From minor bumps to high-speed crashes, most car accidents result in damages that require the expertise of an auto body repair shop. Collision repair isn’t always simple. Even minor accidents can cause auto body damage that is expensive and timely to repair. The type of impact and the style of the damaged car both play a role in determining how much damage has occurred.

Determining a Total Loss

Many drivers think that there’s no hope if their insurance company says that their car is ‘totaled.’ A car that is totaled is not necessarily unrepairable though. The extent of the damage has very little to do with whether or not an insurance company declares a total loss. Instead, the decision is based on the costof the collision repair in comparison to the fair market value of the car. If repairing the auto body damage will cost more than the car is worth, it is said to be totaled.

Structural Damage

Correcting damage to a vehicle’s frame is one of the most expensive types of collision repair, but undoing structural damage is not impossible. A knowledgeable auto body repair shop will generally inspect a wrecked vehicle for misalignment before anything else. If the car doesn’t meet the exact measurements of the manufacturer, advanced machines are used to pull the frame back to its original specifications.

Rear End Collisions

Depending on the speed, a car that is rear ended can suffer quite a bit of damage. Structural damage is not uncommon after a powerful rear collision. The amount of damage will also depend on the car. In a recent IIHS study, a low-speed rear end collision in a compact car with a poorly designed bumper can result in more than $3,500 in auto body damage. On the other hand, a car with dent-resistant plastic body panels can often be repaired for less than $200.

Frontal Impacts

Front-end collision repair is often more extensive than rear end damage. At higher speeds, a head-on collision can cause damage to the front bumper, the hood, the windshield, and the quarter panels. If the damage is minor, the auto body technician may choose to repair the panels rather than replace them. Unless the parts are pre-painted, the body shop will also have to match the paint color and re-spray each panel before reassembling the car.

Rollovers

A car that rolls over generally has much more auto body damage than a vehicle involved in a frontal or rear end crash. Damage to the frame is usually inevitable in a rollover. There is a possibility that every piece of the car has suffered at least minor body damage. The decision to repair a vehicle that has rolled over should be made carefully. Extensive damage like this could require additional mechanical work, as well.

Whether auto body damage appears to be major or minor, an experienced collision repair specialist should examine the car for unseen damage. Accidents can cause cosmetic damage that is fairly easy to repair, as well as frame damage or mechanical troubles that are much more costly to fix. Almost any type of collision damage can be repaired, but sometimes it is more cost efficient to scrap the vehicle.

There are many things to consider before choosing a body shop to handle your collision repair, painting, detailing, and restoration needs. Before you choose, download your FREE copy of the “12 Essential Questions To Ask Before Choosing A Body Shop” provided by A1 Body Shop.

Driving is something that is risky and no matter how well prepared you are, you just can’t seem to avoid some accidents. However, there are some things you can control. One of those very important things are the maintenance of your car or vehicle. Winter is an especially dangerous time of the year to be driving, since there are always factors like weather, snow, freezing conditions, and slippery roads to watch out for in addition to congestion on the road. On a positive note, drivers can reduce these risks of getting into a terrible collision by adhering to some essential winter maintenance techniques and processes. These tips will make getting through some tough winter driving conditions easier.

Drivers often undermine the importance of their tires, which will be significantly affected due to winter. For one, tires lose about one psi for every 10 degree temperature drop. Driving in under-inflated car tires is a bad idea and can lead to dramatic reduced traction, increases chances of you getting a flat tire, and even crashing on slippery roads. Keeping your tired inflated and operating in optimal performance is so important when driving in the winter so you may even want to consider investing in some snow tires that will give you the best traction.

Consider getting bright headlights to help improve the visibility on a cloudy winter day and nights. Dirty and faded lights are so dangerous because it makes it especially hazardous for you and other drivers sharing the road. While the exterior compartments of your car are important, so are the interior features that need to be kept in optimal working conditions. Imagine your heater and defroster not working. Making sure your heater is working will make your driving experience that much more manageable and comfortable during the winter months. While in your vehicle, test your heater, A/C unit, windshield wipers and defrosters to make sure all are working properly. The defrosting process can be sped up if you just turn on your AC while leaving the temperature dial on warm.

The cooling system in your vehicle is also a necessary feature that will facilitate winter driving. For one, drivers need a precise 50-50 mix of antifreeze and water in their radiator to prevent freezing low temperatures. Therefore, you need to make sure the coolant you use is compatible with the low temperatures, maintaining this optimal 50=50 mixture. An antifreeze tester should do the trick and let you know if your cooling system needs to be refilled or flushed.

Lastly, you should consider making a roadside emergency kit and keeping it in your car. In the event of a breakdown, dealing with it in tough winter conditions will be less of headache if you have prepare a kit of essential items like bottle water, a flashlight, chains, a lighter, ice scraper, and a shovel. Another necessary thing to have is the right car insurance policy that is reliable and with quick roadside assistance options. Comparing car insurance quotes before you pick the right car insurance for you is also essential, giving you greater peace of mind while driving through the winter.