Repairing Dings and Dents

By Ron Haugen

Minor fender benders, hailstorms and shopping cart attacks commonly cause damage to your car's outer shell. These imperfections affect the appearance of the car as well as reducing its resale value. It is easy to repair most minor damage with modern technology.

The Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that up to 70 percent of all car accidents leave vehicles in drivable but damaged condition

• 30 percent are rear impact
• 29 percent are side impact
• 16 percent involve collisions with stationary items like light poles
• Collisions with animals, especially deer, impact over one million drivers in the US every year.

Repairing scratches in the car's finish can be tricky, too.

• Superficial scratches in the clear coat or base paint can be sanded and buffed out in just a few hours. Technicians then apply wax to seal in the repairs.
• Deep scratches that extend to the primer or even the metal of the car body take more time and work to repair.
• Often cars with deep scratches and creases must be repainted after repairs are done.

Repairing chipped paint is usually fast and easy.

• Repair paint chips promptly and prevent future rust problems from developing in the exposed metal areas.
• Many express chip repair shops have opened around the country, offering service in just a few hours.
• The results are nearly invisible and come at a fraction of the cost of other repairs.

A "dent" is any impact into the metal exterior of the car that causes the metal to stretch and distort from its original shape.

• Dents go inward and warp the metal outward around the edges of the dip.
• The depth of the dent determines the type of repair needed to restore the car.
• Large, shallow dents can be treated with Paintless Dent Removal (PDR) methods.
• Tiny but very deep impacts stretch the metal too far for PDR methods.
• Any cracked paint in or around a dent usually indicates the dent is too deep for a PDR repair.
• Dents in the hood, trunk, top deck and rear quarter panels of cars are usually more expensive to repair.

Paintless Dent Removal (PDR) is a fast, relatively inexpensive way to repair minor dings, dents, hail damage, scratches and imperfections.

• PDR methods repair the damage from behind, leaving the original finish of the car in great shape.
• PDR uses no paints, no fillers and no expensive auto body repair shop equipment.
• Most insurance companies, who recommend it due to the cost-saving measures, approve the procedure.
• Drivers usually get their car fixed in just a few hours
• Paintless Dent Repair is also safer for the environment.
• PDR restores cars to their original condition without owners having to worry about mismatched paint.
• Technicians do not have to sand the repaired metal
• Cars stay structurally sound with their factory finishes intact.

Experienced auto body and PDR technicians strongly advise car owners not to attempt fixing dents and ding at home with cheap "do it yourself" kits. These kits usually leave damage looking worse, costing owners hundreds of dollars to get the dents re-repaired at a body shop. Of course, if your car is older and appearance is not an issue, give a "do it yourself" kit a try.

If you are looking for honest advice, prioritized repairs, options on repairs, maximized fuel economy, and a good feeling with who you are doing business with go to http://www.westsideautopros.com
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The Top Eight Check Engine Light Issues

By Ron Haugen

According to CarMD's 2013 Vehicle Health Index, the cost for car repairs has increased 10 percent this year. Putting off car repairs is a bad idea because unfixed problems often lead to repairs that are more expensive. If the check engine light comes on in your car, take the car to a qualified mechanic immediately. Here are the top eight most frequent reasons for the check engine light activation.

1. Oxygen sensor failing

Oxygen sensors keep engines performing at peak efficiency levels, and they manage emissions. O2 sensors monitor gasses leaving the engine. Engines need exact ratios of fuel and air for the most efficient operation. Malfunctions can drop your fuel economy by up to 40 percent. Engine performance is also negatively affected.

2. Ignition coil problems

Ignition coils take electric current from the battery and ignite the spark plugs. Without properly functioning coils and spark plugs, the electric current powering your car's engine are disrupted. All the parts in the car's electrical system take a lot of wear and tear from the electricity passing through them.

3. Spark plugs and spark plug wires

Along with the ignition coils, spark plugs and wires are critical components of the vehicle electrical system. Symptoms of problems with plugs and wires include rough engine idling, engine misses or pings, erratic engine power including power losses and power surges. When engines misfire, fuel economy drops. Ignoring spark plug and plug wire problems can permanently damage the car's catalytic converter, leading to very expensive repairs.

4. Mass airflow sensor malfunctions

The mass airflow sensor, or MAF, measures the air coming into the engine and calculating how much fuel to add to the mix. This data goes to the Engine Control Unit (ECU). Without correct information from the MAF, the ECU cannot correctly balance or deliver the right amount of fuel to your engine. The result is very poor engine performance and 10 to 25 percent decreases in fuel efficiency. Replace this critical component immediately if it begins to fail.

5. Faulty vacuum hose or evaporative emission control system

The evaporative emission control system (EVAP) of a car keeps gasoline vapors from the fuel system and gas tank from release into the air. Leaking vacuum hoses and vents, defective valves and faulty gas caps all contribute to EVAP system problems.

6. Exhaust gas recirculation valve and ports are dirty

The exhaust gas recirculation system (EGR) controls your car's emissions and helps cars run more efficiently. Rough idling, engine hesitation and misfires can indicate an EGR problem. Worsening performance and fuel economy often result from EGR problems. Often the components of the EGR system are dirty or clogged.

7. Catalytic converter failures

Catalytic converters are often the most expensive mechanical repairs made to vehicles. As a part of the exhaust system, it converts dangerous chemicals in car exhaust into less harmful compounds to release into the air. Catalytic converters should last for the lifetime of the car. Most problems with catalytic converters come from underlying problems such as those that occur with bad spark plugs or ignition coil problems.

8. Dead battery and charging system problems

Most cars have computer systems that monitor voltage in the electrical and battery systems. The computers activate the check engine light when anything appears amiss in the charging system of the car. High temperatures in the engine compartment contribute to rapid aging of batteries.

If you are looking for honest advice, prioritized repairs, options on repairs, maximized fuel economy, and a good feeling with who you are doing business with go to http://www.westsideautopros.com
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Learn About Flood Damage and Flood Repairs on Used Cars

By Ron Haugen

With so many natural disasters occurring, including floods and hurricanes, knowing how to spot flood damage in a vehicle is critical. Some damage is relatively minor but most can ruin the value and operation of the car. Good dealers can make flood-damaged cars look great, but they cannot remove the risk.

Consider several factors that can influence the damage done by a flood.

1. How deeply was the car underwater? If the water did not reach the electronics, the vehicle might suffer rust or corrosion, but it might not have major or even life-threatening problems. Deeply submerged cars run a significant risk for dangerous problems.
2. How long was the car under water? Longer submersions equal greater damage.
3. Was it fresh water or salt water that flooded the car? Salt water causes more corrosion and faster corrosion than fresh water.

Check for indicators of severe floodwater damage when inspecting and test driving any car.

1. Look at the car title. If it says "Flood" or "Salvage" on it, it was deemed irreparable by an insurance company, a bank or an owner. Expect problems unless major, expensive repairs were done.
2. Beware of prices far below market value. Flood damage voids the manufacturer's warranty. Unless the seller can prove they completed major restoration and repair, buyers take a big financial risk for major repairs. Consider the cost of these likely repairs when deciding how much to pay for the car.
3. Most flood-damaged cars will have very low or no resale value if the new owner attempts to sell them later.
4. Ask the dealer if there was any flood damage, and make them put the answer in writing. If they hesitate or refuse, be concerned.
5. Be alert to odors of mold and mildew. These are very difficult to remove and indicate the car sat in significant amounts of water. Similarly, strong air fresheners may indicate attempts to cover up bad odors.
6. Check hidden areas for moisture.

1. Check the carpet and underneath the carpet if possible.
2. Check the trunk for moisture.
3. Feel the material underneath the spare tire.
4. Check the headlights, taillights, mirrors and instrument panels for moisture or a foggy appearance. This indicates water inside the area.
5. Check for dampness or water lines in the overhang inside the wheel wells.
6. Feel underneath seats and in the seating tracks for dampness.
7. Feel inside the glove box for moisture.
8. Look at the oil on the engine dipstick. Water-affected oil may be pale or milky, and it may be sticky to the touch.

7. Debris inside the car or engine compartment, engine crevices, around wiring, inside or under the dashboard may indicate the car was underwater.
8. Look for rust and corrosion on metal surfaces such as hinges, springs, screws and latches. Check for corrosion where the car doors meet the auto body. Seat springs and the undercarriage of the car may also show signs of rust and corrosion.
9. Examine the interior upholstery of the car. Look for water stains on the surfaces of seats and underneath seats. Be suspicious if the carpet in an old car looks brand new. Make sure the fabric on doors and the headliner are about the same age as the carpet and the car. Another clue is mismatched upholstery where some sections are faded, others are newer, or patterns are not aligned.
10. Test the electronic systems before and during a test drive

1. Bend a few electrical wires under the dashboard. If they are brittle, it is probably due to water damage.
2. During the test drive, listen for odd sounds during starting. See if the car smokes during starting.
3. Check to make sure all dash lights come on, including backlighting, when starting the car.
4. Make sure the headlights, taillights, turn signals and emergency blinkers work.
5. Turn on windshield wipers, air conditioning and heater to make sure they work.
6. Test the radio. Distorted audio, severe static or lack of audio can be the result of water damage.

The best way to determine if a car has flood damage is to have it inspected by your own mechanic. Good mechanics know where to look for indicators of problems, and they can get to difficult places like alternators, pumps and some wiring. Mechanics should remove the wheels and inspect all brake parts and components for silt and mud. Used cars represent a significant investment, so make sure to get one that will not cost even more money down the road.


If you are looking for honest advice, prioritized repairs, options on repairs, maximized fuel economy, and a good feeling with who you are doing business with go to http://www.askronthecarguy.com
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How to Prevent the Six Most Common Auto Repairs

By Ron Haugen

Paying for expensive car repairs is never fun, and they never occur when you are flush with cash. Most common problems that cause car breakdowns are preventable with good vehicle maintenance.

1. Engine Misfires

These occur when the spark plugs fire at the wrong times or do not fire at all. There are many reasons this can happen. Repairs range from cheap and easy to very expensive. Replace spark plugs every 60,000 miles and follow the maintenance schedule in the owner's manual of the car. Keep the engine tuned up according to schedule and have a yearly trouble-code scan to find potential problems before they become major issues.

2. Evaporative Emissions Systems Control (EVAP) Leaks and Failures

The EVAP system traps gas tank fumes to ensure the gas and the vapors stay separate. Corrosion often damages the lines in the system, and sometimes the EVAP canister fails. Always refasten the gas cap tightly after refueling. Turning the cap until it clicks at least three times is good practice. Have a good rust protection application to keep corrosion in the system lines minimized.

3. Problems with "System too Lean" Error Code

The "System Too Lean" warning light can appear for several reasons ranging from the car needing a software update to a major engine failure like broken gaskets or cracked cylinder heads. Bad vacuum lines, faulty sensors, problems with the injector driver and similar issues commonly cause this error code. If this error code appears, have the car checked by a mechanic as soon as possible. Most regular maintenance and upkeep schedules help prevent these problems.

4. Catalytic Converter Failures

Catalytic converters fail due to leaks caused by rust and corrosion, or from carbon buildup or other problems causing internal plugs in the system. Uncontrolled fuel delivery causes the plugs, but many mechanics do not check this. They simply replace the catalytic converter, only to have the new one fail in a few months. Keep engines on schedule for maintenance and tune ups as recommended in the owner's manual, and make sure the mechanic checks the fuel delivery system if the catalytic converter is replaced.

5. Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Systems Breakdown

The EGR system lowers formation of harmful air pollutants inside the combustion chambers of the engine. Unburned gas builds up in the form of carbon, electrical controls fail, and the EGR valves experience wear and tear. Get a professional fuel system cleaning every 30,000 miles to prevent carbon buildup.

6. Brake Pads

Replacing brake pads before they completely wear out prevents costly brake rotor replacements. Listen for screeching or grinding sounds when stopping, as these noises indicate the pads need attention. Have a mechanic inspect the brake pads regularly, and replace them when they start to thin.
In summary, any time a "Check Engine" light or other alert appears on the dash display, get the engine checked as soon as possible. The warning indicators are there for a reason, so do not ignore them. Sometimes the problems are minor and easy to fix, and other times they indicate a pending disaster. Quick attention to the indicators lessens the chances of permanent vehicle damage and expensive mechanic bills.

If you are looking for honest advice, prioritized repairs, options on repairs, maximized fuel economy, and a good feeling with who you are doing business with go to http://www.askronthecarguy.com
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