Superficial Damage May Be More than Superficial

The number one reason why you should have what appears to be superficial damage looked at and repaired promptly is because the damage may not be superficial at all. Many newer cars are made with foam that is placed behind the panels on your car. This foam is designed to absorb the impact of an accident without causing occupants inside the car and the body of your car a great deal of damage. While you may only see a small ding or dent on the exterior of your car, what is hiding behind that ding or dent may be a substantial dent in the foam behind the panel. If you were to leave this as is, the foam is not in place should you get in another accident. This means damage to you and your car can occur because the foam is not there to insult the crash. As such, it is important to have what appears to be superficial damage at least looked at by an auto body repair shop.

Superficial Damage Can Rust

Another reason why it is important to get superficial car damage repaired right away is because superficial car damage can cause rust on your car. Scratches or chips in the paint allow water to penetrate into the metal body of the car. This can cause rust to form over a period of time. If rust is left unattended to, it can eat through metal, weakening the body of your car.

Superficial Damage Affects the Value of Your Car

The last reason why you want to have superficial car crash damage repaired promptly is because superficial damage affects the value of your car. Many of us say we are going to do something and then never get around to it. You may mean to get around to repairing the superficial damage, but then not do it. However, eventually you may want to sell or trade in your car. The damage on your car from an accident months or years ago can affect the value and prevent you from getting the most money out of your car. Repairing it in a timely manner ensures it gets done so your car retains its value.

Do you have damage to your car that was caused from an auto accident? If so, Suburban Auto Body in St. Paul, MN. can help. We are an auto body repair shop specializing in auto body and collision repair. We offer auto body and paint services. We will work with you or your insurance company to get the damage taken care of. When you are ready to have your car fixed, call us to schedule an appointment or to get an estimate.

What Are the Benefits of Removing a Dent Via the Suction Method?

The suction method of removing a dent involves using a special tool that adheres to the dented portion of your car and pulls the dent out. Imagine sticking a plunger over the dent and then pulling outward. The air and the suction motion helps pull the dent out. This tool works in a very similar fashion. The benefit to this is that it can effectively remove small and medium-sized dents without having to remove the entire panel from the car, making it fast and efficient. And when done correctly, it will not cause any damage to your paint or the body of the car.

Can All Dents Be Suctioned Out of a Car?

Not all dents can or should be suctioned out. If the dent is large, the suction method may not work. Additionally, if there are any cracks in the panel, the entire panel should be replaced, rather than having the dent removed. Lastly, many cars have foam behind the front and rear bumpers and portions of the panel. In some instances, this foam needs to be replaced following a large accident. If the foam needs to be replaced, the panel or bumper has to be removed and suctioning it may not be the preferred removal method.

What Other Methods Can Be Used to Remove a Dent?

The suction method is the most common method to remove a dent. But it is not the only dent removal method. Other removal methods include pounding a dent out from the backside and filling the dent in with compound, smoothing the compound and then repainting the panel. If the panel or bumper is damaged, dent removal may not be recommended at all. Instead, the bumper or panel should be replaced.

If you have been involved in a car accident, you want your car repaired right. At Suburban Auto Body in St. Paul, MN, we can fix your car and get it looking exactly like it did pre-accident. This includes removing dents, repairing damaged body parts and fixing paint imperfections. Call us today to schedule an appointment to bring your car in for collision auto body repair.

The Windshield Is Cracked

Typically, if you have a crack in your windshield, it can be repaired as long as it isn't longer than the size of a dollar bill and doesn't affect your line of vision while driving. However, if the crack was caused by an accident, your entire windshield should be replaced. If the impact of the crash was so severe that it caused a visible crack, there might be other stress fractures in the glass you do not see.  The glass is likely unstable and won't offer much protection if you are ever involved in a car accident again or if flying debris hits the windshield.

The Airbags Deployed

If the airbags in your car deploy due to a car accident, there is a good possibility that your windshield will need to be replaced, even if you do not see any damage to them. Airbags produce a lot of pressure when they deploy, which can push on your dashboard and in turn, into the windshield. The polyurethane seals around the windshield may be affected and may not hold the windshield in place as firmly as it should. Replacing the windshield is typically done as a preventative measure after the airbags were deployed.

The Windshield Wiggles

The last reason a windshield would need to be replaced after a car accident is because it wiggles. The impact from a car accident can stress, break or fracture the seal that holds your windshield in place. When this happens, your windshield may wiggle or shake as you drive. You may notice this more when you go over speed bumps or uneven pavements. Regardless, a windshield that wiggles is not structurally sound and can be harmful if road debris hits it or you are in another accident. Replacing the windshield solves this issue.

The Bumper is Cracked

If the bumper on the car is cracked, it typically needs to be replaced, rather than repaired. There are a few exceptions to this, as epoxy and a fiberglass repair kit can be used to repair a bumper. But, for the most part, you want to have it replaced. Repairing the damage is extensive and the bumper loses structural integrity when it is cracked, which means you won't have as much protection in a car crash. Unless you have a classic car with a bumper that is hard to replace, you likely want to replace yours when there are cracks on it.

There is Major Paint Damage

If your bumper has a lot of scratches or chipped paint, you may want to replace the bumper, rather than repair it. If your bumper is scratched or scraped up, the bumper has to be sanded down to make it level. If the scratches are deep, they may need to be filled with a compound to even the surface. Then the bumper needs to be repainted so that it matches the exact color of your car. This can be a lot of work. Depending on the number of scratches and their depth, it may be easier just to paint a new bumper, rather than work on evening out and resurfacing a damaged one.

The Hooks on the Bumper are Damaged or Broken

The last reason why a bumper needs to be replaced rather than repaired is because the hooks on the bumper are damaged or broken. Bumpers have hooks on them that help them adhere to the valance panel, grill and splash guard. If the hooks are damaged or broken, the bumper may fall down or come off completely. Unfortunately, replacing or repairing the hooks is not an option. Once those hooks go, it is time for a new bumper to ensure the bumper stays in place in the future.

Is The Whole Car Painted?

Typically your entire car is not painted. Typically, only the affected panel or part of the car that was damaged is painted. For example, if the bumper was dented and paint was scraped off, only the bumper would be painted.

How is Color Matching Done?

Since the entire car is not painted, color matching is done to ensure the painted area matches the rest of your car perfectly. Auto body shops have years or decades of experience working with cars. They know what colors each manufacturer uses and are able to mix up that color exactly, the same way a home improvement store mixes up the color of paint you want for your home.

How Long Does it Take to Paint My Car?

You should expect the painting process to take about two to three days. This is because there are various layers of paint and sealer that are applied. The last coating takes 24 hours to set and dry, making this a time-consuming process.

When Can I Wash and Wax My Car?

As a general rule of thumb, you can hand wash your car with cool water and a mild soap a few days after your car has been painted. You should hold off on having the car washed in a car wash for at least 30 days and having the car waxed for at least 90 days. You want to give the paint time to completely cure and harden before engaging in these activities. The company that painted your car may have longer time frames, depending on the exact types of paints and sealers used on your car. So always follow their directions to prevent damage to the paint on your car.

When your car needs auto body repair after being involved in a car accident, let Suburban Auto Body in St. Paul, MN help. We can help with the auto body and collision repair and paint process, helping your car get back into pre-accident condition. Call us today with any questions you may have or to schedule an appointment to bring your car in for an estimate or repairs.

Can Your Car Insurance Company Tell You Which Auto Body Shop to Use?

An insurance company cannot tell you which auto body shop to use when your car needs a repair after a car accident. They can recommend you take your car to various shops. However, they cannot fail to pay for the repairs just because they are done at a shop that they did not recommend.

Are There Benefits to Using the Insurance Company's Recommended Auto Body Shops?

There are a few advantages to using a shop recommended by an insurance company. First off, the insurance company has researched the companies they recommend and know they are reputable. They also have experience working with them, which may make the estimate and approval process faster. All in all, if you are not sure where to take your car, and don't have the time or energy to research repair shops on your own, an insurance company's recommendation can be valuable to you.

What Should I Look For When Selecting My Own Auto Body Repair Shop?

If you have decided to find your own auto body repair shop, you will want to find one who has experience handling insurance repairs. They need to be open to letting an insurance adjuster inspect the car and estimate the repairs. They then need to provide an insurance company with the estimates and get approval from them before completing work. A company that doesn't have this experience can slow the process down, which can be hard on you. Additionally, you also want to look for a reputable company with great customer feedback and a company that charges fair, industry-standard labor rates.

If you need auto body repair, let Suburban Auto Body in the St. Paul, MN help! Our trained professionals can help you with car crash repair and paint damage. Call us today at 651-633-8900 to schedule an appointment and get your car back to its pre-accident condition.

Whether you are thinking about selling your car or just want to make it feel new again, there are affordable steps you can take to increase its value. Here is a look at four affordable auto body repair tips that are sure to add value to your car:

1. Fix Small Dents and Scratches: If you have ever bought a brand new car, you probably remember the first scratch or small dent it ever received. Since many of us treat our cars as if they are part of the family, this can be a traumatic experience. And very few things contribute to a car's declining value as much as aesthetics. Repairing dents and scratches is an easy way to pump up your car's value.
2. A Fresh Coat of Paint: Nothing shows the age of your car quite like peeling, chipping or worn down paint. A nice paint job can make a 20-year-old car look brand new again and more than double your return on investment. Also, if your car is painted in a custom or out-of-style color, changing the color altogether will help the vehicles sell faster.
3. Repair Rust Spots: If you live in areas with lots of snow or humidity, rust spots on your vehicles are a common occurrence, especially as they age. With a little bodywork, some Bondo, and new paint, your rusted out clunker can look brand new again.
4. Replace Cracked or Chipped Windows: Car buyers want to know the car they are buying is safe to drive. A crack or a chip in the windshield is a sure turnoff. However, it is important to note that not all cracks and chips require a brand new windshield. Many can be repaired easily and affordably.

Now when you think about selling your car, think about how you can get the maximum value. A few minor fixes can bump up the asking price on any car. At Suburban Auto Body, we have more than 30 years of experience making our customers’ cars look brand new again. Call us today for a free estimate at 651.633.8900 or check out our website for more information. 

1. Car Alignment

Cars frequently drive away from an accident only to discover that their alignment is shot. Alignment is one of the most finicky issues when it comes to a vehicle: even a slow speed collision in a parking lot can lead to significant alignment problems. Following a car accident, a car's alignment should always be thoroughly checked. If not fixed, car alignment can slowly get worse can cause a lot of damage to the system as a whole -- in addition to making the vehicle more difficult to drive.

2. Frame Damage

The frame of modern vehicles is designed to "crumple" upon a collision. That means that even during a relatively small collision, there could be ripples and issues within the frame of the car. It may be impossible to see this damage without a thorough inspection by a professional. Crumple damage means that another accident could be even more dangerous, as the car won't have the same structural integrity.

3. Leaks

An accident can cause breaks and leaks that won't be noticeable until the leak has become substantial enough. Both tubing and containers can be ripped, torn, or otherwise punctured quite easily -- and it could be days before they leak enough that it's obvious. These issues will often require a professional to track down, as the leak could come from anywhere in the system.

4. Lights

The delicate exterior lights of a vehicle can be shattered or blown out during a collision. Of course, in modern cars, there can be dozens of lights and it may not always be possible to determine which light is being mentioned by the "check light" dashboard. It's still important to get this fixed, because otherwise the "check lights" light will still be on, and you may not be alerted if a more serious light breaks.

Car crashes can be far more damaging than it at first seems. There are many hidden things that can go wrong with a vehicle that could make the car more dangerous to drive -- or that could be expensive to fix. Following a car accident, you should always have a thorough inspection. Suburban Auto Body can help.