ReveMoto how-to Blogs

Need to replace the side view mirror on your 2014-2019 Toyota Corolla? Whether it’s cracked, broken, or just worn out, installing a new one is easier than you think. With a few basic tools and this step-by-step guide, you can swap out your mirror quickly and get your Corolla looking like new again." Here are the tools you’ll need Phillips Screwdriver Flat Head Screwdriver /  Plastic Trim Tool 10mm Socket Wrench Pre-painted Toyota Corolla Side View Mirror from ReveMoto Shop 2014-2019 Toyota Corolla Side View Mirror Here are the steps: 1. Open the car door on the side where you’ll replace the side view mirror. 2. Remove the small cover near the door lock and the screw hiding behind it. 3. Use a flathead screwdriver or a plastic trim tool to pry off the cover around the inner door handle. There are two screws underneath—go ahead and remove them. 4. Next, carefully lift the main control panel by sliding a flathead screwdriver or trim tool under the edge. Once it’s loose, unplug the wiring harness underneath. 5. Take off the small triangular cover near the mirror. You’ll see a connector inside—disconnect it. 6. Now, gently pull the door panel away. It’s held in place with clips, so apply even pressure until it pops off. Let it hang carefully without straining any wires. 7. Locate the three 10mm bolts securing the mirror. Loosen them, but don’t remove them completely yet—the mirror could fall! 8. Hold the mirror from the outside with one hand while unplugging the wiring harness by pressing the front clip and pulling it apart. 9. With the mirror off, remove any clips from it by gently prying them off with your hands. 10. Feed the new mirror’s wiring through the opening and press the mirror into place until you hear a click. 11. Connect the mirror’s wiring plug to its corresponding connector—make sure you hear it snap securely into place. 12. Adjust the rubber weather seal around the mirror’s base, ensuring there are no gaps. Also, press the rubber pin to lock it into place. 13. Insert the 10mm bolts and hand-tighten them to secure the mirror. 14. Once they’re snug, give each bolt one final twist—but don’t overtighten them since the mirror’s mounting points are plastic. 15. Line up the door panel clips with their slots and press them in until they snap into place. 16. Insert and tighten the screw near the door lock first, then snap the small cover back into place to secure it 17. Reconnect the master switch, making sure it clicks into place, then snap it back into position. 18. Put the inner door handle back, then tighten the screw. 19. Reconnect the plug behind the small triangular cover, then return the cover until it’s flush. 20. Make a quick test to confirm if everything is working. You can check out the video here: Browse Toyota Corolla Side View Mirrors Browse Toyota Corolla Automotive Touch Up Paint

Front bumpers are the first thing you see on a car. It completes your car’s aesthetic look and gives you protection from minor accidents. ReveMoto offers quality 2014-2018 Dodge Ram 1500 front bumpers color-matched and ready to install.  Read on to learn how to replace your Dodge Ram 1500 front bumper with these steps. Tools Needed: Plastic trim removal tool or two flathead screwdrivers 8mm socket 10mm socket Ratchet (preferably a longer one) Socket wrench Socket extension (optional) Panel removal tool Drill and drill bit Rivet tool Painted Ram Front Bumper Shop Dodge Ram Front Bumper Removing the Old Bumper Open the hood to access the front bumper hardware. Remove six small bolts to remove the radiator cover. Use a panel removal tool or two flathead screwdrivers to pop the clips open. Remove the four bolts on top of the grille using a 10mm socket. Locate the tabs on each side of the grille. Apply even force and yank the grille to release the tabs. At the bottom of the grille, locate two additional tabs. If they are difficult to remove, use a flathead screwdriver to wedge them free. Move to the side of the bumper and remove the bolt near the fender liner using an 8mm socket. Below the 8mm bolt, remove two plastic clips using a panel removal tool or two flathead screwdrivers. Locate a bolt where the fender and bumper meet. Remove this bolt to push the fender liner aside. Using a 10mm socket, remove another bolt between the fender and bumper. Repeat this on the other side. Underneath the bumper, remove four 10mm bolts securing the bottom portion. Go to one side of the bumper, push down slightly, and release the side locking tabs. Repeat on the other side. Carefully remove the bumper while being mindful of attached wires. Disconnect the fog light connectors and the main wire harness. Fully remove the bumper. Remove the lower bumper valance by prying off the clips with a flathead screwdriver. Use a drill and drill bit to remove the rivets securing the lower bumper valance. Press down on the prongs to release the lower valance. Use a flathead screwdriver if needed. Remove the front grille by pulling up from the side and working your way across. Remove the parking sensors from the old bumper by pulling them out carefully. If they are difficult to remove, use a flathead screwdriver. Keep the plastic washer in place. Installing the New Bumper Lay the new bumper face-down on a padded surface to prevent scratches. Line up the prongs and install the grille onto the bumper while supporting the back. Attach the lower bumper valance, ensuring the holes are properly aligned. Secure the lower valance using a rivet tool. Rivets can be found at any auto parts store. Reinstall the parking sensors. Press firmly until they click into place. Place a piece of cardboard or cloth on the ground to protect the bumper’s finish while installing it. Reconnect the wiring harness for the fog lights and sensors. Align the bumper and start mounting it in the center before securing the sides. Check underneath to ensure that no parts are obstructing proper alignment. Reinstall the bolts that connect the bumper to the fender (removed in Steps 8 and 9). Push the fender liner back into place and reinstall the bolts and clips (removed in Steps 6 and 7). Reinstall the grille, aligning the tabs properly, and push it into place until it locks. Secure the grille by reinstalling the four 10mm bolts (removed in Step 3). Put back the radiator cover and secure it with the six small bolts. Tighten the bottom bumper bolts to secure the assembly. You’re all set! The front bumper replacement for your Dodge Ram 1500 is now complete. Here's the installation video to help you better understand how to remove, replace, and install a Dodge Ram 1500 front bumper: DISCLAIMER: While ReveMoto tries to make the information in this blog as accurate as possible, we make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of the content. No information contained in this blog shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself (DIY) projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. ReveMoto is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this blog.

Replacing the rear bumper on your 2020 Honda Civic (compatible with 2016-2021 models) is a straightforward DIY project. Follow this step-by-step guide to complete the installation quickly and efficiently. Tools Needed: T30 Torx bit Phillips screwdriver Flathead screwdriver or plastic trim removal tool Ratchet with a Phillips bit attachment Soft padding or a towel to protect the new bumper Painted Civic Rear Bumper from ReveMoto SHOP HONDA CIVIC REAR BUMPERS 2016-2021 Honda Civic: Rear Bumper Painted (Sedan) 2016-2020 Honda Civic: Rear Bumper Painted (Coupe) Step-by-Step Installation Guide Removing the Old Bumper Open the trunk and locate the two bolts securing the bumper. Use a T30 Torx bit to remove the bolts and keep them in a safe place for reinstallation. Look along the bottom of the bumper for plastic push clips. Use a flathead screwdriver to carefully pry them out. Move to the sides of the car near the rear wheel well and locate the three screws inside each fender liner. Use a Phillips screwdriver or a ratchet with a Phillips bit attachment to remove them. Gently pull the bumper cover near the wheel well to begin detaching it from the clips holding it in place. Repeat steps 4-6 on the other side. Carefully pull the bumper away from the car. If it seems stuck near the taillights, apply gentle pressure until it releases. Place the old bumper on a padded surface and inspect the mounting brackets to ensure they are intact. Transferring Accessories to the New Bumper Locate the screws securing the valence on the old bumper. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove them. Carefully pry off the valance. If using a flathead screwdriver, wrap it with something soft to prevent scratches. Locate the screws securing the reflectors and remove them. Carefully pry off the reflectors using a plastic trim removal tool or a flathead screwdriver wrapped in a soft cloth to prevent damage. Place the new bumper on a padded surface. Line up the reflectors and valance in their designated spots and press them in until you hear a click. Ensure that the prongs are properly inserted into the slots before securing them. Reinstall the screws for both the reflectors and the lower valance and double-check that everything is properly aligned before proceeding. Installing the New Bumper Position the new bumper near the car and loosely secure it with one bolt on each side to hold it in place. Check that the exhaust heat shield is positioned correctly to prevent issues later. Push the bumper into place until it clicks into the mounting brackets. Reinsert the fender liner screws and tighten them securely. Repeat steps 17-18 for the other side. Reinstall the lower push clips along the bottom of the bumper. Ensure the bumper sits flush with the vehicle’s body. Tighten the bolts inside the trunk to finalize the installation. Final Check Do a final inspection by ensuring all screws and clips are secure, reflectors and valance are properly attached, and nothing is obstructing the exhaust. Give the bumper a gentle push to check stability, then clean up your workspace and enjoy your newly installed bumper! Congratulations! You have successfully installed a new rear bumper on your 2020 Honda Civic. You can check the full installation video here: Browse Honda Civic Bumpers Browse Honda Civic Automotive Touch Up Paint

Replacing a 2007-2013 Chevy Silverado fender? Unlike standard automotive fenders that bolt directly to the frame, GMC and Chevrolet truck fenders (including Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra, Tahoe, Yukon, and Cadillac Escalade) feature a complex design with an integrated shelf. The passenger-side fender replacement is particularly challenging because three major components mount directly to it: the battery system, coolant reservoir, and air intake assembly. Ready to learn how to replace your Chevrolet Silverado fender? This DIY guide covers everything from removing the stock fender to installing a painted replacement fender. Here are the essential tools for your Silverado fender replacement: Tools Needed: 7mm, 10mm, and 13mm sockets Ratchet wrench Socket wrench extension Flathead screwdriver Phillips screwdriver Trim removal tool Automotive painter’s tape Painted Silverado Fender from ReveMoto SHOP 2007-2013 CHEVROLET SILVERADO PAINTED FENDER Driver Side Passenger Side Step-by-Step Instructions: Apply painter’s tape along the door edge to prevent scratches while removing and installing the fender. Using a 7mm socket and ratchet, remove the bolts securing the fender liner from the bottom to the top edge of the fender. Use a trim removal tool or flathead screwdriver to remove the push pins securing the fender liner. Continue removing them from the bottom to the top until the fender liner can be completely removed. Using a 10mm socket and ratchet, remove the two bolts on top of the headlight. Use a flathead screwdriver to remove the push pins securing the engine cover, then lift it off. Use a 10mm socket and ratchet to remove the four bolts securing the grille. Check for any missing fasteners before proceeding. From the inside, press down on the clip securing the grille. This will release the bracket. Pull up to remove the grille. Remove the three black trim pieces and bolts on the side of the bumper. Ensure all clips and bolts securing the pieces are completely removed before pulling them off. On the bumper end cap, remove the bolts at the top and front. Lift the headlight assembly out of place. Carefully tilt and pull the headlight forward to release it from its mounting points. Disconnect the headlight wiring harness. Using a 10mm socket with an extension and a medium-sized ratchet, remove the bolts securing the battery. There is another bolt holding down the battery that may require additional effort to access. Lift the battery out and set it aside. Remove the screw securing the intake duct using a Phillips screwdriver, then detach the intake manifold. Use a 10mm socket to remove the bolts securing the coolant reservoir, then lift it out of place. Remove the bolts on top of the battery tray. Remove the bolts securing the sides of the battery tray. Remove the bolt located at the top of the battery tray. Slide the battery tray sideways to clear space. Be mindful of any attached wiring or components that may obstruct movement. Remove the bolt securing the intake support bracket. Use a 13mm socket to remove the bolts securing the hood support bracket. Have a second person hold the hood to prevent accidental drops. Ask someone to hold the hood to prevent it from falling. Use a 10mm socket to remove the bottom fender bolt. Use a socket extension to remove the bolts securing the fender near the door hinge. Remove the front bolts securing the fender underneath the headlight area. Remove the bolts securing the fender along the hood, then carefully lift the fender off. Transfer any necessary components from the old fender to the new one. Position the new fender onto the truck, starting with the front. Insert a temporary bolt to hold the fender in place, but do not fully tighten it. Make sure the fender is properly aligned with the hood hinge before securing. Begin reassembling by reinstalling and securing the bolts underneath the headlight. Ensure everything is properly aligned. Insert the top bolts but do not fully tighten them yet. Double-check the spacing and gaps between the fender and the door before proceeding. Reinstall the hood support bracket and secure it with bolts. Reinstall the battery tray and secure it with bolts. Place the battery back onto the tray. Reconnect and secure the battery terminals by tightening the bolts. Reinstall the fender support bracket. Reinstall the intake support bracket. Place the coolant reservoir back into position and secure it with bolts. Tighten the bolts securing the intake support bracket. Underneath the hood support bracket, reinstall the two bolts. Ensure these bolts are tightened securely, as they help stabilize the hood alignment. Reinstall the intake manifold and secure it in place. Tighten all bolts that were previously left loose, including those securing the fender and hood support bracket. Snap the antenna trim edging back into place. Check the alignment of all components before proceeding. Reinstall the headlight and reconnect the wiring harness. Secure the headlight with the bolts. Test the headlights to ensure they function properly. If the headlights do not turn on, check the wiring harness connection and fuses. Reinstall the grille and align it properly. Use a 10mm socket to secure the bolts on top of the grille. Insert all push pins back into the engine cover. Reinstall the fender liner and secure it with all bolts and plastic clips. Remove the painter’s tape from the door edge. There you have it! Replacing the fender on a Chevrolet Silverado may involve a lot of steps and bolts, but it sure can be done! You can also check out the installation video:   DISCLAIMER: While ReveMoto tries to make the information in this blog as accurate as possible, we make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of the content. No information contained in this blog shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself (DIY) projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. ReveMoto is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this blog.

Side view mirrors are very important because they give drivers an extra set of eyes to keep them safe on the road. So when one or both of your side mirrors are broken, it is important to have them fixed and replaced as soon as possible.  Here at ReveMoto, we offer Nissan Altima auto body parts, including side mirrors that are guaranteed to fit, color-match, and have a lifetime warranty on the paint job. We also provide guides on how to install your side mirrors, available on our YouTube Channel and here on the blog. 🛒 GET A PAINTED SIDE VIEW MIRROR FOR YOUR 2013–2018 NISSAN ALTIMA! OEM & Aftermarket Options | Perfect Fit | Color-Matched | Lifetime Paint Warranty OEM Mirrors WITHOUT: Heat & Turn Signal → WITH: Turn Signal | WITHOUT: Heat → WITH: Turn Signal & Heat → Aftermarket Mirrors WITHOUT: Heat & Turn Signal → WITH: Turn Signal | WITHOUT: Heat → WITH: Turn Signal & Heat → Learn how you can replace your 2013 to 2018 Nissan Altima side mirror. First things first, the tools you'll need are: Flathead screwdriver Ratchet wrench 1. Using a flathead screwdriver, remove the inner door handle. Once this is removed, you will see a 10mm bolt that also needs to be removed using the 10mm ratchet wrench. 2. Remove the 10mm bolt underneath the window controller using the 10mm ratchet wrench. 3. Using your hands, remove the door handle cover and set it aside. 4. There will be one more 10mm bolt on the top of the door handle cover that needs to be removed. 5.  Pop off the door panel from the bottom, lifting and pushing it up. You have the option to remove the lower harness plug to set aside the door panel completely or you can just let it hang.  6. Remove the Altima side view mirror interior cover and unplug it from the wire harness 7. Unscrew the (3) 10mm nuts securing the side view mirror with 10mm socket wrench and remove it. 8. Insert your new Altima mirror connector plug into the car door and secure it with the 10mm nuts. 9. Check to make sure the mirror function works before installing the door panel.  10. Reinstall the door panel and re-insert the bolts removed earlier. 11. Plug in the window controller and install the door handle cover. You’re all set with your new extra eyes on the road. Drive safe!Here's a video of the installation for reference: DISCLAIMER: While ReveMoto tries to make the information in this blog as accurate as possible, we make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of the content. No information contained in this blog shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself (DIY) projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. ReveMoto is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this blog.

Is your Honda Civic side mirror damaged? Don't compromise your safety. Follow this comprehensive guide to replace your 2016-2021 Honda Civic side view mirror Required Tools for Mirror Replacement: Phillips head screwdriver 10mm socket wrench with extension Panel removal tool (or flat-head screwdriver with tape to prevent scratches) Painted Honda Civic side mirror (2016-2021 models) from ReveMoto SHOP 2016–2021 HONDA CIVIC SIDE VIEW MIRROR Shop Driver Side Shop Passenger Side Step-by-Step Honda Civic Mirror Installation Guide: 1. Open the door fully and secure your workspace. Ensure good lighting for better visibility of mirror mounting points. 2. Locate the interior door trim panel and carefully begin removal. If using a flat-head screwdriver, wrap the tip with tape to protect the panel's finish. 3. Disconnect the wiring harness from the window switch and set the panel aside. 4. Using your Phillips screwdriver, remove the single screw securing the door panel near the armrest area. Keep this screw in a secure location. 5. Starting from the lower corner, gently pull the door panel outward to release the plastic retaining clips. Work your way around until the panel is free. 6. Remove the sail panel cover (the triangular plastic trim near the A-pillar). This simply snaps off by pulling it outward. 7. Using your 10mm socket wrench, remove the three mirror assembly mounting nuts securing the side mirror to the door. 8. Locate and disconnect the mirror wiring harness. Take note of the connection orientation for easy reinstallation. 9. While supporting the exterior mirror assembly, disconnect the electrical connector. This two-handed approach prevents accidental drops and damage. 10. Before installing the new side mirror, inspect the mirror gasket condition. Ensure you're using only one properly-seated gasket to prevent water infiltration. 11. Carefully position the new mirror replacement, verifying the gasket sits flush against the mounting surface for a proper seal. 12. Reconnect the mirror wiring harness and secure the retention clip. Proper cable management prevents rattles and ensures longevity. 13. Install and tighten the three mirror mounting nuts in a star pattern for even pressure distribution. Don't overtighten. 14. Test all power mirror functions (adjustment, heating if equipped) before proceeding with reassembly. 15. Reinstall the sail panel cover, ensuring it clicks securely into place. This helps maintain proper door acoustics. 16. Carefully align and reattach the door panel, ensuring all electrical connectors are properly routed and not pinched. 17. Reinstall the mounting bolt between the panel and armrest, taking care not to overtighten. 18. Reconnect the final door panel harness and secure the interior door panel, verifying all clips are properly engaged. Your new Honda Civic side view mirror should now be properly installed and fully functional. Remember to adjust your power mirror settings before driving. You can check out the installation video on YouTube here: DISCLAIMER: While ReveMoto tries to make the information in this blog as accurate as possible, we make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of the content. No information contained in this blog shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself (DIY) projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. ReveMoto is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this blog.

A Ford F-150 side mirror replacement is straightforward but requires removing the door panel. This guide walks you through the process step by step. Required Tools: Phillips-head screwdriver Flat-head screwdriver Socket wrench set (8mm and 11mm) New Painted F-150 side mirror Shop 2011–2014 Ford F-150 Side View Mirrors Left Side Manual Folding Power Folding With Power & Reflector Right Side Manual Folding Power Folding With Power & Reflector Here are the Steps: 1. Using a flat-head screwdriver, carefully pry off the inner door handle cover to expose the bolt underneath. 2. Remove the armrest cover by inserting a flat-head screwdriver along the edge and gently lifting upward to release the clips. 3. With an 8mm socket wrench, remove the bolt that was hidden behind the door handle cover. 4. Remove the bolt in the armrest area using the same 8mm socket wrench. 5. Locate and remove the two 8mm bolts at the bottom of the door panel. 6. Gently slide the door panel upward to release the plastic tabs from the metal door frame. Start from the bottom and work your way up. 7. With the panel partially removed, locate and remove the three 11mm bolts that secure the side-view mirror to the door. 8. Remove the plastic cover that protects where the mirror base connects to the door panel. 9. Carefully disconnect the electrical wiring harness from the old mirror assembly. 10. Take your new side-view mirror and position it against the mounting points on the door. 11. Connect the electrical wiring harness to the new mirror, ensuring it clicks into place. 12. Install the three 11mm nuts by hand first, then secure them with the socket wrench. Don't overtighten. 13. Replace the inner door handle cover by snapping it back into position. 14. Carefully realign the door panel, ensuring the top edge lines up perfectly before securing the sides and bottom. 15. Reinstall all bolts: one in the door handle area, one in the armrest, and two at the panel bottom. 16. Test the mirror's functionality, including power adjustment and turn signals if equipped. Installation Complete. Double-check all connections and ensure there are no loose parts or rattling sounds.You can check out our installation video here: DISCLAIMER: While ReveMoto tries to make the information in this blog as accurate as possible, we make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of the content. No information contained in this blog shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself (DIY) projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. ReveMoto is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this blog.

The tail light replacement process for your 2017-2018 Hyundai Elantra is a straightforward DIY repair that most home mechanics can tackle. While newer and older models may have different light assemblies, this guide provides a reliable framework for most sedan models. Tools and Parts Required: 10mm socket and ratchet Rubber mallet Elantra Tail Light Shop Hyundai Elantra Taillight Step-by-Step Replacement Guide: Access and Initial Removal Begin by locating the brake light cover access points Gently remove the cover to expose the mounting hardware Keep all small parts in a safe location Disconnect Electrical Components Locate and disconnect the main electrical connector Remove two 10mm bolts securing the assembly Remove Old Tail Light If the assembly seems stuck, use your rubber mallet to carefully tap around the mounting prongs Apply gentle, even pressure to avoid damaging the tail light assembly Pull the old unit straight out once all fasteners are removed New Tail Light Installation Position the new replacement part carefully Align the mounting prongs before pushing into place Thread the electrical wiring through before fully seating the unit Secure and Connect Reconnect the electrical connector Reinstall and tighten all 10mm bolts  Final Assembly Reinstall the brake light cover Test all lighting functions before completing the job Inspect for proper alignment and secure mounting Pro Tips: Clean all mounting surfaces before installing the new unit Don't overtighten the mounting bolts Test all lighting functions: brake, turn signal, and running lights Double-check the weather sealing around the new assembly Remember: The most crucial part of this repair procedure is ensuring you've purchased the correct OEM replacement or aftermarket parts for your specific model year. Shop Hyundai Elantra Painted Parts Check out the installation video here: DISCLAIMER: While ReveMoto tries to make the information in this blog as accurate as possible, we make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of the content. No information contained in this blog shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself (DIY) projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. ReveMoto is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this blog.

We’re off to the busiest time of the year. The holidays are here bringing in a jump in business activities from deliveries to last-minute service calls. Managing a fleet or a few work trucks is extra challenging as they must be in tip-top shape to meet deadlines. Here’s a list of helpful tips to make sure your business vehicles are holiday-rush-ready. Your Fleet’s Image One of the best ways to advertise your business is through your fleet. Your vehicles are your moving advertisement, ensuring your brand is seen wherever you go. And because everyone can see it, the vehicles need to be looking sharp at all times.  Always inspect for dings and scratches. Most of these are minor damages but they can get worse over time, especially during the winter months. For parts that need replacement, pre-painted auto body parts are your best option as you can still use the vehicle while waiting for the replacement part. You can also apply a wax coat to protect from road dirt and debris. Be Winter Ready This is essential if you are located or operate in snowy climates. Maintain your tires by checking tread depth and pressure. Some states require chains during heavy snow but make sure you get what is compatible for your tires. Check your battery health, cold weather can take a toll on older batteries so make sure to test and replace if needed. Almost always forgotten are the wiper blades and washer fluid. Make sure to replace these if needed. The Essentials No matter how prepared you are, expect the unexpected. Breakdowns can happen, anytime. Be ready with emergency kits that include flashlights, jumper cables, basic tools, and a first aid kit. Keep microfiber cloths and waterless car wash spray for quick touch-ups. Ice scrapers and de-icers are a must-have.   Holiday Traffic and Challengers Traffic can be tricky, especially during the holidays. Use GPS and other fleet management tools to avoid any delays. Do visibility checks and make sure the fleet’s headlights, taillights, and mirrors are clean for maximum visibility especially when it becomes dark. Make sure drivers are comfortable by keeping heating systems in good working order for better performance.  Post-Trip Maintenance After the holiday rush, give your fleet a little TLC by making sure each vehicle goes thorough washing, removing all the dirt and grime accumulated. Repair minor damages and have routine inspections to address wear and tear.

A dented car hood can be unsightly, but it’s possible to fix your dented hood. You can choose professional repair or DIY, sometimes with paintless dent repair, a mallet, or a plunger. For a professional job, expect to pay $150 to $500 to get a dent out of a car hood. Find out how car hoods get dented, how you can prevent damage, and what it takes to fix them.

Minor bumper scratches happen all the time, whether you've accidentally backed into a pole or another driver hit your rear bumper. If you’re not bothered by minor scratches, cosmetic damage can be left alone.  But if you want to protect your vehicle's resale value and restore the original look of your car or truck, it's best to simply repair it. You can fix bumper scratches at a repair shop, but it’s easy enough to do on your own at home. Repairing Your Minor Bumper Scratch Typically, repairing a bumper scratch doesn't require a full replacement of the bumper. Small chips and scratches are usually purely cosmetic and often, only require touch-up paint to fix. You can do most bumper scratch repairs right in your own driveway. Bumper Scratch Repair at a Body Shop Is it worth it to get your bumper scratch repaired at a body shop? Though your repair may only require a few paintbrush strokes and not much more, touch-up paint is expensive and so is labor at a repair shop.  Small bumper scratch repairs will typically be at least $100 and may be as much as $500 if the damage is more extensive, even for plastic bumpers. If the shop has a backlog of work, they may need to keep your car for a few days, and you'll need a rental to get around.  At that point, it might be worth it just to get a new bumper cover. For many car owners, the expense and hassle of a simple car bumper scratch repair is just too much to take on at a body shop -- especially when you can do it yourself at home for next to nothing. Do It Yourself Bumper Scratch Repair While some car owners may feel more comfortable having a professional handle scratch repair, this is a job that you can do at home in just an hour or two. Most touch-up paint will cost about $50, saving you potentially hundreds. Find your VIN: In scratch repair, matching the paint to your vehicle is essential. Look up your VIN when ordering touch-up paint or a can of spray paint, as this will ensure that you receive the color of paint that matches your vehicle's original color. Guessing is not recommended – you want the matching shade for your vehicle’s paint code for a good match. Tape off areas that should not be painted: If you're using spray paint, some overspray can spread beyond the repair area. Be sure to use masking tape to tape off lights, chrome accents, and any other parts that should not be painted outside the damaged area. Lightly sand the damage: Sometimes, scratches can leave a bit of a groove or rough paint, so it's best to start with a bit of sandpaper to smooth it all out, even on painted plastic. Your sanding paper should be fine grit; a 400-grit paper should do it. Just be sure not to do too much, as you'll need to paint back over it, and you don't want to have to paint a large area -- this is a simple touch-up job. Fill in scratches with putty: You may find that some scratches will not sand out. If this is the case, use a scratch filling putty or rubbing compound to even out the damage and lay a smooth foundation for new paint. Be sure to give it time to harden, then sand it down until it's uniform with the rest of your bumper. Wash and dry your vehicle: Either wash your entire vehicle or simply the affected area using a surface cleaner to give the paint a clean slate to stick to. Use a wax and grease remover to prep the area for paint. You'll also need to completely wipe the area dry where you'll be painting. Washing and drying will help avoid imperfections. Apply primer: If you're painting a large surface, be sure to apply a layer of primer that will level and protect your paint and make it easier to apply the base coat. Sand the primer lightly until it feels smooth. Apply touch-up paint: You can either brush on touch-up paint or use a touch-up paint pen to fill in the area that needs repair. More extensive damage may require spray paint. Work slowly, and remember that it's always easy to add paint, but it’s not as easy to remove. Apply a layer of clear coat: If you've painted a large area, add a layer of clear coat to protect your vehicle's finish. Allow the paint to dry, then wax: Add a protective seal to your new touch-up job with a layer of vehicle wax. Of course, you should be sure to allow the paint to dry before you get started waxing. Have you successfully repaired a bumper scratch? Send us photos, and we'll share your excellent repair!

Assaults on your vehicle are unfortunately unpreventable. You can park as far away from others as you'd like, but someday, a door edge, shopping cart, or hail is likely to come into contact with your vehicle, and it may leave serious damage to automotive paint. These battle scars are more than an annoying cosmetic problem; however -- they can cause real damage to your vehicle in the form of rust.

Although a car hood removal or installation procedure would depend on the make of the car and or the severity of the damage, most cars are quite similar in the way they are built, so you could use the process outlined in this post to remove the hood of almost any car. This is a pretty straightforward job; there are only two bolts on each side that you would have to remove and it’s quite easy to do. If you don’t have a friend helping you out, you can do it by yourself, but it’s highly recommended that you have someone to assist you since the hood cap can be a bit heavy and you may need some additional hands to lift it out of the body framework. Tools you’ll need before beginning work on the hood: The two things that you are going to need throughout the process is a socket wrench along with the appropriately sized socket. Yes, that's right. You only need these two tools. If you are working alone, you will need something other than the hood support rod to hold the hood upright. A steel pole or 4x4 beam of woodwork just fine; essentially something sturdy. You will also need some towels or blankets to place on the cowl or windshield to rest the corners of the hood as you remove each side. This is especially necessary for larger and heavier steel hoods. Once you have collected all you will need, let’s dive right into it! Removing the old hood The first thing we’re going to do is to remove the hood bolts. Slowly ease the hood up in an upright position, and then use the socket wrench to carefully remove the hood bolts that are on either side of the hood. This is where you would have a friend hold the other side of the hood while you two taking off the bolts on your respective sides. If your working alone, make sure the tool you are using to hold the hood upright is safely secured. The hood bolts are always found closest to the windshield on the hood corners, unless your hood opens form the windshield to the bumper. You won’t have to worry about that unless you drive a super car or an 18-wheeler.  It’s very important that you do not remove the hood brackets attached to the frame or sometimes the fenders (on some trucks). If you remove the hood brackets, you will most definitely affect the panel alignment. Remember, were taking off just the damaged hood, so we can leave the brackets attached to the vehicle. The only exception to this is the brackets were damaged in the and accident and need to be replaced. If this is the case, there are often outlines of the original hood brackets. Just line up the new brackets as best as you can, we’ll get to adjusting the hood later on.  Be sure the hood cap is securely and safely held in position as you take the bolts off, so that it doesn’t fall on you. Also, you want to be careful that the corners of the hood do not slip and hit the windshield, cracking the windshield or chipping paint off the hood. Ideally, you would want to be holding the corners of the hood, or, if you are working alone; this is when your towels or blanket will come in handy. Once the hood cap is off, be sure to keep the bolts someplace safe so that you don’t misplace them after you’re done. Hood with a hood strut: But what if your car has a hood strut? Things are slightly different when you are working with a hood strut, but it’s quite easy. Since the struts are attached to the original hood with a clip, you would first have to slide the clip outward using a flat-head screwdriver. Simply pry the clip off by wedging the flat end of the screwdriver between the clip and the struts ball joint. Do not fully remove the clip, once they are loose on both ends of the strut, you can pull the strut out. If you do remove the clips, they are very hard to put back in place, it’s ideal to not remove them. Installing the new hood Preparing the new hood: If it’s a new painted hood cap, like all other parts, remove the panel carefully from its box and examine it thoroughly for any damage that might have transpired during transit. After this, it’s time to bolt the hood onto the car. Hopefully, you left your bolts in a very secure place and they’re not lost. While this job could be handled by one person alone, it will be a lot easier to have a friend assist you; it makes the job a lot quicker.  As we mentioned before, hold the corner on the bottom of the hood with one of your hands and rest the hood on your shoulder to give it support as you hand-tighten the hood bolts. Or place towels where you will be setting the corner of the hood down.  Once one side is bolted on, move to the other side and use the same process to tighten the bolts. And this is an important bit; check the alignment before you securely fasten the bolts. Checking the alignment is simple, the best practice is easing the hood closed. After you’re sure that alignment is perfect, you can go ahead and tighten the bolts firmly with the socket wrench. It’s best to check first while the bolts are still loose allowing for easy adjustments, instead of removing already tensed bolts. Adjustments: With the new hood now closed, the first sign of perfect or misaligned hood will be the spacing between adjacent parts, the fenders and front bumper cover. Remember, you’re only checking for incorrect or uneven spacing. You could adjust the hood by shifting it depending on the offset. One of the best ways check the spacing is by running your fingers through the seam; ideally there should be correct spacing. So, if your finger gets pinched or goes into the seam in some parts and not others, you know the alignment is off. How do you adjust the offset? The hoods bolts are almost always in a vertical position. When you loosen the hood bolts to the misaligned side, this will allow you to move the hood back and forth. Or, closer to the front bumper cover or closer to the windshield. So, If the spacing is tight on the driver’s side front bumper and fender, just loosen the bolts and shift the hood the towards the passenger side fender.   The Recap: Getting a nice, equal spacing is quick and easy, that is, if there wasn’t a big accident. Major collisions will require a body shop to pull your frame in order to fit all the parts on your car. A frame pull requires a special machine as well as all brand new or undamaged parts for perfect alignment. If you you’re just working on a hood that was in a small accident, this job is literally taking off four bolts total. That’s it, easy-peasy. You’re done! Well, after following all these steps, your new hood should be looking as good as the day you bought your sweet ride! Written by, Lipsa Das

It's summer time, and that means hail storms are more likely to form. With them, they can bring damaging hail stones that can hit the ground going as fast as 90 miles per hour. And while many vehicles survive hail storms without any notable damage, some storms are just too tough for vehicles to manage, leaving serious damage in their wake. Find out common problems caused by hail damage -- and what you can do to fix them. Problems Caused by Hail Damage Hail stones, if they hit your vehicle hard enough in the right places, can leave marks, sometimes even deep pits in your vehicle's exterior. On some vehicles, pitting is purely cosmetic and will not require any repair (unless, of course, you want to make your vehicle look better). But on other vehicles, the pitting can be so deep and damaging that it can lead to further problems. If dents and dings from the hail are deep enough to cause paint damage or even reach bare metal, you could have a serious problem. With paint imperfections and exposed metal, your vehicle is much more likely to rust, and you'll need to take care of it right away. Professional Hail Damage Repair After a big hail storm, it's usually easy to get help repairing hail damage on your vehicle. Often, specialists will send in technicians that can quickly work through hail cases. Of course, the repair will depend on the extent of damage your vehicle has received from the hail. For most hail damage, paintless dent repair will be adequate. This is also known as or referred to as PDR, paintless dent removal. This repair will access the dent from the back side of the panel and reshape it back into its original condition. Most PDR repairs can be performed outside of the body shop, and often, technicians can come to your home or work to take care of it. Typically, this service costs about $75 to $150 depending on the extent of damage and the technician. Serious hail damage including paint damage or other issues may require a body shop if you want to have it professionally repaired. This may include repairing the metal and professionally repainting the damaged area. The cost to repair serious hail dents can range from a few hundred dollars to more than $5,000. Should You Use Insurance for Hail Damage? If you have comprehensive insurance coverage on your vehicle, you're likely to be covered for hail damage. However, keep in mind you'll still need to pay your deductible amount, and sometimes, the cost of hail damage can be less than what you'd pay for the deductible anyway. This is often the case with minor hail damage. However, major hail damage including deep pitting and/or paint damage may be worth filing an insurance claim for. If you file a claim on your insurance for hail, you can rest easy knowing that typically, your rates won't go up after this type of claim. Usually, claims for damages from natural events are not factored into your risk assessment because they are out of your control. However, keep in mind that a hail claim will be added to the total number of claims placed against your policy, and if you have several other claims in addition tot he hail claim, that can have an effect on your rates. Repairing Hail Damage Yourself Vehicles that have suffered only cosmetic pitting can often be repaired with paintless dent solutions. These include car dent repair kits and even methods including dry ice. Hail damage that has reached the paint can be protected with touch up paint. Applying touch up paint to your vehicle's hail damage will help to protect against rust, and of course, help bring your vehicle's paint job back to its original look. For more extensive damage, it may be necessary to replace the entire part or panel. Fortunately, some of the parts of a vehicle that are most easily damaged by hail are also the easiest to replace. These include the hood, as well as the fender and bumper -- which are often damaged because they are designed to take an impact with damage. Preventing Hail Damage The best way to repair hail damage is to never get it in the first place. And while it's not always possible to completely shelter your vehicle, it's a good idea to do so whenever you have the opportunity. Park in a garage if you have one available, or consider covering it with a custom fit car cover. When you're out, look for parking spots under trees, canopies, parking garages, and other shelters that can protect your vehicle's finish from the elements.