Auto body shop owner, Willie Fisher, will be at the auto show this weekend. The auto show used to only appeal to car buffs and well-to-do drivers who own high-end vehicles. This year, the Portland International Auto Show is a fun-filled, family event.
The purpose of the auto show is to introduce new trends and advances in technology. At the same time they are trying to get consumers to fall in love with the automobile again through style, aesthetics, sportiness, comfort or whatever other emotions they can arouse.
This year the auto show promises to have something for everyone, including entertainment, celebrity appearances and amazing prizes. Children will enjoy the Kid’s Stop Pit Stop featuring a giant inflatable monster truck and face painting. Every day, there will be something fun and exciting for kids to do, making the auto show a family event.
Another great feature is the American Trucking Association bringing an educational, “Share the Road” program to the show. The Share the Road highway safety program is dedicated to reducing the fatality and accident rate on America’s roads. Professional truck drivers will allow attendees to climb into the cab of a truck to see things from a truck driver’s point of view. With strategically place cars alongside, people will see what truck drivers see (and don’t see).
Sports fans will enjoy meeting local Trailblazer basketball star, Rudy Fernandez at the Subaru display. And, of course, it wouldn’t be an auto show without a great new car give-away! Attendees can register to win a new 2010 Genesis Coupe and Racing Academy Weekend. Enter this contest at the Hyundai display.
Of course, the main objective of the auto show is to motivate people to buy new cars. They direct their campaigns at personal image…especially yours. In today’s economy, people are keeping their vehicles longer. The new car that once portrayed their personal image is looking a little rough around the edges.
Back in the day, car lovers would say, “you are what your drive.” Perhaps a more appropriate phrase would be something like, “you are how you maintain your car.” Most people do the necessary maintenance to keep their vehicle running well while putting off the dent and scratch repair, or leaving that to the next owner. Back in the day, it was uncommon for people to get a new auto paint job because by the time it became necessary, it was time to trade in their car and buy a new one.
This is a good thing for Willie Fisher, owner of Collision on Wheels, a mobile auto body shop. It is also a good thing for consumers who do not have time to leave their car at the body shop for days at a time. Collision on Wheels can perform minor dent repair, scratch removal, auto body repairs and auto painting in one day or less. The fee for this service is often less than their insurance deductible, so customers do not have to file a claim.
Collision on Wheels (CW), We Come to You is a national franchise company specializing in mobile paint and collision repair. The franchise services a niche market of consumers who don’t have time to take their vehicle to a body shop for small collision repairs.
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
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Monday, October 12, 2009
Auto Paint Maintenance to Keep it Looking New Longer
Due to our current economy more people are choosing to fix and keep their old car rather than trading it in for a new one. No matter how well you care for your car, dents and scratches happen. Someone hits your car in the parking lot or a run-away shopping cart slams into it. Here are some tips to prolong the life of your auto paint finish.
Park Where no one else Does
Parking lots are the source of many dents, scratches and abrasions that ruin your auto paint finish. You park your car properly, making sure you are centered between the lines; however, you have no control over the person who parks next to you. Careless drivers who are not paying attention can clip your car as they are backing out.
You can avoid most parking lot damage by parking where no one else does. People tend to park as close to the entrance as they can. This is also the area where most of the shopping carts are. Parking further away will reduce your risk of dents and scratches in a parking lot. At the same time, you are getting some beneficial exercise as you walk to the entrance.
When you’re home, park in the garage if you have one; otherwise, park in a shady spot, out of the hot sun, which can cause the paint to fade.
More Auto Paint Maintenance Tips
Your car needs to be washed at least once a month to remove dirt, debris, dust, bugs and bird droppings which can leave permanent stains. Clean moisture dries quickly where moisture in dirty areas causes corrosion. Pressure wash inside wheel arches, under bumpers and other difficult to reach areas. Pay special attention to wiper blades to remove dirt that can scratch you windshield.
Wax your car every few months to maintain the shine and protect it from the harsh environment. The hot sun causes fading; salt used on roads causes corrosion. Don’t be fooled by products that claim to last a lifetime; wax your car at least every three months.
No matter how well you care for your car, it is sure to become dented or dinged over time. There are products you can buy to do some repairs yourself. The dealership can order touch-up paint to match your vehicle. Even if you don’t get the best results by doing it yourself, you will prolong the auto paint finish and prevent corrosion.
Eventually, you will need to have your vehicle professionally repaired and painted. When you’re ready to have this service done, consider a mobile auto body shop for the job. A mobile auto body shop can come to your home or workplace to repair dents and scratches and paint your car. This service can typically be done in one day or less, while you work or take care of business at home. The quality of workmanship is just as good as it is with a typical auto body paint shop, without the inconvenience of leaving your car for days at a time.
These auto body paint maintenance tips are provided by Willie Fisher, owner of Collision on Wheels, a mobile auto body shop. Collision on wheels specializes in on-site, one-day, auto collision repair, dent and scratch repair, auto painting, bumper repair, fenders, doors and more. Willie serves consumers and business owners in Clackamas, Columbia, Multnomah, Washington and Yamhill Counties, 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,
Park Where no one else Does
Parking lots are the source of many dents, scratches and abrasions that ruin your auto paint finish. You park your car properly, making sure you are centered between the lines; however, you have no control over the person who parks next to you. Careless drivers who are not paying attention can clip your car as they are backing out.
You can avoid most parking lot damage by parking where no one else does. People tend to park as close to the entrance as they can. This is also the area where most of the shopping carts are. Parking further away will reduce your risk of dents and scratches in a parking lot. At the same time, you are getting some beneficial exercise as you walk to the entrance.
When you’re home, park in the garage if you have one; otherwise, park in a shady spot, out of the hot sun, which can cause the paint to fade.
More Auto Paint Maintenance Tips
Your car needs to be washed at least once a month to remove dirt, debris, dust, bugs and bird droppings which can leave permanent stains. Clean moisture dries quickly where moisture in dirty areas causes corrosion. Pressure wash inside wheel arches, under bumpers and other difficult to reach areas. Pay special attention to wiper blades to remove dirt that can scratch you windshield.
Wax your car every few months to maintain the shine and protect it from the harsh environment. The hot sun causes fading; salt used on roads causes corrosion. Don’t be fooled by products that claim to last a lifetime; wax your car at least every three months.
No matter how well you care for your car, it is sure to become dented or dinged over time. There are products you can buy to do some repairs yourself. The dealership can order touch-up paint to match your vehicle. Even if you don’t get the best results by doing it yourself, you will prolong the auto paint finish and prevent corrosion.
Eventually, you will need to have your vehicle professionally repaired and painted. When you’re ready to have this service done, consider a mobile auto body shop for the job. A mobile auto body shop can come to your home or workplace to repair dents and scratches and paint your car. This service can typically be done in one day or less, while you work or take care of business at home. The quality of workmanship is just as good as it is with a typical auto body paint shop, without the inconvenience of leaving your car for days at a time.
These auto body paint maintenance tips are provided by Willie Fisher, owner of Collision on Wheels, a mobile auto body shop. Collision on wheels specializes in on-site, one-day, auto collision repair, dent and scratch repair, auto painting, bumper repair, fenders, doors and more. Willie serves consumers and business owners in Clackamas, Columbia, Multnomah, Washington and Yamhill Counties, 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,
Mobile Auto Body Shops in Portland Provide Auto Paint, Scratch and Dent Repair
Mobile Auto Body Shop Portland: There is a new trend in the auto body repair business; the mobile auto body shop. There are many advantages to doing business with a mobile auto body shop. One is the convenience of on-site, same day auto scratch and dent repair. The mobile auto body shop serves a niche market of people who do not have the time to drop their car off at a traditional auto body shop and arrange for alternate transportation.
Consumers who use mobile auto body shops for minor collision repairs also save money because the service is typically cheaper than a regular body shop. Since the mobile auto body shop has less overhead costs, they are able to pass the savings onto the customer.
Mobile Auto Body Shops – Save Time and Money
You cannot beat the convenience of driving to work and having your vehicle repaired right in the parking lot while you work. By the time you are ready to go home, scratches and dents are repaired and the paint work is complete.
A mobile auto body shop consists of a van equipped with everything the service technician needs to repair minor scratches and dents right in your driveway or at your workplace. A specialized auto repair technician will repair football-sized dents, scratches, scrapes and abrasions on your car while you go about your business. This is convenient for you 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; no need to rent car while yours is in the body shop.
The mobile auto body shop is a unique service; very convenient and inexpensive. The service technician should be able to assess the damage, provide an estimate and do the work the same day. They do have their limitations; if the damage is extensive they will recommend taking the vehicle to a traditional auto body shop.
Quality of Repair with a Mobile Auto Body Shop
There is no need to worry about sacrificing quality of auto paint repair when you use a mobile auto body shop. They are fully equipped to computer match the color of the paint on your car to get a perfect color match. Advanced technology enables a mobile auto shop to work in all weather conditions. They will also work under a tent so they are not disrupting others or damaging nearby property.
Convenience with 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 traditional auto body shop, can require leaving your vehicle for a day or two. This is simply because auto 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
Since there is considerably less overhead with a mobile auto body shop 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 that need to be done cost less than their insurance company’s deductible. Most people would rather pay for these small repairs without involving their insurance company for fear of an increase in premiums. They want to remain in good standing with their insurance company in case they need them for something more serious.
Willie Fisher owns Collision on Wheels, a mobile auto body shop in Portland, Oregon; he purchased his franchise when he discovered a market demand that was not being met. Consumers enjoy the time saving convenience while they save money too. Willie provides dent and scratch repair, auto paint repair and more for consumers and business owners in Clackamas, Columbia, Multnomah, Washington and Yamhill Counties, 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
Consumers who use mobile auto body shops for minor collision repairs also save money because the service is typically cheaper than a regular body shop. Since the mobile auto body shop has less overhead costs, they are able to pass the savings onto the customer.
Mobile Auto Body Shops – Save Time and Money
You cannot beat the convenience of driving to work and having your vehicle repaired right in the parking lot while you work. By the time you are ready to go home, scratches and dents are repaired and the paint work is complete.
A mobile auto body shop consists of a van equipped with everything the service technician needs to repair minor scratches and dents right in your driveway or at your workplace. A specialized auto repair technician will repair football-sized dents, scratches, scrapes and abrasions on your car while you go about your business. This is convenient for you 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; no need to rent car while yours is in the body shop.
The mobile auto body shop is a unique service; very convenient and inexpensive. The service technician should be able to assess the damage, provide an estimate and do the work the same day. They do have their limitations; if the damage is extensive they will recommend taking the vehicle to a traditional auto body shop.
Quality of Repair with a Mobile Auto Body Shop
There is no need to worry about sacrificing quality of auto paint repair when you use a mobile auto body shop. They are fully equipped to computer match the color of the paint on your car to get a perfect color match. Advanced technology enables a mobile auto shop to work in all weather conditions. They will also work under a tent so they are not disrupting others or damaging nearby property.
Convenience with 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 traditional auto body shop, can require leaving your vehicle for a day or two. This is simply because auto 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
Since there is considerably less overhead with a mobile auto body shop 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 that need to be done cost less than their insurance company’s deductible. Most people would rather pay for these small repairs without involving their insurance company for fear of an increase in premiums. They want to remain in good standing with their insurance company in case they need them for something more serious.
Willie Fisher owns Collision on Wheels, a mobile auto body shop in Portland, Oregon; he purchased his franchise when he discovered a market demand that was not being met. Consumers enjoy the time saving convenience while they save money too. Willie provides dent and scratch repair, auto paint repair and more for consumers and business owners in Clackamas, Columbia, Multnomah, Washington and Yamhill Counties, 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
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Auto Paint Maintenance: Do’s and Don’ts from your Local Portland, Oregon Auto Paint Repair Specialist
Here are some tips for maintaining your auto paint job and prolonging the life of your vehicle:
Rinse the car first and only use a wet cloth when wiping dirt from the car
Don’t use dry cloth on a dry car; this will cause small scratches as you drag dirt across the paint.
Wax the car immediately after washing to provide a protective shield for the paint.
Don’t wash or wax your car after it’s been sitting in the hot sun or you will end up with streaks and stains on the paint surface.
Use only products like car shampoos, wax and polishes that are designed for use on your car.
Don’t use laundry detergents or harsh soaps to wash your car as they will only remove the protective wax and damage the paint.
Only use non-abrasive liquid polishes specifically designed for your car’s finish. Avoid silicone-based wax as it penetrates all layers of paint.
Don’t use polishing or rubbing compounds on paints with a clear acrylic coating or it will become dull.
Use rubbing compounds only when needed; when the paint surface has become dull.
Don’t use abrasive cleaners and compounds that can remove the paint and primer and expose bare metal.
If you use a car cover choose one that is made of natural fibers that breathe like cotton.
Don’t use vinyl or plastic car covers, especially in humid conditions as they trap moisture that causes mold and corrosion.
Park in a garage or in the shade as much as possible
Parking in the hot sun for a long period of time will cause the paint to fade or blister.
Repair scratches as soon as possible
Don’t neglect these repairs as the exposed metal will begin to rust when exposed to water and salt.
Prolong your auto paint job by washing your car monthly and waxing it quarterly. Always use products that are specifically designed for your car; do not substitute car shampoo with laundry soap or other products. Follow manufacturer’s instructions. Only use rubbing compound when necessary and choose products with very mild abrasives.
These tips are provided by Willie Fisher, owner of Collision on Wheels, a mobile auto body shop that provides minor collision repair, auto paint repair, dent repair, scratch repair, doors, fenders and bumpers for consumers and businesses in Clackamas, Columbia, Multnomah, Washington and Yamhill Counties, 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
Rinse the car first and only use a wet cloth when wiping dirt from the car
Don’t use dry cloth on a dry car; this will cause small scratches as you drag dirt across the paint.
Wax the car immediately after washing to provide a protective shield for the paint.
Don’t wash or wax your car after it’s been sitting in the hot sun or you will end up with streaks and stains on the paint surface.
Use only products like car shampoos, wax and polishes that are designed for use on your car.
Don’t use laundry detergents or harsh soaps to wash your car as they will only remove the protective wax and damage the paint.
Only use non-abrasive liquid polishes specifically designed for your car’s finish. Avoid silicone-based wax as it penetrates all layers of paint.
Don’t use polishing or rubbing compounds on paints with a clear acrylic coating or it will become dull.
Use rubbing compounds only when needed; when the paint surface has become dull.
Don’t use abrasive cleaners and compounds that can remove the paint and primer and expose bare metal.
If you use a car cover choose one that is made of natural fibers that breathe like cotton.
Don’t use vinyl or plastic car covers, especially in humid conditions as they trap moisture that causes mold and corrosion.
Park in a garage or in the shade as much as possible
Parking in the hot sun for a long period of time will cause the paint to fade or blister.
Repair scratches as soon as possible
Don’t neglect these repairs as the exposed metal will begin to rust when exposed to water and salt.
Prolong your auto paint job by washing your car monthly and waxing it quarterly. Always use products that are specifically designed for your car; do not substitute car shampoo with laundry soap or other products. Follow manufacturer’s instructions. Only use rubbing compound when necessary and choose products with very mild abrasives.
These tips are provided by Willie Fisher, owner of Collision on Wheels, a mobile auto body shop that provides minor collision repair, auto paint repair, dent repair, scratch repair, doors, fenders and bumpers for consumers and businesses in Clackamas, Columbia, Multnomah, Washington and Yamhill Counties, 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
Auto Body Repair and Maintenance Tips from Auto Body Repair Expert in Portland, Oregon
You can prolong the quality of your car’s paint and prevent rust and corrosion with simple maintenance. Keeping your car looking new helps a lot when you go to sell it or trade it in. Here are some tips for maintaining your vehicle:
Keep it Clean
You should wash your 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 that damages paint; clean moisture dries more quickly. Pressure wash your car to remove the dirt from difficult to reach areas behind moldings, under the bumper and inside the wheel wells. Be careful not to hold the pressure wash jet too close or too long in one area.
Pressure wash the under-body during and after the winter season to remove salt build-up which is very corrosive to your vehicle. 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
Wax your car regularly to maintain a shiny look and 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
Undercoating and rust proofing is especially necessary if you live in an area where the climate is very humid or where salt is used on the roads in the wintertime. In addition to protecting the paint, it also protects 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 steering parts, tie-rods, ball joints, control arm bushings, etc…
Repairing Stone Chips, Small Dents and Scratches
Stone chips and scratches can cause corrosion if they are not repaired quickly. Most dealerships will have touch-up paint that you can order to fill in small scratches and stone chips.
You will need ultra-fine, waterproof sandpaper, polishing compound containing a mild abrasive and a good car wax. 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.
Minor scratches can be removed the same way. 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
Even if you are not completely satisfied with the results you get when you attempt to repair scratches or abrasion on your vehicle, whatever you do is better than neglecting the damage and allowing it to get worse. Eventually, you will want to drop your vehicle off at the auto body shop for professional paint restoration…or will you?
A Better Option
Imagine having the auto body shop come to you and fix your car right in your driveway or in the parking lot of your work place? How convenient would that be? New trends in the auto body collision repair business include a mobile auto body shop that completes these repairs in just a few hours. Leaving your car at an auto body shop for days at a time when you just need minor paint repair is not necessary when you can call a mobile auto body shop to come to you.
Willie Fisher owns and operates Collision on Wheels, a mobile auto body shop that performs minor collision repairs at your home or workplace. Collision on Wheels provides auto body paint repair, dent repair, scratch repair, bumper repair, doors and fenders for consumers in Clackamas, Columbia, Multnomah, Washington and Yamhill Counties, 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
Keep it Clean
You should wash your 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 that damages paint; clean moisture dries more quickly. Pressure wash your car to remove the dirt from difficult to reach areas behind moldings, under the bumper and inside the wheel wells. Be careful not to hold the pressure wash jet too close or too long in one area.
Pressure wash the under-body during and after the winter season to remove salt build-up which is very corrosive to your vehicle. 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
Wax your car regularly to maintain a shiny look and 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
Undercoating and rust proofing is especially necessary if you live in an area where the climate is very humid or where salt is used on the roads in the wintertime. In addition to protecting the paint, it also protects 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 steering parts, tie-rods, ball joints, control arm bushings, etc…
Repairing Stone Chips, Small Dents and Scratches
Stone chips and scratches can cause corrosion if they are not repaired quickly. Most dealerships will have touch-up paint that you can order to fill in small scratches and stone chips.
You will need ultra-fine, waterproof sandpaper, polishing compound containing a mild abrasive and a good car wax. 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.
Minor scratches can be removed the same way. 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
Even if you are not completely satisfied with the results you get when you attempt to repair scratches or abrasion on your vehicle, whatever you do is better than neglecting the damage and allowing it to get worse. Eventually, you will want to drop your vehicle off at the auto body shop for professional paint restoration…or will you?
A Better Option
Imagine having the auto body shop come to you and fix your car right in your driveway or in the parking lot of your work place? How convenient would that be? New trends in the auto body collision repair business include a mobile auto body shop that completes these repairs in just a few hours. Leaving your car at an auto body shop for days at a time when you just need minor paint repair is not necessary when you can call a mobile auto body shop to come to you.
Willie Fisher owns and operates Collision on Wheels, a mobile auto body shop that performs minor collision repairs at your home or workplace. Collision on Wheels provides auto body paint repair, dent repair, scratch repair, bumper repair, doors and fenders for consumers in Clackamas, Columbia, Multnomah, Washington and Yamhill Counties, 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
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Auto Body Shops - Milwaukie, Oregon: Bumper Repair vs Bumper Replacement
Today’s vehicles are made with many different types of fuel-saving materials like lightweight alloys and plastics. It is important for an auto body shop to be aware of the different materials and techniques used for repairing them.
Auto body shops and collision repair services refer to manuals for instructions repairing bumpers. The different material types require various finish materials, removal and installation procedures.
Bumper Repairs
When a plastic bumper is cracked or has a small hole it can be repaired to look as good as new. Replacing the bumper is wasteful and it creates unnecessary debris for our landfills. A good, eco-friendly auto body shop will only recommend replacing the bumper if the damage is severe enough that repair time would be considered unreasonable and quality of results would be unsatisfactory.
The cost of repairing small abrasions, cracks and holes in plastic bumpers is often much cheaper than replacing the part. Of course, many collision repair technicians would rather replace the part and charge a fee for their labor plus mark-up on the price of the part because they lack in cosmetic repair skills and it is easier to warranty the work.
Working with Plastics
The first step to repairing plastic bumpers is to identify the material in order to choose the method of repair. Auto body shops use ISO codes on the parts to identify the various families of plastics. They cross-reference the codes with charts from the suppliers or by accessing reference materials on the internet.
It is important that the collision repair technician determine the type of plastic they are working with so they know the proper welding procedure to use to avoid damage to the part.
Some plastics can be welded with an airless welder or hot-air welder; others require a hot glue type of procedure. Tests must be performed and welding procedures have to be done correctly to avoid adhesion failure. Some bumpers will melt with a slight color change and they will remain tacky in the area where they have melted.
Adhesive Repairs
The bumper repair technician must identify the type of plastic they are working with in order to be successful with adhesive repairs. Failure to properly identify the plastic results in adhesion-related problems.
Flexibility
Some repair materials are based on flexible and rigid plastics. Using the wrong material can cause cracking when the part is flexed or it may not provide the correct strength for the repair area.
Cleaning and Prep
Proper cleaning and prep is critical for proper adhesion and finish. Whether the technician is repairing or replacing the bumper, the part will need to be cleaned. The bumper being repaired is likely to be dirty from the road; the new replacement part can have contamination on it from the manufacturing process.
Auto body repair professionals should use a low-VOC surface cleaner or a special plastics parts cleaner to help prevent solvents from going too deep into the plastic. If solvents are too harsh, they go deep into the plastic and cause adhesion problems after repairs are done.
This is an overview of the process of working with plastics. Time is money in the auto body industry; therefore, many collision repair technicians choose to replace rather than repair plastic bumpers and other parts.
Technology allows us to repair many items that are often replaced. As resources become scarce and landfills become over-full, we really should consider repairing rather than replacing when possible.
Willie Fisher owns Collision on Wheels, a mobile auto body shop that come to your home or work place to perform cosmetic repairs on your vehicle. Collision on Wheels repairs panels and bumpers whenever possible to eliminate landfill/recycle requirements. Collision on Wheels is the forefront for promoting green practices while saving the consumer time and money on cosmetic vehicle repairs.
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.
Auto body shops and collision repair services refer to manuals for instructions repairing bumpers. The different material types require various finish materials, removal and installation procedures.
Bumper Repairs
When a plastic bumper is cracked or has a small hole it can be repaired to look as good as new. Replacing the bumper is wasteful and it creates unnecessary debris for our landfills. A good, eco-friendly auto body shop will only recommend replacing the bumper if the damage is severe enough that repair time would be considered unreasonable and quality of results would be unsatisfactory.
The cost of repairing small abrasions, cracks and holes in plastic bumpers is often much cheaper than replacing the part. Of course, many collision repair technicians would rather replace the part and charge a fee for their labor plus mark-up on the price of the part because they lack in cosmetic repair skills and it is easier to warranty the work.
Working with Plastics
The first step to repairing plastic bumpers is to identify the material in order to choose the method of repair. Auto body shops use ISO codes on the parts to identify the various families of plastics. They cross-reference the codes with charts from the suppliers or by accessing reference materials on the internet.
It is important that the collision repair technician determine the type of plastic they are working with so they know the proper welding procedure to use to avoid damage to the part.
Some plastics can be welded with an airless welder or hot-air welder; others require a hot glue type of procedure. Tests must be performed and welding procedures have to be done correctly to avoid adhesion failure. Some bumpers will melt with a slight color change and they will remain tacky in the area where they have melted.
Adhesive Repairs
The bumper repair technician must identify the type of plastic they are working with in order to be successful with adhesive repairs. Failure to properly identify the plastic results in adhesion-related problems.
Flexibility
Some repair materials are based on flexible and rigid plastics. Using the wrong material can cause cracking when the part is flexed or it may not provide the correct strength for the repair area.
Cleaning and Prep
Proper cleaning and prep is critical for proper adhesion and finish. Whether the technician is repairing or replacing the bumper, the part will need to be cleaned. The bumper being repaired is likely to be dirty from the road; the new replacement part can have contamination on it from the manufacturing process.
Auto body repair professionals should use a low-VOC surface cleaner or a special plastics parts cleaner to help prevent solvents from going too deep into the plastic. If solvents are too harsh, they go deep into the plastic and cause adhesion problems after repairs are done.
This is an overview of the process of working with plastics. Time is money in the auto body industry; therefore, many collision repair technicians choose to replace rather than repair plastic bumpers and other parts.
Technology allows us to repair many items that are often replaced. As resources become scarce and landfills become over-full, we really should consider repairing rather than replacing when possible.
Willie Fisher owns Collision on Wheels, a mobile auto body shop that come to your home or work place to perform cosmetic repairs on your vehicle. Collision on Wheels repairs panels and bumpers whenever possible to eliminate landfill/recycle requirements. Collision on Wheels is the forefront for promoting green practices while saving the consumer time and money on cosmetic vehicle repairs.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
