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.

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

You can get a new paint job for your Austin car to maintain its exterior look from a certified auto repair shop locally. Covert Collision offers excellent paint services for Austin cars. Here is why you should consider this service for your vehicle:

1.      Restoration to Original Look

The biggest reason why you should get a new paint job for your Austin car is that it can help regain its original look. If your car has been in a collision, then it becomes necessary to get a fresh coat of paint to restore its outer look. Fresh paint can take care of any minor scratches or stains. Moreover, the new paint protects your car from rust and other issues of similar nature.

The same is the case for hail damage, which can create your car’s paint, so you need to get a new paint job done. In any case of damage repair, it is important that you also avail the new paint job services for your car in Austin. A professional auto repair shop can make your car look spotless after a collision with the help of a new paint job following an extensive repair procedure.

2.      Increase the Resale Value

A job as simple and effective as a new coat of paint can benefit you tremendously when you decide to put your car up for sale. A freshly painted car will attract potential customers more easily as its pristine will catch their eye. Cars are often judged by their exterior, so if you invest in their outer look, you can receive huge benefits for it while negotiating the price.

If you’re planning on selling your vehicle soon, then we highly recommend getting a new paint job for it. All you need to do is take your vehicle to an auto repair shop that offers paint services and get it done before listing it for sale. The team at Covert Collision will paint your car and bring out its best look. So, what are you waiting for? Visit us today or schedule an appointment on call.

3.      Protection from Rust

Since most cars are made of metal or steel, they tend to get corroded, or their body forms rust over the years. As cars are often out under rough conditions, the corrosion can damage their exterior appeal. You can prevent or protect your car from developing rust by getting a new paint job done from a local car paint shop.

A new coat of paint offers higher protection from exterior elements that deteriorate your car’s body and structure. After the new paint job, your car will remain safe from corrosion and rust for a long period.

4.      Get the Color of Your Choice

If you’re someone who is into the overall aesthetic of their vehicle, then a paint job can be the right answer for you. If you’re bored of the regular colors that these cars usually come in, you can get one of your own choices from a local car paint shop.

You can have your car painted any custom color you choose in Austin easily. Just visit a local auto paint shop and ask them to paint your vehicle any color you want, and it will be done.

5.      Better Maintenance

Another advantage of getting a new paint job done for your car is that you’ll find a new motivation to keep it maintained. Moreover, a newly-painted car is also easy to take care of because you don’t have to put in as much effort to make it look clean and shiny.

A fresh coat of paint also protects your car from everyday wear and tear, so you won’t have to do as much maintenance as with the old paint.

1.      Regularly Washing & Drying

Washing your car at least once a week in Austin should be on your list of chores. This is because the accumulation of dirt and dust on the exterior of the car can fade away and damage the car paint. Using a gentle automotive cleaner and microfiber cloth is the way to go. You want to avoid harsh chemicals such as detergent and dish soap.

2.      Parking Matters

Where you park plays an important role in how long our car paint in Austin is going to last. If you tend to park your car in open spaces under the glaring sun, chances are the paint may lose its vibrant color over time.

To protect your car paint in Austin, try to find parking that is indoors or under some sort of shelter. Parking under trees works best for this and so does parking inside your garage during the day. This is sure to help prevent your car paint from fading as well.

3.      Wax Often

Applying wax to your car comes with several benefits. It protects the car from UV radiation, bird dropping, and mud splatters. It also reduces the drag force allowing your car to operate smoothly and swiftly on the road.

However, that’s not all. It also cleans your car and keeps your car paint in Austin looking brand new at all times. Professionals recommend waxing your car every 6 weeks to ensure effective maintenance.

4.      Apply A Paint Sealant

Paint sealants work the same way as car wax does. But, what makes them better is that they are easy to use and apply. They give a glossy finish when applied by a professional service provider. There is a special technique to getting it right, so you might not want to experiment and give it a go on your own. Unless of course, you have applied it previously.

This paint sealant can last for up to 6 months with regular cleaning and washing of your car. However, there is one thing to note here. Paint sealant can draw out the scratches and imperfections on your car, thus requiring more prep work.

5.      Cover Up

Investing in a good car cover can go a long way. You want to protect your fresh coat of car paint in Austin from the harsh weather. When parked out in the open you can cover it up. Be sure to invest in a car cover that is of high quality. Water-resistant car covers work best as they can protect your car from acid rain as well. In addition, you want to get one that fits perfectly. A car cover that is too big is of no use as it can allow wind and pollution to seep in from the sides.

Refinishing Increases Your Car’s Value

If it looks good, it’s going to sell for more. If the mechanical condition of the car is the same as that of a well-kept and new car, but the outer surface is worn out and has paint that is faded and chipped off, chances are no one would buy it.

So, if you’re planning on selling your car, have it refinished. You can pick the original color of the car or have a new color painted over. The profit you’re going to receive from doing this before the sale is sure to cover the cost of refinishing your car.

Repairs The Outer Surface

Whether it’s dents, scratches, faded paint, or a peeling vehicle wrap, getting your car refinished in Austin is sure to cover up all the flaws. Make your car stand out in a crowd and have it shine bright with a new coat.

You may have been advised to cover up the scratches with a vehicle wrap – doing this may do more damage. The scratches can be visible through the wrap, further deteriorating the look of your car. While vehicle wraps are a great way to preserve the exterior surface of your car, having it done in such a situation is not worth it.

In addition, refinishing also seeks to restore the damage done to your car from harsh weather and the harmful UV rays from the sun. Faded paint is a common drawback of the sun – thus refinishing your car can get you a brand new look in no time while seeking to preserve the look of your car.

It’s Cost-Effective

Auto refinishing is inexpensive. You can get it done in a short period of time – you need not spend hours waiting for the process to commence and push through. You can sit back and relax while the service provider does the job. You can even leave your car at our auto body shop and pick it up when it’s ready.

It’s better to give your car a new coat of paint than have it reach a point where damage control cannot be done. In such cases, selling your car off may not even be worth it as you won’t get much value from it. To save yourself from this stressful situation, refinishing your car should be on your list.

Brings Your Car Back to Life

The auto painting comes with a protective layer on your car. This is the ideal way to bring your car to life and have it look brand new. This also ensures the paint lasts longer and takes a long while to fade out. You can take your car on a road trip, drive it through the scorching heat and puddles of mud, the paint is sure to look brand new with a quick washdown.

Here’s a pro tip – make sure you wash your wash at least once a week. This will help preserve the protective coating and get rid of any buildup.

Prevents Your Car from Developing Rust

The outer surface of the car is prone to get oxidized after coming in contact with oxygen and water. This chemical reaction is a natural process and can lead to the development of rust. If you live in humid areas, this process is sped up even more. Rust can cause holes in your car and eat away your metal even before you realize you are victim to its menace. To prevent rust from occurring, refinishing your car in Austin is an ideal solution. The paint acts as a protective coating and keeps your car in top shape for years.