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How to Choose the Right Auto Repair Shop Traverse City Mi After a Collision

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 13:42:57 GMT

Key Factors When Selecting a Repair Shop After an Accident

Experiencing a vehicle collision can be stressful, and finding the right auto repair shop in Traverse City, MI, to restore your car to its pre-accident condition is crucial. Whether your car has minor dents or significant damage, choosing a reputable repair facility affects not only the look but also the safety and performance of your vehicle. Several factors should guide your decision to avoid further issues down the road.

First, consider the reputation of the shop. Look for customer reviews and testimonials online. Recommendations from friends and family who live in Traverse City can also provide valuable insights. A shop with consistent positive feedback is more likely to deliver quality service. Another factor is the range of services offered. Some shops specialize in specific repairs, while others offer comprehensive services, including frame straightening, paint matching, and mechanical repairs. The ideal repair shop should be equipped to handle all aspects of your vehicle’s restoration accurately.

Importance of Certified Technicians and Quality Parts

One of the most important reasons to choose a certified auto repair shop in Traverse City, MI, is the expertise of the technicians. Certification from recognized industry bodies indicates that technicians have undergone rigorous training and meet specific standards in auto repair technology. Certified technicians understand current vehicle systems and safety protocols, which are essential when repairing collision damage.

Alongside technician certification is the use of quality replacement parts. High-quality components ensure your vehicle maintains its safety features and longevity. Some repair shops might use generic or aftermarket parts that may be cheaper but could compromise vehicle integrity or void your warranty. Always inquire whether original equipment manufacturer parts are used in your repair. Choosing a shop committed to quality parts and skilled technicians guarantees that your car is repaired to the highest standards.

Questions to Ask Before Approving Repairs

Before authorizing any repairs, it is a wise practice to ask your auto repair shop in Traverse City, MI, several important questions. This dialogue helps set clear expectations and safeguards your investment. Start by requesting a detailed written estimate that outlines the types of repairs, parts used, labor time, and total cost. Transparency in pricing helps prevent unexpected charges upon completion.

Ask about the shop’s warranty on parts and labor. A good auto repair shop should stand behind its work and offer a warranty period to cover any defects or issues arising post-repair. Another critical question concerns the estimated timeline for vehicle repairs. Understand how long the process will take and if there are contingencies for delays.

Inquire about the shop’s communication policies. Will they update you daily or only when the job is complete? Being kept in the loop can alleviate stress and ensure you retain control over the repair process. Lastly, confirm if the shop works directly with insurance companies, reducing your administrative hassle.

Why Local Experience Matters in Traverse City

Choosing an auto repair shop in Traverse City, MI, with local experience adds significant value to your repair experience. Local shops understand the driving conditions, typical weather-related wear and tear, and common accident scenarios specific to the Traverse City area. This knowledge enables them to provide tailored repair solutions that are reliable and durable.

Furthermore, local repair shops often build long-term relationships within the community. They have a reputation to uphold among local residents, which motivates higher service quality and customer care. Additionally, local shops may offer faster turnaround times given they are geographically close and understand the urgency of getting you back on the road.

Supporting local businesses like Olson’s Auto Body also contributes to the community’s economic health. When you choose a trusted local repair shop, you benefit from personalized service combined with professional expertise.

Choose Confidence With Olson’s Auto Body

Finding the right partner after a collision gives you peace of mind and protects the safety and value of your vehicle. Certified technicians, OEM procedures, quality parts, verified calibrations, and transparent communication form the foundation of a correct repair. Local experience in Traverse City adds practical advantages that show in the final result and in your day-to-day driving confidence.

Contact Us Today for Quality Repairs at Olson’s Auto Body

After a collision, selecting the right auto repair shop in Traverse City, MI, is vital to your vehicle’s safety, appearance, and value. At Olson’s Auto Body, we pride ourselves on delivering expert collision repair services with certified technicians using only quality parts. Our transparent estimates, customer communication, and insurance assistance ensure a smooth repair experience.

If you want a dependable local shop that treats your car as if it were our own, reach out today. Experience the confidence that comes with choosing the right experts to restore your vehicle. Don’t wait until a minor issue becomes a major problem, contact us now to and drive away with peace of mind.

Common Collision Repairs Your Auto Repair Shop Can Tackle

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 07:15:45 GMT

Accidents happen every day on the roads of Traverse City, MI. Whether it’s a fender-bender in a parking lot or a run-in with icy weather, many drivers don’t realize just how quickly a bit of damage can lead to big problems. Olson’s Auto Body is your local auto repair shop in Traverse City, MI , ready to tackle all kinds of collision repairs, big or small.

Recognizing Common Collision Damage

Little accidents can cause more harm than you might think. It’s not just about major crashes because even minor dings, scratches, or bumper taps can impact your car’s safety and appearance. An auto repair shop sees plenty of parking lot scrapes, weather-related chips, and small dents each week. Understanding what’s fixable and how repairs are done is important for anyone wanting their car to look and drive its best.

Repairing Dents: More Than Just Cosmetic

Dents are one of the most common collision issues. They’re often caused by shopping carts, hail, or low-speed impacts. At an auto repair shop, the repair technician uses special tools to gently pop out metal panels without damaging the paint. For larger dents, they may need to fill and repaint the area. Fixing dents is not just about appearance. A smooth surface protects the car from rust and keeps the body strong.

Tackling Scratches and Paint Imperfections

Scratches come from close encounters with tree branches, car doors, or even winter road debris. Some scratches only damage the clear coat, but deeper gouges can reach the paint or metal. An auto repair shop can buff out light scratches or repaint deeper ones. If not treated, scratches let moisture in and lead to rust. Regular paint repair keeps your car’s exterior shiny and safe from the elements.

Bumper Damage: More Than Meets the Eye

Bumpers are built to absorb impact, but even a low-speed bump can crack, bend, or scratch them. An auto repair shop often finds hidden damage beneath the paint, such as broken clips or sensors. Repairing bumpers may involve reshaping plastic, securing loose parts, or replacing the bumper itself. A well-fixed bumper is vital for protecting your car’s structure in future incidents.

Frame Inspections and Alignment Checks

Collisions can knock your car’s frame or alignment out of place, even if the damage isn’t obvious. At an auto repair shop, professionals use measuring tools to check that everything is straight. If the frame is bent or the wheels don’t line up, it might affect steering, tire wear, and overall safety. Fixing the frame and realigning your car keeps it driving smoothly and protects everyone on board.

Weather-Related Hazards: Dealing With Michigan’s Climate

Traverse City, MI, sees its share of tough weather. Ice, slush, and heavy rains can cause rust, chipped paint, and dinged panels. An auto repair shop handles resealing surfaces, repainting after winter damage, and fixing areas where salt or moisture causes corrosion. Taking care of weather damage early stops bigger problems down the road.

Why Professional Collision Repairs Matter

Cheap or quick fixes might seem appealing, but professional work from an auto repair shop ensures your car is truly safe and looks great. Certified technicians know which repairs protect airbags, sensors, and other safety features. Quality repairs boost your car’s value and reliability and help prevent future damage.

Choosing the Right Auto Repair Shop

Not all collision repairs are equal. Picking an experienced auto repair shop gives you confidence that every panel, bolt, and paint job is done right. In Traverse City, MI, local experts know the common types of damage drivers face. They use up-to-date methods to restore vehicles, offer honest advice, and help drivers understand their repair options.

Restore Safety and Style With Professional Care

Repairing collision damage is more than just fixing dents and scratches. It’s about making sure your car is safe, looks great, and lasts for years. Skipping repairs or putting them off can lead to rust, poor steering, or unsafe driving. An experienced auto repair shop protects your investment and your family’s safety whenever you hit the road.

Quick and Easy Assessments Without Appointments

At most auto repair shops, getting an estimate is straightforward. Olson’s Auto Body doesn’t require appointments for assessments, so you can simply drive in during business hours. Most estimates or assessments take only 10 to 15 minutes. This means you can get back on the road faster. Keep in mind, damage estimates aren’t provided by photo because an in-person look is the only way to spot every issue.

Ready to Restore Your Car in Traverse City?

Don’t let dents, scratches, or hidden damage keep your car from looking and driving its best. Olson’s Auto Body has the tools, skills, and local experience you need. Serving Traverse City, MI, our team can quickly assess your vehicle and explain your repair options in just minutes. No appointment is required. Drive by today for your estimate, contact us for more information, and see how easy collision repairs can be!

Auto Repair Shop Traverse City MI: What to Expect During Your First Visit

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 19:06:42 GMT

Visiting a new auto repair shop in Traverse City, MI, can feel a little overwhelming—especially if you’re unsure what to expect. That’s why at Olson’s Auto Body, we’re all about clarity, comfort, and quality. Whether it’s your first-ever visit or you're making a switch from another shop, we’ve crafted this quick guide to help you feel fully prepared and confident from the moment you walk through our doors.

Step 1: The Check-In and Inspection Process

Your experience starts the moment you arrive. At Olson’s, our front-desk staff greets you with a smile and begins by gathering essential vehicle and contact information. We'll then perform a preliminary inspection—looking for visible signs of wear or damage while noting any immediate concerns you've mentioned.

Expect to discuss the vehicle’s symptoms, how long they’ve been occurring, and any past repairs. We make this conversation easy and respectful of your time, helping you feel heard and understood.

Step 2: What to Bring With You

To keep the process smooth, bring the following:

Vehicle registration
Driver’s license
Any service history (especially if it involves previous repairs)
Insurance info (for bodywork or accident claims)

These documents help us tailor our services more efficiently and avoid delays.

Step 3: Diagnostics and Communication

After the initial inspection, we dive into diagnostics. Our team uses advanced tools to pinpoint issues quickly and accurately. If a deeper diagnostic is needed, we'll explain why—clearly and in plain language.

Transparency is one of our core values. You'll receive timely updates, including photos or videos if necessary, so you always know what’s happening with your vehicle. We believe communication builds trust, which is why customers keep coming back to our auto repair shop in Traverse City, MI.

Step 4: Timelines, Repairs & Expectations

While minor issues may be resolved same-day, more complex repairs might take longer. But rest assured—we’ll never leave you guessing. We’ll give you honest timelines and pricing estimates and keep you in the loop from start to finish.

Our goal isn’t just to fix your car—it’s to give you peace of mind.

Why Choose a Local Auto Repair Shop in Traverse City, MI?

Unlike big chain shops, local businesses like Olson’s focus on relationships. We live in this community, too—so every vehicle we repair matters to us personally.

Local shops often provide

Personalized service
Faster turnaround times
More flexible pricing
A team that remembers your name

This commitment to community is exactly what sets Olson’s Auto Body apart as a leading auto repair shop in Traverse City, MI.

What Makes Olson’s Auto Body Different?

At Olson’s, we combine top-tier technical expertise with down-to-earth service. Our certified technicians bring years of hands-on experience, and our shop is equipped with the latest tools and technology. From fender benders to full engine diagnostics, we’ve got you covered.

Still unsure? Check out our website, Olson's Auto Body , for more info, or read reviews from satisfied customers who trust us time and again.

Ready for a Smoother Auto Repair Experience?

Call Olson’s Auto Body at (231) 947-4499 for a FREE DAMAGE REPORT. No appointment needed!

The Importance of Timely Repairs: How Olson's Auto Body Can Help You Avoid Further Damage

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 16:02:37 GMT

1. Risk of Worsening Damage

One of the primary risks of delaying car repairs is that minor damage can quickly become a major issue. A small dent or scratch might not seem urgent, but it can compromise the structural integrity of your vehicle. Over time, these seemingly minor issues can escalate, leading to more extensive and costly repairs. For example, a small crack in your windshield can spread, requiring a full replacement rather than a simple repair. Olson's Auto Body understands the importance of addressing these issues promptly to prevent further damage.

2. Increased Repair Costs

When you delay repairs, you often end up paying more in the long run. Small issues that are easy and inexpensive to fix can turn into significant problems that require extensive work and higher costs. For instance, ignoring a minor engine issue can lead to a complete engine failure, resulting in a hefty repair bill. By addressing problems early, Olson's Auto Body can help you avoid these escalating costs and keep your car running smoothly.

3. Safety Concerns

Your safety and the safety of your passengers should always be a top priority. Driving a damaged vehicle can compromise your safety on the road. For example, a misaligned wheel from a minor accident can affect your car's handling and increase the risk of an accident. Olson's Auto Body ensures that all repairs are done to the highest standards, restoring your vehicle to its optimal condition and ensuring your safety.

4. Decreased Vehicle Value

When it comes time to sell or trade in your vehicle, its condition plays a significant role in determining its value. A car with visible damage or poorly repaired issues will fetch a lower price than a well-maintained vehicle. Timely repairs help maintain your car's value, ensuring you get the best return on your investment. Olson's Auto Body, as a reputable Car Repair Shop Traverse City Mi, provides quality repairs that help preserve your vehicle's value.

5. Avoid Inconvenience

Delaying repairs can also lead to inconvenience. A minor issue might not seem like a big deal until it leaves you stranded on the side of the road. By addressing repairs promptly, you can avoid unexpected breakdowns and the hassle that comes with them. Olson's Auto Body offers efficient and timely services, ensuring your car is back on the road as quickly as possible.

Call Olson's Auto Body for a FREE DAMAGE REPORT and get repairs done before the damage worsens.

Don't wait until minor vehicle damage becomes a major problem. Olson's Auto Body, your trusted Car Repair Shop in Traverse City, MI, is here to help with prompt, professional repairs. Call Olson's Auto Body for a FREE DAMAGE REPORT and get repairs done before the damage worsens. Visit or call us today to schedule your appointment. Your car will thank you

The Best Ways to Keep Your Car Looking Like New

Fri, 08 May 2020 14:17:42 GMT

No one wants to drive around in a car that looks like it has been around for a long time. We want our cars to continue looking as fresh as the day we first drove them off the lot. Unfortunately, time and other circumstances have a way of diminishing the appearance of our cars. But with a few simple tricks, you can keep your car looking like new.

Regular Washing

Perhaps the best thing you can do for your car is to regularly wash it. Washing will remove dirt and other grime from the outside of the car, which harms the appearance. And if you leave dirt on the car for too long, it can eventually scratch away some of the paint.

When washing your car, proper technique is important. You don't want to bring your car to just any car wash, as not all are created equal. Some use better products than others or charge too much for the services they offer.

Go to a business you trust or purchase some cleaning solution that is safe for cars, then wash the car yourself by hand. This will ensure that the job gets done right and that you know exactly what's going on your car.

Occasional Waxing

In addition to washing, you should also occasionally add a coat of wax to your car. You don't need to do this as often as you wash. Every few months is likely okay. Waxing your car will help to protect the paint color from fading and against scratches. It will also give your car a nice sheen that will resemble the first time you got it. Waxing your car yourself is a bit of a tiring process, so consider taking it to a trusted car wash for this process.

Inside Vacuuming

Looking like new includes both the exterior and the interior of the car. So, when you're taking care of the outside of the car, don't forget to do the inside. Use your vacuum from home, or find a car wash that cleans the inside of your car. Be sure to get the entire floor area and in between the cushions of the seats. The more often you vacuum, the more your car will look like new.

You should also take that time to give the inside of your car a more thorough cleaning. Wash out the floor mats, dust off the dashboard, throw away the trash, and clean the inside of the windows. Spending a few minutes doing this every few weeks goes a long way toward making it feel like you're driving a new car.

Careful Parking

Besides cleaning, you can do a few other things to keep your car from getting banged up. The first is watching where you park. Whenever you park, you should make sure there is enough room between you and other cars. You should also check your surroundings, including above you, to make sure there is nothing that can scratch up your car while you're away.

Protective Covering

If you really want to keep your car looking like new, consider getting it a protective covering. This is a piece of fabric that you can throw over your car when it's parked to protect it from outside elements. This is especially useful if you don't have a garage to park in.

Professional Service

Finally, if something does scratch or mar the outside of your car, take it to a professional auto body service. They'll be able to remove any scratches or dents on the car to make it look like nothing ever happened. Find an auto body shop that has strong reviews from past customers, knowledgeable staff, and reasonable prices.

To learn more about how to keep your car looking like new or how Olson's Auto Body can return your car to its former glory, please contact us today.

Smart Strategies for Maintaining a New Auto Paint Job

Tue, 17 Mar 2020 02:27:28 GMT

When you first get your car, you may take pride in driving a vehicle with its bright color and polished sheen. Unfortunately, over time, the paint job on a car can significantly dull and show its age faster than any other part of an automobile. Repainting the car can be the perfect solution. If you decide to give your car a makeover, consider these strategies to maintain the paint job.

Get an All-Weather Cover for Your Car

Inexpensive, all-weather car covers can protect your car's paint job better than most other actions when used consistently. Choose a car cover that's the perfect fit for your vehicle. It should fit snugly and have an elasticized bottom that keeps it securely in place. Choose a soft material to avoid scratches, and it should offer UV protection.

Once you choose a car cover, put it on your car every time you park it. That can protect your car from bird excrement, tree sap, and airborne moisture. Also, use reflectors on the car cover if you have to park on the street.

Many people mistakenly think they don't need to use a car cover in a parking garage. However, using the car cover even when it is under the protection of a parking garage will protect it from dust, dirt, and grime. Also, having a cover over your car can deter thieves who aren't able to easily see the contents of your car or its make and model.

Follow Best Practices for Parking

Try to always park in the shade to prevent the paint color from fading prematurely. Also, when you are at home, park in your garage or carport, if possible. Try to avoid parking in the street where your car may be vulnerable to reckless drivers and outdoor threats to your car's paint job.

Also, when you're finding a parking place at work or the store, park away from other cars when possible. Consider why you try to park so close to a place of business. Doing so puts your car in closer contact with many other vehicles. Reduce the risk of damage to your car by parking further away from the door where other cars aren't on all sides when you park.

Remove Bird Droppings and Other Sticky Messes Immediately

When you notice birds have relieved themselves on your vehicle, spring into action right away. Bird droppings are acidic, and they may damage your paint job. Simply remove them with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth as soon as possible. Do the same for other unexpected messes. Better yet, avoid parking under trees to remove some of the risks.

Wash and Wax Your Car on a Regular Schedule

Micro scratches are a threat to your new paint job. They can be largely prevented when you wash your car on a regular basis to protect the new paint job. However, something as seemingly innocent as an automatic car wash can damage the finish. Take the time to gently hand wash it and then dry it.

Waxing your car provides a temporary seal for your car paint. Having a layer of wax between your car's beautiful paint job that potentially damaging effects of ultraviolet rays is a very good thing. It also protects your automobile from harm caused by other environmental factors, too. Try to wax your car at least once every three months.

Finally, contact the caring team at Olson's Auto Body today if your car needs a paint job. Whether you have had significant damage to the vehicle in an accident or simply have noticed the damaging effects of long-term wear and tear on your car's exterior, our professionals can work wonders with a new coat of paint. We can make your car look new and beautiful again.

4 Restoration Procedures to Turn Your Old Truck Into a Capable Off-Road Rig

Fri, 14 Feb 2020 08:35:05 GMT

If you love driving and the outdoors, off-roading is perhaps the most invigorating hobby you can do. You and your machine will go on epic adventures, burning adrenaline and gasoline in unison as you tackle extreme climbs and navigate swampy forests.

However, going off road is also extremely hard on your truck. Before you venture into the wilderness, you need to make sure your rig is reliably up to the task. Learn about four restoration projects you should undertake to bring your old truck up to par.

1. Chassis Restoration

Your truck's chassis is essentially its skeleton. It holds the entire body, suspension, and powertrain together and gives your rig its structural integrity. Before you take your truck out on the trail, you need to make sure its bones are solid.

With older trucks, you'll often find extensive rust damage lurking beneath the surface, hidden in the nooks and crannies of your chassis. The stress of climbing rocks and trudging through mudholes can easily push a damaged chassis brace beyond its limit. If that happens, you may find yourself stranded in the middle of the woods with your chassis contorted like a wet noodle.

Even if you only see a bit of surface rust, you should have an expert team of mechanics inspect your truck's chassis before you try to tackle any serious off-road trails. The mechanics can assess the damage, cut out any rusted sections, and repair them with some fresh steel.

2. Body Restoration

Your truck's body isn't as important as its chassis for off-road reliability. After all, you likely will acquire a myriad of dents and scrapes when you navigate rock gardens and tree-lined hill climbs. Nevertheless, nip any rust in the bud before it spreads and turns your body panels into Swiss cheese.

A bit of surface rust won't affect your rig's off-road capability, but rusted-through holes can lead to a number of issues. They'll allow water and mud to seep into hard-to-reach nooks and crannies, which will exacerbate your rust issues over time and develop into more extensive structural issues. Holes can also allow moisture and grime to reach vital engine and suspension components meant to stay dry.

If you plan to build a serious off-road rig, your best bet is to take care of any body rust you find while you're already restoring the chassis. That will save you from having to deal with it down the road as the rust continues to grow. It will also keep your truck looking much nicer — not imperative for reliability, but great for photo opportunities when you pose your truck on gnarly obstacles out on the trail.

3. Weatherproofing and Rock Protection

Once you have your truck's chassis and body sorted out, finish it off with a set of fresh weather strips. If your truck is old enough to have extensive rust issues, the rubberized weather stripping is most likely dry-rotted too. That will let moisture get into many places where it doesn't belong, including your interior. You don’t want to drive through a mud hole and suddenly find your interior soaked in cold, grimy water.

Finally, add an extra layer of protection between your truck and the trail with a set of underside skid plates. Essentially, skid plates are bulletproof vests for your undercarriage. They'll protect vital drivetrain and suspension components from mud and debris, and they'll keep you from ripping a hole through the bottom of your rig if you happen to bottom out on the crest of a steep hill or boulder.

4. Undercoating Spray

Finish off the preventative maintenance of your rig with some quality rust-proofing spray on the undercarriage. It will further prevent moisture from seeping into the nooks and crannies of your chassis while also protecting all of your new components from developing rust.

With your truck's chassis and body fully restored and protected, you can start tackling trails with the confidence that your rig will hold up to some serious abuse.

Keep in touch with our team of experts at Olson's Auto Body as you and your truck go on extreme adventures. We'll make sure your truck runs smoothly and take care of any new damage that you incur while you explore the wilderness.

Protect Your Car's Paint Job During the Winter

Tue, 21 Jan 2020 20:04:19 GMT

Winter can be hard on your car's paint job. And if you want to make sure that your car looks as good as possible no matter what the weather is, you’ll need to take extra care during the winter months. You can do several things to keep your car looking as good during winter as it did when it rolled off the assembly line. 

Wash Often

You need to wash your car frequently, especially during the winter. Frequent washes keep the salt and grit off, which helps keep rust from forming. Ideally, you should take your car to get washed after every storm because that's when the worst of the salt and grit will be on the roads. Make sure that the weather is as warm as possible when you take the car in to prevent any freezing.

Cover It

Keeping your car covered will keep the worst of the weather off of it. The best option is to use a garage or carport, but if you don't have either of those choices, then you can get a cover that you can place over your car. The covers usually have an elasticized bottom so that they will stay put on a number of different kinds of cars. Using a cover will also make it easier to clear off snow and ice. 

Wax It

Wax is more than just a way to keep your car looking nice and shiny; it's also a protectant. If you wax your car after every wash, then the wax will help to keep the salt and grit off your car's paint. It will also make it easier for you to get it clean the next time you have to wash it because the added layer of protection makes it harder for dirt to stick to your car's paint. 

Fix It

If you noticed any patches of rust or damage on your car before the winter really got started or at any time during the winter, you want to make sure that you get those fixed as soon as possible. It doesn't take a lot of time for rust damage to get started or to expand. Nor does it take a lot of space for that little bit of damage to start. So, if you see any damage, you should get it fixed as soon as possible. 

Brush It Clean

When you clean snow or debris off your car, use something soft. A soft brush or a foam head will work to get the snow off your car. If you use something that has a hard edge or metal on it, you risk the implement scratching your car. That scratch can be the perfect way for salt to work its way under the paint and start to corrode your car. 

Apply a Film

If you can, find paint protection films that you can have applied to your car. The films are clear, so no one knows that they are on your car. The film will add another level of protection to your paint job and can be removed in spring. Make sure that your car is clean before you have the film applied so nothing gets stuck underneath to damage the car. 

If you are worried about your paint job, bring your car to us at  Olson's Auto Body . Whether you need a new paint or some touch-ups before spring, we are the right ones for the job. We can take care of any problems with your paint job, give you tips to protect your car, and get your car set up to survive the winter looking as good as possible. 

Auto Body Triage: Treatment for These Common Ailments

Tue, 10 Dec 2019 17:40:39 GMT

Your vehicle's exterior is prone to damage and wear from multiple external sources. UV light, road conditions, precipitation, and even insects can negatively affect the appearance and performance of your car.

Fortunately, you can remedy many kinds of body damage to help your car operate properly and make it look amazing. Here's how to treat some common auto body ailments.

Foggy Headlights

An important safety feature on your car is susceptible to degradation by UV light rays. Plastic covers that protect your headlight bulbs turn a foggy yellow color through the process of oxidation. Luckily, older vehicles with glass headlight covers don't suffer from this malady, which decreases the amount of light that is able to filter through the discolored plastic.

Often foggy headlights produce just 22 percent of light that new headlights do, which creates a dangerous way to drive at night.

You may find that replacing your headlight covers completely is better than restoration methods that merely polish or sand away discoloration. While restoration helps you to see better, a new set of headlight covers produces the brightest light output.

Foreign Substances

Cars encounter all kinds of debris and foreign substances like bugs, road tar, dirt, and even ash from fire. Even when parked, your car is a target for bird droppings and tree sap. These and others substances contain chemicals that damage your paint if they remain in place, so it's important to keep your car clean. Keep in mind that even innocent items like shaving cream and silly string from a party can hurt the paint.

With a few exceptions, soap and water easily removes most dirt and materials from a car. But what if something is extra sticky or tricky to remove? Here's how to safely remove certain substances and not harm your paint job.

Sticky Tree Sap

Water and vigorous scrubbing only grinds sap into your car and scratches the paint. Instead, gently wipe the spot with rubbing alcohol or an acetone-based product like nail polish remover.

Road Oil and Tar

Water has no effect on petroleum-based tar and road oil. Use mineral spirits to dissolve away off those tar bits safely. Or try a product specifically designed to remove oil and tar from surfaces.

Dents, Nicks, and Scratches

A beautiful paint job makes your car look fabulous, but that shiny layer serves another more important purpose. The majority of your car is made of around 60 percent advanced high-strength steel, or AHHS. Lighter and stronger than other steels, AHHS is still susceptible to rust and corrosion. Automobile paint covers and protects all that metal from damage.

Sadly, over time tiny scratches and minor dents can mar your paint. Flying gravel on the highway, stray shopping carts, and your nephew's bicycle can chip your car's protective primer and paint to expose bare metal. Iron oxide begins to form even in dry climates far from the ocean. Moisture from rain and road salt from winter snowplows speeds up the rust process.

You can help prevent rust damage when you wash your car regularly to remove harmful salt and then apply protective car wax. Examine your car for scratches and nicks that indicate weakened paint. Bubbling paint may mean rust is already present below the surface.

Car body ailments like small dents and scratches don't have to mean your car will never look the same. Take your car to the right body shop that specializes in refinishing techniques that restore the original beauty of your paint. Visit Olson's Auto Body for a peek at how amazing your car body can look once again. We can help with additional damage to lights and mirrors as well.

6 Tips for Driving Around Whitetail Deer

Thu, 14 Nov 2019 19:55:43 GMT

The leaves are changing, the nights are getting cold, and the days are growing shorter. Autumn is in full swing, and in a few weeks, the deer will be in rut. As every Michigan resident knows, rut — or the mating season for whitetail deer — means we will see increased activity on the road.

Bucks busy themselves chasing does, marking their territory, and fighting off other males while females decide who they're interested in. Rut coincides with hunting season, and as hunting pressure and the mating game intensifies, deer-vehicle collisions increase. Michigan sees almost 50,000 deer-vehicle collisions every year from a whitetail deer herd that numbers 1.8 million .

Unfortunately, the state also sees an average of 12 fatalities from these collisions, many with motorcyclists. While a collision isn't 100 percent preventable, there are things motorists can do to avoid becoming a statistic. Here are six tips for driving in deer country, which in Michigan includes urban, suburban, and rural areas.

1. Be Alert

Keep your eyes focused on the road ahead. Look for flickers of white from a deer's tail on the side of the road. If you see a deer, slow down. Be aware that deer, especially does, rarely travel alone, so if you see one, there is likely another one close behind.

2. Pay Attention to Deer Crossing Signs

Highway workers place deer crossing signs in the exact area where deer are either known to cross from previous accidents or in areas where a clear deer trail exists. When you see a deer crossing sign, know that deer as well as other mammals, such as black bears, may be in the area.

3. Adjust Your Driving Habits

Deer-vehicle collisions can happen any time of year, but spring and autumn are the most common, with more occurring in fall than any other time of year. The fall colors may be pretty to look at, but don't drive down country roads, especially during hunting season, unless you absolutely need to.

4. Use Your Brights

Whitetail deer are crepuscular. This means they are most active during dusk and dawn. This doesn't mean you will never see a deer during the day — during rut and hunting season, they may run all day long.

However, most people's vision is not at its best during these twilight hours, so put on your high-beam headlights as long as there isn't oncoming traffic. This will help you better see the road ahead and any movement.

5. Take Proactive Measures to Protect Yourself

Michigan law requires drivers to wear their seat belts, and about 94 percent of the population does. Don't be one of the 6 percent who doesn't. Seat belts save lives. And while Michigan law doesn't require motorcyclists to wear a helmet, helmets reduce the risk of death by 37 percent and the risk of head injury by 69 percent. Most deer-vehicle collision fatalities in the state each year are with motorcycles.

6. Do Not Swerve

Never swerve out of the way in order to avoid hitting a whitetail deer or any other animal. Swerving puts you at an increased risk of losing control of your vehicle, hitting another vehicle head-on, hitting an object, such as a tree, or running off the road. Instead, slow down and brake as quickly but as safely as you can. If a collision is unavoidable, it is better to hit the animal than it is to hit another vehicle or tree, so stay in your lane.

The average deer-vehicle collision in Michigan results in $4,300 of damage to the vehicle. If you have collided with a deer, contact us today. We will assist you with filing your insurance claim, take care of your auto body repair needs, and get you back on the road again. We also loan vehicles to our valued customers for free.

Keep Your Car's New Paint Job Looking Fresh and New

Thu, 17 Oct 2019 19:42:05 GMT

You want your car to look good. A new paint job is one way to make sure that your car looks as good as new for a long as possible. You want to make sure that you keep that paint job looking like you just left the shop for a good long time. You can do that easily with just a few simple care tips.

Let the Paint Cure

The paint is going to need to have time to fully cure. The paint shop will make sure the paint is dry and set before the car leaves, but it takes days to weeks for the gases to off-gas and everything to settle into place. While that happens, you should not wash or wax the car. If you get messy stuff on the paint during that time, rinse it off with a hose, and use a very soft cloth to dry it.

Follow these tips:

Washing: Ideally, you should wait about two weeks to wash your car, and when you do wash it, make sure you are being as careful as possible.
Waxing: When you wax your car, it protects the paint job and keeps it looking new. Before you wax, you should wait about six weeks. That will allow all the gasses to have left the paint, and nothing will get trapped in between the wax and the paint.

Just be careful as you wash your paint job, and you’ll keep it looking nice.

Wash the Car Carefully

You should wash your car regularly. Ideally, your goal is weekly, but that can't always happen. When you do wash your car, you want to make sure that you are doing it carefully and doing it right. You don't want to cause any damage when you are washing it.

Handwashing

If handwashing your car an option, you should follow a few simple steps to make sure you are doing it correctly.

Don't use dishwashing detergent: While you might think that dishwashing detergent is an easy way to get your car clean, it can actually dull your finish and damage your paint.
Work from the top down: You want to work from the top down. That way you won't be pushing dirt onto the already clean sections of your car.
Work in small sections: Ideally, you want to work in small sections at a time. For example, work on the front quarter panel, by washing it with a soft cloth or brush, rinsing it well, and then drying it with a soft cloth. Then move onto a door. It may take a little time, but it will let you get the job done thoroughly.

Automatic Car Wash

Not everyone has the time or desire to handwash their car weekly. An automatic car wash is another good way to make sure your care gets clean. If you do that, you still want to make sure you are being careful.

Check out the car wash: Since dirty brushes and cloths can act like sandpaper and create damage, you want to make sure that the car wash is in good shape. Take a quick look around to make sure it looks nice and neat. If it has a lot of customers, that's also a good sign.
Consider a prewash solution: Before you take your car to the car wash, you might want to put a prewash solution on it. That will help break down all the dirt, grease, and oil, and make it easier for the car wash to do its job.

Bring your car down to Olson's Auto Body for your new paint job. Our skilled technicians will make sure that your car leaves our shop looking like it just rolled off the assembly line. We will also give you more care tips for your new paint job.

What to Know if Your Car is Hit by a Shopping Cart

Thu, 19 Sep 2019 08:17:30 GMT

Have you ever had the unfortunate experience of coming out to your car after shopping, only to find that it had been struck by a shopping cart? Shopping carts can do a surprising amount of damage, especially if they get a strong rolling start. Not sure how to approach a dented and damaged vehicle after a run-in with a cart? This guide will help you understand the predicament you are in.

What Damage Can Shopping Carts Cause?

Scratches are among the most common types of damage shopping carts cause. Scratches can result from a light impact, and they often only impact the top layer of paint.

Unfortunately, damage can also be much more in-depth than that. In fact, a speedy or hefty shopping cart can actually leave a full dent in your car. While most dents leave behind only cosmetic damage, which you still want to get fixed, you could find that the problem may run deeper than you'd think.

How to Fix Shopping Cart Damage?

To fix light scratches that impact only the top layer of paint, you can take a few crucial steps. Many people try to sand down the paint themselves, but this can be extremely difficult if you have never worked on a vehicle before. Plus, matching the paint provides another challenge.

If you are not experienced with handling scratches, dents, and other damage to your car, you are wise to bring it to a professional auto body specialist to check out the damage and ensure they can make your car look as it once did. Professionals can match your paint and do repairs quite easily.

The cost to fix your vehicle is dependent on many factors, including the size and shape of the dent or scratch. The repair technician's experience and techniques also impact how much you spend. If you can get paintless dent repair done, you won’t spend as much. If you need new paint, you can expect to pay a little more.

What Steps to Take After a Shopping Cart Hits You?

The first thing you should do after your vehicle is hit by a shopping cart is to inspect the damage. Did the cart leave behind deep scratches or dents? Did it leave behind paint or residue you can wipe away? You might try to wash the scratch with soap and water to see if that diminishes the marks or to confirm you need an auto body specialist.

Next, take photos. If you can, try to take photos before you even move the shopping cart out of the way. This shows exactly what happened and from what angle your vehicle was hit. Not only might you need this information for legal purposes, but you also might want to show it to an auto body repair technician so they can see exactly what happened.

You might also choose to alert the store's management to the issue in the hopes they will change their policies.

Next, look for an auto body shop you can trust. Not all shops are made equally, and some offer better customer service and auto body expertise than others. Ensure that you work with an auto body shop that understands how important your vehicle is to your family and understands how to make your car look as good as new.

Olson's Auto Body is a great choice for auto body repairs and refinishing. Our shop specializes in collision damage on all types of vehicles, and our goal to always ensure that your car looks as good as new, if not better. Call our shop today to discuss your vehicle and how we can help you fix it.

3 Vehicle Modifications to Protect Your Vehicle From Auto Body Damage

Tue, 13 Aug 2019 22:59:21 GMT

Something you have to always do for your car is fix all dents and dings to keep your vehicle in optimal mechanical condition. These dents and dings can become expensive to fix over-time, especially if your insurance provider does not cover the damage.

Not all damages are avoidable; however, you have some proactive steps you can take to prevent damage to your vehicle. There are also certain driving situations where you can be more vigilant to avoid body damage to your vehicle as well.

Add a Front Grill Guard to Your Vehicle

A front bumper guard, also referred to as a grill guard, is made from metal and mimics the structural layout of your front bumper. A front bumper guard extends about six inches from the front of your vehicle. Grill guards are often added to trucks but can be added to other passenger vehicles as well.

Grills guards can help you avoid body damage. In a low-speed accident, a grill guard will protect the front end of your vehicle from serious damage. They are not as effective at protecting your vehicle in a high-speed accident, however.

In an accident where you hit an animal, such as a deer, a grill guard can help protect the front end of your vehicle from damage. This protection can also help stop the animal's momentum and keep it from hitting the hood or the windshield of your vehicle.

Front bumper guards also help protect your vehicle from little bumps and scratches that can occur.

Add a Rear Bumper Guard to Your Vehicle

The second is a rear bumper guard, which is a rubber or plastic foam-filled pad that attaches directly to your back bumper.

Rear bumper guards provide a variety of benefits. To start with, if you bump into another vehicle or object while backing up, a rear bumper is designed to absorb that pressure and prevent your bumper from getting damaged.

The guard will also protect your bumper from paint damage that can easily occur from everyday encounters, such as a shopping cart running into the back of your car, or scratching your bumper as you load items into your vehicle.

If you are involved in a rear vehicular collision, a rear bumper guard will absorb some of the impact and help to protect everyone inside of the vehicle. Rear bumper guards are most effective during low-speed collisions, such as someone running into you at a stoplight.

Keep Your Windshield Wipers in Good Condition

When bad weather occurs, such as an intense thunderstorm, a normal rainstorm, or during a snowstorm, your chance of getting into an accident increase. Although it would be great to be able to stay inside during bad weather, sometimes you have to go out.

When driving in bad weather, your ability to see the road impacts your ability to keep yourself safe. If you’re caught in a sudden downpour with windshield wipers that don’t work, you can be at further risk.

Change your windshield wipers out at least twice a year. Or change your windshield wipers when you notice your wiper blades are streaking and smearing the water instead of clearing it from your windshield. In the winter, use specially made winter wiper blades that are specifically made to deal with ice and snow.

That way, when you must drive during bad weather situations, you'll be able to see what is happening and can keep yourself safe.

Give us a call today at Olson's Auto Body , and we can help protect your vehicle by adding a front grill guard and a rear bumper guard to your vehicle. If your vehicle already has some dents and dings, we can clean those up for you as well.

Why Fixing Scratches in Your Car's Paint Is Important

Tue, 06 Aug 2019 02:32:15 GMT

A scratch on your car's exterior may seem like a minor and fairly innocuous issue, but even small scratches need fixing. Here is why you promptly repair any scratch on your car's paint or topcoat.

Take Pride in the Vehicle You Drive

First, you should get rid of scratches in your car's paint merely because this is a matter of personal pride. Vehicle ownership comes with responsibility, and part of that responsibility includes making sure the car looks decent. 

If your car is so scratched up that you are embarrassed to drive it, you ought to address the aesthetic issues. Remove the scratches so that you can feel confident driving the vehicle.

Make a Good First Impression

Second, your car sometimes has a tremendous impact on the first impression that you make. When you meet people in person, they may see your car well before they see you — and, often, many people will draw conclusions based on what they see in your car. Even if these conclusions are not entirely true, they can be difficult to overcome at the start of a new relationship.

When you have a scratch-free car, you can be sure that your first impressions are strong ones. Whether you meet a client for the first time, drive to see a future landlord, or go out on an initial date, your car will help you start off right in each of these situations.

Preserve the Value of Your Vehicle

Third, eliminate scratches so that they are not noticeable in order to preserve the value of your vehicle. Body damage decreases the value of a vehicle, and even a relatively small scratch can have a significant effect on what you are able to trade in or sell your car for. 

In addition to their impact on your vehicle's overall value, visible scratches will also often make your vehicle harder to sell because it will not look as good in pictures. 

When people first search for a vehicle to buy, they usually begin online where pictures are immensely important. You can only show off the mechanical condition after they come for a test drive. Until then, you have to rely on the pictures you take to convince potential buyers to come for a test drive.

If you are unsure whether a particular scratch needs repair before listing your car for sale, you can use a general 10-foot rule. If a scratch is visible from 10 feet away, it will be noticeable and needs repairing.

Protect the Body From Corrosion

Fourth, scratches need fixing no matter how small or large they are if you expect to have your car for a long time. Even nearly imperceptible scratches in your vehicle's topcoat, which goes over the paint itself, can let water in. Over time, any water that reaches the body panels of the car can cause corrosion.

If corrosion does develop, you will have multiple issues as a result. Your car will not look as good and will be worth less. The rust also could also expand enough to compromise some of the vehicle's safety.

Check for Hidden Damage to the Body

Finally, have a professional body shop check all scratches in case hidden damage exists that is not immediately noticeable to the untrained eye. 

Occasionally, the bump that results in a small scratch can actually compromise the integrity of a bumper or other part. A professional technician can inspect the area near a scratch to make sure all parts are in safe working order.

To remove scratches in your car's paint, contact the technicians at  Olson's Auto Body . We look forward to making your car look like new.

4 Tips for Avoiding Auto Body Dents and Scratches

Tue, 25 Jun 2019 03:04:27 GMT

Not all drivers care how their car looks, but perhaps you do. You take care of your car, and you want it to display the effort you put into it. Unfortunately, your car’s body is at risk of dents and scratches even during your daily routine, and fixing those imperfections is costly. Below are tips for avoiding some of the most common causes of dents and scratches.

Drive Carefully in the Rain and Snow

If you can stay home when rain or snow has made streets dangerous for driving, that's the best way to keep your car — and yourself — safe. However, you have to get on with your life even in the inclement weather. So drive carefully in the rain and snow to avoid collisions.

For one, make sure your car is properly ready with inflated tires, preferably the all-weather variety. Your tires are more likely to slip if they're a little flat. Drive slowly, and maintain about five seconds between you and the car in front of you. Try not to stop, but when you need to, decelerate slowly. Likewise, go easy on your acceleration, too.

Don't Park on Busy Streets

The law of averages takes effect when you park on busy streets. More cars speeding past your parked car results in more chances for one of them to hit your car. The presence of cyclists on the road exacerbates this scenario as moving vehicles try to move around the bike, perhaps clipping your car in the process.

The hope is that if a vehicle does clip your car while you're parked, the offending driver will leave insurance information. Alas, quite often the driver moves on without owning responsibility, leaving you with the full repair bill. So whenever possible, park on side streets or in parking lots, even if you have to pay for the latter. You should end up with fewer dents.

Choose Your Parking Lot Space Well

Parking in a parking lot will not spare your car from dings and scratches. Indeed, the parking lot is where many miniature collisions occur. So, when you're parking in a lot, choose your space well.

First of all, park in a remote space whenever possible. The farther you are from the destination, the less likely you are to be crowded by other parking cars. If you do need to park near a car, try to park on their passenger side. Cars always have drivers, but you're playing the odds they might not always have passengers.

In that vein, if you see a child seat, don't park on that side. The driver will have to open the door all the way to strap the child in, perhaps denting your door. Likewise, try to avoid parking near tall vehicles, such as SUVs. Their doors are higher and may ding above your door guards. Finally, avoid cart corrals — errant shopping carts can scratch your car.

Have a Bumper Guard Installed

Playing bumper cars is fun at the amusement park. It's less fun when you're driving around in your actual car. While the purpose of a vehicle's bumper is to prevent damage to the front and rear of your car, the bumper itself can become damaged. Indeed, parking in tight spaces is a common cause of bumper damage.

To protect the future resale value of their cars, some drivers opt to have bumper guards installed. This after-market installation covers the bumper entirely, preventing dents and scrapes even if another car hits yours. Depending on the model you choose, the bumper guard may feature reinforced straps and even impact pads on the back.

Try to avoid having your car dented or scratched. If you do have some damage to your car, let Olson's Auto Body make your vehicle look new again.

5 Reasons to Consider Having Your Car Repainted

Thu, 30 May 2019 09:32:32 GMT

Having your car repainted allows the exterior of your automobile to shine and look good as new. You may want to think about having your car repainted for a number of reasons. Here are five of those reasons.

1. You Want a Different Color Car

One of the reasons why you should consider having your car repainted is because you want a different color car. You don't always get the color car you want when you purchase a car. You may have gotten a great deal on a used blue car, but deep down, you wanted a red car. Or perhaps you got the red car you always wanted, but a few years later, you decide you want something less noticeable.

Repainting an automobile can help you get a different color car, which ensures you are happy with the appearance of your automobile.

2. The Paint Is Dull, Faded, or Looks Dirty

The paint on your automobile may begin to fade or dull for a number of reasons. Exposure to sunlight, road salt, pollution, and abrasive cleaners may all cause this problem. If the paint on your car is faded, the only way to restore the color is to have it repainted.

Once your car has been repainted, limit exposure to the sun, wash your car routinely with gentle cleansers, and invest in a quality wax or paint protector to minimize fading in the future.

3. The Paint Is Chipping, Peeling, or Flaking

The paint on your automobile can begin to chip, peel, or flake away for many reasons. A poor paint job, poor quality paint, or damage to the clear coat caused by road debris or scratches can all lead to these issues. Unfortunately, chipping, peeling, or flaking paint can expose the metal on your car, which allows rust to develop.

If the paint on your automobile is chipping, peeling, or flaking, repaint your car to prevent rust problems. Invest in a quality paint and touch up any dents or scratches that may have damaged the clear coat or paint on your automobile to protect against future chipping, peeling, or flaking.

4. Your Automobile Has Many Scratches or Small Dings

As you drive and use your automobile, scratches and dings may appear. A cart can hit your car at the grocery store or a pebble may hit your car.

Remove scratches and dings by sanding away the damage and possibly using a filler. When this process is done, paint has to be reapplied to the affected area. If you only have one or two scratches, touch-up painting may suffice. However, if you have a large number of scratches or dings that are being repaired, you may be better off painting your entire automobile.

5. You Want to Increase the Value of Your Car

The final reason to consider having your car repainted is because you want to increase the value, or resale value, of your car. If you are looking to sell your car, its exterior can make or break the sale and affect the value.

A white, silver, or black car often sells faster. Cars that are more uniquely colored, such as purple or orange, may take longer to sell and may sell for less money.

Additionally, buyers are worried about buying a car that is not maintained when purchasing a used car. If your car has bubbling, flaking, or peeling paint, it can scare buyers away, or cause them to come in with a low price. Painting the car helps the car to look cared for and maintained, which can increase the car's value and how quickly it sells.

Are you ready to learn more about having your car repainted? Here at Olson's Auto Body, located in Traverse City, Michigan, we can help you with all of your auto body repair and painting needs. Contact us today to get an estimate or schedule an appointment to have your automobile repainted.

Why You Should Repair a Damaged Bumper

Tue, 30 Apr 2019 02:41:46 GMT

The bumper on a vehicle can take a lot of damage from any number of things, such as shopping carts, debris on the road, and small fender benders. The damage often appears superficial, so many people don't typically make repairs right away to save time and money. However, this is not always the safest thing to do.

When your bumper has dents and cracks, it not only looks bad, but it also causes additional issues you may not have considered. Here are some reasons why you should repair bumper damage sooner rather than later.

You Could Receive a Decreased Resale Value

If you have a damaged bumper and you intend to sell your vehicle, a buyer will be more likely to pass your car for one without damage. A damaged bumper could also indicate you may be hiding additional damage to the car. Unrepaired damage also makes it appear you have been neglectful of your vehicle, which is a huge flag for buyers.

If you do find a buyer willing to purchase your vehicle, in spite of the damaged bumper, you can expect a lower offer than what you want. If you plan to trade the vehicle in with a dealership, you can also expect to get little return if you do not repair the damage.

Your Safety Risks Are Higher

A bumper's job is to absorb the force of anything that hits the vehicle. The goal is to protect the engine compartment, the rear of the vehicle, and most importantly, the people inside. So what may appear as superficial damage to the bumper could actually weaken the overall structure of the vehicle.

Inside the bumper are absorbers. These absorbers are made of a durable plastic material and are located between the metal bumper and the cover. When the absorbers are hit, they direct the force outward and to the bumper bar. The bumper bar is what holds the structure together. It is made from metal and is painted to match the vehicle color.

If you get into a more serious accident and have not repaired the bumper damage, you have a higher risk of injury of your passengers. Your vehicle could also have more damage than it would have had you repaired the bumper. These issues will result in wasted time and money, not to mention potential hospital bills.

You Could Lose Insurance Payments

Suppose you got into an accident and sustained bumper damage. To save money, you left the bumper damage alone, which left your vehicle vulnerable. If you get into another accident, you could then have significant damage to the front end of your vehicle, requiring thousands of dollars to repair.

The insurance company has the right to inspect the vehicle before they issue a payment for your damage. If the insurance adjuster notices that the previous unrepaired damage was a contributing factor to your current damage, they could deny your claim. At best, they may pay for a portion of your expenses, which could be less than what you would have received.

The reason for a smaller insurance payout is due to the uncertainty of the damage. If you were in a car accident and hit in the front, there is not a way to determine how much the vulnerable bumper on your vehicle contributed to the current damage.

A damaged bumper allows more force to damage the front of the vehicle than it would had the bumper been repaired. You could look at this situation like a pre-existing condition. If you already have a problem that contributes to subsequent problems, the insurance company may not want to pay.

If you need any body work done, such as a repairing damaged bumper, please don't put off repairs. Contact us at Olson's Auto Body today. We are happy to assist you.

Should You Buy a Car With Body Damage? | Olson's Auto Body

Mon, 14 May 2018 00:00:00 GMT

You're in the market for a used car, and you don't have a large amount of money to spend. Your options are typically an older vehicle with some wear or a newer car that has seen a bit of body damage.

You'd rather have a newer car with lower miles and are willing to overlook some body damage if the price is right. Should you buy a car with body damage? Use this guide to help you decide if you are getting a great deal or if you should pass on a body-damaged vehicle, no matter how alluring the price.

TYPE OF DAMAGE

Body damage to a car can happen for many reasons: weather (such as hail), a vehicle collision, or something as minor as a runaway shopping cart dinging a door. Ample rust is also a type of vehicle damage to look for when buying a used car. The type of damage done to a vehicle can determine if you are getting a good buy or not.

If a car has been damaged in a collision, for example, it may need more repairs than simply buffing out a few dents. Doors, hoods, and other elements may need to be replaced, and the undercarriage of a collision vehicle may be damaged as well.

Before buying any car with body damage, have an auto body repair specialist inspect the vehicle to give you an estimate for repairs, along with a professional assessment of how bad the damage to the vehicle is.

TYPE OF TITLE

A car that has been in an auto accident or has been damaged by flooding or fire is often reassigned a salvage title. This type of title tells future buyers of the vehicle that the car has undergone serious destruction.

The problem with buying a car with a salvage title is this: some insurance companies are reluctant to insure salvage title vehicles, even if they have been repaired, and many banks or lenders refuse to loan money on these types of cars. Since insurance companies and lenders don't know if repairs were made professionally on the vehicle or not, they may view the purchase as a risk.

If you are going to buy a car with a salvage title, make sure you have the cash to pay for the vehicle upfront, make sure no further repairs are needed by consulting with an auto body repair specialist, and get a thorough history of how the car was damaged before you buy.

TYPE OF NEGOTIATION

A car that has any kind of body damage does not have the same resell value as a similar car without damage, even if some repairs have been made. You should only buy a car that has been dented, dinged, or has other noticeable flaws if the seller is willing to negotiate the price in your favor.

The best way to negotiate a price on a body damaged car is to receive an estimate from an auto body repair specialist — of your choosing — and remove that estimate from the price of the vehicle. If the seller balks at taking off the cost of repairs from the price of the vehicle, then move on. Buying the car as-is may cost you more money than it's worth in the long run.

You can buy a vehicle that has some body damage, but you should do so with caution. In many cases, a professionally repaired vehicle can operate just as well as a car that has never been in an accident. Choose your auto body repair specialist carefully, selecting an expert with experience in the type of damage the car you want to buy has. Call us at Olson's Auto Body today for all your collision and car body repair needs.

Wrestling With Rust | Olson’s Auto Body

Wed, 18 Apr 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Rust is a cancer to cars. It spreads easily, ruins the function of your car's exterior, causes structural issues, and drastically reduces your cars beauty and resale value. Sometimes, when people first notice rust spots beginning to form on their car, they don't do anything to fix them, only to see the rust get worse as the months pass by.

You should not assume that you can never repair a car that's started to show a bit of rust. Here's what you need to know about what causes rust and how it can be fixed before it goes too far.

CAUSES OF RUST

Many cars, even the most modern models, still depend on steel components for the exterior body. Some cars are composed of a combination of steel and aluminum. Steel is always susceptible to rust because it has a high iron content. In general, steel will rust in a moist environment when exposed to oxygen.

To help prevent rust, most modern cars have layers of protective paint and finishes to prevent moisture penetration and reduce oxidization. The main cause of surface rust is damage to the finish that exposes the steel. Dents, dings, and scratches allow the rusting process to begin, and it can quickly spread under the surface of a painted finish.

The simplest way to prevent rust is to take surface damage seriously. Have an auto body shop do paint touchups to scratches and dings to reduce the risk of rust.

For scale rust and rust to the unprotected inner workings of your car, prevention is just not about paint and finishes. It's about good car care. Park your car in the garage to reduce moisture exposure, wash your car often to remove road salts that accelerate rust, and perform body inspections to replace anti-oxidation coatings on your undercarriage that have thinned over time.

REPAIR TECHNIQUES

Don't assume that you can't beat rust once it begins. But the sooner you take action, the better your chance of success. For simple surface rust, you might simply buff out the rusty areas and have it refinished with primer, epoxy, and the finishing paint. If your car has a custom paint finish, use an auto body shop for color matching.

For scale rust, the repair process is more challenging. Penetrative rust can actually cause holes to form in your car's body. Generally, the hole needs to be filed away, and then it will need be filled and shaped to match the rest of your car's exterior design. Then, the entire affected area needs to be sanded, primed, and refinished.

For rust that is affecting the structural safety of the car, repair becomes cost prohibitive, and replacing the structural components is usually the only option to save the car. This is usually worth it for antique or vintage car models that have intrinsic value, but it's not as feasible for a basic commuter car that could be replaced for less than the cost of the restoration work.

Keep in mind that not all cars with heavy scale rust can be saved. Even with patches and replacements, the crash safety of the car may be compromised. Only an experienced body shop can do this type of work, but it isn't advisable for all rust cases.

REPLACEMENT OPTIONS

Sometimes, it's simpler to replace panels that are affected with spreading surface rust, especially if you have a common car type.

For example, it's simple to find a new side passenger door for almost any year of Honda Civic or Ford Escape at a parts yard that is pristine and rust free. If the existing door has rust, you can switch it out for the new one. Take the door to an experienced auto body shop to match the color to the rest of your car.

Talk to the repair shop about available parts in your area. They can usually be acquired for low cost if they are second hand. Specialty cars might be harder to source parts for, but your shop can still order manufacturer replacements. For more information, contact us at Olson's Auto Body.

Repair Dented Doors Sooner Than Later | Olson's Auto Body

Mon, 12 Mar 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Body damage on your vehicle is a real eyesore, but many people may choose to put off repair services to save some money. But in the long run, the damage may end up costing more if you leave it be. One auto body problem that you definitely shouldn't ignore are dented car doors.

Accidents with animals, parked cars, and other vehicles on the road may lead to dented doors on a vehicle. No matter what door on your vehicle was dented, ignoring the issue may lead to bigger problems down the line. Learn about these issues and why you should trust an auto body repair shop to help reverse the damage.

1. Window Operations

After a door is dented and banged up, the window operations may be impacted on the vehicle. The impact may occur to both manual and automatic windows. At first the windows may operate normally, but you do not know what type of internal damage has occurred.

Over time, the damage may get worse. If you ignore the problem for too long, your windows may cease to operate and get stuck in either an open or closed position. If the window is stuck in an open position, your vehicle is left vulnerable to all types of weather elements and theft.

The costs to repair the window would also add to the auto body costs. Save money and hassles by repairing the dented doors before more damage occurs.

2. Water Leaks

Along with window issues, the dented door may leave your vehicle vulnerable to other types of damage. A dent may create openings or gaps in the door frame that otherwise wouldn't be there. During rainstorms, these vulnerable areas may fill with water and cause additional problems.

Not only can water leak into the vehicle, but the fluids may seep into electronic controls for the power locks and windows. The damage may make these elements inoperational or extremely faulty as you try to lock your door and secure the vehicle.

Standing water or extended water exposure may also lead to the presence of mold in the vehicle. Mold poses all types of health risks and requires a whole separate cleaning and sterilization process.

The longer you leave the dents on the door, the more problems you may come across. Repair the dents within days after the accident to help prevent water leak issues from causing even more damage.

3. Emergency Situations

Doors are meant to protect you inside the vehicle, but they also have features to help you get out in case of an emergency. A dented door may make a vehicle escape more challenging and could result in dangerous situations.

For example, during a vehicle fire or flooding situation, opening the door may be more of a challenge. If the car gets submerged in water, do not risk your chance of escape due to a dented and damaged door. Repair the doors so they open correctly and you can escape from dangerous situations on the road.

4. Door Operations

A dented door may impact the way you escape a vehicle during emergency situations, but the door may also create everyday problems when you enter or exit the vehicle. One thing to look out for is scrapping doors.

As you open the door, pay attention to see if the door scrapes up against another part of the vehicle. The damage may result in chipped paint or additional body damage. Do not make things worse on the vehicle. Focus on the repairs of the door to prevent further issues down the line.

For all your auto body needs, contact us at Olson's Auto Body . We can help repair your doors and make your vehicle look brand new again.

Ditch the Dents | Olson’s Auto Body

Mon, 12 Feb 2018 00:00:00 GMT

One of the most attractive features of a new car is its shiny, unblemished paint job. Unfortunately, many vehicle owners feel unable to maintain this new car exterior while navigating through the potential hazards of construction zones, parking lots, or long-distance trips.

While maintaining your vehicle's paint requires dedication, using the following eight tips can prevent the vast majority of chips, dents, dings, and scratches.

1. AVOID TREE-SHADED PARKING

Many drivers know that direct sunlight can threaten the integrity of their car paint. However, these same drivers may seek shelter under trees and unintentionally expose their paint to even more serious hazards: animal damage.

Bird guano, squirrel claw scratches, and squashed insect fluids can all cause serious issues for your paint. To reduce your vehicle's exposure to the animal kingdom, park away from natural foliage.

2. BE CONSCIENTIOUS ABOUT FLUIDS

While your car requires specific fluids to run normally, many of these liquids can cause your paint to peel. Whenever you work with fluids, whether you're filling up your gas tank or changing your own oil, exercise care to keep the liquid away from your paint.

3. CONSIDER PAINT-PROTECTION COATINGS

One of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of scratches and other surface damage is to place a barrier between your paint and everything else. Consider a professional protective coating for long-term protection.

For a cheaper, but more labor-intensive solution, add a thorough waxing with a high-quality automotive wax to your car wash routine.

4. DON'T USE YOUR CAR AS A TABLE

When you think about threats to your car paint, you probably don't put yourself on the list. However, placing foreign objects on your car can cause chips and scratches just like other hazards.

Don't use your car as a table, chair, or step stool. Additionally, be careful not to let other objects like rolling garbage cans or bicycles collide with your car.

5. EXERCISE CAUTION IN HIGH-RISK ZONES

While you cannot protect your paint job from all of the potential debris you may encounter when driving, you can practice driving habits that reduce your risks. For example, driving more slowly with a bigger following distance in construction zones reduces the risk of small rocks and other debris pitting the paint.

6. PARK AWAY FROM OTHER CARS

Whenever you park in a public place, survey the lot as you pull in. If you can park farther away from other cars, then your car becomes less vulnerable to door dings, fender benders, and shopping cart collisions. You can also park farther away from cart returns and store entrances to provide your car with a larger buffer.

7. PARK IN A GARAGE

Whenever you can park under cover, do so. This step reduces the risk that direct UV light will fade or weaken your car's paint job.

Additionally, you should park in a parking garage or residential garage as often as possible, especially in extreme weather conditions. The expansions and contractions caused by high and low temperatures can cause hairline cracks, which may contribute to auto body corrosion over time.

8. TAKE THE TIME TO DETAIL

If your paint job is a high priority, then you should add regular car washes to your schedule to remove potentially abrasive debris. As you wash, be sure to use high-quality solvents and appropriate cleaning equipment to ensure that you don't accidentally scratch your paint in the process.

Use the guidelines listed above to reduce the risk of paint damage to your vehicle over its lifetime — no matter where the road takes you. If your car has already sustained exterior damage, entrust your paint and auto body repairs to our experienced team at Olson's Auto Body.

Resolve Vehicle Paint Peeling or Flaking | Olson's Auto Body

Mon, 22 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT

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Vehicles aren’t an exception when it comes to showing signs of aging. Particularly when it comes to their paint, the older a vehicle is, the more at risk it is for flaking or peeling paint. A car in this condition isn't just unsightly, but it will also experience a sharp decline in its value. You need to figure out why your car’s paint is peeling or flaking so you can address the issue.

UNDERSTAND THE CAUSE

The age of a vehicle influences its overall propensity for paint chipping or peeling, but this is only one potential cause. An outside factor usually is at the root of the problem and is what actually causes the paint to peel or flake. This outside favor is likely something you overlooked.

Cleaning your vehicle with harsh chemical cleaners not intended for automobiles is one way to cause damage. The chemicals in these formulas serve as an abrasive that can cause paint to deteriorate. A vehicle exposed to weather extremes, such as harshly cold temperatures, for an extended period could also experience paint issues.

Finally, a high-powered pressure washer used to clean your vehicle could also lead to peeling and chipping, as pressure washers are far more powerful than the hoses used at car washes.

AVOID PAINT DAMAGE

Peeling paint is bad, but one glimmer of hope is the fact that peeling is often preventable. In addition to protecting your vehicle from weather extremes, only use car-approved cleaners and use pressure washers with caution.

You can also take other steps to prevent damage to your vehicle's paint. First, be mindful of where you park. For example, the spot next to the cart return might be convenient, but if a shopping cart hits your vehicle, you might get a dent or a chip from the car. This chip will damage the paint and increase the risk of flaking and peeling. The better you care for your vehicle, the less likely you are to experience damage.

LEARN ABOUT REPAIR OPTIONS

Flaking and peeling paint doesn't have to get the best of your vehicle. You do have repair options. If the area of damage is small, a repair technician may be able to do some light sanding to smooth the area and eliminate the damage.

The damaged area would then be touched up with a fresh coat of paint, but when the area of damage is much more extensive or covers the entire vehicle, you will likely need to have the whole car painted.

In this era of DIY, several tutorials are available on the Internet claiming to make repairing chipping and peeling easy. Remember, though, that when something looks too good to be true, it generally is. You will almost always get better results when you have the paint repaired by a professional who has the skill, correct tools, and experience.

ADDRESS CONCERNS EARLY

Don't ignore damaged paint on your vehicle. Even if the area of damage only covers a small portion of the car, remember that you are on somewhat of a time clock, as this type of damage accelerates with time. For instance, a small area of damage could turn into damaged paint all over the vehicle.

In the event the bare metal layer under the paint is also exposed, rust could also form, which will only increase the amount of time and money that must go into the repair. At the first sign of damage, take your vehicle to an auto body repair shop so you can preserve your car for as long as possible.

If you're tired of looking at your vehicle in this condition, Olson's Auto Body can restore your vehicle's paint and get you back on the road looking like you have a new car.

Save Time And Money On Repairs | Olson's Auto Body

Thu, 21 Dec 2017 00:00:00 GMT

No one ever wakes up and says, “I'd sure like to have an accident today.” Aside from the danger factor, being involved in an accident is a real nuisance. From unexpected expenses to lengthy car repairs, there are a lot of stressful things that can happen in the aftermath.

If you were involved in an accident, you can rest a little easy, as there are several things you can do to save money and time.

CONTACT THE INSURANCE COMPANY PROMPTLY

It's important to understand that an accident is an accident, as there is no rule of measure. Particularly when it's a minor collision, some people make the mistake of waiting to contact their insurance company. However, this error can be costly.

Typically, insurance companies have specific guidelines for making claims, including how soon after the accident the claim must be submitted, such as 30 days. If you fall outside of this window, the insurance company could deny your request.

If you were at fault for the accident, this would mean you would have to cover the cost of all repairs on your own. The timeframe guidelines vary between companies and specific insurance policies, so do your research.

DON'T PROCRASTINATE ON REPAIRS

A time- and cost-increasing mistake many people make is waiting around to make repairs. If your vehicle is visibly damaged or a technician assessed your car and made repair recommendations, don't just put this off. Auto body damage is progressive. Take a dent, for example.

When a dent penetrates the protective coat over a vehicle, bare metal parts will be exposed. As the bare metal is exposed to the humidity in the air, road salt, and other elements, this will cause rust to form, and the rust will then easily spread.

The result is costlier and more time-consuming repairs. Take the appropriate steps to have your vehicle repaired promptly to prevent further damage

CONSIDER PAINTLESS DENT REPAIR

Over the years, there have been advancements in the auto repair industry that can help customers like yourself get back on the road faster. One of these improvements is paintless dent repair.

Paintless repair is different from traditional repair in that it does not require that the damaged part be disassembled, sanded, filled, and repainted, which are tedious and time-consuming processes. With this method, the technician uses a specialized tool that gently moves the dented metal back into its proper form to complete the repair.

If the dent in your vehicle has not damaged the paint, paintless dent repair is an option you may be able to consider. A technician can tell you if this is a solution for you.

RELY ON A REPUTABLE REPAIR SHOP

The saying that you get what you pay for is very true. If you search for an auto body repair with cost as the only factor, there is no guarantee that you will also get the level of quality you need.

When quality is absent, it's likely that the repair will not be performed correctly, and the result is more money spent on additional repairs and more time waiting for those repairs to be performed.

A reputable repair shop is one that offers warranties on their work and parts, has professional certifications, and offers fair and upfront pricing. At Olson's Auto Body, we take pride in providing our customers with stellar service from each of our trained team members, and we proudly stand behind our work.

Although the accident might have been out of your control, how swiftly and stress-free you're able to move through the repair process has a lot to do with you. Make sure you're taking the appropriate steps.

About Clay Detailing | Olson’s Auto Body

Fri, 17 Nov 2017 00:00:00 GMT

If you have had your vehicle recently painted, bought a new car or just want to restore the existing finish as much as possible, then it’s important to understand more about clay detailing. Washing and waxing your car's finish is still a vital part of the exterior detailing process, but nothing can take the place of using a clay bar to achieve the ultimate shine.

The great news for car owners is that clay detailing is simple and cost-effective. Below is how to perform clay detailing on your vehicle so that you can create a spectacular finish.

HOW CLAY DETAILING WORKS

As your car ages, its finish will be exposed to a variety of environmental contaminants that will cause dulling and pitting. These contaminants are often invisible to the naked eye, but they exist and are taking a toll on your vehicle. Some of the contaminants include brake dust, fine paint droplets, pollution, road grime and ash.

While washing your car will remove dirt, tar, bird droppings and other larger contaminants, the microcontaminants above actually embed themselves into the finish and can't be removed with mere washing. However, clay is capable of grabbing these tiny particles and pulling them free from the finish.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED FOR CLAY DETAILING

It is important to buy the right clay for your vehicle. For example, ordinary modeling clay will not work, and there are also various types of detailing clay available. Some clays are more aggressive than others in how they attack the contaminants. In the hands of a professional or experienced clay user, the aggressive clays work well.

However, it is best for average car owners to use a less-aggressive clay because some harsh clays are capable of damaging finishes. As such, be sure to read product descriptions carefully before buying to ensure you find an all-purpose, midgrade clay.

Clay Lubricant
Detailing clays should never be used on a dry finish, as it will stick and could cause scratching. Instead, clays should be rubbed on wet finishes only.

There are many commercial clay lubricants available from auto parts stores and other retailers, or you may wish to make your own. You can formulate an inexpensive clay lubricant by adding one tablespoon of liquid Castile soap to two cups of warm water, and then gently stir to mix it together. Pour the completed mixture into a clean spray bottle.

Microfiber Towel
The microfiber towel is used to remove all traces of clay and lubricant once you have detailed a given area. Avoid using other types of towels because they may scratch the finish of your vehicle.

HOW TO PERFORM CLAY DETAILING

Begin by spraying the area that will be detailed first with a clay lubricant that you either bought or made. Be sure to keep the areas relatively small, such as a three-by-three inch space, to prevent drying and possible scratching. Use a generous amount of lubricant — you can't have too much and too little will result in damage.

Next, break off a piece of detailing clay and form a flat, palm-sized patty. Using back and forth motions, rub the clay over the area you just lubricated. Apply moderate pressure, but do not use excessive force — allow the clay's properties to work for you. Once you have detailed one area of the finish, use a clean microfiber towel to wipe away clay and lubricant residue.

After finishing the first area, move to an adjacent spot and repeat the steps above. Occasionally, fold the clay over on top of itself to renew its ability to pull particles out of the finish and to prevent scratching. Once the clay becomes dark or dirty throughout, change to a new piece and discard the old one.

If you have questions about your vehicle’s finish, be sure to contact us at Olson's Auto Body . Our professional staff can restore finishes and assist you with any other paint and body repair needs.

4 Things to Look For | Olson’s Auto Body

Mon, 25 Sep 2017 00:00:00 GMT

If you own a car, there’s a chance that you will be involved in an accident at some point in your life. Driving defensively can help you to avoid this eventuality, and it’s something to keep in mind whenever you're behind the wheel. Occasionally, however, mistakes made by other drivers can put you in a situation you simply can't avoid.

If you experience a collision, the odds are that you'll need to find a collision and auto body repair shop. Choosing a good shop for your collision repairs is important, and you may feel overwhelmed by your options. Here are four things to look for when deciding which shop to use.

1. PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS

Anyone with the right tools can take a door off your car. However, if they don't actually know what they're doing, they may damage your vehicle in the process. When you take your vehicle to a collision repair service, you want them to complete the repairs as quickly as possible without causing further damage to your vehicle or leaving it with any visible cosmetic issues.

Technical and professional certifications are a good metric to use when considering how well a shop will perform in this regard. You'll want to look for certificates stating that the shop is I-CAR Gold certified. Many shops also have additional third-party certifications. These professional certifications go a long way toward establishing the shop’s credibility.

2. LIFETIME LIMITED WARRANTY

Some people are surprised to learn that most credible auto body repair shops offer a warranty on their services. Many credible shops will provide a lifetime warranty on the services they rendered. A warranty is essentially the shop's way of saying that they have confidence in their own work.

Re-performing repairs would cost a repair shop a pretty penny. A warranty means that the shop has a history of doing things right the first time. This is a good indication that the work they perform will withstand the test of time.

3. FAIR PRICES

Of course, price is an important consideration when deciding who to use for any service. Auto body repair is no different. When shopping around, consumers should search out a few different estimates to be sure they are being offered a fair price for the repairs.

The price for labor in the auto repair industry can vary by location from as low as $40 an hour to as high as $90 per hour. With this in mind, if you feel that the estimates you're getting are too expensive you could consider looking a little farther from home. As always, remember that if a price seems too good to be true, it probably is. You should never make a decision based on price alone.

4. CUSTOMER REFERRALS

As you look for an auto repair shop, you may find that there are several options with comparable pricing and qualifications. When faced with a situation like this, your best option is to talk with other customers to see what their experience was like with a given shop. Online customer reviews and organizations like the Better Business Bureau are great resources when trying to learn more about a collision repair shop.

Looking for a reliable auto body shop? Consider using Olson's Auto Body for your collision and auto body repair needs. We're a full-service body shop for both domestic and foreign vehicles, we are I-CAR Gold certified, and we offer a lifetime limited warranty on all of our work. So if you’re ever in an accident, trust that our friendly and experienced technicians will have you back on the road in no time.