Car Knowledge and FAQs

So, you just finished doing your weekly grocery shopping, yay! Feeling as productive and lucky as ever, you walk back to your car feeling like a champion just to find a deep, yawning scratch on your bumper. Suddenly, you feel this heat in your head, your blood boiling, and the desperate feeling of, “What now!?” Thinking, “This is going to cost a fortune!”, “Should I contact my insurance?”, “What if I can’t fix it myself?” When something unfortunate happens to your car, the first thing that pops into your head will most likely be to contact your insurance company. After all, it is quite an expense that we pay in case something happens to our vehicle. However, is it wise to initiate a claim? Or, should you just take it to a professional? Perhaps, maybe DIY? Here is some information for you to consider when deciding what to do with any type of damage to your vehicle. Should I contact my insurance company? Do not file an insurance claim right away. Not all car scratches are created equal. There are so many variables that come into play, depending on your auto policy and the cause of the scratch. Damage caused by different factors are covered differently. Comprehensive Scratches – Generally a damage NOT caused by collision. Frequently seen as a non-fault claim because of an unpreventable damage (e.g. vandalism, falling objects, theft, etc.)                                    (Image Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-566327/The-street-vandals-scratched-single-parked-car-caused-250-000-worth-damage.html) Collision Scratches – Typically a damage caused by hitting another object. (e.g. another vehicle, guardrail, tree, etc.)                                    Not sure how your car got scratched? – Contact your auto insurance carrier and speak with a claim adjuster. He or she will be able to identify the cause of the scratch then determine what type of claim you should file. Furthermore, the location of the scratch could affect the price. If the scratch is on a removable part, it’s probably more affordable to replace it. But if it’s located on the frame, roof, rear quarter panel, or door, a large area must be painted to cover the scratch and blend in the new paint. (Image Source: http://driving.ca/auto-news/news/hit-a-car-and-thinking-of-running-shame-on-you) Sometimes, you are better off fixing the scratch and not filing a claim. Checking your insurance policy first is the best way to decide if a claim is to your advantage. Here is some additional information to consider when deciding whether you should file a claim on your insurance: Ineligibility for renewal: Some insurance companies may not renew your policy if you have had more than two claims in 3 years. Hence, paying for your own repairs costing under $1,000 is often worthwhile to prevent the possibility of no coverage in the future ( CNN Money - Car Insurance: Things to Know). Deductible costs: A “deductible” is the out-of-pocket portion you must pay before your insurance pays for a claim. The national average of vehicle insurance deductible is $500. If the cost of your deductible is higher than the cost to fix your car damages, it is better to pay for the damages upfront instead of filing a claim with your insurance provider. For instance, you verified that your policy covers Comprehension Damage and you decide to file a claim. You take your vehicle to a body shop for a free estimate and realize the total cost for repair is $1500. You will have to pay the $500 deductible to your insurance provider for them to take care of your $1500 damages. Monthly premium increase: Insurance companies usually have two onsets when insurers file a claim. If the damage is less than $1,800, your rate may not go up. However, if the cost of repairs is between $1,800-$2,800, your rate may increase. For most insurance companies, the magic number is $2,800 or more. If your damage cost is more expensive than that number, your premium will rise significantly. (How Much Does Insurance Go up after an Accident?) Ineligibility for discounts: There are about 20 types of discounts you could be receiving on your auto insurance, saving you quite a bit of money! However, filing a claim could cost you from taking advantage of those enticing money savers. Now that we have an idea on how an insurance claim works and if you decide it’s to your advantage to file it, you have the option to have the claim check made to your name so you could spend it toward your repair or replacement costs. If filing a claim is not to your advantage, the next step is to determine the best course of action to repairing your car depending on the severity of the damages.   Is the scratch fixable? Your car’s paint is more important than just for looks, it protects the exterior from corrosion and rust. Therefore, it’s important to try and mend the scratch as soon as possible since it may worsen over time causing additional, costly problems. If it is a minor, superficial abrasion, you can try these DIY steps. Generally, the depth of the scratch will determine whether it’s a repair you can do yourself, or if it will require an automotive professional. A great way to see if a scratch is repairable, is by performing a test using your fingernail! That’s right, if your fingernail can fit in the scratch, you can possibly touch it up yourself or by a paint tech who is experienced in automotive touch up paint. But, if the scratch is too deep (usually cutting into the metal or plastic of the car part), the only proper way to fix the damage is to repair and repaint the area. If the scratch is somewhere in-between, not too deep, it can probably be buffed out by a professional, which will cost much less than repairing the area. A good way to check if the scratch is repairable, is to see if your fingernail cannot fit in the damage area. Car part painting costs could range from $300 to $7,500! Here is more information about car paint jobs.   What if the scratch requires repair work by a professional? If your scratch is beyond DIY repair, you will want to get an estimate on the cost to repair the damages by an automotive professional. Often, it is more cost effective to replace the entire car part rather than getting it repaired and repainted due to the number of labor hours a shop will allocate to get your job done. Therefore, you’ll want to get an estimate before deciding whether it’s best to repair or replace your part. If you decide to replace the car part, here are some choices for you to consider: Dealership Dealerships are usually the standard when it comes to any kind of car repair. They will do a great job to make certain your vehicle is back to its original state. Dealerships provide Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) car parts which may give you greater assurance. Your car may even be under warranty depending on date of purchase or if you have an extended warranty. It’s a great option for high quality repairs. You’ll get the best paint products, the best high-tech equipment and practices. Dealerships usually employ highly skilled and experienced mechanics and technicians making it a worry free option when it comes to repairs. Dealerships spare no expense when it comes to their quality. Reputation is key in any industry and dealership know this better than anyone. If there are any issues with any type of work, the dealership will right its wrongs. Body Shop This option has the most variety. Body shops are the most common form or practice for any car repair. There are specialty shops that specialize in show room vehicles from luxury vehicles to economy cars. There are great mom and pop shops that have a great reputation not only with the community but also partner with insurance companies to handle their repairs. Just like any industry, you’ll awesome shops and terrible shops. Beware of shops that cut corners and do very low skilled repairs. You should always do your due diligence when choosing a body shop. There are many ways to cut corners when it comes to repairs but everything depends on “how” the repairs were made or the correct steps in repairing damages. Body shops out number dealerships, so they will have different methods and equipment that get the job done. It all depends on the quality and experience of the body shop technicians. There are many right ways to fix damages and twice as many ways to do it wrong. In the eyes of an insurance company, a repair is repair, plain and simple. Insurance companies cannot dictate to their customers on where to service their vehicle, it’s illegal! Insurance companies will pay the proper dollar amount for repairs but it’s up to the shop you choose to execute those repairs the proper way. Body shop will differ based on the experience of their technicians and staff, so make sure to choose a reputable one! Painted Auto Body Part Stores There is an ever-growing number of pre-painted auto body part stores online. Make sure to choose a reputable one that provides auto parts that meet the same standards of the original (OEM) parts. There are many companies that manufacture aftermarket car parts for all the major automobile brands but not all manufactures are created equal. While you are generally safe in purchasing aftermarket parts today, some companies put a lot more time and care into their process while others cut corners. Pay attention to certifications such as ISO-9001 and CAPA. All parts meeting those two standards are generally sold in the USA and Canada and are used by body shops and insurance companies nationwide. It is important for a reliable online painted parts shop to offer color matching to ensure that your painted replacement car part corresponds with your vehicle. High quality paint plays an important role when purchasing a pre-painted car part! The quality of the paint will not only determine perfect color matching, it will also guarantee durability of the coat that protects your auto body part.  Always do your due diligence when purchasing anything on the internet. Don’t be afraid to ask about each online store’s paint process, quality of paint, and if they offer any guarantees and warranties

Whether you're ordering painted replacement parts or touch up paint, paint matching is essential. Choose the wrong color paint, and you could have a new part or painted area that sticks out like a sore thumb. But finding your vehicle's paint code can sometimes be tricky. In our guide, you'll find out where to look for your car's paint code, as well as the paint code format your vehicle make typically follows. This makes it easy to order accurately painted replacement parts and touch up paint knowing you've found the right shade. Why it's Important to Find Your Car's Paint Code It's never a good idea to simply guess the color of your car. A red car isn't just red. It's fire engine red, brick red, or even a candy paint red. That's why choosing "red" for your touch up paint just isn't going to cut it. With even a slightly different shade, you'll be able to plainly see the difference as soon as it's applied, and the poor matching job on your paint touch up may look worse than what you're trying to cover up in the first place. Locating Your Car's Paint Code Unlike information like your vehicle's VIN or tire pressure settings, there's no single predictable location to find your vehicle's paint code. Each manufacturer may do something different than the others, and it may not even be the same for each model. This means you may need to look in a few different places before you can successfully find your car's paint code. Try these spots first: Driver door sticker: Often, you can find your paint code right where you find your tire pressure settings. This is the most common location for paint codes, so be sure to try it first. Another place to look on the driver's side door is in the hinge area, or in the passenger door, sometimes on the pillar. Makes that may use this location:: Acura, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Honda, Hummer, Hyundai, Infiniti, Isuzu, Jeep, Kia, Lexus, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercedez Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, Volvo Under the hood: Some will place the code above the strut towers, fender edges, or frame rail, or along the engine wall or fire wall just between the engine compartment and the interior. Others will have a sticker on top of hood deck lid or front of the radiator support. Makes that may use this location:: BMW, Chrysler, Dodge, Hyundai, Infiniti, Isuzu, Jeep, Mazda, Mercedez Benz, Mini, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Suzuki, Volvo Inside the trunk: The sticker may be under the deck lid, inside the rear compartment, spare tire cover, or even on the wheel housing. Makes that may use this location:: Acura, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Volkswagen In the glove box or middle console: Check inside the glove box or middle console, either on the door or inside the interior of the box, removing items if necessary. Makes that may use this location:: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Hummer, Isuzu, Suzuki Inside the wheel well: Look inside all wheel wells for a sticker. Some use the front passenger, others the rear driver's side, so it's best to check all of them. Makes that may use this location:: Buick, Cadillac On the floor: This one's tricky, but you can check on the floor behind the back passenger's seat or under the front seats. Makes that may use this location:: Chevrolet, Chrysler, GMC What You're Looking For Will you know your paint code if you've found it? Typically, you're looking for a white or silver paper sticker. Just like locations, the paint code format for many vehicles is significantly different. Most related manufacturers, such as the General Motors group including Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC, will use the same format, which can make it easier to identify them. Paint code formats for selected models: Acura: NH-XXXX Audi: May be 2-4 numbers long and can include letters BMW: Three numbers Buick: Starts with WA, BC/CC, or U, may be prefaced by a three digit number and letter combination Cadillac: Starts with WA, BC/CC, or U, may be prefaced by a three digit number and letter combination Chevrolet: Starts with WA, BC/CC, or U, may be prefaced by a three digit number and letter combination Chrysler: Starts with P, Q, G, or T, 3 digits with letters and numbers. May be prefaced by PNT. Dodge: Starts with P, Q, G, or T, 3 digits with letters and numbers. May be prefaced by PNT. Ford: Two digits with numbers and/or letters GMC: Starts with WA, BC/CC, or U, may be prefaced by a three digit number and letter combination Honda: NHXXXX or YRXXXXX Hummer: Starts with WA, BC/CC, or U, may be prefaced by a three digit number and letter combination Hyundai: Two digits with numbers and/or letters Infiniti: Three digits with numbers and/or letters, may be fourth digit after a space Isuzu: Three digits with numbers Jeep: Starts with P, Q, G, or T, 3 digits with letters and numbers. May be prefaced by PNT. Older Jeeps may be two digits long. Kia: Two digits with numbers and/or letters Lexus: Three digits with numbers and/or letters, usually prefaced by CTR Lincoln: Two digits with numbers and/or letters Mazda: Two or three digits with numbers and/or letters Mercedez Benz: DB-XXX Mini: Three digits with numbers and/or letters Mitsubishi: NH-XXXX Nissan: Three digits with numbers and/or letters Subaru: Three digits with numbers and/or letters Suzuki: Three digits with numbers and/or letters Toyota: Three digits with numbers and/or letters, usually prefaced by CTR Volkswagen: Two to four digits with numbers and/or letters If You Can't Find Your Paint Code Even if you know where to look and what you're looking for, it's not always easy to locate your car's paint code. But you do have options. First, check your owner's manual. Some manufacturers will explain in your manual where you can find the paint code. If that doesn't work, use your VIN. Your VIN is easy to find, located in the dash. If you write down this number, you can call a local dealership to ask them to find your color code based on the VIN. Finding your car's paint code is sometimes tricky, but it's always worth it to get an exact match. With the right paint code, you'll have the perfect match for your painted replacement part or touch up paint.

So you're ready to order a new painted car part from ReveMoto: but what happens after you place your order? ReveMoto carefully matches paint codes, professionally paints each part, and performs a top of the line process for quality control and inspection, packaging, and shipping. Getting your new part shipped out quickly and in perfect condition is our highest priority. Ordering Your Painted Car Part: Processing and Shipping from Start to Finish Most orders will arrive at your door 3 weeks after your place your order. This depends on our paint queue, quality control, and shipping times. When our lead times are short, you can receive small parts such as side mirrors as fast as five days from placing your order, or as long as three weeks for fenders and bumpers. If you're in a rush to receive your new painted part, please contact us at sales@revemoto.com to ask about our current lead times and find out how long we expect to take to get your part painted, inspected, packaged, and shipped to your door. Painting Your New Auto Body Part At ReveMoto, a proper paint match must meet our highest quality standards. That's why we ask for both your paint code and VIN. With these numbers, we verify each order to ensure the paint code we use is correct for your vehicle. This paint code is used to generate a perfect match for your vehicle in our system. If you prefer, you can send in a part for color matching, but this is usually not necessary: all we ask for is the VIN and paint code. Once your paint code is verified, your car part is placed in the painting queue. While in the queue, your order status will read: Awaiting Fulfillment. Depending on demand, your part will be painted within one to five business days of your order placement. Note: ReveMoto does not operate on the weekends. Every car part is painted in our state of the art paint booth using proper techniques for paint matching and applying paint. Our paint booth is well ventilated and cleaned frequently to minimize dust and debris, giving your new part a perfect finish. Once painted, each car part is set to cure for two days. This allows the paint and finish to completely dry and harden, and minimizes smudges, dust, and other issues. After curing, your order status will read: Awaiting Shipment. ReveMoto's Quality Control Standards for Painted Auto Body Parts After curing, each car part will go through our quality control process. In this process, we'll check for visible paint debris or drips. Any small imperfections will be buffed out. If there is a problem with the paint and it is unacceptable for any reason, ReveMoto will fix the problem, either by repainting the part, or painting an entirely new part. Customers will be notified if their order does not pass inspection, and all orders that are repainted through quality control will be placed at the front of the queue to minimize wait times. After repainting, the part will pass through quality control and inspection once again. Products that pass quality control and inspection will be photographed and sent to packaging and shipping. Packaging and Shipping Your Painted Auto Body Part Parts that are painted, cured, and have passed quality control will be ready for packaging and shipping. We carefully package each part to ensure that it reaches your door undamaged and just as perfect as it is in our shop. Note: local pickup in Houston is available by appointment. Local installations are available as well. Parts that are packaged before 2 p.m. will be shipped out the same day, parts packaged after 2 p.m. will be shipped out the following day. We use USPS, freight, and FedEx for shipping depending on the method and part selected when you place your order. Shipping times can vary from 2-3 days for side mirrors shipped via USPS to 7-10 days for bumpers and fenders. Our current shipping times are: via USPS: 7-10 days for bumpers & fenders 2-3 days for side view mirrors via freight: 5-7 days for bumpers, fenders, hoods via FedEx: 4-5 days for bumpers & fenders In shipping, you'll receive a photo of the finished product if available, as well as your shipping information including the tracking number. Once shipped, your order status will be updated to read: Shipped, and you can expect to receive your order within the posted shipping times. After You Receive Your Painted Car Part We encourage you to install your new part as soon as you receive it to verify that you have the proper fit and paint match. If there's a problem, we want to know about it immediately so that we can begin working on a new part that will meet your needs. You'll receive a follow up contact from us to ensure that you're happy with the product, and we encourage you to call or email us with your comments as well. Our products are carefully packaged to minimize the risk of damage during shipping, but if your car part arrives damaged, don't worry: we've got you covered. Our products are insured by our shipping courier, and if your part is damaged during transit, just send us a photo of the damages. We'll put a new part at the top of the queue to ship out to you as quickly as possible at no additional charge. Have any questions about the ordering and fulfillment process? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions, or email us at sales@revemoto.com.

Whether you're driving a brand new car or a beat up old junker, eventually, your vehicle's paint will fade. There's just no stopping the power of the sun and outdoor elements -- but there are things you can do do slow it down and keep your car's paint job looking good for longer. Why Car Paint Fades All paint fades, and a major contributor to paint fade is the sun. Ultra violet rays are the primary contributor to paint fade. However, pollution, salt, insects, residue, and even bird droppings can dish out a beating to your car's finish. But it's not all out of your control: abrasive cleaners can cause damage as well. Other Exterior Damage from the Elements In addition to dishing out a beating on your paint, the sun and other elements can damage your headlights and rubberized trim. And if you don't have tinted windows, your interior may fade and crack as well. How to Protect Your Car's Paint Finish Park under the shade: Whether you're in a garage, car port, or other cover for your vehicle, shade can protect your finish from ultraviolet rays. Look for spots under a tree or other covered parking while you're out, too. If you'll be parking your vehicle under the sun for a while, use a car cover with ultraviolet protection. Wash your car regularly: Every one to two weeks, give your car a good wash to remove pollutants, bugs, tar, and everyday chemicals that can eat away at your finish. Be sure to avoid abrasive washes, and instead of scraping off dirt or bugs, use an automotive clay bar. Dry your car completely to protect your car's paint from minerals left behind by evaporation. Use car wax: Every three months or so, wax your car to give it a better shine and added protection against the elements including the sun, dirt, and pollutants. Think of it as sunscreen for your vehicle. But be careful not to wax too often, as it can build up. Don't wax the car when your paint is hot, or in the direct sun. Consider tinted windows: Protect your car's interior from sun damage with tinted windows that block out ultraviolet rays. Or, get a windshield screen to put up when you're parked. How to Fix Faded Car Paint If your vehicle's paint begins to oxidize, you'll need to act quickly to stop it. You'll need to thoroughly wash your car and use an automotive clay bar to remove dead paint and other contaminants. You'll then need to use a polish and finish it off with a car wax. For paint with flaking clearcoat and other more serious issues, it may be necessary to repaint parts of the vehicle, or replace them with painted parts, as they can't be restored just by polishing them. Nothing can stop paint from fading in the sun and other elements, but with good care, you can slow down the fading process and keep your vehicle's finish looking new.

Even when you're using factory matched touch up paint, it's possible that your actual paint color won't match up. This can be frustrating, especially when you've made sure that you've found the right match. What went wrong? We'll explain a few of the reasons why your paint may not match -- and what you can do about it. Why Touch Up Paint Doesn't Match There are a few different reasons why your touch up paint may not match your existing factory paint. These include: Difficulty replicating factory finish: When you use touch up paint, you may be simply painting on a layer or two of paint. But in the factory, your car is sprayed several times, producing a different finish. Fading from the sun: Your touch up paint will be the original factory color -- but the paint on your vehicle might not be that same shade anymore. After sitting in the sun and being subjected to weather, the paint on your vehicle may have faded slightly, making it a lighter shade that the original, unfaded color of the touch up paint. Metallic finish: Metallic paint colors can be more difficult to match accurately, as they include small reflective flecks of metal in the paint. If they're not distributed well throughout the touch up paint, it can look different than the existing paint when applied. How to Get a Better Match It's not always easy to get an exact match on touch up paint, even if you're using the factory finish. But don't panic: if it's still wet, wait a while, as it may blend better when the paint has dried. For others, simply waiting a few months to allow the new paint to fade with the sun and outdoor elements may produce a better match. There are steps you can take in the application process that make a difference as well: Use your factory paint code: When purchasing touch up paint, always order paint that matches your vehicle's factory paint code. Always test first: Before applying paint to say, your driver's side door, test on an inconspicuous section of your vehicle first. This will allow you to double check your color match as well as get a feel for application. Properly prep your painting area: You should wash your vehicle and use wax and grease remover to make sure you're getting right down to the paint. If there is rust or any texture, be sure to lightly apply sandpaper before painting. Shake paint before applying: Paint may have natural separation, so remember to shake it well for at least a full minute before you begin. Metallic paint in particular will have flecks included that need to be distributed. Fake a factory finish: In the factory, your vehicle is painted with multiple thin coats. So that's exactly what you should do with your touch up paint. Apply several extremely thin coats with a light hand to blend in the new color. Each coat should be just slightly larger than the last for optimal blending. Apply paint with a toothpick: For very small chips, dip a toothpick in paint and apply a small amount of paint to the ding. Avoid trying to completely fill the ding with each layer -- simply let it dry for a few hours, then apply a bit more until you've applied several layers that match up. Use a clear coat: Your factory finish has a base coat and clear coat, so adding this step can help you avoid painted sections that stick out as different. Paint in the shade: Ideally, you'll want to paint your vehicle in the shade without high humidity conditions. You should at least avoid direct sunlight to allow the paint to dry slowly. Paint a larger area: If you're still not happy with the way your touch up paint looks, it may be necessary to repaint a larger area. With careful application, and an accurate shade of paint, you can ensure that you'll get the best touch up paint match for your vehicle. This is a great way to protect your car's finish from rust and outdoor elements, plus it keeps your vehicle looking great.

Accidents happen. It's a simple, but unfortunate, fact of driving. And while most fender benders don't leave permanent damage, it's always better to simply avoid getting into an accident than it is to fix what's already happened. Of course, avoiding an accident may be easier said than done. Some accidents just can't be avoided -- but many can. In fact, it's believed that human error is to blame, at least in part, for 90% of all car crashes. And even if you're a great driver, that doesn't mean that all of the other cars around you have drivers with your skills. That's why it's important to play it safe and practice defensive driving techniques on the road. These defensive driving tips can help you become a safer driver and when practiced, may reduce your risk of being involved in an accident: Predict what other drivers will do: No, you don't need psychic abilities to be a great driver (though that would help!). But developing an intuition about what you can expect other drivers to do is a smart way to stay safe. For example, that sports car zipping around other vehicles in your rear view mirror is likely to do the same to you, and that sedan in the next lane that keeps inching to the left is probably just about ready to switch into the next lane -- with or without a blinker. Watch for these and other signs that can tell you what's coming up next, even when other drivers don't clearly signal their intentions. Keep an eye out for hazards: You should always be scanning the horizon and quickly checking your mirrors to look for dangers up ahead such as stopped traffic or other drivers hanging out in your blind spot. If you can identify hazards early on, you will have more time to stop and avoid them. Steer clear of aggressive drivers: Everyone gets annoyed behind the wheel sometimes. It's OK to get upset, but keep your emotions in check. Don't let aggressive drivers get under your skin. Stay as far away as you can from drivers who are speeding, driving erratically, tailgating, or making frequent lane changes. It's also a good idea to move over for tailgaters so you can both get on with your lives. If you find yourself getting upset, remember it's normal to feel that way, but important to stay calm on the road. Remember that you have nothing to prove with your vehicle: all you have to do is get where you're going safely. Don't drive impaired: Certainly you've heard by now that you shouldn't drink and drive or drive while under the influence of drugs. But this is important enough that it bears repeating. Just don't take a chance on this. It's never a good idea to drive after you've had too much to drink, or if you've used drugs before getting behind the wheel. Plan ahead if you know you'll be indulging and use a designated driver, call a cab, or find other ways to avoid driving while impaired. You could save yourself from being involved in a deadly accident. Slow down: Speeding may get you to your destination a little faster, but the time you make up is usually hardly worth the risk. The few minutes you shave off of your travel time could prove to be deadly if you're going too fast to be safe. Leave earlier, slow down, and take your time to get there safer. It's also a good idea to slow down further in bad weather conditions, as wet and other inclement weather could make it more difficult to stop your vehicle. Practice courteous driving: Give other drivers a heads up and signal your intentions by using a blinker every time you need to turn or change lanes. While it's true that some drivers will intentionally block you out when they see your blinker, most will make space for you if they notice your signal. When other drivers know you're making a move and can adjust for it, your turn or lane change will be safer. It's also a good idea to yield right of way whenever required, and in some cases, even when you don't have to. If other drivers seem pushy or aggressive, just let them go ahead as it often takes less time to just let others go than it does to jockey for a better position. Give yourself time to react: It's always smart to maintain a proper following distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. This will give you more time to react and slow down if there's an issue up ahead. Under normal driving conditions, you should keep at least two car lengths ahead of you. If you're driving in bad weather or following a large vehicle like an 18 wheeler, increase the distance by at least one car length. Never text and drive: Distracted driving, such as texting and driving, is practically just as bad as drunk driving. Texting, surfing the web, even looking up directions can take your eyes off of the road for precious seconds and cause you to miss seeing important things on the road: pedestrians, other vehicles, and other serious accidents just waiting to happen. Make your vehicle a distraction-free zone: set your GPS route before you head out and store your phone in the back seat or your glove box to avoid being distracted while driving. Always wear your seat belt: No matter how safe of a driver you are, there's always a chance you'll be involved in an accident. Wearing a seat belt can make the difference between life and death, and it's always a good idea to wear yours to help prevent injury and death in the event of an accident. If you're concerned about getting stuck in your seat belt, consider investing in a low cost vehicle emergency tool that can cut seat belts and break windows if you ever need it. Defensive driving doesn't offer foolproof driving safety, and even with the most careful and aware drivers, accidents can happen. But by practicing better awareness, safe driving habits, showing courtesy to other drivers, and other defensive driving techniques, you can make your next drive a safer one.

There are a ton of paint brands and products that exist under each paint line. For the sake of simplicity, we’ve broken up the paint brands by class. Keep in mind, however, that we simply categorize the products according to the brand’s standards and not to a universal standard. For instance, although Wanda by AkzoNobel is listed under “Economical Automotive Paint”, it may be superior to Dimension by Sherwin Williams. However, Wanda is considered an economical option in comparison to AkzoNobel’s other two lines, Lesonal and Sikkens. While there are several other paint options available, we’ve decided to focus on solvent-based paint products that are most often used in North America. Economical Automotive Paint Each paint brand offers their version of an economy paint line. This line usually offers efficient, quality, economical finishes. Usually consisting of simple, easy to use mixing systems, they deliver a balance between performance and price. Wanda (AkzoNobel) Wanda paint is the economical automotive paint refinish line in the AkzoNobel lineup. You may have heard of U-tech as well, but this paint is mainly used for fleets and commercial line productions. Wanda, however, has been introduced as the cost-effective option for body shops and painters. Wanda’s paint system uses a simplified approach to mixing ratios of clear, primer and 2K color and utilizes a universal hardener. These fewer components makes it easier to use and reduces inventory, therefore saving on costs. Shop-Line (PPG) Shop-Line is an efficient, quality, and economical refinish system available from PPG. The compact mixing system makes it easy to use. With a complete range of refinish products from pre-treatments to topcoats to clear coats, Shop-Line offers improved color matching with fewer coats needed. Nason (Dupont) Nason paint products are designed to go on fast and easy, while drying quickly to help improve efficiency. With Nason Ful-Base Color Mixing System, you should only need one mixing machine to product thousands of paint colors. Nason’s tagline is “Value in a Hurry” and their simplified products do just that. Limco (BASF) Limco is BASF’s economical paint solution and was engineered to provide simplicity to their user-friendly systems. The new LIMCO LP620 provides primer surfacer and sealer in one to help you put in less effort while staying productive and profitable. This product line is offers a wide range of refinishers and is focused on color matching and fast drying times. Finish 1 (Sherwin Williams) Finish 1 is Sherwin William’s value product line designed for smaller shops, over the counter sales and price conscious buyers. Finish 1 products are easy to use with the majority of product mixing ratios being 4:1. High Quality Automotive Paint The high-quality, mid-tier paint category usually consists of paint systems with a complete range of refinish products. These paint products offer superb color accuracy and ease of use, while maintaining the profitability of businesses. Lesonal (AkzoNobel) Made from AkzoNobel, the same makers of the Sikkens paint line, Lesonal is a high-quality, full mixing system. They have full color documentation and a wide variety of colors including metallics, pearls, and solids. Their full range of products enable use on a wide variety of jobs and offer perfect color matching. Omni (PPG) Omni Is a compact mixing system made from PPG. The line offers performance for cost conscious repair shops and has a complete range of products from pre-treatments to topcoats. Omni’s unique paint system can accommodate various operational and cost considerations since their system is capable of mixing topcoat qualities with a wide range of primers and clears. Cromax/Chromabase (Dupont/Axaltacs) Chromabase is part of Dupont’s (Axaltacs) Cromax product line. It is a 4:1 paint system designed to streamline the process to help promote better productivity and fewer mistakes. The paint is an easy to use two-component system that does not require reducers and offers great color and flake control. Diamont (BASF) Diamont is an R-M solvent borne basecoat system under the umbrella of the BASF company. Their paint offers efficiency and ease of use with clear economic advantages in rapid flash off times and minimum material consumption. Diamont’s covering power allows you to be more efficient while using less product to save on costs. Dimension (Sherwin Williams) Dimension Overall Refinish System is a mid-range coatings system from Sherwin Williams. This paint is ideal for facilities specializing in high volume overall repaints, and offers a complete paint system including primers, sealers, single stage colors, basecoats and clearcoats. Premium Automotive Paint Top-of-the-line, premium paint are considered the best of their brand. Delivering superior performance, these paint products are made to meet expectations in high productivity, cycle time and color match. The paint provides superior finish and is often used for cars in show rooms or other high-end jobs. Sikkens (AkzoNobel) Sikkens is the premium automotive paint product made by AkzoNobel and has partnerships with high end car makers such as McLaren to come up with new coatings for the demanding Formula 1. It provides excellent coverage, metallic control and sprayability to match OEM solid, metallic, and pearl color effects. Sikkens paint offers superior protection from the environment while ensuring optimal color match capabilities. Deltron (PPG) Deltron, made by PPG, is the best-selling refinish system in North America. It offers a full range of easy to use products and solutions that cover every conceivable need. Backed by PPG’s Paint Performance Guarantee Program, any repairs made with the Deltron System is promised to be good for as long as the customer owns the vehicle. With a range of powerful color tools, Deltron’s paint system is superb for color match and OEM alignment. Global (PPG) Also made by PPG, Global products were developed in Europe to meet the demand for a high-performance, high-solids system that delivers superior color matching for vehicles sold around the world. Global paint products are also backed by PPG’s Paint Performance Guarantee Program. Standox (Dupont) Standox is a premium paint product made by Dupont. This superior paint product is not just for any technician, but designed for those who approach refinishing as an art. Standox has been in the market for over 55 years and is used in more than 80 countries in the world who have a passion for perfection. Spies Hecker (Dupont) Another premium paint product made by Dupont is Spies Hecker. They provide refinishing solutions for the industry’s best collision repair businesses. Spies Hecker offers advanced, innovative refinishing technology solutions to ensure great color matching and very good gloss and flow. Glasurit (BASF) Glasurit is a premium automotive refinish paint system with over 100 years of outstanding quality. It stands alone as the global standard of excellence in refinish paint. Glasurit paint achieves the ultimate blend of speed, ease of use, color match and durability. This comprehensive system helps deliver perfectly matched products and processes from primer to clearcoat. Ultra 7000 (Sherwin Williams) Ultra 7000 is Sherwin Williams’s top of the line refinish paint system. This versatile solvent-bourne product line delivers premium urethane performance to customers expecting the highest in productivity, cycle time and color match.

With today’s price conscious consumers, buying an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or aftermarket car part can make a huge difference in savings, anywhere from 26 to 50 percent, according to I.I.I. But, are you getting the same quality for both parts? Will an OEM part last longer? Will the aftermarket part fit? Are you really saving money in the long run? These are all viable questions. And, when it comes to spending a few hundred dollars, you want to make sure you're getting the best bang for your buck. How do you go with the most cost effective alternative, but also make sure the car part will fit your car, and it won’t rust within a matter of years? Let’s dig in to the differences and which part might be right for you. Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Car Parts OEM car parts are made by the vehicle’s manufacturer and is the same exact part you’d get if you took your car apart. You can purchase OEM parts through car dealers, which often means you’re paying a much higher premium. However, since OEM parts are the original parts your dealer would provide, you can rest assured that they’re going to meet high quality standards and are guaranteed to fit your car. Aftermarket Car Parts Aftermarket car parts are generally made by manufacturers that did not take part in manufacturing your vehicle’s original car parts (although, they could be). Instead, aftermarket car parts are created AFTER your car rolled off the assembly line. There are different types of aftermarket parts, including parts sold by car dealers but under their own brand, independently manufactured parts, remanufactured and reconditioned parts. Since there are different types of aftermarket car parts, they all differ in quality and standards. You have high quality aftermarket car parts, which are often comparable to OEM parts. Some high quality aftermarket car parts are even vastly improved versions of OEM parts, due to companies finding faults in the original design and correcting them before producing a better product.  On the other end of the spectrum, there are lower quality aftermarket car parts, which are the ones that give “aftermarket parts” a bad reputation, are cheap to produce, and may not come close to OEM standards. There are always aftermarket car parts far in between, and it really comes down to the notion, “you get for what you pay for”. Choosing between OEM or aftermarket As you decide between OEM or aftermarket car parts, you also have to consider what type of parts you need. There is much more risk in purchasing an aftermarket bumper beam that may or may not meet crash safety tests, versus purchasing aftermarket bumper covers which mainly serve a cosmetic purpose. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, cosmetic auto body parts, such as the fender or bumper cover, do not affect the vehicle strength or safety ratings. Aftermarket issues to look out for in these cases are merely cosmetic - including fit, finish and durability. Although some bumper covers are designed to reduce shock, they do not make as huge of an impact as that of a structural bumper beam – which could mean the world of a difference in a head-on collision. Another thought to consider is how important cost is to you. By purchasing an OEM car part, you know exactly what you’re getting – the exact part that came off your car, produced by the same manufacturer. There is no guessing involved and the part is guaranteed to fit and work with your car. However, be prepared to pay a high price for these parts. OEM parts are controlled by car dealers, which means there is minimal price difference between these dealers. On the other hand, aftermarket car parts are manufactured by different companies from different countries – and, they’re all competing with one another. Aftermarket car parts, therefore, will be much cheaper than OEM parts, but will greatly vary in quality and price. You may only save 20% compared to OEM car parts but get the same quality, if not better. Or, you can save 50% compared to OEM car parts but get a car part you’ll need to weld, drill and force to fit your car. The Verdict High quality aftermarket parts are the way to go if you want to save money, while ensuring you keep your car in great condition. There is no point in paying a premium for the brand name, OEM part when you can get the same quality part at a discounted price. However, it is also not worth it to pay a very cheap price to get a part that won’t fit your car and may end up costing you much more in labor and replacement costs in the end. Aftermarket car parts are used by most body shops nationwide and are generally accepted by most insurance companies. However, make sure you review your state’s policies in regards to using aftermarket car parts. Also, know your seller or the company you’re buying from. If it’s a reputable company, chances are they’re selling quality parts and wouldn’t risk giving you low quality parts to prevent you from coming back. A trustworthy company will have good customer reviews, a reasonable return policy and offer great customer support. Don’t forget to check if they offer warranties to ensure you’re taken care of in the long run.

A few days ago, a customer walked in asking us to give him an estimate of how much it would cost to fix his 2004 Infiniti FX35 front bumper and fender. Needless to say, after we quoted him, his car is now sitting in our shop waiting for us to finish painting his Infiniti FX35 front bumper and fender. Apparently, he had gone to a few body shops around Houston and the cheapest he was able to find to replace the FX35 front bumper and fender was going to cost him about $1600 for the parts and to get them painted. So, he asked us what our price would be and we were able to save him about $800! The reason local body and paint shops or dealerships quote customers so much higher is because: Standardized labor costs - The average labor costs are $65-$95/hour, so not only are you paying for the paint but you're also paying them for painting services at an hourly rate. Paint expenses - Since most body shops repair individual cars one-by-one, they often don't order a large quantity of paint supply (thus, they pay a higher price point for paint products). Insurance quotes - Although unethical, some places will quote you based on how much they think the insurance companies will offer. So, they'll simply inflate the pricing because they know you can pay it. Here's a breakdown of our pricing vs. the one our customer received: ReveMoto.com Other Houston shop Parts cost: $507 Parts cost: $800 Paint/labor cost: $350 Paint/labor cost: $800 Total cost: $857 Total cost: $1600 Overall, our customer was able to save almost $800 (or 46%) of the lowest estimate they were quoted! We're happy to have earned his business, and we'll be posting pictures soon of how the Infiniti FX35 front end turned out! Stay posted!