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.

If you’ve been in a collision in Austin, you need to contact Covert Collision center immediately for towing and extensive post-collision repair services. There are several reasons why it is absolutely essential for you to call a local auto repair shop right after the collision. Let’s have a look at some of them below:

Prioritize Safety

The biggest reason why you need to seek collision services from a local auto repair center is safety. Regardless of the intensity of the collision, you need to get your vehicle checked for any damage and repair to ensure the safety of all those who drive and travel in the vehicle in the future.

Even if you think the collision was minor and you don’t need any service for the car, we still highly encourage you to do it. This is because the damage may look small, but it can have severe underlying issues. Therefore, professional intervention is needed to ensure your safety. The team at Covert Collision can run a thorough inspection procedure to make sure that all issues are identified and fixed before you start using the vehicle again.

Prevent More Damage

Your car might only appear slightly damaged, but there are often several underlying damages that you miss.  A collision service from a local auto shop identifies any damage in the braking system, steering wheel, heating, and other components of the vehicle. 

If you ignore these issues just because your car only shows a few dents and bumps here and there, it can lead to much severe damage in the future, which could end up costing you a lot more than it would take you to get the repairs done now.

Claim Insurance Coverage

If you’re still paying your car loan, you need to get the collision repairs done immediately if you wish to keep your coverage. Plus, your insurance company won’t take responsibility for extra coverage later if you don’t get the repairs as soon as possible.

Protect the Value of Your Vehicle

If you own the car and have paid it off entirely, then your car can lose its monetary value if you don’t seek Austin collision and repair services immediately. Even if you decide to sell your car after the collision, you can get much more value out of it if you get the collision services for it. Although there is a huge market for used and pre-owned cars, no one wants to purchase a damaged vehicle at a competitive price.

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.

Whenever a vehicle is manufactured, every component of the vehicle is designed and tested before being integrated into the production process. Here, every component undergoes a strict set of compliance measures and tests to ensure that it is in line with the performance standards of the industry. These parts are referred to as Original Equipment Manufacturer or OEM parts. Thus, whenever you have an accident, it is always best to ensure OEM replacement parts are used for the repair.

Here’s a list of why OEM replacement parts are important after an accident in Austin.

They Ensure Safety Going Forwards

When it comes to keeping yourself and your family safe, you always want to invest in the best. This goes for OEM replacement parts as well. While they may cost a little more, they’re surely worth the investment.

Aftermarket parts are definitely easier to find and quite cheap too, but they come with the risk of possible failure. So, it’s best to make the wiser decision and look at the long-term benefits first. Making this assessment is important to keep your vehicle in fine condition and ensure safety for all.

OEM Parts Are Designed For Your Vehicle

OEM parts are designed and manufactured using the same materials and elements that were used during the initial production of the vehicle. This means that they are of the most top-notch quality and made according to industry standards. They fit right into your car’s structural specifications – this is exactly what you want for your car after a crash.

They Come With A Warranty

Austin OEM replacement parts come with a minimum one-year warranty. Thus, if any of the parts become faulty or show signs of wear and tear, you can easily have them replaced right away. With aftermarket parts, you will have to have to pay the full price for a new replacement altogether.

OEM Parts Enhance The Operational Life Of Your Vehicle

Since OEM replacement parts are compatible with your vehicle, they’re sure to improve the performance and operational life of your car. Ensuring the durability and longevity of your car going forward is what you want to focus on here, and OEM replacement parts aim to do just that!

All in all, you want to avoid opting for any aftermarket parts for repair after a car crash in Austin. In addition, it is important to be wary of the fact that most service providers seek to take advantage of vulnerable customers after a car crash. They do this by offering aftermarket parts at a high price. They resemble OEM replacement parts and can easily pass as being the original product. Thus, you want to be proactive and ask for the warranty card and certification documents before closing in on the deal. You’re going to be glad you did this in the long run.

1. Run a Battery Check

If you are someone who rarely drives their car, you should know that the inactivity of your vehicle can degrade its battery or, in simpler words, flatten it. In such cases, use a trickle charger or battery conditioner to keep your Austin car’s battery topped up even if parked in the garage for an extended period.

If your vehicle’s battery goes flat, having to jump start it can put extra pressure on the battery, which can ultimately damage delicate electronics and the engine management system. Therefore, for better battery life, you should drive it at least once or twice a week.

2. Get the Filters Changed Regularly

Over time and usage, your car’s air and oil filters can get clogged due to debris and residue, which can ultimately result in reduced engine efficiency. Thus, you must keep an eye on the engine light while driving and get the filters checked and replaced whenever required.

Getting an air filter swap during your regular car maintenance will keep you on the safe side and save you from future Austin vehicle maintenance costs. You can also increase the life of the filters by washing them according to the rules and regulations mentioned in the owner’s manual.

3. Replace the Leads and Spark Plugs

As vehicle models get more compact and complicated with time, automotive owners have come to do their own servicing. However, replacing high-tension leads and spark plugs is still something that you can easily do yourself. All you need to do is consult the vehicle owner’s manual and stick to the steps throughout replacement process of the spark plugs and leads. Therefore, when inspecting your vehicle’s spark plug, check if it shows:

• Signs of melting.
• Signs of deposits or wear.
• A dark-colored insulator and electrode.

If any of the aforementioned signs are present, the spark plugs need to be replaced before they cause further engine damage. However, suppose you have recently renewed your vehicle’s spark plug and see a gap between the insulator and electrode or cracks on the light-brown lead. In that case, it can indicate an underperforming engine. In such a scenario, you should get the engine of your car checked by a certified professional in Austin as soon as possible.

4. Perform Regular Fluid Checks

Like your body, fluids are the lifeblood of your automotive, so failure to replenish them might have irreversible consequences. Therefore, for proper car maintenance, you should check the engine oil once a week. You can do this in the following steps:

• Park your vehicle on a plain surface (ground level).
• Open the hood and remove the dipstick.
• Wipe the dipstick before you place it inside the engine fluid box.
• Pull it out to see the marking of the oil. It should ideally be a light, yellowish-brown color and in between the maximum and minimum markers.

However, if your vehicle has a diesel engine, then dark-colored engine oil isn’t concerning as it can result from the combustion process. Moreover, you should also check the windscreen washer and the coolant reservoir as, ideally, it should contain 50% antifreeze and 50% distilled water. Also, always use vehicle screen washers as normal washing-up liquids can damage the paintwork of your car.

5. Check Your Tires

Tires are your vehicle’s most used and most significant safety feature. Therefore, use a tire-pressure gauge once a month or before going on a long road trip, to check the inflation of each tire (including the spare), as under-inflated tires will increase fuel consumption which will affect your vehicle’s overall mileage and performance. Topping up the tires with the recommended air pressure in the owner’s manual will improve their life span by making sure they stay in great condition.

The tire pressure of the front and rear tires will always be different. Hence, you should get the tires rotated (swapping the rear ones to the front, and vice versa) every six months to even out wear and increase their lifespan.

6. Drive with Care

The smoother you drive your car in Austin, the better it will hold up over time. Although over-speeding can be very hard on your vehicle’s engine, the quick shifts between acceleration and deceleration can result in dire consequences. Therefore, for efficient car maintenance, it is suggested to follow some of the following rules while driving:

Avoid taking sharp corner turns as they can be aggressive on the tires.
Avoid putting extra weight on your vehicle, such as roof racks.
Don’t be too hard when stepping on the brakes, accelerator, and clutch.

7. Stick to the Service Schedule

Regular service checks are essential to keep your vehicle in top-notch condition. The service intervals of cars are either based on miles driven or the time of usage. According to car maintenance experts, you should get your vehicle serviced every 10,000 miles or once a year. Keep an eye on the dashboard and follow the owner’s manual to get your car serviced whenever required.

Scratches and Dings

Small scratches are pretty common when your car is in the parking lot or generally left unattended. But a deep scratch that affects the clear coat and paint of the car needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Deep scratches allow moisture to get under the paint and eventually cause rust and other damage to the car’s body.

Small dents or door dings on your Chevy vehicle are unappealing to the eye but don’t usually cause further damage to the car. It’s your call if you would like to get it repaired or not in Austin. If you ever plan on selling your car, it is recommended to get it repaired to avoid depreciation of the vehicle’s value. Whenever you do get repairs done, only go to a professional body shop that has the required experience.

Rust Repair

Rust can be caused due to salt in the air if you live near the beach, long-term exposure to the elements, or any damage such as scratches that were not repaired immediately. It is a long process to remove rust from the car effectively to make sure it does not return. The car is often disassembled to reach the rust on the affected part to get rid of it completely.

The extent of the rust is often not visible till the Chevy repair work has already begun. The affected area might start to grow in size once the paint and rust are removed. If this is the case, a good Austin body shop would contact you and confirm how much repair you would like done on the car.

Collision Repair

Collisions are more common than expected in passenger vehicles. After an accident, a car needs to be repaired correctly, or the driver might be at risk. At first glance, the damage might look minor, like just a damaged front end. More often than not, the frame or body might sustain some damage that is not visible to you.

Frame Straightening

In modern Chevy cars, the frame and the body act as one unit. The frame rails are now made of metal sheets in newer cars and welded to the bottom of the vehicle. Because of this design, the car can be easily damaged, even from a minor crash. A major collision could cause the entire car to be twisted and damaged or cause premature wear to other parts over time.

Our Austin Auto body shop has the equipment to assess the body and frame of the car and make sure they are both aligned. A good mechanic would be able to measure your car with a laser and a computer to check whether your car’s body and frame have a high tolerance. If you ever do suspect that the frame or body is out of alignment, you should get it checked.

Functions No Longer Work

If there are certain features in your car that are no longer functional, like problems opening your hood or flickering lights, you could get a ticket. All features like lights, headlights, taillights, and turn signals must be in working order if you are taking your car out at night. To avoid a ticket on your permanent record, take your car to the shop immediately after you notice an issue.

Resale Value

If you plan on selling your Chevy vehicle in Austin, you need to take it for auto body repair. Damage to the car could really affect the car’s resale value. The money spent on repairs is often much lower than the amount docked off your vehicle because of the damage.

State Inspection

At the time of inspection of a vehicle in Texas, a checklist is used. If any of the items mentioned on that checklist are damaged, such as a mirror or the lights, your car will not pass the inspection till the damage is fixed. If you delay repairs and don’t pass your inspection, your registration renewal could be delayed. In this case, you could be issued a ticket for expired registration. You could have used that money for auto body repair. To avoid this hassle and future regrets, do not delay any repairs needed on your vehicle.

Among the most common issues Tesla owners have faced relates to the cars’ battery or battery warranty. In some cases, Tesla batteries are reported to have stopped working and demonstrating lower working capacity. Many drivers have complained that their battery stopped working when the temperature dropped.

Memory Failure – Tesla cars feature a main screen referred to as the media control unit (MCU) that provides a lot of information about the vehicle and other aspects tied to its usage. The MCU system relies on eMMc Flash memory, which can be quickly and easily updated. However, the extensive updating of the flash memory can cause the system to fail, leaving the entire MCU useless.

Heating Failure in MX and MS Models – Many customers have noticed the heating element malfunctions in Tesla vehicles. Instances of heating failure have been more common in MX and MS models than in others. Vehicle owners explained that they heard a loud, pop-like noise from the heating cabin, after which the heating stopped.

Cracking Glass in Model 3 – One of the major issues seen in Tesla’s Model 3 (M3) is the tendency of the glass to crack easily. According to car owners, Tesla M3’s rear glass is quite fragile and they had to get the glass repaired three to four times in a row.

Suspension Problems – The heavy Tesla cars are also known to punish the suspension. The worst one being that the front suspension would pop apart and collapse when on full lock and reverse. Although Tesla argues that drivers may have hit a pothole or damaged the suspension in other ways, the complaint is quite common.

What you should do is avoid reverse and full lock whenever possible, especially when it’s extremely cold and the suspension bushes are more brittle and cold. If you face the suspension issue stated above, bring your car to a reliable Tesla service shop like Covert Collision in Austin.

Door Handle for Model S – Tesla Model S is believed to have a problematic handle. Car owners claim that the handles aren’t durable and are of low quality. Many customers said that they had to get them replaced a number of times. When pulled, the handles wouldn’t open and required the person to make more attempts before opening.

Covert Collision auto body shop is your top Austin wheel repair solution that promises to address all sorts of wheel repair issues. We repair minor and major chips, scratches, curb rash damage, pothole bends on the inside or outside of wheels. All you need to do is bring your car to our certified auto body technicians.

Here are some of most common wheel issues to look out for:

• Bulging and Cracking – Upon hitting a curb or pothole, bulges and cracks may appear on your tires, which can in turn damage the sidewall of the tires. The chances of this problem are greater when your wheels are over- or under-inflated. Since the only viable solution is to get the affected tire replaced, so it’s best to drive carefully to avoid the problem in the first place.
• Wheel Misalignment – A wheel that’s worn more on one side than the other, a condition called camber wear, might be misaligned. This could be a result of general wear and tear, the adjustment you made to the vehicle’s height, or hitting a curb. If not timely fixed, a misaligned tire will reduce its grip and traction on the roads. Depending on how severe the wear is, you’ll need to either get the tire refitted or replaced. Technicians at Covert Collision in Austin will determine the right solution and implement it in no time!
• Emergency Brake Damage – No matter how safely you drive, there are times when emergency braking becomes inevitable. When you apply the brakes in an attempt to bring your fast-running vehicle to an instant halt, the specific area of your tire that rubbed against the road sustains spontaneous wear. If left for too long, the damage can ultimately obscure vehicle handling. Thus, if you recently had to make an emergency stop, get your tires inspected for any serious wear.
• Over- and Under-Inflation – Over-inflated tires find it difficult to maintain contact and grip on the road. As the problem exacerbates, they won’t perform safely. Plus, exerting more pressure on over-inflated tires shortens their lifespan. One effective way to track whether your tire is over-inflated is to examine its wear patterns. If the center of the tires appear more worn down than the sides, it’s over-inflated. Under-inflated tires, on the other hand, increases the likelihood of punctures and make you’re the tires more prone to general wear and tear. Plus, it may increase the risk of understeer, paving the way for collisions. You may experience difficulty performing precise maneuvers and face poor handling. To determine whether your tire is under-inflated, monitor its air pressure and have it inflated or deflated from a local auto shop.
• Punctures and Cuts – Tire punctures and cuts typically result from road hazards, which is why they have nothing to do with driving style. A tiny needle or piece of broken glass on the road is all it takes to cause a puncture or cut on the tire. One great strategy to protect your tires from these is to keep your tires adequately inflated at all times.
• General Wear and Tear – Even in a perfect world where all drivers drive safely and there aren’t any potholes on the road, every running vehicle will sustain general wear and tear. The legal limit for tires’ treat depth is 1.6mm. Anything below this limit will make it illegal for you to drive.
  You shouldn’t wait for your tires to reach this level before replacing them because it’s the absolute minimum level. Get them replaced before the tread depth hit this level. This way, you’ll be driving safe on roads without compromising on grip and performance.

Paintless dent repair restores a vehicle to its original condition in a safe and eco-friendly manner. PDR is not only used to remove dents and dings from vehicles, but also to repair any damage caused naturally by toxins in the environment.

• Situation Assessment: The dents are identified and through their size, the degree of damage is assessed. Whether or not paintless dent removal can be used to undo the damage is also determined.
• Dent Assessment: Often the auto body technicians would have to assess the dent from the other side which would require the removal of panels and other exterior parts of the car.
• Analyze the Dent: Like a surgeon would view an affected area up close, a technician would do the same with the dent and get a better view while formulating an action plan.
• Remove the Dent: Finally, the technician would use specialized tools to apply pressure on the interior of the dent and “massage” it out.