Gava's Auto Body

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

How To Take Care of Your Car's Paint Job

Taking your to the best auto-body shop to get your paint done is not enough, the after paint care is of equally importance. Proper care of your car’s exterior finish is the one of the single most important lessons to learn about car ownership. Taking the time to learn which products to use and when to use them will absolutely increase years to the life of your car’s paint.

1. Wash your car always using the proper tools. A cotton or paint-safe microfiber washing mitt and good cleaning products specifically designed for automotive use. Make sure that the products you use are pH balanced, non-detergent formulas that won’t strip off wax form your painting, and combine them with lubrication to prevent scratching.

2. Don’t skip drying your car. Drying your vehicle after washing is absolutely necessary to prevent water spots. Auto detailing professionals advise using 100% cotton cloths to dry your car. Other materials like polyester and microfiber can scratch your paint surface.

3. In the case that a thorough wash wasn't enough you can use an Auto Detailing Clay Bar to get off all the road grime, bug residue, pollution or tree sap. It "pulls" contamination off the surface without abrasion or scratching. This detailing clay usually comes in a kit with a lubricating spray to protect your paint. It will grab anything that protrudes from the surface without removing any paint or leaving scratches.

4. What if the paint still looks dull? At this point, there are three solutions for this problem. The cause might old oxidized paint and the solution is either car polish, cleaner or rubbing compound. All three products will remove unwanted dull paint, but in varying degrees of aggressiveness. Polish removes the least amount of paint for a given application, while rubbing compounds remove the most and cleaners are somewhere in the middle. (Rubbing compound is a very aggressive abrasive and you should talk to a professional before giving that a try).

5. Do I need to wax my car? YES! Waxing is the most important thing you can do to protect your car’s paint and prevent damage to it. Also, it is an absolute “must” if you have just used a polish or cleaner.

If you are searching for experienced collision repair and paint center in the San Francisco Bay Area, our San Mateo body shop and San Bruno Body shop specialists are trained to repair with the latest in state-of-the-art equipment and technology to provide unparalleled quality work and the customer service you deserve.

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Car Repairs and Preventative Maintenance

Did you know that every year in the US there are more than 10,000 car accidents and some 400 Americans die in them. The usual reason is failure to have routine maintenance done on cars.

The car is the most popular and usual means of transportation in the United States, and about 90% if adult Americans own one now or used to own one. By keeping your car in good condition you can reduce the risk of easy to fix problems causing an accident that could kill you, your passengers or people in other cars.

Before hitting the road, you should check the following items regularly.

1. Your Tires – Lots of American cars have all season tires on them. What ever the kind of tire you use it is important to regularly check them. Check for air levels, flats, leaks, worn spots, over use, low treads. Just inspect your tires weekly.

2. Your Wipers –You should change your windshield wipers at least twice a year. So that means just about every six months.

3. Your Brakes – You need your brakes to slow your car down when you press on them. If you press on your brake pedal and it goes all the way to the floor, you need to have them checked. They are way too low.

Newer cars may have a brake warning system in to automatically let you know when there is a problem with your cars brakes. It is usually found on your dashboard, and will light up if it finds a problem with the brakes.

This signal will let you know it is time to have a mechanic check out the brake system unless you are handy enough to fix it yourself. Check your owners manual to see what your specific problem may be.

4. Your Headlights – Can you believe that in the year 2005 more than 2300 pedestrians died because some drivers had problems with either their headlights or their vision. You should replace your headlights every year.

Here is my top 10 List for visits to the mechanic

1. Electronic/Ignition control
2. Electrical problem
3. Suspension/steering
4. Brake system
5. Oil change/filters/lube
6. Radiator problem
7. Exhaust system
8. Fuel system/carburetor
9. Clutch/transmission
10. Air conditioning system

Keeping up with routine check ups and car maintenance can be expensive. That is the most common reason that lots of people don't keep up with the maintenance as suggested in their car owners manual. You can find ways to save money on auto repairs.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) confirmed that $20 billion was spent on auto repairs that were not necessary due to fraud and incompetence. Here are some simple tips for you to show you how you can afford repairs when you need to have them done.

1. Preventive Maintenance – This can save you a lot of money during the life of your car. It will prevent serious damage that can be done to your car by letting little problems become big ones. Read your owners manual and follow the recommended servicing's that will keep your car in good shape and keep it running longer.

2. Get An Estimate – Before you let the mechanic do the work your car needs get a written estimate. It is always good to know what you are being charged and what work will be done to your vehicle. If the price he gives you sounds to high, check other mechanics in your area. It is always smart to get at least three estimates before having any work done.

3. Car Pooling – You should give your car a rest once and awhile. You can try car pooling with co-workers to save your car some wear and tear, and you can save yourself money by sharing the cost of gas, tolls and parking.

4. Do The Repairs Yourself – If you read your car manual you will increase your understanding of the basic workings of the car, and how to fix them. There are some things you can do yourself without too much technical knowledge. You can change your own oil, and give your car a tune up.

Don't try to undertake tasks which you have no knowledge of whatsoever, but routine maintenance should be easy for you to handle. You can take a beginner mechanic course at a local high school adult center to learn exactly how to do simple repairs.

You can often find the answer to your repair question in your owners manual, and it will let you see if it is something you can do yourself or if your car needs to go to the shop.

Link: http://news.carjunky.com/repair-tips/car-repairs-and-preventative-maintenance-abc554.shtml

About Gava's AutoBody

GAVA'S Paint Shop San Bruno CA
Gava's Autobody uses a unique state-of-the-art computerized ColorNet paint formula system with a PPG Waterborne Master Mixing System. In today’s market, more automotive manufacturers (OEMS) select new vehicle colors from PPG Waterborne than from any other paint manufacturer. As a worldwide paint supplier, PPG Waterborne is able to match virtually any vehicle color from its vast palette of more than 200,000 formulas.

Unibody Repairs San Bruno CA
Most of today’s latest cars and some trucks are unibody vehicles, meaning that every part of the vehicle that does not detach, such as the trunk and hood, is part of the frame. Your car's unibody is the basic frame of the vehicle. It makes certain that everything is properly aligned and positioned for the smooth, fluid driving experience that the modern car or truck provides.

Collision Repair San Bruno CA
Gava's Autobody is a spacious and well equipped collision repair and paint center. With the latest in state-of-the-art equipment and technology you can count on us to provide unparalleled quality work and the customer service you deserve.

Is It Best To Repair Or Replace Your Car?

Is it best to repair or replace your car? That's a good question in this economy and here are some helpful tips to make your decision a little easier for you.

(NAPSI)-A growing number of people are finding that the economy has them debating whether it's best to buy a new car or repair the one they have. If you are trying to decide between buying and repairing, here are some tips that may help:

Comparing Costs

It is typically less expensive in the long run to repair the vehicle you already own rather than purchasing a newer one. Financing even a $2,000 repair typically means lower payments (or similar payments for a shorter time) than those incurred when purchasing a newer vehicle.

The 50-Percent Rule
After receiving the estimate of a major repair, consider the "50-percent rule." When the cost of a needed repair approaches 50 percent of the vehicle's value, it is time to seriously consider replacing it.

Reliability And Maintenance History
The best way to know a vehicle's condition is by maintaining it on a regular basis and using the same repair shop. If a repair shop knows the service history of a vehicle, consumers can look to its technicians for guidance on when their vehicle likely will need major repairs.

"Following the vehicle manufacturer's maintenance recommendations can greatly increase the life span of vehicle," said John Nielsen, director of AAA Approved Auto Repair and Auto Buying.

Cosmetics
The cosmetic condition of a vehicle can greatly affect its value and a motorist's desire to hold on to it. Motorists should take a critical look at their vehicle for signs of wear and tear and evaluate how important their vehicle's cosmetics are to them.

Lifestyle
Changes in lifestyle can be a large factor in changing vehicles. Family size, commute length, recreational usage and business needs are all legitimate reasons to consider purchasing a newer vehicle that is better suited to a consumer's driving routine.

Outside Factors
Several outside factors may impact the decision between repairing and replacing a vehicle, such as reduced pricing and special offers from manufacturers. A vehicle that could become a valuable classic might be worthy of extraordinary repairs and maintenance.

If you decide to go with a major repair, be sure to use a qualified and trustworthy auto repair facility. A listing of AAA Approved Auto Repair shops is available at AAA.com/repair.

Experts say the best way to know a vehicle's condition is by maintaining it on a regular basis and using the same repair shop.

Link: http://news.carjunky.com/repair-tips/repair-or-replace-your-car-cdh639.shtml

About Gava's AutoBody

Car Scratch Repair Tips and Quick Fixes

You accidentally scratched your car door with your keys while you had your hands full and now you have an awful mark staring back at you every time you get into your car. Do you have to go to a professional who will charge you for labor? Or can you do it yourself for a fairly cheap price? Well, the answer is, an undersized scuff is something you can most likely fix at home by yourself. However, if you’re small scratch looks more like a tree branch than a stick; it’s time to consult the professionals.

Car scratch repair requires a couple of research steps before you can proceed on the actual scratch repairing. First you have to determine if your car has an enameled based paint, because some of the paint jobs on newer model vehicles won’t blend well with lacquer-based primer paint. Before you get started on the actual work, you can consult your local auto parts store to help you determine the exact color of your car. Take your VIN number so that you can match up the cover-up paint with the car’s original coat. You may be able to find the paint color code listed on the edging of the doorframe or in the glove compartment. A dealership would also be able to tell you the exact color paint you’ll need to repair the car scratch.

Next, buy primer paint labeled for automobile use in a lighter color and body compound that will go on easily in one coat. Then, wash the scuffed area with a laundry detergent to remove any wax or grit that might affect your recover paint. After that, take some fine-grained sandpaper and sand along the scratch, polishing away any rust you find. When sanding the scratched area, you may find that it is easier to buff out enamel with 1500-grit or 2000-grit sandpaper to avoid sanding marks. Be sure to blow or brush away any dust that accumulates and then use masking tape and newspaper to separate the scrape. Leave half an inch of room around the car scratch to work.

As you continue, you’ll need to use a plastic putty knife to apply body compound to any deep scratches; a metal one will cause more damage. Make sure to read the instructions on the label and follow them closely. After the body compound hardens, you can sand the spot flat and blow away all the dust again. Then, spray the primer onto the scratch and let it dry overnight. In the morning, use the brush from the touchup paint to paint the area, and then let it dry overnight. You may find that a finish polish is less abrasive than a regular compound.

It’s time to consult the professionals if the scratch on your car is stretched across a door or the hood, because you’ll find a better finished-product by having a body repair shop repaint the entire panel. If a scratch or scrape is left alone for a long time without repair, the area could start to rust, which is nearly impossible to stop once it has started. A small scratch, though, should be easy to tackle with the car scratch repair instructions given here.

Link: http://news.carjunky.com/repair-tips/car-scratch-repair-abc243.shtml

About Gava's AutoBody

7 Brake Myths Busted

There are some myths about brake pads, rotors and hydraulics that need to be busted. These myths can hurt and hinder a technician’s ability to diagnose and solve some brake problems and customer concerns.

On the surface, some of these myths make sense. The logic can seem sound and explain a problem, but they do not resolve the real issues with a brake system.

A Rotor’s Minimum Thickness Specifications are Based on Heat
False: The discard or minimum thickness specification is based on travel of the caliper piston if the pads were worn to the backing plates.
If you had worn pads and a rotor below specification, there is a possibility the piston could start leaking and possibly become dislodged from the bore causing a failure of the brake system. Heat, warping and fading have nothing to do with discard specifications.

Soft Pads and Hard Pads

False, with a pinch of engineering truth. The engineering term for measuring the hardness of brake pads is compressibility.

Engineers typically measure compressibility as a manufacturing quality control measurement and not as a performance measurement. Compressibility is an important characteristic and can influence pedal feel, but it has very little to do with noise, rotor wear and pulsation.

What the driver is experiencing is the type of friction (tribology) the friction material is using to stop a vehicle. A “hard pad” is a pad that is abrasive to the rotor. This could be classified as a semi-met pad. These types of pads can have very stable friction over a wide range of temperatures.

What a technician or customer think of as a “soft” pad is typically an organic or ceramic formulation. How

these friction materials generate brake torque is by adhesion type of tribology. These friction materials leave or transfer a layer of friction material (transfer film or “seasoning”) on the rotor’s surface that some friction material companies claim can smooth out the rotor surface, thereby causing less excitation and noise at the friction coupling. Also, this transfer layer may not be as sensitive to heat induced brake torque variation. Some of these friction materials can be friendly to rotors.

Both of types of friction materials can be the same in terms of compressibility. Calling one material soft and one hard is not possible unless your shop has a $20,000 machine to measure the compressibility of the materials.

Compressibility can influence pedal feel, but only in extreme cases where the pad could be defective. What really influences pedal feel is the coefficient of friction of the brake pad.

Damaged Brake Hoses Can Cause Brakes to Drag
False, with a dash of truth. The myth usually takes place on a vehicle where the brakes are stuck on at just one wheel. The technician tries just about every thing and eventually theorizes it is a restriction in the brake hose.

Brake hoses can be damaged by road debris and some clamps. Stock brake hoses are typically two or three layers. All modern hoses have a stiff internal liner that is in contact with the fluid. The outer layers are typically a softer material designed to absorb impacts with road debris.

The myth typically states that the inner liner was damaged and created a flap or check valve in the line. This check valve prevents the pressure from releasing at the caliper. But, this has been know to happen older brake lines from the 1960s.

In theory, it does makes sense, but you have to ignore some facts. First, if this flap was created, it would not form a internalized flap. Chances are the entire liner would fail and the brake fluid would be up against the softer outer liner. This would make the hose bulge and eventually burst.

Chances are the restriction could be a stuck emergency brake, caliper slides or even a problem with the metering/combination valve. Also, many stuck brake problems are related to brake booster or meter/combination valve problems.

Wet Brake Rotors Increase Stopping Distances
False: Remember when you were first learning to drive and some adult told you to tap the brake pedal after you drove through a puddle? In the days of drum brakes, this was good advice, but with disc brakes this piece of advice does not hold water.
If a vehicle is moving, water is thrown off the face of the rotor by centrifugal force. Any water on the pads is inconsequential.

Replacement Brake Pads are Regulated by the Government
False: There are no government regulations concerning brake pad performance.

Brake Pads Need to Warm Up
False: Street brake pads are designed to produce even brake torque even at very low temperatures. This is even true for exotic carbon ceramic brake systems on street-driven vehicles.
The exception for this myth is high performance racing pads that require some heat in the friction material to generate its highest coefficient of friction. Manufacturers of these pads will say that these pads should only be used for off-highway purposes.

Brake Pads Are The Source of All Brake Noise
True & False: All brake pads do produce vibrations when they are applied. This happens on all brake systems. But, it is how the vibrations are transferred to the rest of the vehicle that will cause a driver to hear or not hear the noise. A brake pad is merely the a string on a guitar, it is up to the player or vehicle to decide how it sounds.
Humans have a limited range of hearing so the sound made by some brake pads might be unheard.

What can cause noise is a change of the friction material due to heat. A “consistent” friction material causes less vibrational excitation variation at the friction coupling by having consistent brake torque at environmental extremes of humidity and temperature (-40F to 500F).

Typically, high frequency noises come from the caliper, rotor or bracket. Low frequency noises, like growls, grunts and moans, can be caused by struts, knuckles or even the body structure.

The option for technicians are to isolate the pads with lubricants, shims and restoring the hardware to like-new condition.

Link: http://www.autocarepronews.com/Article/96283/7_brake_myths_busted.aspx

About Gava's AutoBody

How Many Scratches Will You GetThis Summer?

How many scratches will you get this summer? What hurts more? Scratches on your car or scratches on your skin...many car enthusiasts will say it's the scratches on the body and windows of their cars that hurt more. Find out hwo to protect your car's exterior finishes from unsightly scratches.

(NC)—For auto enthusiasts, the scratches you get from hiking through the woods or slipping on the rocks at the cottage are minor in comparison. The worst summer scratches are the ones you get on your car every time you load in (or on) the canoe, the camping gear, the bikes – or even just the suitcases.

And cars are only part of the summer scratch story. Imagine what your boat goes through every summer? The wear and tear on things like the cluster gauges, plastic handles and plastic chrome trims, takes away from the beauty and value of your boat. And those scratched windows are unsightly and can even be dangerous if they reduce your visibility.

No matter your sport, our active Canadian summers can wreak havoc on your paint and acrylic finishes. Experts don't hesitate to tell us the truth:

1. Every car and boat will get scratched, no matter how hard you try to avoid it.

2. The most common way to scratch your car is by doing it yourself with cheap soaps or detergents that don't properly lift dirt.

3. Professional repair could cost anywhere from $200 - $1200 or more.

4. Scratches will instantly devalue your vehicle or boat, which will cause you to lose money on the future sale (or a lease return of a car).

5. Most scratch removers just cover up or temporarily clean scratches and do not work on scratches deep enough to feel with your fingernail.

Scratch Solutions

Ugly scratches are unavoidable over time, but that doesn't mean you have to live with them. Expert detailers agree that by following a few easy steps, you can minimize scratches and easily fix the ones you already have.

1. Examine the paint surface frequently.

2. Use only high quality products. Avoid using dish soap, which can only aggravate and cause scratches.

3. Innovation brings us permanent fixes, too, like products from Quixx. Autos will benefit from the High Performance Paint Scratch Remover. Boat surfaces respond especially well to the Headlight Lens Restoration Kit.

Products are now in stores like Canadian Tire and PartSource, or more information on this topic is online at www.quixx-usa.com

Link: http://news.carjunky.com/repair-tips/how_many_scratches_will_you_get_this_summer-gas347.shtml

About Gava's AutoBody

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Collision Repair San Bruno CA

Gava's Autobody is a spacious and well equipped collision repair and paint center. With the latest in state-of-the-art equipment and technology you can count on us to provide unparalleled quality work and the customer service you deserve.

As collision specialists serving Millbrae , San Mateo, Daily City, South San Francisco, Pacifica and the surrounding areas for over 20 years, we have you covered! We honor all Insurance Estimates and we’ll efficiently coordinate all of your property damage claims. Our work is guaranteed to meet or exceed industry standards.