1.Are you looking for a new color or touch ups in your current color?

It’s important to decide early on in the process whether you want to change the color of your car or simply touch up the current paint job. If you’re planning to change the color of your car, it’s important to take into account your cars accents, interior, and other features to insure colors will match and compliment each other.

2. What type of paint job is right for you?

You can choose from many types of paint jobs. From the color and quality to the kinds of preparations the technician makes before starting, there are many important factors to consider. Keep in mind that a cheaper job may not stand the test of time. A quick, cheap job could leave your new coat of paint bubbling and chipping away in a month, and you may end up spending more money in the long run. At Interstate Autobody and Trucking, we pride ourselves on offering top notch, holistic service at a good price.

3. What kinds of preparations should a good technician make?

When a car is repainted, the technician will spends hours dismantling and sanding your vehicle. At Interstate Autobody and Trucking, we have an array of tools and solutions that will ensure a high quality paint job that will last. Our technicians analyze each vehicle and choose the best solution accordingly.

4. Is repainting a car a DIY job?

Usually, the answer to this question is a definitive “No.” While there are plenty of materials available for you to read about repainting your car yourself, it is generally a good idea to hire a professional to do it.

 
Repainting your car can be a daunting task. Choosing the right paint and body shop could be the most important part of your decision. A good technician can not only explain the process, but also help you choose the right kind of paint job for your pocketbook and your car. If you’re looking for top notch vehicle painting and restorative services, contact us today!

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Collision damage repairs

If you’ve been in a collision, even a minor one, the framework of your vehicle could be damaged. This can have serious implications for both your truck’s overall value and more importantly your safety. Getting this damage evaluated as soon as possible can prevent both future damage for you car and improve your safety.  We’re also happy to help with less serious collision repairs and cosmetic damage. Our team is happy to fix a single truck or your entire fleet of trucks after a full season of winter trucking.

Painting

Paint can make or break you truck’s exterior look. From touching up scratches and imperfections to entire body updates and sanding, we’ve got you covered. We work on cement trucks, boom trucks, dump trucks, semis and more, so whatever type of vehicle you have we’re happy to touch up the paint job and match its current color. Our large facility in the Wenatchee Valley is well equipped and can service your company’s whole fleet of trucks to do routine touch ups or to reflect your company’s new colors.

Restoration

Our team’s mission is to help you get the most value out of your investment. That means keeping your vehicles up to date and putting in the work so they last for years to come. From quick routine inspections to full store updates, we’re happy to give your truck a boost for the new year. From sandblasting to fiberglass work and everything in between, our team will do what it takes to keep your truck and business up and running.

For veteran truckers and up and coming entrepreneurs alike, without your truck you don’t have a business. After a tough winter, it’s important to keep your truck in good shape and check for any impending damages. If you’re interested in collision damage, painting, restoration, or any other truck updates in the Wenatchee area, visit our website or come by our shop today!

Featured image courtesy of Pixabay.com.

The post Does Your Vehicle Need Repairs After Winter Trucking? appeared first on Interstate Autobody & Truck.

1. Inspect your vehicle before you get on the road

Doing a pre-trip inspection before hitting the road is an easy way to spot potential problems. Checking tires, windshield wipers, and lights before you need them can prevent problems once you get on the highway. In fluctuating winter temperatures it’s also particularly important to check your radiator fluid and oil.

2. Keep a safe driving distance

Maintaining adequate distance between yourself and other drivers is an easy way to avoid accidents. This way, even on icy roads, you’ll have a bit of extra space if you hit unexpected traffic or have to come to a quick stop. The amount of distance needed depends on the size of your truck, but keeping about a quarter mile or 400 meters when possible is a good rule of thumb.

3. Stay vigilant

Winter weather is unpredictable. Even if it’s not snowing, roads can still be snowy and icy. If the weather starts to change or bad weather is on the forecast, keep off the roads as much as possible. Staying tuned to local radio stations and weather updates is important. Be sure to obey all road signs and be especially cautious while driving in mountains and other icy areas.

4. Schedule repairs sooner rather than later

If you know your truck needs repairs, don’t wait until the last minute. Addressing any small issues in their early stages will keep them from becoming huge problems. From brake pads to cracked windshields, having all of your truck’s parts intact and functioning during in January and February is especially important. Being stuck on the side of the road in winter weather is especially dangerous, so be proactive and stop problems before they happen.

5. If you get stuck, stay in your vehicle

If you are stuck on the side of the road, staying in your vehicle is the safest option. Especially in conditions that are dark or when visibility is limited, its very important to stay off of roads and away from other cars. By getting out of the truck, especially in urban areas, you significantly increase your risk of injury and death. Instead, stay in the vehicle, turn on lights that indicate you are stuck, and seek assistance as soon as possible.

To all winter truckers and drivers, safety is of utmost importance when driving in rough weather. For upcoming truck repairs in Washington State contact us today!

Featured image courtesy of Pixabay.com.

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What Is Paintless Dent Repair?

Paintless dent repair (also known as paintless dent removal) is a way of repairing minor dents and dings on your car without a huge hassle. It can be utilized as long as the paint surface is intact, and the shallower the dent, the more likely the repair will be successful.

How Does It Work?

Paintless dent repair, as stated above, can only be an option if the paint is intact, meaning it isn’t scratched, chipped nor cracked. If the paint has been breached, it will require repainting in a body shop. PDR technicians go from behind the panel or through the inner doorframe to access the damage, and push the dents out that way. Most basic dents can be taken care of with minimal effort.

What Are the Advantages?

• Paint: While sanding and repainting requires the body shop to find the exact paint color and type used on your car, paintless dent removal keeps the factory paint job intact, so you don’t have to worry about a bad paint job or an unfortunate mismatched color with the rest of your car.
• Insurance: Insurance companies like paintless dent repair, and, in fact, many insurers now have a list of recommendations for direct repair shops if you don’t have one in mind already. Additionally, paintless dent repairs usually cost less than your car’s insurance deductible, which means that you can pay them in cash. By doing this, many don’t report these damages to the insurance company, so they can keep their insurance bills lower.
• Cost: Traditional dent repair requires sanding, priming, and painting, in addition to a multitude of other procedures. Since paintless dent repair doesn’t require any of these methods, and is just generally a quick and easy fix, it is usually less than half the price of a normal dent repair.
• Less Time: Spending time without a car is problematic, and no one wants to wait around at a body shop for work to be done. Instead of wasting valuable time or inconveniencing yourself with no mode of transport, paintless dent removal can be done in a matter of minutes to a matter of hours (depending on the extent of the damage).
• Convenience: An even bigger upside, many paintless dent removal companies will come to your place of work or home to fix your car, so you can plan it around your schedule.
• More Permanent: Traditional body repair methods consist of removing the panel and hammering out the damage to make it as close to it’s original shape as possible. From there, they may weld and grind it, which is a much more permanent solution, though costly. However, many people go for the cheaper option, which consists of using body filler putty, a temporary solution. It has a lifespan from as little as a few months to a few years. Paintless dent removal, on the other hand, has a much longer lifespan, as the integrity of the car remains intact.
• Quality: Since there are so many steps to standard dent fixes, there are a lot of ways that it can go wrong, and a botched dent repair is not cheap to fix. With paintless dent repair, it’s a simple process with little to no margin of error.
• Environmentally Friendly: Traditional repairs must use non-environmentally friendly products in order to have an effective repair. Paintless dent repair does not require the use of paint or solvents of any kind, so there is no release of toxic chemicals.

Challenges of Paintless Dent Repair

While paintless dent repair is generally the best way to go if it’s an available option, much like anything, there are some challenges to the process:

• Area Specific: PDR can get out most dents, but close to the car’s roof rails or the edges of doors are almost impossible to make smooth.
• Materials: Different materials may make it more difficult to access and repair the dents, and as materials evolve, new techniques must be developed to repair them.

Whether you want to sell your car, or just make it look a little nicer, find out if paintless dent removal is an option for you. Your car and your wallet will be grateful you did.

Featured photo source: Pixabay.com

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Pick an Auto Shop and Stick with Them

It’s amazing what a little bit of trust can save you money over time. Don’t be afraid to branch away from the dealership where you bought your car. They often push services you don’t need at costs you can’t necessarily afford. Ask your friends and neighbors which local auto body shop they take their cars to and how satisfied they are with the work. Once you choose a place to go, get to know the mechanics and the shop owner by name. You’ll see the more often you take your car to the same people, the more they will recognize you, your vehicle and your needs. As time goes by they will stand by you the way you have stood by them. They might even make house calls! Finding a committed resource for automotive and auto body repairs pays off as the relationship builds.

Give Your Car a Monthly Check-Up

Get to know your car personally, inside and out. Each month you should check the power steering, radiator fluids, automatic transmission fluid, brake and clutch fluids to make sure everything is at the proper standing. Replacement fluids for your car are pocket change compared to the amount of money you will have to fork up to replace a broken part due to low fluid levels.

Remember to include your air filter in your monthly check. Your air filter directly affects gas mileage and engine performance. Take it out and make sure it’s clean. If you don’t want to buy a new filter every time it gets dirty, use and air hose to blow the dirt away.

Follow the Manual for an Oil-Change and Maintenance Schedule

The car fanatic in your family probably told you to make sure you get your oil changed every 3,000 miles (and the sticker in your window conveniently placed in the upper left-hand corner of your windshield usually confirms that). Fortunately, cars today are being built stronger and better than the cars of the past. Be sure to review your Car Owner’s Manual for the exact make and model of your car. There should be a recommended maintenance schedule inside. Most new cars can go much farther than 3,000 miles before needing a change in oil. You could save up to $100 a year by cutting out unnecessary oil changes.

Switch It Up (Rotate the Tires)

About once a year you should have your tires rotated and balanced. Unbalanced tires can cause premature wear on the tread, wear down the shock absorbers on your vehicle and wreak havoc your suspension system. When you buy new tires for your vehicles many shops will offer free rotation services as long as you have the vehicle.

More often than that, be sure to check your tire pressure. Proper tire inflation is imperative. With well-balanced and inflated tires to keep your car moving along you can count on better gas mileage and a safer ride.

Avoid Short Trips – Run All Your Errands at Once

Starting up your car just to change parking spots wears down on your vehicle. Your engine uses the hot fuel to and combustion to get moving. When you don’t allow your motor to properly heat up, the oil starts to become sludge that collects in the bottom of your engine instead of properly coating the system as it moves along. Shorts trips also eat right through your gas mileage. When you are about to fire up the car, try to put many trips together: Knock out a few errands and spend the day running around town. Allow your car to feel the burn of a smooth running engine.

Use the Right Gas

Use regular gas unless your car manual instructs you otherwise. Most cars show little to no benefit to premium grade fuel. Even older cars can often be upgraded to accept normal fuel. You may find that you lose a bit of gas mileage in an older car when you downgrade your fuel level but the amount of money saved makes the switch worth it. The only exception is if you have a turbo-charge vehicle that needs special high-grade fuel. Yet a car that is designed to take in regular grade gas won’t perform any better with more expensive fuel.

Image source, labelled for reuse

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Important Factors in a Car Restoration Project

If you haven’t committed to a specific vehicle, you might spend some time researching which older model vehicles sell for the best prices in pristine condition but when they are in poor condition. Another important consideration is the cost of replacement parts and their availability. Will you have to order them from Europe? Will you be able to find them in a junkyard? Consider making a short list of potential vehicles and then spending time researching the expenses for each vehicle you are interested in, to see which will likely be the most financially reasonable.

Another thing to consider: Are you looking for a car with a vintage body, or are you interested in rebuilding the entire engine? This will definitely impact what kind of vehicle you’re comfortable with restoring. Older vehicles from the 1940s and 1950s have simple, straightforward engine designs, while cars from the 1960s and 1970s are more complex. Once computers became a part of the vehicle component list, the engineering in vehicles became very complicated. Make sure, before you start, that you’re comfortable with the type of vehicle you’re working on and have an idea of where you can locate parts in the nearby area. 

Assuming you have already picked a vehicle, there are few important factors that you should consider before committing to the project. First and foremost, how much work on the vehicle will you be able to do yourself? One of the biggest expenses in car restoration can be work that requires the hiring of an outside mechanic. If the vehicle is not one you’re comfortable working on, that expense could add up quickly!

Next, you need to sit down and determine your budget. If you can only allocate a couple of hundred dollars at a time, you can plan the project over a long period of time. That will also allow you to search online and at local junkyards for more affordable parts to use during the restoration project. If your budget is bigger, still try to be frugal when purchasing parts; you never know when you’ll hit a snag that will require substantial investment, such as the services of a professional mechanic.

Before you get started, you should put some thought into planning. Are you restoring the vehicle to drive in your local classic car crawl each summer? Do you want a loud and showy vintage truck for tailgating for your favorite sports team? Are you just looking to have fun? Do you hope to resell the vehicle when you finish? All of these factors will determine what you invest in and how the final project looks. After all, if your favorite color is puce but you intend to sell, perhaps painting the car a more classical color, like cherry red, is a better way to find an interested buyer.

So, Is the Project Worth It?

Depending on your skill level, restoring a car can be a major financial investment. Of course, finances have nothing to do with affairs of the heart. Regardless of what its market value may be after you finish your restoration project, some vehicles have values that can’t be measured in mere dollars. Maybe you managed to track down the actual car you owned in college, where you and your wife conceived your first child and which was later sold for a more family-friendly vehicle. Maybe you had a neighbor or mentor who drove a particular vehicle, which, in your mind, made that vehicle the most desirable kind of car in the world. Whatever the reason, if you have an emotional or historical attachment to a vehicle, sometimes the investment, while not financially the smartest, will pay you back in enjoyment and pleasurable memories in the future.

Regardless of whether you’re restoring a vehicle for sentimental reasons or because you view it as both a hobby and an investment, you should always do your research before jumping into a project that can end up being very expensive but even more rewarding. If you find a project vehicle that fits your projected budget and personal skill level, you could be embarking on your next great adventure!

The post Is Your Car Worth Restoring? appeared first on Interstate Autobody & Truck.

1. How have others fared at this location?

In this modern age, there are reviews for everything. Take a peek at the reviews and feedback of a location before committing. How have other people found them experience? How is communication with the shop while your car is being repaired? Additionally, these reviews may give you insights about other extra services that the shop may offer. Maybe they can send you photos of your car during the process or can text you updates. This may also serve as a warning for hidden fees or less than admirable repair work.

2. How long will the repair take?

This will likely be one of your first questions, but it’s worth mentioning. There are many factors that go into how long a repair will take, so ask the shop about their estimation. This time can vary due to the time of year (such as near holidays), the extent of the damage, or the amount of already existing jobs that must be finished before yours begins.

3. Are there rental cars available?

Being without your car is an inconvenience, being without any car is often impossible. Some auto body repair shops have loaner vehicles that you can use while your car is being repaired, and if not they may have a rental car agency in shop or nearby. Before you make any arrangements of your own, see if you can get a car through the shop.

4. What kind of paint will be used?

As you probably already know, you can’t just say to “paint it red” and expect the same shade of red to come out. Ask the repair shop if they have checked the paint code on the car (this could be located either under the hood, in a door jamb, or in the trunk), and if they are using the exact same color of paint. You don’t want splotches all over your car of paint that was “close enough.” Moreover, and this is a question that not everyone thinks about after a car repair, you need to be informed about when you can wash your car. The process is not quite over once you drive your car away from the shop. The repair shop may give you a clean car, but you need to check about when getting a car wash won’t damage the new paint.

5. What certifications does this shop have?

Auto body repair shops must prove their skills and knowledge in order to receive certifications. Check and see what certifications the repair shop possesses, such as I-CAR and ASE, in order to be sure that the shop can perform safe and reliable repairs.

6. What kind of coverage can I expect?

There are two parts to this question: warranty and insurance. Check if the shop has a warranty and ask about the details. How long does it last? What exactly does it cover? You should also separately ask about things like fire and theft insurance. You want to be assured that if any unforeseen accident were to happen to your car while it was in the shop, such as theft or damage, that you’re covered.

7. How do I pay?

Last but not least: payment. Arguably one of the most important questions, make sure to ask your auto body repair shop how they price out repairs. Some will charge a flat fee whereas others might have an hourly amount. Policies may also include different aspects, such as warranty information, labor rates and materials. Be sure to check on their acceptable forms of payment, to make sure that how you want to pay is available. Shops should have this posted, but make sure to ask to get full details. Don’t be afraid to ask for this information in writing, and when you later get the itemized bill, ask about any discrepancies you may find.

Your car is an important part of your life. It brings you to work, it drops your children off at school, and it takes you on road trips. Don’t drop your car off at any old shop. Assure yourself that your car will be well taken care of by asking these seven questions before handing over your keys.

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The Pros of DIY Restoration

• Great Support – There is a large community dedicated to car restoration and the Internet makes it easier than ever to communicate. When you have a doubt, concern or need for a rare part, it’s easy to find the answer.
• Quality – You can be sure that you won’t skimp on a quality job. All the long hours and attention to detail are part of the journey.
• Customization – You are the one calling the shots! You make all the decisions. If you want a custom color, accessory or even change the steering wheel shaft, you are the one with the power to choose.
• Personal Rewards – Choosing to take on a huge project and knowing you have completed it on your own is rewarding. It is also cause for a celebration and years of bragging rights!

The Cons of DIY Restoration

• Time – If you are not an expert in restoration, working on cars, and especially, if you don’t have an entire body shop at your disposal, it can be incredibly time-consuming. The amount of time spent searching for parts, putting in elbow grease or just sanding away can take away from time you need to dedicate to other projects.
• Cost – Searching out individual parts and specific high-quality materials can be costly. Even when participating in junk-yard events that offer discounts by letting you find and retrieve your own parts, you may not get the greatest deals. You might also have to factor in the cost of transportation if the car doesn’t run properly. And you may have to purchase more than one costly and job-specific machine. Will you use these tools again? Or try to sell them afterwards to earn some of your money back?
• Little Value – After all of the time, money and effort put into your car, you may not make a profit off of it. If the plan is to keep the classic beauty for personal enjoyment, the value is sentimental, but if the plan is to sell it, make a budget first.

Consider This

It is important to think about a few things before you get started.

• What is the reason for taking on this project? Starting retirement or having loads of free time might seem like the perfect time to take on a project such as at-home car restoration. Did you see the car on the side of the road and now you want to buy it on a whim? Consider the situation carefully.
• What state is the car in and how much restoration is needed? If the car has been abandoned, unloved and left to rust in an old barn for decades, you must evaluate it carefully. Think logically about how much of a commitment you can make to this damsel in distress with your time and your money.
• Who gets to keep it? If your plan is to make this baby shine like new again and take her out for joy rides around town, well, that sounds splendid. If your idea is to work on this with a relative as a gift project and bonding time, that could work, too. If you want to clean it up and turn it out at an auction, carefully examine the current state and its profitability.

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Invest in Storage

Just as is the case with your home, the roof of your RV is an expensive, vital aspect of your vehicle. More susceptible to damage than the roofs of other vehicles, RV roofs can take damage over time and in a way that doesn’t immediately appear to the untrained eye. The best way to protect your RV from sun and environmental damage is with a protective RV carport while your vehicle isn’t in use.

Regularly Check the Seals

Moisture often seeps through faulty weather stripping and seals along the exterior of the RV, leaking through window, door, and roof seals. Rubber seals break down naturally over time and stock seals are often the first to degrade, so checking their quality every 6 months or so can save you from costly moisture and mold damage.

Don’t Let Your Generator Sit Idle

Most RV owners leave their vehicles stationary for several months at a time, leaving the generator unused for the duration of the time. Gasoline only has a shelf life of about 30 days, any duration longer and it may begin to damage the internal components of your generator. One per month, try running your generator for a couple of hours to keep it primed and working properly.

Open Up Your Vents

The heat of the summer months can bring devastating temperatures to the inside of your RV. If you leave it unused for any length of time during the summer, open up its vents to keep a proper, healthy airflow moving throughout the vehicle. Of course, you’ll want to cover them to keep rainwater and moisture out, but otherwise, it’s necessary to promote internal ventilation to protect your RV’s structural materials.

Keep the Slide-Out Rails Lubricated

Pop-out RVs are a near given if you’re shopping for an RV in this day and age. For as much convenience and improved interior space as they provide, they require additional maintenance to ensure they operate smoothly and safely every time. Otherwise, the slide-out rails can become rusted, corroded, or stuck, necessitating costly repairs down the road. A quick spray of slide-out lubricant once or twice per year should keep things working as intended.

For larger-scale repairs, RV auto body or fiberglass work, or RV painting projects, Interstate Auto Body and Truck is your best option. Contact us today for a quote on your project or to learn more about our services.

The post Avoid Costly RV Repair Costs with These 5 Tips appeared first on Interstate Autobody & Truck.

1. Check for damage. This is particularly important if the RV has been stored outdoors. A tarp can protect the exterior from some damaging environmental elements, but not all. If it snowed in the location where your RV is stored, the weight of the snow may have caused moisture damage or harm to the roof.
2. Reinstall the battery. It’s a good idea to take the battery out of your RV during the winter, and reinstall it come spring. Hopefully, you have stored the battery correctly so that it is able to generate enough power.
3. Confirm the vehicular functions work. All motorhomes and trailers should have the brakes and lights checked, and for motorhomes, you should do all of the usual de-winterizing things you would do for any other vehicle: check/replace the fluids, inspect the battery, treat your windshield, etc. Don’t forget to inspect the tires to look for cracking and repair any damage. Make sure that the tire tread isn’t too low, and test the air pressure. You should also tighten the lug nuts. Click here for a helpful video on RV tire maintenance.
4. Prep the water system. This step depends on how you prepared the system for winter last fall:  
   1. Emptied the system with low pressure air: Simply close the drain petock and fill up! Then turn the pump on to pressurize.
   2. Pumped antifreeze through the pump and lines: Flush the whole system with water a couple of times. You may need to sanitize it further, if the taste is off. Make sure to redirect the water flow to the water heater, if you bypassed it in the winterizing process.
5. Test gas appliances. After turning on one of your LP tanks, light the stove burners to get any trapped air out of the gas line. Then turn them off and light the refrigerator on gas, leaving it running for a while to ensure it will keep the refrigerator lit as you drive. Finally, test the gas to the furnace and water heater.
6. Give it a good cleaning. Both inside and out, your RV could probably use a deep cleaning before you hit the road. Click here for some helpful, in-depth exterior and interior cleaning tips.
7. Install new batteries. The smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should get fresh batteries for a new season on the road. You should also make sure the fire extinguisher is still in good condition, and update your emergency kit.

If your RV needs more extensive repair, or a new paint job, Interstate Autobody and Truck can help! Click here to learn more about our RV repair, body work, and painting services.

Featured photo source: Pixabay.com

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