Do-It-Yourself Collision Repair? … I don’t think so!

I recently heard (true story) of a guy who was going to buy a can of hardware or parts store paint and attempt to repair the damage to his car’s bumper. Now I’m not saying that you can’t fix a rock chip or two with that little bottle of fingernail polish they give you in some new cars, but if you want a professional looking repair to anything more than a pin hole in your paint … leave it to a pro … like me.

Yeah, I know … “Rex is trying to drum up more business for the boss,” you say. Well, it’s not just that. We have heard horror stories over the years of folks trying to “get by” on a DIY collision repair. People tying bumpers on with twine, only to have them fall off, blow two tires, send the car off the road and somebody getting hurt, or worse. It’s not just the fact that you would get an inferior repair if you did it yourself, there are also laws governing vehicle safety as it relates to collision repair. A subsequent accident caused by shoddy or unsafe repair could have you liable for more than an accident … you could face criminal negligence charges, so it really is best to leave it to an expert. You wouldn’t drill or extract your own teeth would you? … or even cut your own hair? So why try to fix your own collision damage?

Speaking of collision damage … did you know that here in Chicagoland we are more likely to have an accident than the average American city? Yep … the average accident frequency in America is once every 10 years, but here in Chicago it is once in every 7.7 years! We know it’s not your fault … its the Jackwagon in the other car. Right?…  So be careful out there, because even if you haven’t had an accident in the last 7 years, there is some guy out there working on his fifth year looking to even up the average by slamming into YOU!

Anyway, however you get “damaged”, either stop by any one of our 24 CCA locations or go online at 8884AllWrecks.com and check out our eEstimate page. You can get a damage estimate without ever going to a shop now … although we do like seeing you, we just opened another shop in Berwyn, IL. and we’ll be announcing another couple shortly. Dave Mulder, founder and President of CCA (and my boss) has been at this game for almost 38 years and is still adding shops. That’s a good thing for you, because it means there is a CCA shop close by if you need it, but let’s hope you don’t.

Stay safe Chicago, drive defensively and if you feel like dropping me a line or just commenting on my ramblings here … please do so in the space provided below. Until next time …

See you at the corner …

Rex

A semi regular outpouring of all things cars and collision including, but not limited to opinions, peeves and ponderings brought to you by Rex Impact of Collision Centers of America.

Filter This!

So a friend of mine asked me the other day … “Rex, how many filters are there in a typical car?” My answer is usually four. Now, I’m not counting the one that some of you “Road Ragers” need to install .. you know, the verbal filter you should have on hand while driving, especially if there are young ears around? But the ones for fluids and air that come equipped in most modern vehicles today.

Your car is typically the second largest financial investment you will make. And with proper and timely replacement of these four critical filters, you can save yourself thousands of dollars in unnecessary repairs.

Auto filters are like the liver and kidneys of your car and are just as vital to the health of your vehicle. They are designed to prevent unwanted and damaging particles from entering your engine and in one case your lungs.

So here they are in no particular order … get it it? … Filters … particular? Oh never mind .. it’s a mechanic joke. Let’s start with your fuel.

1. Fuel Filter: The purpose of your Fuel Filter is to clean the gas in your car and stop particles from clogging the fuel injectors. It will also keep the fuel pump from over-working. Changing this important filter can improve the speed and power of your vehicle, reduce fuel waste by enabling a more complete burn and save you money with improved fuel efficiency.

2. Oil Filter: Motor oil is the most important fluid in your vehicle. Oil does two things in your car. Primarily it stops all the metal surfaces in your engine from grinding together and tearing themselves apart from friction, but it also transfers heat away from the combustion cycle. Dirty oil can lead to overheating, excessive wear and in extreme cases, total engine failure. Your oil filter works to keep small particles from getting into the internal components of your cars engine.

3. Engine Air Filter: The Engine Air Filter cleans the air your engine breathes. Yes, your engine breathes … not like you and me of course, but in order for fuel to burn efficiently, it must be mixed with air. Clean air is required. The air filter removes small, damaging particles from the air your car sucks in to mix with fuel in the carburetor or injector, which would otherwise cause harm to your engine. Changing your Engine Air Filter regularly will ensure you get better performance and fuel economy too.

4. Cabin Air Filter: The Cabin Air Filter is just like the Engine Air Filter, only it cleans the air you breathe. This filter is designed to keep out harmful pollutants like dust, pollution, pollen, and spores. When this filter is clogged, you can tell because your car starts to smell a little funky. Those musty odors are a signal that your cabins internal air may actually be unsafe for you to breathe. Mold and other nasty allergens could be finding their way into your lungs, so change this filter when you change the others for a healthy car … and a healthy you.

Stop by any one of our 24 CCA locations and ask about a quick filter check. If you can’t remember the last time you changed any of them … it’s time. And yes, I said 24 locations. We just open another shop in Berwyn, IL. We’ll be announcing another couple in the coming weeks too. Dave Mulder, founder and President of CCA (and my boss) has been at this game for almost 38 years and is still adding shops. “Can’t get too much of a good thing,” is what I always say … well, somebody else said it actually, but I always repeat it. Anyway, stay safe, drive defensively and if you feel like dropping me a line or just commenting on my ramblings here … please do so in the space provided below. Until next time …

See you at the corner …

Rex

A semi regular outpouring of all things cars and collision including, but not limited to opinions, peeves and ponderings brought to you by Rex Impact of Collision Centers of America.

So You Think You Know From Winter Driving?

Well, you might … but consider these before you actually DO any driving.

Make sure your rear defroster really works.
In almost every state, the law requires that your windows be clear of frost and condensation before you actually drive your car. Of course, you can always use an old Collision Centers of America T-Shirt on the rear windows to wipe off the fog – as long as you pull over and do it again every few minutes. But having a working rear defroster is probably still your best bet!

Sand Bags, They’re Not Just For Rising Water You Know.
Sand bags (or cat litter for that matter) can add just that extra bit of weight in the rear end especially for a rear wheel drive car or truck. An extra 20lbs or so (don’t over do it as it may spoil your steering ability) placed in the trunk as far back as possible may be just what the traction doctor ordered. In a pinch, if stuck in a snow bank, you can rip open your bag for a little ground grabbing action too.

Check Your Washer Fluid … No Really, Go Check It Now While It’s Fresh In Your Mind.
On a wet, wintry day, you can easily go through half a gallon of windshield washer fluid on the way to and from work! So it is not a bad idea to keep extra fluid in your trunk. Buy the good stuff too – not that watered down stuff outside your local gas station! Even if you do buy the good stuff, here in Chicagoland, you also may need to supplement your windshield washer fluid with an additive. Yes, Vodka will work, but unless old Rex here is your designated driver, you’d best keep that out of your car. Concentrates are available in pint bottles and work very well at extremely low temperatures, look for it at your favorite auto parts store.

Try A Block Heater For Those Sub-Zero Windy City Mornings.
For about $100, I can almost guarantee your car will start even on those mornings when your tongue would freeze to the bumper (yes it will .. I’ve tried it). A small electric engine heater that plugs in to your home’s wiring via a regular, 120 volt AC plug at night is required equipment for diesel engines in frozen climates. But it can also be used on regular gasoline engines, too. And as a side benefit, you’ll have instant heat in the morning. One thing I should point out: If you do get a block heater, remember to UNPLUG IT before you drive away from your house … yep, did that too.

Top Off That Tank.
In the summer, you can risk running a little low on gas. But in the winter, if you do get stuck or stranded, your car’s engine will be your only source of heat. And while we all want to “Be Green”, worrying about conserving fuel and saving the planet might not be top of mind when you are freezing … you just want to stay warm and you’ll need gasoline for that. You can idle the engine to stay warm for as long as you have gas and no harm will be done to your engine. A word to wise though … crack your window slightly if you are idling, so as to prevent any accidental build up of carbon monoxide .. I don’t like losing readers that way.

If You Must Drive in Bad Weather – Go SloMo.
Even with good coolant, snow tires, stability control, all-wheel drive, ABS brakes, a back up camera and a bag of Kitty Litter in the trunk, keep in mind that Snow Driving means Slow Driving. Snow, sleet, and ice are treacherous and even if you maintain control of your car, not everyone else will. Do everything slowly. In the snow, your tires are always just barely grabbing the road. Accelerate slowly and gently, turn slowly and gently, and brake slowly and gently. To do this, you have to anticipate turns and stops. So leave plenty of distance between you and the car in front of you. Rapid movements lead to skids and loss of control. Drive as if there were eggs taped to the gas and brake pedals – step on the gas and the brake so gently that you wouldn’t break the eggshell.

If you are nervous about driving in winter, practice. Go to an empty parking lot and try putting your car into a skid on purpose. Slam on the brakes, then practice turning into the skid and see what happens – practice until you’re comfortable regaining control of the car. Do this in a large, empty parking lot (preferably without light poles) during the daylight. This will give you the chance to skid without ending up looking up into the eyes of two cops and an EMT. The more comfortable you are maintaining control and regaining control, the better a winter driver you’ll be. Oh, and one more thing. Don’t forget your cell phone and charger so you can kill time playing Angry Birds™ while you’re waiting for the tow truck.

I hope these tips were helpful and if they were, please pass them on.  If you feel like dropping me a line or just commenting on my ramblings … please do so in the space provided below. Until next time …

See you at the corner …

Rex

Fuel is not getting any cheaper. Mortgaging the farm to run your car should not be necessary however, if you just take the time to do a few simple things to improve your cars’ fuel economy. I’m not talking major modification or costly repairs either. These 12 simple things can add as much as 50% to the miles you get from a tank full and last time I checked, that’s about $25-30 in savings each fill up, so listen up.

1. Fine Tune It: You can add up to 4% efficiency just by making sure your engine is running smoothly. Believe it or not, a faulty oxygen sensor can rob you of about 40% (yes, FORTY) fuel efficiency! A good mechanic will discover this fault (if present) during a standard tune up. Tune ups are not cheap today either, I know. But a few fill ups at better fuel economy and you’ll more than make up the cost.
2. Get Pumped: Properly inflated tires will improve your gas mileage by another 3%.
3. Unjunk Your Trunk: We’ve all got something in the trunk or on the roof that we don’t really need. All that softball gear can go back in the garage until Spring and that luggage rack from this Summer’s road trip can come off now too. 100lbs pounds of extra weight reduces fuel economy up to 2%. A  roof rack can cut your fuel efficiency by another 4-5%.
4. Take it Easy: Gas mileage decreases at speeds above 60 mph. Will you get there THAT much faster by doing 70? You know you’re going to run into a jam at some point on the way home, why get to it faster? Every additional 5 mph over 60 is like paying 29 cents more per gallon for gas.
5. Shut it Off Already: A car gets no mpg when the engine is idling and you are not moving. Idling can burn as much as a half gallon of fuel per hour. Unless you are freezing or hot and need the heater or AC, if you will be sitting for more than a few minutes, shut off your engine.
6. NASCAR It’s Not: Speeding, rapid acceleration and braking can lower your gas mileage by a whopping 33%. If it snaps your head back, you are accelerating too quickly. If your back comes away from you seat, you are braking too hard. Take it easy, unless your name is Andretti.
7. Get Shifty: Using an overdrive or “6th” gear when highway driving will save both fuel and engine wear. Not only will you spend less on fuel, but you will keep your car on the road longer, potentially saving you thousands in payments and interest.
8. Sucking Wind: Replacing a dirty or plugged air filter (especially on an older car) can improve fuel economy by up to 14%. Your engine needs to breath just like you do. Again, this will be done during a tune up.
9. Lube it or Lose it: Use the proper oil: Using the manufacturer’s recommended grade of lubricant improves fuel economy by 1% – 2%. Consider switching to a synthetic oil. They last longer, don’t break down like the stuff made from Dinosaur bones and usually contain other beneficial properties. Check with your mechanic before making the switch.
10. Think Before You Drive: Plan your route and timing to avoid known areas of heavy traffic or congestion. A longer route at a steady 55 mph will burn less gas than a lot of stop and go city street driving.
11. Stop and Smell the Coffee: Driving with windows open or vented if it is cool enough to avoid AC use will cut down on gas consumption. I know that’s tough on a sweltering Chicago Summer day, but try it when you can.
12. Hi-Test, No Thanks: Check your owner’s manual for the correct octane for your vehicle. According to the AAA, 1 in 5 drivers purchase premium fuel when filling up, but less than 5 percent of cars on the road actually require high octane fuel. If your engine was not designed for it, then pumping premium is just a waste of money.

I hope these tips will put a few bucks back in your pocket. Lord knows, the oil companies don’t need it as much as you do! If you feel like dropping me a line or just commenting on my ramblings … please do so in the space provided below. Until next time …

See you at the corner …

Rex

CHICAGO, October 13, 2011 – Collision Centers of America has teamed up with WGN Radio to sponsor WGN Radio’s Chicago Blackhawks Live.

The debut of the Chicago Blackhawks Live broadcast will take place on Monday, October 24, featuring Blackhawks ambassadors and Hockey Hall-of-Famers Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita, whose statues will be unveiled in a ceremony outside of the United Center on October 22, and Blackhawks President & CEO John McDonough.

Originating from Harry Caray’s Legendary Italian Steakhouse at 33 West Kinzie, WGN Radio’s Chicago Blackhawks Live is a series of six one-hour radio broadcasts hosted over dinner throughout the 2011-12 season featuring current Blackhawks players, legends and management with WGN Sports Night hosts David Kaplan, Brian Noonan and Andrea Darlas. Each broadcast will feature a question-and-answer format between the WGN Radio hosts and the featured Blackhawks guests, and members of the audience will also have an opportunity to submit questions for guests throughout the show.

On-site registration for Chicago Blackhawks Live begins at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. and a live broadcast from 7-8 p.m. Tickets for WGN Radio’s Chicago Blackhawks Live are priced at $75 per person and include a three-course dinner, tax and gratuity.

For more information or to make a reservation, please call Harry Caray’s at 312-595-2208 and mention WGN Radio’s Chicago Blackhawks Live.

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CCA has been proudly serving the Chicagoland area for 35 years. Our goal is to provide an unparalleled repair experience and provide our customers 100% satisfaction. To achieve our goal, we continue to promote and foster a family-like atmosphere. For more information call or click 8884AllWrecks.com or find us at facebook.com/ccamerica. Contact: Guy Maniscalo (630) 964-5511 – gmaniscalo@ccamerica.net

People come in to our shops here in Chicagoland all the time saying some variation of  … “Well I tried to check my transmission fluid, but I can’t find the #&%$@@ dipstick!

While we do understand how frustrating that can be … you must understand that the disappearing dipstick is not a new phenomena … in fact, we’ve seen them (or actually NOT seen them) as far back as the late 90’s on some models.

The reason for this is that some auto manufacturers have designed their transmissions with extremely long service intervals with no expected reduction of fluid levels under normal driving conditions.  So, unless fluid is visible in your engine coolant (from an internal leak) or under your car (from an external leak) there is no need add or check the fluid level. That is, until the recommended service period is required.

Having no easy access port for adding fluid means that the the manufacturer reduces the possibility of improper fluid (gas, water, motor oil, washer fluid, diesel fuel, etc.) being introduced into the transmission causing a fluid overfill or transmission failure. Many European cars have no dipsticks, but by the look of the list below, we can’t just blame the foreign manufacturers.

Here are just a few of the automatic transmissions that do not have dipsticks:

5-SPEED 2004-> ACURA TL, RL, RSX
5L40/5L50E 2004-05 CADILLAC CATERA
AISIN 81-40LE 2004-05 CHEVROLET AVEO
4T40/45E 1997-> CHEVROLET CAVALIER, COBALT
42RLE 2005-> CHRYSLER 300 3.5L 2WD
NAG-1 2005-> CHRYSLER 300 3.5L AWD
AF33 2005-> CHEVROLET EQUINOX
5R55N/S/W 2005-> FORD CARS
AISIN RNJ 1998-05 ISUZU NPR DIESEL
ZF-6SHP-26 2005-> LINCOLN NAVIGATOR 5.4L
5F31J 2004 MAZDA MPV W/5SPD
N4AEL 2004 MAZDA MIATA
AF23 2004-05 SATURN ION
4/5-Speed 2004-05 SATURN VU

So before it is time for a transmission service (see your owners manual), take a quick look under the hood and if you do not easily spot the transmission dipstick, chances are you don’t have one. In this case start looking for a reputable mechanical repair and service shop and schedule the needed service before your vehicle is passed the required mileage or time recommendation. Pay special attention to this, because in some cases, going beyond the recommended service period may actually void your power train warranty.

See you at the corner …

Rex