wheels, a mobile auto body shop that comes to the consumer to perform auto body work and auto painting. The customer can enjoy the convenience of having cosmetic work done on their vehicle while they go about their own business. The work is typically completed on one day or less for a fee of less than an insurance deductible. So now you have another choice to make…The mobile auto body shop versus the traditional auto body shop.

Collision on wheels of Portland, Oregon provides on-site, mobile auto body repair, scratch repair, dent repair, paint repair, auto bumper, door and fender repair for consumers in Clackamas County, Columbia County, Multnomah County, Washington County, Yamhill County, Portland, Beaverton, Gresham, Hillsboro, Canby, Damascus, Gladstone, King City, Lake Oswego, Lake Grove, Milwaukie, Newberg, Oregon City, Parkrose, Sherwood, Tigard, Troutdale, Tualatin, West Linn, Wilsonville, Aloha, Beavercreek, Clackamas, Dunthorpe, Garden Home, Raleigh Hills, West Slope and neighboring cities and communities.

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Auto Body Dent Repair Expert offers Winter Driving Tips

2009-12-28T13:42:00.001-08:00

Dent repair and auto painting are necessary to prevent further damage to your vehicle’s exterior. Minor collision damage occurs more in the winter time due to changes in road conditions.

Limited Visibility

Visibility is more limited during the winter months, making it necessary to be extra careful when driving to and from school, work or recreation at night time. Rainy weather and fog reduce visibility; the cold air causes windows to mist.

Road Conditions

Obviously, roads are wet and slippery. Snow and ice can add a challenge to controlling your vehicle. Overpasses are most dangerous as they are likely to be icy even when the rest of the road is relatively clear.

Driving Tips to Improve your Chances

Always maintain extra distance between you and the vehicle in front of you to allow time to stop when roads are icy. Execute lane changes early and always use turn signals to let other drivers know your intentions. Allow extra travel time when conditions are dangerous.

Prepare your Car for Winter Driving

There are precautions you can take to prepare for winter driving conditions and freezing temperatures. Install snow tires, check your coolant and test the strength of your battery. Refuel at ½ a tank. Avoid using the emergency brake because it can freeze. Clear the snow and ice from your windows before driving. Make sure wipers are not frozen to the windshield before operating to avoid stripping the gears in the wiper arms.

Winter road conditions and freezing temperatures can be hard on your vehicle. Seasonal preparation and extra caution when driving will help you and your vehicle survive the winter.

These tips were provided by Willie Fisher, owner of Collision on Wheels, a mobile auto body shop. Collision on Wheels provides on-site dent repair, scratch removal, auto painting and minor collision repairs. A portable spray booth allows them to work in all weather conditions, restoring your vehicle to like-new condition in one day or less.

Collision on wheels of Portland, Oregon provides on-site, mobile auto body repair, scratch repair, dent repair, paint repair, auto bumper, door and fender repair for consumers in Clackamas County, Columbia County, Multnomah County, Washington County, Yamhill County, Portland, Beaverton, Gresham, Hillsboro, Canby, Damascus, Gladstone, King City, Lake Oswego, Lake Grove, Milwaukie, Newberg, Oregon City, Parkrose, Sherwood, Tigard, Troutdale, Tualatin, West Linn, Wilsonville, Aloha, Beavercreek, Clackamas, Dunthorpe, Garden Home, Raleigh Hills, West Slope and neighboring cities and communities.

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Auto Body Technician Recommends Waxing your Car

2009-12-28T13:41:00.000-08:00

Auto body repair technicians recommend waxing your car to protect it from the harsh environment. The hot sun beating on the car will cause the paint to fade; salt from the roads in the winter time will corrosion.

A coat of wax will provide a shield to protect the paint and make minor scratches, stone ships and other damages less visible. Waxing your car will help reduce corrosion. Waxing your car periodically provides a seal to prevent water from coming into contact with bare metal exposed by deep scratches.

Your car should be waxed every three months to protect the paint and maintain the color and shine. Some products claim to last much longer, but this is a myth; you should wax your car regularly for best results.

Wash the car and allow it to dry completely and park it in a shady spot as most products work better when the surface is cool to the touch. Use a good quality wax with no abrasives and a soft, clean cloth to apply the wax. Work in sections, spreading the product evenly. Wait a couple minutes for the wax to haze and then buff it with a soft towel using circular motions to restore the shine.

Avoid touching areas like rubber door seals and black window trim because the wax will leave white stains. If this happens, window spray works well for cleaning these areas.

If you have neglected to wax you car for a long time you might have to take it to a detailing shop to be buffed with polishing compound to remove scratches and abrasions. This can be a hassle!

The good news is, there is an alternative. 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 for a few days.

A mobile auto body shop that comes to you is typically cheaper and the quality of work is good, if not better, than the body shop that keeps your car while you have to pay for a rental or arrange alternate transportation.

Willie Fisher owns Collision on Wheels, a mobile auto body shop specializing in minor collision repairs and auto painting. Technology allows technicians to carry everything they need to perform paint touch-ups, matching the existing color perfectly.

Collision on wheels of Portland, Oregon provides on-site, mobile auto body repair, scratch repair, dent repair, paint repair, auto bumper, door and fender repair for consumers in Clackamas County, Columbia County, Multnomah County, Washington County, Yamhill County, Portland, Beaverton, Gresham, Hillsboro, Canby, Damascus, Gladstone, King City, Lake Oswego, Lake Grove, Milwaukie, Newberg, Oregon City, Parkrose, Sherwood, Tigard, Troutdale, Tualatin, West Linn, Wilsonville, Aloha, Beavercreek, Clackamas, Dunthorpe, Garden Home, Raleigh Hills, West Slope and neighboring cities and communities.

97201, 97203, 97205, 97209, 97211, 97213, 97315, 97217, 97219, 97221, 97223, 97006, 97008, 97124, 97080, 97089, 97224, 97035, 97132, 97230, 97224, 97062, 97070, 97004, 97080, 97013, 97027, 97267, 97045, 97140, 97060, 97068, 97086,

Dent Repair Portland: Willie Fisher Making a Difference

2009-12-01T18:06:00.000-08:00

Dent Repair Portland: Willie Fisher, dent repair expert, making a difference for Portland consumers

Auto Paint Repair – Removing Auto Paint Contamination

2009-11-16T10:33:00.001-08:00

Auto paint contamination is a condition where the paint surface feels rough and gritty. It is caused by industrial fallout and tiny metal shavings from brake dust. Auto paint contamination leads to rust and can cause serious damage to your car’s finish. It cannot be removed by washing, waxing or polishing.

Causes of Paint Contamination

There is no way to prevent auto paint contamination. The causes of auto paint contamination include:

Rail Dust: Rail dust is produced from the friction of a train’s wheels against railroad tracks. Most new cars are shipped to dealerships by train; therefore, a new car’s finish can be contaminated before it gets to the dealership. If you live near a railroad track or your daily route to work takes you past the tracks your car is subject to rail dust contamination.

Brake Dust: 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.

Industrial fallout is another type of pollution; it is a byproduct of our modern industrial age.

Removing Paint Contamination

The best way to safely remove paint contamination is with a clay bar, which, unlike rubbing compounds, is non-abrasive. Poly Clay bars are the best because they do not dry with age or decompose with repeated applications. They are non-abrasive and clear coat safe.

Follow directions and use a clay lubricant to reduce friction between the clay bar the paint surface. Be sure to wash the car first because dirt and grit on the surface will cause scratching.

Work in sections, apply a light mist of lubricant, and then glide the clay bar across the area until the finish is smooth and the contaminants are removed. Wipe with a clean, dry microfiber towel and continue working in sections until the entire vehicle has been treated.

As the clay bar becomes soiled, pull, stretch and refold to expose a new area. When it is completely soiled throw it out. A 2 oz clay bar should last through 5 to 7 treatments. Be careful not to drop the clay bar on the ground.

Clay bars only remove contamination; they do not remove scratches or restore the gloss. Polish or wax the car after removing paint contamination to restore the shine and protect the paint.

This information is provided by Willie Fisher, owner of Collision on Wheels, a mobile auto body repair shop. Collision on Wheels provides on-site, mobile auto body repair, scratch repair, dent repair, paint repair, auto bumper, door and fender repair for consumers in Clackamas County, Columbia County, Multnomah County, Washington County, Yamhill County, Portland, Beaverton, Gresham, Hillsboro, Canby, Damascus, Gladstone, King City, Lake Oswego, Lake Grove, Milwaukie, Newberg, Oregon City, Parkrose, Sherwood, Tigard, Troutdale, Tualatin, West Linn, Wilsonville, Aloha, Beavercreek, Clackamas, Dunthorpe, Garden Home, Raleigh Hills, West Slope and neighboring cities and communities.

97201, 97203, 97205, 97209, 97211, 97213, 97315, 97217, 97219, 97221, 97223, 97006, 97008, 97124, 97080, 97089, 97224, 97035, 97132, 97230, 97224, 97062, 97070, 97004, 97080, 97013, 97027, 97267, 97045, 97140, 97060, 97068, 97086,

Dent Repair Expert Discusses Used Car Resale Values

2009-11-16T10:15:00.000-08:00

The CARS (car allowance rebate system) program, also known as “Cash for Clunkers” was a huge success. The program offered cash incentives for qualifying consumers who traded in their vehicle to purchase a more fuel efficient car.

Because of an increase in sales, the program also helped boost our economy by creating jobs at dealerships and automakers. Many dealerships reported an increase in showroom traffic to levels not seen in well over a year.

The CARS program took a lot of used cars off the market for good; the cars that were traded in were crushed and recycled; never again to return to the road. The purpose of the program was to take as many gas hogs off the road as possible, replacing them with more fuel efficient vehicles.

Now that the CARS program has come to a close, and there are fewer used cars available, they will have a slightly higher resale value. This is a good time to sell or trade in your used car. Clean used cars are highly sought after by dealers and private parties.

A well maintained vehicle will bring a better resale price than one that has been neglected. Cars are built to last longer; therefore, they often have some dents and dings when they are still in excellent mechanical shape.

Repairing the dents and dings will add resale value to your used car. A mobile auto body shop is the best choice for having cosmetic repairs, including dent repair, scratch removal, bumper and fender repair and auto painting done.

A mobile auto body shop offers the convenience of on-site scratch and dent repair so you don’t have to leave your vehicle in the shop for days at a time. The mobile auto body shop often completes cosmetic auto repairs in one day or less and their fees are 20 – 50 percent less than those charged by the traditional auto body shop.

Leave the major collision repairs up to the body shop; have a mobile auto body shop come to you and perform the small repairs. Like the CARS program, a mobile auto body shop also uses “green” technology to reduce hazardous waste and; since they do not operate out of a building, they consume less energy, leaving a smaller carbon footprint.

Willie Fisher owns Collision on Wheels, a mobile auto body shop. Collision on Wheels, We Come to You, provides scratch and dent repair, auto painting and minor collision repairs at your home or workplace. They pride them selves on being environmentally friendly as well as an economical choice for consumers who wish to get top value for their used car.

Collision on wheels of Portland, Oregon provides on-site, mobile auto body repair, scratch repair, dent repair, paint repair, auto bumper, door and fender repair for consumers in Clackamas County, Columbia County, Multnomah County, Washington County, Yamhill County, Portland, Beaverton, Gresham, Hillsboro, Canby, Damascus, Gladstone, King City, Lake Oswego, Lake Grove, Milwaukie, Newberg, Oregon City, Parkrose, Sherwood, Tigard, Troutdale, Tualatin, West Linn, Wilsonville, Aloha, Beavercreek, Clackamas, Dunthorpe, Garden Home, Raleigh Hills, West Slope and neighboring cities and communities.

97096, 97202, 97204, 97206, 97210, 97212, 97214, 97216, 97218, 97220, 97222, 97005, 97007, 97123, 97009, 97015, 97224, 97034, 97132, 97230, 97223, 97062, 97070, 97004, 97030, 97013, 97027, 97267, 97045, 97140, 97060, 97068, 97086