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These Austin Driving Habits Are Damaging Your Car

Austin Driving Habits That Are Damaging Your Car
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How Bad Driving Habits Effect Your Vehicle

Driving is most people’s favorite pastime, but not everyone loves their car. Many drivers have habits and behaviors that are bad for their cars. If you are one such driver, you probably know that the way you drive has a significant impact on your car’s health and your wallet. How you drive can affect fuel economy, maintenance costs, and more. Your driving habits also affect how long your car will last, so it is essential to know what to avoid.

Damaging Austin Driving Habits: 6 Most Common Ones

Excessive Idling

Excessive idling is one of the most common damaging driving habits that damages your car and wastes fuel. The longer you idle, the more oil builds up on the cylinder walls, which reduces the engine’s efficiency. In addition, excessive idling can cause more significant wear and tear on your engine components and even void your warranty. If you are going to be stopped for more than thirty seconds, it is better to turn off your engine rather than leave it idling. You will save yourself some gas money and reduce emissions while cutting down on unnecessary wear and tear.

Riding the Brake Pedal

Riding the brake pedal, also called brake riding, is a damaging driving habit that wears out your brakes faster than intended. Brake riding, when you keep your foot on the brake while driving, will cause your brakes to wear out much more quickly than they should. Though it is acceptable to lightly tap the brakes while driving, keeping your foot on the brake pedal for prolonged periods will significantly decrease the life of your brakes.

Shifting Gears Between Drive Reverse Repeatedly

Another lousy driving habit that may damage your vehicle is repeatedly shifting gears between drive and reverse. When you shift into reverse with a manual transmission, parts inside are called synchronizers to help engage with the transmission assembly to change gears smoothly. If you switch from drive to reverse multiple times in quick succession, it is a damaging driving habit and may cause these gears to break down prematurely over time.

Not Avoiding the Potholes

Driving over potholes and speed bumps too quickly or too slowly can severely damage your car. Going over them too fast can cause you to bottom out and damage the vehicle’s undercarriage while going over them too slowly can put unnecessary strain on the suspension system.

Potholes are hard to avoid, and driving over them too quickly or slowly can damage tires and shock absorbers. Certain cars are more susceptible to damage from potholes, including sports and luxury vehicles. If you are driving over a pothole and have this damaging driving habit, slow down and make sure you are going at a steady speed to minimize the impact on your car.

Repeated Aggressive Turnings

When you drive aggressively around corners, you can damage the suspension and steering components of your car. The suspension and steering system is designed to handle a certain amount of force. If that force is exceeded, parts may break or wear out prematurely. The severity of this depends on how you drive. A single mild-to-moderate turn will not cause much harm, but repeated aggressive turns will cause wear and tear.

As you round the corner, steer smoothly into it and out of it again – this will help avoid your car losing traction or slipping and overcome your damaging driving habit. An excellent way to remember this is to apply the same technique we use as kids with our toy cars on the floor – slow into it and fast out again.

Not Watching out for Standing Water

In the summertime, heavy rains can cause flash floods in many parts. Water often rushes over roads, particularly in low-lying areas or places where drainage is poor. At first glance, driving through deep water may seem harmless — after all, cars are designed to be driven on wet roads. But driving into a flooded street can have disastrous results if the depth of the water is not considered first.

Water gets into the engine compartment and damages electronics and other sensitive components. This is more likely with newer cars because they often have more electronics than older vehicles. Few drivers have the skills to drive safely through deep water, even if you are confident in your ability to drive safely through deep water to avoid this damaging driving habit.

Best Austin Auto Body Shop For Vehicle Repairs

Different people have different driving habits, so these habits may or may not apply to you. At times, it might be good to review your driving habits and make sure you are not inadvertently damaging your car. With proper care, you will not only lengthen the life of your car, but it will also save you money since you would not need excessive repairs along the way.

Not only do we have the expertise and experience, but also the latest tools and equipment to restore your car to its former condition. We have fixed thousands of cars to date, from minor dings to serious collision damage, so we’re confident that we offer the best quality accident repair in Austin, Texas.

We also can help you with insurance claims as well as provide towing services. Get in touch with our team right away!

Quick Connect

If you have been in an accident and require quick assistance please call us at (512) 476-4101.

Our Goal is to Get You Back
on the road Safely.

Call Us Today:

Hear From Our Happy Customers

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austin body shop

How to Protect Your Austin Car From Sun Damage

How to Protect Your Car From Sun Damage
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Don't Let The Sun Damage Your Austin Vehicle

Vehicle and sun damage go hand-in-hand in Austin. Did you know that the exterior temperature of your car can go up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit whereas the interior temperature can rise up to 145 degrees Fahrenheit if left under the sun for a longer period? This is primarily because cars aren’t designed to be heat or sun-proof, and so consistent exposure to direct sunlight can adversely affect your vehicle’s structure and functionality, especially affecting the battery and engine. Therefore, to make things easier for you, we have compiled a list of practical ways to protect your car from sun damage this summer. Read on to find out!

Protecting The Exterior Of Your Austin Vehicle

Due to the increasing temperature, the exterior of your vehicle is the first thing to be hit. With ultra-violet rays the strongest in summer, prolonged exposure can oxidize the exterior coating of your car, resulting in color change or fade. Moreover, if not dealt with in time, it can also cause the exterior of your vehicle to become brittle and weak, resulting in the deformation of your car’s structure. Here are some common ways to protect your car from sun damage:

Wash and Dry Your Car Frequently

Washing your vehicle often helps get rid of dead bugs, minerals, dirt, and debris that can get stuck on the external surface of your vehicle. If not washed properly, these unwanted particles can react with the high heat of the sun and cause the fading of the paint. Moreover, these bugs can undergo bacterial decomposition, which can further damage the surface of your car. Therefore, to protect your car from sun damage, it’s best to wash it almost regularly using laundry detergents as they are specially formulated for a car’s surface. Once done with the wash, use a microfiber cloth to hand dry your car’s exterior and to get rid of all the remaining grime.

Park Your Car Under a Shade

Though this might sound simple, did you know that most of the time, people are too lazy to find a shady place to park their vehicle and just park it right under the sun, especially if they are short of time. On the other hand, parking your car under a shade can cool its temperature by 20 degrees as well as the shade works as a protective shield against harmful UV rays. Therefore, the next time you search for a parking spot, take out 2 to 5 extra minutes to find a cool and shady spot, as it’s one of the easiest ways to protect your car from sun damage.

Get Paint Protection Film

The paint protection film is one of the best investments to protect your car’s exterior from sun damage. Like sunscreen, it’s an invisible layer that acts as a shield of protection for your car. Getting a full paint protection film will also cut down on your vehicle’s maintenance cost, as with the paint protection film, your car will age slower while its revalue will increase over time.

Keep a Regular Check on the Tire Pressure

Although it might seem irrelevant, having a regular check on the tire pressure can protect your car from sun damage. Continuously driving your car can make its tires under-inflated, which can burst due to the increased heat and temperature. Therefore, it’s best to get the tires checked before every summer and make sure that you get follow-up tire pressure checks every month.

Protecting The Interior Of Your Austin Vehicle

Protecting your car’s interior from the sun is equally important as it is to protect its exterior. This is primarily because direct exposure to the sun can ruin the upholstery and essential car components such as the steering wheel and dashboard. Here are some practical ways to protect your car from sun damage:

Window Sunshades

Window sunshades are the most pocket-friendly way to protect your car from sun damage. All you have to do is attach them to the windows, and they ensure maximum sun exposure to your vehicle’s upholstery. One of the best things about window shades is that they can be conveniently used while driving, unlike windshield protection.

Reflectorized Sun Panel

Reflectorized sun panels are one of the most creative things people use to protect their cars from sunlight and heat. Though they might seem odd, sun panels are the most reliable investment to protect your car from sun damage.

Install Seat Covers

From protecting your vehicle’s seat from stains to protecting them against wear and tear, seat covers offer various benefits to your car’s interior. However, the most significant advantage is that installing seat covers improves your riding experience by keeping the interior cool during summer.

Where To Get Car Sun Damage Repair In Austin

With summer around the corner, ensure that you implement the aforementioned expert-advised ways to protect your car from sun damage. Though most of these methods are pocket-friendly, some may require the use of special products.

Should your car get sun damage, the best auto body shop in Austin to bring it to is Covert Collision Center. Not only do we have the expertise and experience, but also the latest tools and equipment to restore your car to its pre-accident condition. We have fixed thousands of cars to date, from minor dings to serious collision damage, so we’re confident that we offer the best quality accident repair in Austin, Texas.

We also can help you with insurance claims as well as provide towing services. Get in touch with our team right away!

Quick Connect

If you have been in an accident and require quick assistance please call us at (512) 476-4101.

Our Goal is to Get You Back
on the road Safely.

Call Us Today:

Hear From Our Happy Customers

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austin body shop

Top Most Sought After Austin Auto Body Repair Services

Top Most Sought After Austin
Auto Body Repair Services

Most Requested Auto Body Repair In Austin

Have you been recently involved in an accident and are wondering if your car will ever resemble its original self again? Don’t worry; our auto body repair services have got you covered. While scratches, dents, and dings might not seem visibly or drivingly painful, they might lead to future malfunctions. However, if not dealt with in time, other detrimental issues like a deformed frame can lead to further damage, the cost of which could end up burning a hole in your pocket.

What Types Of Auto Body Repair Are Most Needed In Austin?

Regardless of what type of damage your vehicle has suffered, remember that more often than not, it can be repaired. Without further ado, let’s look at five common auto body repair services in Austin.

Dent Repair

There are two types of dent repair services:

  • Traditional Dent Repair Service- There are many other ways to repair a dent apart from PDR- auto body repair services. When it comes to traditional dent auto body repair services, two traditional methods are used. In the first method, professionals use body-filler putty to fill the dent. The fixed dent is also sanded to blend with the shape and form of your vehicle’s body. Comparatively, in the second method, the professionals first drill the dent and then insert a specialized tool to pull it out. They closed the drilled hole by filling it up with different materials. In either of the auto body repair services cases, the professionals will be required to repaint the damaged area.
  • PDR-Paintless Dent Repair Service- In case your vehicle has been hit in a way that the dent did not damage the paint, you may require PDR-auto body repair services. Like its name, it’s the process of removing a dent without having to repaint the vehicle body. Additionally, for your vehicle to be an eligible candidate for PDR, make sure that the damage done is accessible from the backside. PDR- auto body repair services work best on door panels, fenders, trunks, and hoods.

Car Paint Refinishing

If left unaddressed, rock chips, nicks, and paint scratches can lead to rust and other underlying car damage as it leaves your vehicle exposed to salt, water, and other environmental elements. So, in case your vehicle has been damaged in a certain area, the only way possible to fix it is by either using a filler or other auto body repair services methods; you will most definitely require car paint refinishing services.

This is an ecologically safe and durable process in which the professionals will apply a high-grade primer and sealant to the accidental area. They will then follow up by applying an eco-friendly base coat to give your car the desired polyurethane and clear finish. The auto body repair services professionals will end the car paint refinishing process by hand-polishing the scratch and turning it into sparkle.

In case the scratch isn’t deep enough and hasn’t penetrated through the pain, the auto body repair services professionals will clear out the damage by leveling off the layers of pain and buffing the damaged area to renew your vehicle’s smooth and finished look.

Wheel Repair

From cracks to scrapes and gauges, wheel damage can take away your car’s curb appeal significantly. If not dealt with in time, the minor damages and unfortunate appearance can also result in you requiring an expensive repair- brand new wheels.

Luckily, auto body repair services professionals have been perfecting their rim repair and wheel repair techniques to meet the growing demand for high-quality wheels. Whether it’s damaged or bent rims, scratched wheels, or peeling clear coats, you can get your wheels to their original condition in no time with the right auto body repair services.

A standard wheel process begins with a comprehensive inspection of the damage followed by the required auto body repair services. These include; wheel straightening, refinishing, buffing, polishing, powder coating, repainting, and grinding.

Vehicle Aluminum Repair

Vehicle aluminum repair has completely changed the auto body repair services world. Unlike steel, which has a “metal memory,” meaning that it can be easily returned to its original state, aluminum is more pliable; therefore, special tools are needed to repair the damage. Moreover, aluminum also reacts differently to heat which means that too much heat can compromise the integrity of your vehicle’s body. Therefore, special tools and expertise is required to carry out aluminum auto body repair services.

If your vehicle has an aluminum-based body such as the Ford F-150, do not worry, as, with the professional aluminum auto body repair services, you can get your vehicle fixed without causing any further damage to its body.

Vehicle Structural Repair

Any damage to your vehicle’s chassis or underlying structure is known as structural damage. Compared to standard repairs, vehicle structural auto body repair services are often more technical and precise. Primarily because the structure of your car works like a skeleton, and so repairing it requires expertise to ensure that the fixed vehicle meets the manufacturer’s design, performance, safety, and durability standards.

Scheduling Auto Body Repair Service In Austin

Following a collision, visit an auto body repair services shop to get any damaged exterior components repaired or fixed. Our auto body repair professionals also repair any mechanical parts that might hamper your ability to drive safely. To get quality results, make sure that you choose Covert Collision auto body repair services in Austin.

Not only do we have the expertise and experience, but also the latest tools and equipment to restore your car to its pre-accident condition. We have fixed thousands of cars to date, from minor dings to serious collision damage, so we’re confident that we offer the best quality accident repair in Austin, Texas.

We also can help you with insurance claims as well as provide towing services. Get in touch with our team right away!

Quick Connect

If you have been in an accident and require quick assistance please call us at (512) 476-4101.

Our Goal is to Get You Back
on the road Safely.

Call Us Today:

Hear From Our Happy Customers

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austin body shop

Is Austin Vehicle Frame Straightening Safe?

Is Austin Vehicle Frame Straightening Safe?
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Vehicle Frame Straightening Safety

When performed properly, Austin vehicle frame straightening services can make your vehicle as safe as it was before the accident. In most cases, the damage can also be repaired using special techniques such as bracing, making your vehicle even stronger than before. Here’s everything you need to know about Austin vehicle frame straightening. Read on to find out!

Signs You Need Austin Vehicle Frame Straightening

Even if you don’t have any experience in the automotive industry, most types of vehicle damages are easy to identify. For instance, you can easily observe the signs that your car’s paint requires restoration or that the windshield needs replacement. Similarly, though not completely visible, there are signs indicating the need to get an Austin vehicle frame straightening service as soon as possible. A bent vehicle frame is the most prominent one. Here are the six common reasons  Austin vehicle frame straightening services:

Altered Vehicle Noise

While several automotive conditions can change how your vehicle sounds when driving, a certain sound can point towards the frame warping, especially if your vehicle has been in an accident recently. So if you hear a metallic squeaking and screeching while cruising around town, there’s a high chance that the bent frame of your vehicle is confined to one side of your car. In such cases, the safest thing to do is to bring it for frame straightening services in Austin. With several years of experience in the industry, our professionals will ensure that the frame of your vehicle is revamped to its safest self again.

Abnormal Tracking

One of the most common signs that you need a vehicle frame straightening service is that you will notice a change in how your car handles. In simpler words, a bent or damaged frame can result in causing your vehicle to drive slightly sideways rather than in a straight line. The easiest way to confirm this is by checking the tire tracks of your vehicle; if they appear to “crab walk” sideways, contact our Austin vehicle frame straightening professionals right away!

Ill-Fitting Doors

Ideally, regardless of the model, every part of your vehicle is designed to fit perfectly. And so, when moving components of your vehicle do not line up, there’s a high probability that something might be wrong with its frame. Ill-fitting doors are the most common version of this problem. If the doors of your car require manual adjustment to close fully, there’s a good chance that something’s wrong with your vehicle’s frame. So, if the trunk, doors, and hood of your car don’t operate correctly after an accident, seek Austin vehicle frame straightening services before the damage gets worse.

Engine Component Damage

If your car’s frame shifts, you might not be able to notice the change from a distance. However, the change in your vehicle’s alignment can adversely affect even the smallest parts of your car; hence, it can be caught easily. Even the slightest vehicle frame damage can cause a significant amount of damage to the engine components, such as broken wires, disconnected components, or damaged fuse. In such cases, the safest and easiest way out is by bringing your car for an Austin vehicle frame straightening service. If not dealt with in time, it can cause damage worth thousands of dollars.

Visible Undercarriage Damage

You might be surprised to know that most of the vehicle frame damage incidents aren’t visible from the angle you usually approach your vehicle from. This means your car might be in desperate need of Austin vehicle frame straightening services, even if you do not visually see it. Therefore, after a collision, use a flashlight to inspect the undercarriage of your car to check if there is any form of warping or dents. Also, keep your eyes and ears open to catch the problem before it becomes irreparable.

Wheel Misalignment

In addition to changes in wheel track, a damaged vehicle frame can also lead to a completely changed wheel alignment. So, if your car is drifting off course or you are facing difficulty in keeping it to one side of the road, there’s a high possibility that the frame damage has messed up your vehicle’s wheel alignment. Therefore, before this gets you in another accident, take your car to the Austin vehicle frame straightening professionals to get the wheel alignment balanced.

Find Professional Vehicle Frame Straightening in Austin?

When it comes to making the decision, it’s very important that you choose the right auto body shop to repair your vehicle’s frame. With many options to choose from, finding the right match can be challenging. This is where our Austin vehicle frame straightening professionals come in. With extensive years of experience in the automotive industry, our technicians have acquired the training and skillset to complete the job, ensuring that the frame is restored according to your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations.

Not only do we have the expertise and experience, but also the latest tools and equipment to restore your car to its pre-accident condition. We have fixed thousands of cars to date, from minor dings to serious collision damage, so we’re confident that we offer the best quality accident repair in Austin, Texas.

We also can help you with insurance claims as well as provide towing services. Get in touch with our team right away!

Quick Connect

If you have been in an accident and require quick assistance please call us at (512) 476-4101.

Our Goal is to Get You Back
on the road Safely.

Call Us Today:

Hear From Our Happy Customers

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austin body shop

Tips for a Safe Drive This New Year’s Eve

Tips for a Safe Drive In Austin This New Year's Eve
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New Year's Eve Safe Driving Tips In Austin

With New Year’s Eve around the corner, you must be excited for the parties that are to come. Whether you’re looking to paint the town red with your friends or have dinner with your family, getting out on the road on the last night of the year isn’t as safe as you might think. As the clock strikes midnight, people will sing, dance, drink and make merry. In short, they will be too busy to follow rules and regulations, which makes driving a challenge. Here are some tips and tricks that will help you in driving safely and get you and your loved ones home, unharmed:

5 Tips For A Safe Drive Home In Austin On New Year's Eve

1.    Plan Ahead

A New Year’s Eve celebration is incomplete without a party! And with a party comes lots of alcohol. Therefore, whether you are going to a public party or a private event, talk to your friends and make a plan to arrive and leave together. Also, make it a point to have a backup plan for your transportation, such as an Uber app installed on your phone, so that you can get back home on time in case you are too drunk and it gets too dangerous to drive. Moreover, make sure that you have your identification card and some money with you before you go out for a party. However, if you decide to self- safe drive this New Year’s Eve, ensure to follow all the safety guidelines to the tee as well as the three-second rule so that you have sufficient distance between your car and the driver in front, reducing the possibility of a crash.

2.    Don’t Drive Drunk

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, every day, approximately 30 people in the United States die because of a drunk driving car crash. Most of these deaths would have been avoided if the drunk driver had simply avoided getting behind the wheel. Drunk driving doesn’t only put your life in danger, but it’s also equally dangerous for the non-drunk drivers and pedestrians around you.

Even a minimum amount of alcohol consumption can lead to a number of impairments that can cause fatal accidents. Therefore, if you plan on getting high this New Year’s Eve, make sure that you either have a designated driver or have a sober friend who can call a cab and help you reach home safely. However, if both of the aforementioned options don’t work for you, remember that zero alcohol or drug consumption is the only way for you to safely drive this New Year!

3.    Avoid Distractions

Several states of the U.S have passed a law to ban the use of electronic devices while driving. According to a study by Live Science, 2,600 people died in an accident caused by cell phones. In simpler words, using a smartphone can reduce a driver’s reaction time by 20 times. However, it’s not only just cell phones that cause distractions; applying makeup, eating, interacting with passengers, and fiddling with electronic devices also increases your chances of getting into an accident. Perhaps the best advice to a safe drive is to, “Buckle your seat belt, keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.”

4.    Don’t Speed Your Car

Driving safe means driving slowly! According to research conducted by Erso, for every mile that you drive per hour, your chances of being in an accident increases by 4 to 5 percent. In simpler words, the higher the speed of your vehicle, the higher are the chances of you getting injured in an unexpected car crash. With the roads being jammed and an unknown number of people drunk driving on a New Year’s Eve, know that the only way for you to safely drive is by making sure that your car’s speedometer doesn’t cross the line.

5.    Keep Your Vehicle Safe

Keeping up with your car’s maintenance is as essential as driving safely in Austin. Primarily because regular maintenance not only keeps your vehicle in its top condition and extends its life but is essential to ensure your vehicle’s safety. Most vehicle malfunctions can be easily inspected and fixed by a professional mechanic. Doing so not only makes your car more efficient but also saves you from becoming a victim of an unfortunate accident.

Uneven tire pressure is one of the most common maintenance problems that can lead to a crash or result in a blowout. Therefore, to ensure maximum safety of you and your loved ones, invest in a pressure gauge and get the brake pedals checked as it is the New Year’s Eve safety requirement 101.

Drive Safe In Austin This New Year's Eve

Regardless of how you celebrate, New Year’s Eve in Austin is the time to reflect on your past struggles and celebrate your successes. However, don’t forget that while it’s important to have fun, keeping a level head and driving safely is essential to ensure the safety of you and your loved ones.

If the worst should happen this New Year’s Eve, we are here for you. Covert Collision in Austin is professional, friendly, and affordable. They walk you through insurance claims and guide you in every step of the process of getting your vehicle repaired after a collision.

We also can help you with insurance claims as well as provide towing services. The next time you need repair services, get in touch with our auto body experts in Austin right away!

Quick Connect

If you have been in an accident and require quick assistance please call us at (512) 476-4101.

Our Goal is to Get You Back
on the road Safely.

Call Us Today:

Hear From Our Happy Customers

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austin body shop

What Causes Austin Car Paint to Fade and How to Prevent It

What Causes Austin Car Paint to Fade
and How to Prevent It

The garage might be its ultimate destination, but your car spends most of the time outdoors, where it remains exposed to the elements that cause your car paint to fade over time. Perhaps you bought a shiny, black car, but over the years, it has lost its original color, which has been downgraded to a cross between fog and mud. There are various factors that contribute to this.

In this guide, we’ll study the causes of fading car paint and how to prevent it.

What Causes Your Car Paint To Fade

The most common factors that contribute to fading car paint include:

Car Wash

Some car washes involve the use of strong soaps that cause the shiny finish of the clear coat to diminish. Many car owners also leverage spinning plastic brushes that not only damage the paint but also make the clear coat appear dull.

Sun Rays

One thing we have plenty of in Austin is sunshine. Oxidation from the sun’s UV rays is a top reason for fading car paint. When your car remains exposed to the UV rays from the sun, heat builds up underneath the vehicle’s clear coat, thereby mixing it with oxygen. This process of oxidation causes the molecules of the paint’s structure to break down, so the paint color begins to fade and appear less vibrant.

If not immediately addressed, the paint surface will become subject to more damage, feeling dusty or rough. Next, the clear coat may start flaking off. If the metal on your car’s body gets exposed, it will become highly vulnerable to rust, which will undermine the structural integrity of your car and in turn your safety.

Acid Rain

Acid rain comprises acidic elements, which, if allowed to settle on your vehicle’s exterior, will damage its paint. Even after the water has evaporated, the acidic material tends to stay on surfaces. If not addressed, the residue will not just ruin the paint but also weaken the metal on the car’s body.

Air Pollution

At most, 95% of the fuel that goes into the combustion chamber is burned by engines. The rest of the 5% that’s released from the exhaust system pollutes the environment.  This, combined with other sources of pollution generate an incredible amount of carbon particulates that end up on your car exterior. The jagged and hard carbon molecules lead to scarring on the clear coat, leading to faded paint or oxidation. Pollution also triggers acid rain.

Now that you’re aware of the most common causes of faded car paint, let’s find out how to prevent it:

How to Prevent Austin Car Paint From Fading

Here are some effective tips to prevent your car’s paint from fading:

Park in the Shade

Since prolonged exposure to the UV rays will only accelerate the oxidation process that harms your car’s paint, avoid parking your car in direct sunlight. Even when you visit somewhere, consider parking in a shade or covered parking. If there’s no enclosed space to park your car, put on a car cover to protect its body from sun rays.

Wash Your Car Regularly

To protect the top coat of your car from existing and future damage, it’s important that you deep clean your car. Regular cleaning helps prevent dirt, grime, and bird droppings from sticking to the paint job and causing it to fade.

Avoid Using Abrasive Products

If you wish to preserve the glossy shine of your car’s body paint, use cleaning products that are free of abrasives. Plus, before wiping down the car’s exterior, don’t forget to clean the cloth, sponges, or brushes you’re going to use. Any amount of dirt and stones buried in the wiping materials can easily cause chipping, scratching, and create other issues for the paint finish.

Properly Dry Your Vehicle

After regular washing, be sure to dry your car’s body using clean cotton rags or a microfiber cloth that will absorb excess moisture. If you leave the vehicle to air-dry automatically, moisture may leave behind minerals that have been linked to faded car paint.

Looking for the Best Austin Auto Body Shop To Get Your Car Repainted?

By now, you should have understood what causes car paint to fade and how to prevent it. While the aforementioned tips should help prevent your car’s paint from fading, if you’re already faced with faded car paint, bring your car over to Covert Collision, a highly reliable Austin auto body shop offering unmatched auto body services. We’ll return your car’s paint to its original state in no time!

We also can help you with insurance claims as well as provide towing services. Get in touch with our team right away!

Quick Connect

If you have been in an accident and require quick assistance please call us at (512) 476-4101.

Our Goal is to Get You Back
on the road Safely.

Call Us Today:

Hear From Our Happy Customers

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austin body shop

How to Protect Your Car Paint from Parking Lot Dents

Protect Your Car Paint from Parking Lot Dents
Austin Auto Body Tips

Protect Your Car From Austin Parking Lot Dents

Smooth and sturdy bodywork and paint significantly enhance the appearance and aesthetics of a vehicle. On top of that, the paint job serves as a shield for the body panels against defects caused by rust and scratches. This is the reason why car paint protection is a necessary maintenance obligation recommended for every driver and vehicle owner. Here are some effective tips to protect your car paint from parking lot dents in Austin.

Tips To Avoid Austin Parking Lot Dents On Your Car

Exercise Caution While Driving in Parking Lots

Many of us drive in a hurry without being careful and watching the distance with cars in the front, back, and sides. This eventually results in unnecessary collisions causing parking lot dents. Take your time to park your vehicle or drive out of the parking lot. The Rearview mirror and side mirrors can be of great help in this regard. Make the most out of them while driving in the parking lot, so that you avoid scratching your vehicle onto other cars.

Avoid Parking Too Close to Entry or Exit

How often do we leave our car bodies intact in the parking area and return only to notice scratches or parking lot dents tearing through the paint at one or more points? With the culprit gone, you can’t force someone to pay for the damage. What you can do is park smartly the next time around.

A myriad of parking lot dents occurs near the entry or exit points where cars enter or leave the parking area. The underlying reason being these points typically experience high traffic, where inexperienced drivers end up scratching other cars, especially when making turns. The tendency to park near the entrance or exit stems from our reluctance to walk and end up parking in the spot closest to the shopping center or business. Since every shopper or driver wants the same, their chance of bumping into your car is increased.

Hence, one great strategy to safeguard your vehicle from them is to park in slots at the end, with only one side of your car exposed.

Provide Sufficient Room for Other Vehicles

Another way we invite parking lot dents is by parking too close to the vehicle on one side. When you do that, the owner of that car may hit your vehicle’s side when they get back and open the door to get into their vehicle. Some drivers or passengers will do that on purpose due to frustration. Even your own kids may open the door without considering the car parked next to yours. That’s why it’s important to leave enough room on both sides of your car when leaving it parked.

Park Near Cars with a Similar Height As Yours

Another effective way to protect your car paint from parking lot dents is to park it next to vehicles of the same height. This makes it considerably easier to maneuver and make turns without coming into contact with other vehicles, thereby reducing the chances of parking lot dents and scratches that damage the car paint.

Don’t Violate the Speed Limits

If there’s one area you should never consider speeding, it has to be a parking lot. Large parking lots that receive heavy traffic often have speed limits that you must observe. Speeding beyond those limits can easily result in costly accidents and collisions. To maneuver the parking area safely and avoid parking lot dents, it’s important that you maintain low and moderate speeds inside the parking lot.

Back Out Slowly When Moving Out of Your Spot

Another instance when drivers end up colliding with other parked or moving vehicles is when they move out of their slot faster than they should. When going in reverse, in particular, you don’t see any vehicle in the way or arriving at your back, but as soon as you pull out speedily, another vehicle suddenly pulls out at the same moment, resulting in a minor collision. Hence, be sure to pull out slowly, especially when reversing your car.

My Car Got Dented In A Parking Lot In Austin, Now What?

At Covert Collision Center, our body shop experts use the latest techniques to ensure your car paint is professional and flawless. Not only do we have the expertise and experience, but also the latest tools and equipment to restore your car to its like-new condition. We have brought thousands of vehicles back to life, from minor dings to serious collision damage, so we’re confident that we offer the best quality auto repair in Austin, Texas.

We also can help you with insurance claims as well as provide towing services. When you choose to get your car repainted, your best auto body choice in Austin is Covert Collision.

Quick Connect

If you have been in an accident and require quick assistance please call us at (512) 476-4101.

Our Goal is to Get You Back
on the road Safely.

Call Us Today:

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Dangers of Driving a Damaged Vehicle in Austin

Dangers of Driving a Damaged Vehicle
Auto Body Shop in Austin

Driving A Damaged Vehicle In Austin Is Dangerous

When a driver experiences a minor vehicle collision, their immediate desire is to head back home. While getting back home to recover from the blow is okay, continuing to drive a damaged vehicle in Austin can compromise your safety as well as that of your loved ones.

In many cases, external damage such as a dent is easily visible. Internal damage caused by an accident is not easy to capture. Plus, certain types of internal damages such as those related to the engine, brakes, suspension, transmission, etc. are way more serious than external vehicle damage.

It’s not just about the damage being visible or hidden. Many car owners are quick to respond to external damage for aesthetic reasons. On the other hand, if no dent appears on the car from a collision, they’ll resume driving, ignoring everything else that may have occurred to the vehicle inside.

If this sounds like you, this guide is for you. It covers the dangers of driving a damaged vehicle in Austin.

What Types Of Vehicle Damage Are Dangerous

Broken or Missing Mirrors

Needless to say, you should never consider driving a vehicle with one or more mirrors that are damaged to a point that they can’t be used or have entirely come off. Otherwise, the resultant obstruction to your vision can lead to more accidents and possible injuries.

On top of that, until you get the missing or damaged mirrors replaced, it may not even be legal to drive such a car. The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards No. 111 requires all motorists to have at least one rearview mirror in their vehicles to avoid vision obstruction. Not abiding by the law can result in fines and jail sentences in Austin.

Cracked Windshields

It’s too dangerous to drive with cracked windshields because they impair vision. Drivers tend to ignore small nicks or cracks, not realizing that they grow over time, compromising the vision even further. Also, it’s more than just about safety. In some states, driving with large cracks on the windshield can even cause you to be pulled over and ticketed.

Broken Tail Lights, Headlights, and Blinkers

In a vehicle collision, it’s not surprising to have the headlights, blinkers, and tail lights broken. Understandably, driving without them can lead to accidents due to compromised vision on your part or because others can’t see you at night time.

Loose Parts of the Vehicle

If a vehicle part appears loose, chances are it will fall off any time while you’re driving. When this happens, your vehicle can sustain more damage. Depending on the significance of that part, losing it can impact the functioning and overall performance of your car. Apart from this, a component falling off from your vehicle while you’re traveling on the road can prove dangerous for other drivers and pedestrians too.

Dented Vehicle Doors

After a vehicle collision, its doors can become dented. In worse-case scenarios, a loose door can fling open itself or even break, putting you and your family in incredible danger (especially your kids). Even if there’s no danger involved, opening or closing a dented vehicle door can be both difficult and noisy. To avoid these issues, get the dents fixed so that you have peace of mind while driving.

Damaged Wheels

A low-impact collision is enough to damage the wheels and axles of your car, causing the vehicle to start veering. In other cases, damaged wheels may not respond when you want to take a turn. Imagine how risky this can be for you, other drivers, and pedestrians on the road.

Broken Hood

Your vehicle is only safe to hit the road if it can be closed and locked. If a vehicle crash damages the locking mechanism of your car’s hood, it won’t stay shut. A damaged hood can lead to a build-up of air pressure from the engine. As you drive down the road, this can cause the hood to pop open, thereby blocking your vision completely. It can put you and others on the road in significant danger.

Always Choose Safety

Keeping the aforementioned dangers in mind, driving a damaged vehicle in Austin is never a good idea. Regardless of how minor the crash was, have a professional mechanic inspect your car for visible and hidden damages. In the case that you suspect serious internal or external damage, consider towing your car to the repair shop instead of driving it.

Once the repair job is complete, we recommend testing the vehicle using the following checklist before returning it on the road. Make sure that:

  • The wheels are properly aligned.
  • The mirrors and windshield are intact.
  • The hood is not broken.
  • There’s no fluid leak.
  • No vehicle component is loose.
  • The vehicle doors are functioning well.

If these items look good, you’re good to take the vehicle on the road.

Find The Best Auto Body Repairs in Austin, Texas?

Learning how to choose the right auto body shop in Austin can save you from a lot of stress related to repairs, especially when recovering from injuries or managing work simultaneously. For high-quality repairs, we recommend opting for the Covert Collision Auto Body Shop in Austin. With decades of experience under our belt, you can rest assured that your car is in the hands of some of the best technicians in the industry. We encourage you to contact us anytime and let us show you we are the right auto shop in Austin for your vehicle repairs.

Quick Connect

If you have been in an accident and require quick assistance please call us at (512) 476-4101.

Our Goal is to Get You Back
on the road Safely.

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When Your Car Needs a Certified Aluminum Auto Body Shop in Austin

When Your Car Needs a Certified Aluminum
Auto Body Shop in Austin

Austin's Preferred Certified Aluminum Body Shop

The exterior of your car directly impacts its appearance. Any noticeable troubles on it can significantly undermine the aesthetics and diminish its resale value. When we talk about car exterior, we generally refer to the paint and the metal body underneath it, both of which should stay intact.

But the good news about exterior issues is that they can be more easily detected than internal issues. All you need to do is keep your eyes open for any changes on the body.

Here are some car body issues that should prompt you to take your vehicle to a certified aluminum auto body shop in Austin.

Auto Body Repairs That You Need A Certified Aluminum Body Shop To Fix

Dents

When you think about auto body work, the first thing that pops into your mind is dealing with dents, which are a common occurrence for vehicles. Whether you engage in a minor accident with a bike or car or end up colliding with a pole or gate, your car will likely experience one or more dents on its body. In other cases, you may return to see a dent on your parked car, suggesting that another vehicle collided with it.

In more serious collisions, the dents can expose the metal of your car’s body, making it susceptible to further damage. Regardless of how deep or shallow a dent is, it’s important to take the damaged vehicle to an aluminum auto body shop in Austin without any delay and get the dents fixed.

While you’ll need some form of auto body painting for serious dent repairs, some minor dents can be fixed without painting.

Fading Paint

Another case where you may need to take your vehicle to an auto body shop is when you see fading paint on your car. The issue can significantly distort the appearance of your vehicle. The problem mostly results from extreme weather conditions, weather fluctuations, and UV rays from the sun.

But fading paint has more serious implications for your car than losing aesthetics. Upon fading, the paint thins out, after which it fails to protect the metal frame on the car body. Without this protection, the metal underneath may rust and lead to more serious complications.

To avoid these problems, you should respond quickly to any paint issues and have your car repainted at a local certified auto body shop in Austin. Once the vehicle has been repainted, ensure regular waxing thereafter, so as to preserve the new paint.

Rust

There are a myriad of causes for rust on your car’s body, ranging from unfavorable weather conditions to reckless driving to collisions. Regardless of the cause, however, it’s important to react to it quickly when you notice rust developing on the exterior of your car. In the beginning, you’ll only notice that the paint bubbles up and deforms in large spots or patches. Upon removing this paint, you’ll find large rusty patches destroying the metallic exterior of your vehicle’s surface.

Without any delay, take your car to a certified aluminum auto body shop if you face the problem of rust.

Peeling Paint

In some cases, the paint on your vehicle simply starts peeling off. It’s most likely the clear coat getting separated from your vehicle’s base coat. In the absence of the clearcoat, the base coat gets exposed to other types of damages and pollution. If you continue to ignore the problem, the paint won’t stay intact for very long.

Thus, you should be responsive to peeling paint. In fact, you should stay alert for any discoloration or bubbles on the paint, which are among the earliest signs of peeling paint. If you notice any such changes, seek professional auto body work in Austin.

Deep Scratches

Scratches are the most common problem your car’s body can face. A simple brush of your keys against it can lead to scratches. In other cases, more serious scratches might be a result of neighborhood children messing with your car or minor contact with other vehicles.

Each time you notice a scratch on your car’s body, pay attention to how deep it is. If the scratch has cut through the paint and left the metal underneath the paint exposed, you’ll need to have an auto body professional in Austin treat it because any amount of metal that’s left exposed can be subject to rusting.

Where To Find A Certified Aluminum Body Shop In Austin

Now that you know when your car needs a certified aluminum auto body shop in Austin, it’s time to get pragmatic. Stay more vigilant than usual for any changes on your car’s body such as scratches, dents, and peeling or fading paint, and seek a professional auto body shop when necessary.

Investing in a professional auto body shop is a much better decision than DIY auto body repairs, no matter how small the damage to your car. If you’re looking for high-quality repair services in Austin, we highly recommend checking out Covert Collision. With decades of experience under our belt, we can tackle any repair job with ease and be transparent with you at every step of the diagnosis, service, and parts procurement.  Get in touch for more information!

Quick Connect

If you have been in an accident and require quick assistance please call us at (512) 476-4101.

Our Goal is to Get You Back
on the road Safely.

Call Us Today:

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Austin Car Repairs You Should Take Seriously

Austin Car Repairs You Should Take Seriously
Auto Body Shop Near You

Car Repairs To Take Seriously In Austin

Very few of us like to go to the dentist because it can be painful, boring, time-consuming, and outrageously expensive. But if we don’t go, the issue can exacerbate and put you in more trouble. That’s exactly how car repairs work. If you continue to take car care issues lightly, regardless of how minor they are, they’ll get worse and you’ll end up facing more complications in the long run.

As a car owner, it’s also important to understand that certain repair issues happen to be more severe than others, so you should always take them seriously and seek Austin car repairs.

Austin Car Repairs That Need To Be Addressed Immediately

Engine Problems

Anyone who ignores or even procrastinates on seeking engine repairs is probably not sincere to their vehicle. Just as we humans require energy to be able to move, your car requires energy to get in motion. It’s your vehicle’s engine that transforms energy from fuel to provide your car the power to move. It acts as a combustion engine, creating tiny, contained explosions to enable movement.

In other words, your car won’t be able to move without a properly functioning engine. This emphasizes the critical importance of the engine in a car. If it’s not taken care of, you won’t be able to derive value from your car. So, you should stay extra vigilant about engine complications and get it inspected if you sense the slightest of hiccups with it.

Transmission Issues

Attached to the car engine, the transmission is another critical component of what sets your vehicle in motion. Simply put, it’s a vehicle’s gearbox, whose core function is to ensure that the wheels and engine turn in sync with each other. Therefore, transmission issues are another scary situation for any car owner.

Hence, if you sense soft gear shifts, slow shifts, or high revs without going very far, you’re probably dealing with a transmission problem. If it’s a transmission filter problem, that’s an easy and cheap fix. If this doesn’t solve the problem, it could be a serious transmission issue. In either case, you should never ignore a transmission issue and seek professional car repair in Austin if you face the slightest of glitches with gear shifts.

Battery Complications

Your car battery provides your car with the zap of electricity it needs to put electrical components to work. It’s also responsible to convert chemical energy to electrical energy to deliver voltage to the starter and power your vehicle. Also, it would stabilize the energy supply to ensure the smooth running of your engine.

Keeping these functions in mind, if you don’t test and replace your battery when required, you may end up stranded on a cold day. It’s true, batteries don’t hold up well in extremely cold conditions. Thus, you should have your battery tested from time to time. More importantly, don’t procrastinate in seeking battery testing, repairs, or replacement in Austin if you sense that it’s not working properly.

Suspension Problems

Your car’s suspension comprises shocks, struts, control arms, springs, and rods that collectively help your vehicle absorb bumps in the road. However, the parts in the suspension tend to wear out over time. If not immediately replaced, a costly suspension overhaul might be the only solution. If you put it another way, taking suspension issues lightly can hit hard on your pockets.

To avoid this, stay alert about the quality of drive your vehicle is delivering. If your car feels bumpier than usual or you sense that it swings to the side, consider getting its suspension inspected in Austin.

Windshield Cracks

No matter how negligible a windshield crack is, don’t ever take it lightly. Windshield cracks are a serious safety hazard. Even if it’s at a corner and won’t block your vision, it’s best not to drive without having it repaired. In some states, driving with any amount of windshield cracks may not even be legal.

Besides, the cracks tend to get bigger over time. So, by responding early and getting the cracks repaired as soon as you detect them, you can preclude the need to replace the entire windshield.

Where To Get The Best Car Repairs In Austin

Whether you’re driving a brand new Audi or an older used car, you’re going to face repairs, some of which are more critical than others. If you take them seriously and seek professional repair services on time, your vehicle should run at peak performance. On the other hand, delays can cause damages to exacerbate and lead to more costly restorations afterward.

For the best auto repair and maintenance in Austin, contact Covert Collision Center and let our certified auto technicians evaluate the needs of your vehicle. Our professionals are quick to assess your car’s repair needs and provide you with a quote for the highest quality repair. Stop by or call to set up an appointment.

We also can help you with insurance claims as well as provide towing services. Get in touch with our team right away!

Quick Connect

If you have been in an accident and require quick assistance please call us at (512) 476-4101.

Our Goal is to Get You Back
on the road Safely.

Call Us Today:

Hear From Our Happy Customers