How Much Do You Know About Driving In Icy Conditions?

From the most seasoned driver in St. Peters, Missouri to the individual who just relocated to St. Peters, St. Charles, O'Fallon, or Lake St. Louis, Missouri from down south, every motorist should become aware of the risks involved in winter travel. St. Peters, Missouri auto body shops including Jungerman CARSTAR see cars roll into their garage each winter from drivers who felt that they didn't need to be concerned about slippery road hazards. If you don't wish to be among those unlucky people, read this article to find out exactly what you need to know.

Why would I read through this if I have already got experience in winter driving?

You'd think that having experience would be helpful for winter driving, and to an extent you'd be right. However, the difficulty that accompanies that is the fact that motorists who possess lots of experience on icy roads frequently get into auto body accidents due to their overconfidence. If we were to be entirely honest with ourselves, we'd recognize that there isn't a person on the road who has the skill level needed to drive at highway speeds on roads when ice is present. Nobody has the reflexes and quick brain necessary to recover once you start fishtailing at high speeds. Thus, it's extremely important that every driver get ready for winter weather not merely by practicing winter driving at slow speeds, but also by driving slow in general.

Aren’t good tires everything you need to drive safely on winter roads?

Again, this is one of those half-truths that can land you in a Jungerman CARSTAR auto body shop quicker than you know it. Having good tires with a sufficient amount of tread will help you out there. Nevertheless, you should never be lulled into a false feeling of security by good tires. While good tires could get you up and going in snowy conditions, your snow tires will not do you a lick of good once all the snow is compacted into ice. Once again, good tires may do a lot to help you, but they are not the be-all, end-all of wintertime driving safety.

Won’t I have the capacity to get ready for ice as I notice it coming?

This would be a good strategy, but the issue is that you often can't see ice coming. “Black ice” is an expression used to describe ice that blends into the asphalt so well that you can barely see it at all, no matter how close you are to it or exactly how well you are concentrating. Most wintertime driving auto body accidents don't happen when there's a very visible layer of snow covering the whole road. The genuinely dangerous stuff is the ice that you can't see until you have already lost control of your car. Do not wait until it's too late to drive like you are on dangerous winter roads. Take the appropriate precautions with every push of the gas pedal.

So all I need to do is decelerate and I am going to avoid a crash on snow or ice?

That statement isn't wholly true either. Without a doubt, one of the safety measures that we all should take on winter roads is to decelerate to a decent speed given the conditions that we are being confronted with. However, that's only one precaution of many. The truth is, anyone who is traveling too quickly in snow or ice is at far more risk of crashing than people who are not. Most data really points to the fact that lots of motorists who get into automobile accidents were going at a fairly reasonable speed. What usually happens is that a motorist going at what they believe to be a safe speed drops their guard, strikes a spot of black ice, and gets into an auto body collision before they can even understand what happened. The moral of this story is that you should not think that driving relatively slowly ensures that you are immune from sliding on the ice.

What should change about my driving habits to get ready for winter driving?

Naturally, you need to slow down. Obviously, you have to have good tires. These are things that we have already covered. Additionally, be careful out there. Do not make quick lane changes or fast turns. Allow a lot of space between you and the car before you. Always be attentive and on the lookout for obvious ice and snow on the road. Exercise a little common sense and do not forget that no time saved will be worth the loss of your life or anybody else’s as a result of a wintertime auto body accident.

What speed would be safe for driving in winter driving conditions?

The speed that you should be driving will depend on the particular conditions that you find yourself in. A variety of factors should affect your speed including the quantity of ice and snow, if there are any curves, the sharpness of said curves, the incline of any hills, the quantity of traffic, and your own comfort level. If you are on the open interstate with no hills or other traffic, you may find forty miles per hour to be a reasonable speed. If you incorporate any of the factors above into the mix, you probably should reduce your speed even more.

Even with all these precautions, you can't ever be completely safe on the road if you're dealing with something as dangerous as black ice. Truly, the best thing that can be done is to hold back until the weather goes away if you see any freezing rain in the forecast before heading out. However, this is not always practical in every situation. For anybody living in St. Peters, St. Charles, O'Fallon, or Lake St. Louis, Missouri, you'll have to drive in icy weather conditions at some time. The smartest thing that you can do is just be prepared. One way to be prepared is to choose an auto body shop in advance so you do not need to make a quick decision if and when you get into a wreck. Give consideration to Jungerman CARSTAR in St. Peters, Missouri. They have a lot of experience fixing vehicles which have been damaged by the rough roads of winter.

Is Your Car Winter-Ready?

If you recently moved to the St. Peters, Missouri area from down south, or you are a younger driver, you almost certainly do not have lots of experience traveling in the snow. Winter driving isn't something that you ought to take on without the proper knowledge, both on how to drive and the way to prepare. However, even if you're a veteran motorist in St. Peters, St. Charles, O'Fallon, or Lake St. Louis, Missouri, your car should be prepared for the dangerous winter roads every single year. It’s not enough to understand that you need to brake sooner or pulse them, be sure that your whole vehicle is winterized and ready to go. To achieve this, Jungerman CARSTAR in St. Peters, Missouri has put together this checklist to ensure that your car is snow-ready!

Obviously, your brakes are specifically important when you are driving on roads that may have snow, ice, or that slushy half-snow stuff. If you think that your brakes might be malfunctioning for any reason, get them checked by a dependable auto body repair mechanic as soon as possible. Ensure that you know whether your brakes are anti-lock or not. If they are anti-lock, utilize your braking system normally if you are feeling the car beginning to slide. If you do not have anti-lock, tap your brakes instead of holding them down. It goes contrary to what you will really want to do, but it is the best way to regain control over your vehicle.

Check your tires to make certain that you'll receive the grip that you need to have from them. To do this, you do not have to get a complicated gauge to tell you if your tires do not have adequate tread. You just need a penny. Just stick the penny in the tread in several different locations on the tire. Make sure that Lincoln’s head is going in the direction of the tire. If Lincoln’s head touches the tire, your tires have sufficient tread. If the top of Lincoln’s head doesn't touch the tire, you need to get better tires.

Naturally, you will need to have a functioning heater and defroster system. This isn't simply for your own comfort and ease though. If the front and rear defrosters aren't working, you will need to take your motor vehicle to an auto body shop so that you can have maximum visibility on winter roads.

Many men and women neglect that batteries are an important part of preparing your vehicle for winter. The connection to the battery ought to be clean, tightly affixed to the battery, and devoid of corrosion. Be certain that the mounting on the battery is properly secured. Most batteries that are 3 years old or over ought to be tested to ascertain if you have to have it replaced.

The best thing that you can do to arrange your vehicle for winter is to take it to a reliable St. Peters, Missouri mechanic and ask them to look at things such as the hoses, belts, anti-freeze, and exhaust system. If your hoses or belts are weak, the cold conditions could affect them and leave you stranded. Having inadequate anti-freeze will damage your cooling system after extensive use. If your exhaust system has leakages in it, dangerous carbon monoxide gas could get into the cab of the car. Specifically if you get stranded someplace and you want to run the heater to remain warm, this can be incredibly dangerous. As a side note for if you're stranded, ensure that a window is cracked and your tail pipe is free of snow and ice to provide the carbon monoxide gas someplace to go.

Be sure that you have sufficient washer fluid as well. Winter driving is characterized by lots of that slushy, muddy stuff. Washer fluid boosts your visibility, which is always a good thing.

You might have noticed how vendors carry specialized rubber-coated windshield wiper blades that are particularly made for snowy weather conditions. Regardless of how good of shape your windshield wipers are in, consider buying these snow-blades. They're perfect for handling the additional weight of snow that they'll have to handle.

Lastly, keep adequate gas in your vehicle's gas tank. The general rule is to not have less than half of a tank at any time. Definitely, that depends on your specific automobile, but following this rule can help you make certain that your fuel lines don't freeze.

Jungerman CARSTAR in St. Peters, MO see a lot of vehicles that were not ready for winter come through their auto body repair shop. I hope this information has offered you an idea of how to prepare your vehicle for the hazardous conditions of winter. Still, it's a given that even the most seasoned seasonal driver with the most well-prepared vehicle can wind up in an auto body accident in St. Peters, MO. If that is how it is for you, I really hope you'll think about going to Jungerman CARSTAR.

Driving Tips You Should Hold Deer

You'd be shocked at what number of cars find themselves in a car body shop at this time of the year because of a deer prancing out in the street. Even in towns such as St. Peters, St. Charles, O'Fallon, and Lake St. Louis, Missouri, deer can find their way in front of your windshield. This is principally the consequence of the latest growth in the population of deer. More deer have found their way into more and more urban regions as a result of the climb in population. The National Safety Council reported that in 2003 there were 530,000 animal-related accidents that resulted in a hundred deaths and ten thousand injuries. This is an important issue in the St. Peters, Missouri area.

That’s the reason why Jungerman CARSTAR in St. Peters, Missouri has made this set of tips for you. There are ways to stay safe during the especially dangerous autumn months. Take some time and read these guidelines and you will not be sorry you did in the future.

Of course, you should always be attentive when you're on the road. Still, it is particularly important to watch for deer from sunset to midnight and from two hours prior to sunrise to sunrise. Be wary in deer crossing areas and anywhere that farmland meets wooded land.

As you have most likely noticed, primetime for deer is when it is dark outside. Thus, it is vital that you don't forget to utilize your high beam headlights whenever you don't have any oncoming traffic. But if there are vehicles oncoming, don't have your headlights on. Really, no one likes the guy who won’t switch his high beams off. Don’t be that guy.

If you notice a deer on the road, brake solidly but don’t swerve. Consider this, the possibility of hitting another automobile which is oncoming is notably worse than the possibility of hitting a deer. If you are traveling at sixty miles an hour and the other car is flying at 60 miles an hour, the auto accident will be the same as a 120 mile per hour collision. That doesn’t even count for the increased danger to the other car’s driver and passengers.

Don’t forget to buckle your seatbelt. That's the best way to avoid injuring yourself with regards to deer collisions. Believe it or not, windshields can be extremely painful when you strike them hard enough with your head. It may be a hassle, but it's well worth it for the extra measure of safety that it provides.

Deer are out there in droves at this time of year and it’s your task as a driver to stay away from them. Be alert and expect the unexpected. Put the cellular phone away and keep your eyes on the road. With some common sense you can severely raise your chances of keeping your car’s auto body undamaged. Nevertheless, if you get into an auto body crash in St. Peters, MO or the surrounding communities, consider taking your car to Jungerman CARSTAR. We have got the experience you want with dents and other auto body damage as a result of deer collisions.

Avoiding Dent Repair By Not Getting Dents

It seems simple, doesn’t it? If you reside in St. Peters, St. Charles, O'Fallon, or Lake St. Louis, Missouri and do not want to have to go to Jungerman CARSTAR or any other auto body shop, the greatest thing that can be done is to not get the car dented to start with. Of course, that’s a lot easier said than done.

If you'd like to keep your vehicle looking shiny and free of dents, pay close attention to these important tips on how to avoid denting your automobile. They are easy, they are simple, and they can save you a huge headache in the future.

The very first thing to do to avoid denting your car is to avoid taking it out. This may not sound very appealing or practical, and for a few people it really isn’t. However, do not feel like you have to hop in the car each and every time you go anywhere. Check out options like walking or biking if you're concerned about your health. Consider carpooling or using the bus if you are concerned about the environment. Again, these aren’t always practical for every situation, but we should get out of the mindset that cars are the only way to get around.

This next tip is probably my personal favorite: do not park close to other people if you don't have to. It is that easy. At Jungerman CARSTAR, a great number of the St. Peters, MO dent repair customers that we witness may have avoided all their trouble with this one tip. The next time you visit Walmart, don’t go with the absolutely closest spot to the door. Park just five or six spots down from all the others and much of your vehicle dent problems will vanish. People just do not consider to do this because we're programmed to take the nearest spot possible. But if you think it over, isn’t it really worth those ten extra steps to protect yourself from a potentially pricey auto body repair bill.

Remember how I said that the last tip was my favorite? Well this one may well be my least favorite. A very important thing you can do in heavily urban areas such as the Metro East St. Louis area is to parallel park when you can. It’s pretty funny to think about since the majority of people really associate parallel parking with dent damage. However, parallel parking eliminates any potential for your vehicle being dented from an adjacent vehicle. You still run the risk of being dented on the forward or rear bumper, but they can take a hit much easier than your driver’s side door can.

This next one will demand a little more attention to detail: take note of the kind of automobile you are parking near to. Some may well be more harmful for your automobile than others. For example, it should come as no surprise that motorcycles are the absolute best automobile to park next to. They cannot swing open a door and scratch your automobile. In the same way, minivans have sliding doors which will not be a problem for you. Do remember that the front doors won't be sliding, so there will continue to be some threat. Two-door cars means half the risk of a four-door vehicle. Compacts have doors which are lighter and smaller. You should have less to be concerned about from them when compared to a massive truck or SUV.

Though it might seem like a good means of avoiding auto body damage, do not double-park. Really, don’t be that guy. You will not only be a really disliked person, but you will also open yourself up to getting your car key-ed or otherwise defaced.

Getting dents in your car aren't just an inevitable part of owning an automobile. Not every auto body accident and dent damage can be avoided, but each and every auto accident and dent has the capacity to decrease the value and appearance of your vehicle. If your car does have dent damage, get it repaired quickly to protect yourself from problems later on. Start thinking about going to Jungerman CARSTAR in St. Peters, Missouri. They know how to get your vehicle in good working order and looking better than ever.

Choosing A Collision Center BEFORE Your Next Auto Accident

There are plenty of factors to think about prior to selecting an auto body shop that will be what you need. We hope you had the forethought to decide that it is time to choose an auto body shop before a big dent showed up in your car body. Either way, Jungerman CARSTAR in St. Peters, MO wants you to learn these key facts before you decide to weigh through the countless collision repair options in the St. Peters, St. Charles, O'Fallon, and Lake St. Louis, Missouri area.

• You do not have to take your automobile to an auto body shop simply because your insurance company said to. As the proprietor of the vehicle, you can select which auto body shop will do the best work for your needs.
• After you are in a crash, make use of sound judgment in deciding whether or not it may be unsafe to drive. It’s far better to call a tow truck then to put you and your loved ones in jeopardy!
• It’s not uncommon for two different auto body shops to have two different estimates on the same work. However, it’s important that you don’t instantly go with whichever shop is the cheapest. Oftentimes, a lower estimate may not include all needed work. If you’re not sure why one auto body work estimator differs from another you’ve gotten, please consult one of us at Jungerman CARSTAR.
• A couple insurance companies might want you to go to a claims center prior to getting your vehicle repaired. You might also leave your motor vehicle at our shop and ask the insurance provider to examine the car here.
• You cannot understate the necessity of selecting an auto body shop that has some credentialed education for its staff. Choose an auto body shop which has I-Car certified technicians.
• If you believe that you're able to do the repair by yourself, but you are not entirely sure, do not make the error of simply diving into it. You could very well wind up doing more damage to it than good. After all, your automobile is the second-largest investment you'll make. Get it fixed by professionals to preserve its value.
• Missouri state law does not require the people of St. Peters, St. Charles, O'Fallon, or Lake St. Louis, Missouri to get more than a single appraisal or estimate. However, it is usually a smart idea to look around a little bit before you make a decision if you haven’t chosen a collision center beforehand. If you did select a shop before the collision took place, know that you do not have to look elsewhere for auto body repair if you do not want to.
• Ask if the auto body shop supplies a written lifetime warranty.
• Be sure that your chosen auto body shop will work with your insurance claim before you take your automobile to them for repair.

It’s easy to see that picking out an auto body shop is no laughing matter. Be smart and make your decision according to these tips and good judgment. As you look, consider going to Jungerman CARSTAR. They would be happy to show you more about how to get you back on the road after your next auto accident.

How to Choose the Right Auto Body Shop

As a vehicle owner, the likelihood of requiring the services of a collision repair and refinishing facility are greater than you might think. Whether it's from storm damage, rust and corrosion, acid rain and harsh sunlight, or a car accident outright, the risks are real. It's wise, then, to know just how to pick an auto body shop.

Many times when people are taking part in an accident they think "the insurance company will deal with it for me.'' The fact is, it's your duty to select who will do the repairs for you. This isn't a choice which should be taken lightly, as it can involve protecting a major investment. That is why Jungerman CARSTAR has put together this list of tips for you as you determine which auto body shop can meet your needs. They have years of experience dealing with all kinds of vehicles in St. Charles, O'Fallon, Lake St. Louis, and St. Peters, Missouri.

Preliminaries

• Begin looking for an auto body shop before you need one; you can make better decisions when you're not rushed or in a panic.
• Ask friends and associates for their recommendations. Even in this high-tech era, old-fashioned word-of-mouth reputation is still valuable.
• Check with the local consumer organization regarding the reputation of the facility involved. Ask about the number of complaints were lodged against them, if any, and find out how the complaints were fixed.
• Always try to visit the auto body shop before making the decision on who will repair the car.

At the Shop

• Ask if the auto body shop typically handles your vehicle make and model. Ask just how long the auto body shop has been in business.
• Choose a neat, well-organized facility with modern equipment. Many vehicle manufacturers suggest specific auto body repair procedures and equipment for the repair of their vehicles. Ensure that the facility you choose is familiarized with these techniques and has the proper equipment.
• Professionally run facilities will have a courteous, helpful staff able to answer all your questions.
• Try to find signs of professionalism in the customer service area: civic and community service awards, membership in the Better Business Bureau, customer service awards.
• Many times you can see the vehicles being repaired by the auto body shop. Are you impressed by the type of vehicles the company is fixing and the way the vehicles are being taken care of?
• Also search for signals that the staff is technically competent, such as trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced course work training from I-CAR.
• All policies, guarantees, and methods of payment ought to be posted or discussed to your satisfaction.

Being alert and attentive when you go to an auto body shop will tell you a lot about what to expect from your auto body repair. If you would like an estimate or have questions about auto body repair, feel free to contact Jungerman CARSTAR in St. Peters, MO.

Five Maintenance Procedures Your Car Cannot Do Without

People tend to hop into their cars without thinking about all of the things that could be going wrong under the hood. However, you can’t understate the importance of keeping your car in tip-top shape. Jungerman CARSTAR in St. Peters, Missouri, as top quality auto repair professionals, want you to know about these five auto service items you should certainly not skip.

Oil Changes

Oil is the lifeblood of a healthy car. Most people know that they have to change the oil every 3,000 miles, but don’t forget that you should also examine your oil level every 1,000 miles just to make sure that everything is as it should be.

Keep the oil changed. It is the easiest thing to overlook and ignore but the most crucial thing anybody can do. We at Jungerman CARSTAR see a lot of worn engine parts due to the lack of oil changes.

Tire Maintenance

Correctly maintained tires enhance your vehicle's steering, stopping, and traction. Tire pressure ought to be set to the manufacturer’s specifications, which usually can be found in the owners' manual, on a sticker inside fuel filler door, or on the door well of the driver's side door.

It’s imperative that you keep your tires inflated to the pressure that's recommended by the manufacturer of the vehicle. Proper inflation keeps your tires wearing properly. Over- or under-inflated wears tires out faster, can adversely affect fuel consumption, and present a safety hazard. Get your tires rotated and balanced each 6,000-8,000 miles and get the alignment checked once a year to make sure there are not suspension problems.

Fluids

Checking the other fluids in your vehicle is also very important. Of course, we have already covered how you need to have the oil changed regularly. When you do that, also check all of the fluids including the transmission fluid, brake fluid, and coolant. Flush the transmission fluid around every 50,000 miles.

Brake Check

A brake inspection ought to be part of your vehicle’s ongoing regular maintenance to guarantee safety and reliability. Have your brakes examined at least once per year or more frequently if you experience grinding, vibrations, or shaking when you brake. Regardless of the car, brakes usually need to be replaced every 20,000-30,000 miles.

Scheduled Maintenance

Failure to adhere to the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule can result in loss of warranty coverage, breakdowns, poor fuel economy, and an increased cost of ownership in the long run. Having an authorized professional examine your automobile according to these schedules is an opportunity to catch issues before they get you stuck or turn into larger repairs.

Build a connection with an auto body shop. Jumping from shop to shop might save a few dollars on particular jobs, but ultimately the only one who will have any responsibility for the shape of the car will be you. Having a reputable auto body shop you trust means you having somebody looking under the hood for any potential problems on a regular basis. A good auto mechanic, who is familiar with your needs, your expectations, and your car, will help you get the most from your vehicle.

If you live in St. Peters, St. Charles, O'Fallon, or Lake St. Louis, Missouri and don't already have a regular auto body mechanic, consider taking your vehicle to Jungerman CARSTAR. They help countless drivers like you keep their automobiles in top performance shape.

Avoiding Staged Auto Body Claims

Staged auto body accidents are building in number, endangering the lives and boosting the car insurance rates of innocent drivers who may unwittingly think they are at fault. Questionable claims from staged accidents increased 46.3 percent from 2007 through 2009, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, or NICB, a nonprofit agency in Des Plaines, Illinois, funded by 1,100 property and casualty insurance providers nationwide to fight auto insurance fraud and automobile theft. Here are some tips from Jungerman CARSTAR in St. Peters, MO based upon information from the NICB. If you have an auto body accident in St. Charles, O'Fallon, Lake St. Louis, and St. Peters, Missouri, you will be glad that you were prepared with this important auto body repair information.

Auto insurance fraud added $4.8 billion to $6.8 billion to auto injury claim payments in 2007, based on the Insurance Research Council's November 2008 study "Fraud and Buildup in Auto Injury Insurance Claims: 2008 Edition." NICB investigations in Florida, New York, and California uncovered sophisticated, multistate rings that included the staged accident participants and doctors, chiropractors, lawyers, and even auto body shop owners that benefited from the car insurance scam.

Multiple claims for a single accident

One common element runs though the majority of staged accidents. The "victim" vehicle will contain three to four passengers who will file medical claims against the victim's auto insurance company in addition to a car damage claim. Stagers often target younger ladies and older adult drivers as they enter or exit a shopping mall or parking garage. If you're talking on a mobile phone or appear otherwise distracted while driving, you are a perfect mark.

There will be someone sitting there at the curb and you pull up and they'll wave you on by. The next thing you know, you are getting blocked and then getting clobbered. Don't always assume that it was an accident; it may well have been deliberate.

Avoiding a staged accident

Here are six tips from Jungerman CARSTAR on how to avoid becoming a victim of a staged accident:

• Avoid tailgating. Recognize the "swoop and squat" situation in which a motorist suddenly swoops in front of you then slams on his or her brakes, and leave plenty of distance between you and the vehicle in front of you in case the driver slams on his brakes.
• Call the cops even if damage is minimal. A St. Peters, MO police report will make it harder for a stager to intentionally damage his or her car later to collect a bigger claim against your car insurance company.
• Grab a camera or use your cell phone to photograph everything and everyone at the scene. Pay extra attention to the number of people in the other car and the damage to both vehicles.
• Be wary of passers-by who just happen to arrive on the scene, especially if they offer to direct you to a doctor, attorney, or tow-truck company. They may be part of the scam.
• Avoid tow-truck drivers that you did not call. They are often part of this car insurance con.
• Be wary of physicians who insist that you file a personal injury claim following an accident, particularly if you aren't hurt.

Although auto body fraud is a very real concern, many auto body accidents are nothing more than accidents. In either case, consider taking your vehicle to Jungerman CARSTAR, which serves the people of St. Charles, O'Fallon, Lake St. Louis, and St. Peters, Missouri.

Finding The Best Place For Auto Body Repair

If you’ve been in a car accident, it is important to know that auto body shops only sometimes have your interests in mind. Unfortunately, some auto body shops will routinely downplay claims, minimize auto repair costs, use cheap parts, or even neglect to fully repair problems. These practices can devalue your automobile and give you even worse problems later on.

Here are a few basic principles from Jungerman CARSTAR in St. Peters, MO on things to look for when picking an auto body shop, as well as tips on how to be an active participant in your car’s auto body repair to ensure that it comes out looking fantastic and costing you only what is necessary.

Research Before You Repair

Angieslist.com, Yelp.com, and Google reviews are useful sources to get a feeling of an auto body shop’s quality according to customer reviews, but take the online reviews with a grain of salt. You will want to concentrate on well-written, thought out reviews – not nasty one-liners, because even the best businesses can end up with an unhappy customer every now and then. You might also manage to find discussion forums specific to your vehicle’s make and model where forum members can recommend good auto body shops in your area.

Choose an Auto Body Shop with a Warranty

Some auto body shops offer their own independent warranties on their repairs for fit, finish, functionality, and overall quality. Ask to see their warranty and ask some questions about it prior to agreeing to do business with a given auto body shop and make sure it doesn’t have a time frame. A good auto body shop will provide a lifetime warranty. Jungerman CARSTAR offers such a warranty for the people of St. Peters, St. Charles, O'Fallon, and Lake St. Louis, Missouri.

Keep Your Existing Manufacturer Warranties Intact

Ask your selected auto body shop if any mechanical repairs will nullify or alter any existing warranties you may have on your new or recently purchased automobile. Factory warranties on engines and accessories might be compromised if your car needs mechanical repairs following a collision, so be certain your car’s factory warranty is not being compromised with aftermarket parts, or repairs that otherwise aren’t manufacturer-approved.

If your insurer is trying to “mandate” aftermarket or used parts that will void your factory warranty, demand that the insurer give you a written warranty identical to your factory warranty. Nine times out of ten they’ll just pay for original parts, rather than giving you the runaround.

Get More Than One Estimate

It’s best to get quotes from a number of different auto body shops. After the initial estimate, show their estimate to the second shop and the third shop, and ask how they compare with the first auto body shop’s quote. You might find that one or the other is skipping over some important items. Do not merely compare the final estimated cost, because one auto body shop might be quoting for a completely different method of repair than the other. You will want an auto body shop that's both thorough and friendly.

Do Not Be Willing To Settle

Do not settle for anything less than totally new factory-original parts for your vehicle, and be sure to let the auto body shop know it. Of course, there are some jurisdictions where auto body shops can opt to utilize aftermarket or used parts, but those are generally not the way to go. Look at the work closely to make sure that your vehicle was restored to original condition by the parts used, or you have the right to ask for new parts. The shop managers should have no doubt that you are not willing to settle and that you want nothing but top-quality work. If you do not tell them that you won’t settle, there might be shoddy work done on your vehicle. That is why you need to look for qualities like thoroughness and friendliness in every auto body shop you consider.

Make Sure Everything Is Written Down

It used to be that you could trust people to live up to their word. Sadly, that’s just not the case anymore. There are key phrases that insurance adjusters and auto body shop people like to throw around like “totally cover the rental car,” “restore your vehicle to pre-accident condition,” and even “pay for everything.” Those words sound really great, but you will want to make sure that those kinds of things are all in writing. If you are talking to an insurance adjuster over the phone, follow up with an email so that you have a written record of what was promised by all parties involved. That will also make sure that everything is clear for everyone so all parties are on the same page. If you end up having to appeal a decision or call someone out for a broken promise, you will be glad that you got it all in writing.

These are only a few of the precautions that you ought to take when it comes to your next car repair. After all, your vehicle is the second-largest investment you'll make after your home, why not make sure that it is fixed right? If you have any more questions regarding auto body repair or would like an estimate, contact Jungerman CARSTAR in St. Peters, MO to get the answers you need.

Auto Body Repair Basics For Your Next Collision

Automobile accidents are a regrettable fact of life for lots of people in St. Peters, St. Charles, O'Fallon, and Lake St. Louis, Missouri. With scores of drivers on the road each day, a lot of them distracted by telephone calls, messy burritos, bad weather, or lack of sleep, accidents are inevitable. Thankfully, most of these accidents are relatively minor and no one gets hurt.

But a small accident can seriously damage the outside of your car. Areas such as the fenders and doors are especially prone to damage.

While it's generally the insurance company's job to get the car patched up and back on the road when this happens, there are a few things you should know to ensure that your vehicle is properly fixed. Here’s some of the top auto body repair tips from the collision professionals, Jungerman CARSTAR in St. Peters, MO.

1. You can pick the auto body shop

It is true that your insurance provider could refer you to an auto body shop that they like. However, do not forget that you have the right to ultimately decide on where your vehicle is taken for its repair. You can’t really demonize auto body shops that the insurance provider recommends because most are really fine shops. There are a couple of bad ones out there that might do shoddy work. Those kinds of shops will reach out to the insurance people by promising to cut costs, but unfortunately they cut corners as well when it comes to the repair. Do not simply trust an auto body shop because it is the one that the insurance company told you to go to.

2. Avoid aftermarket parts

Whenever you take your car in for auto body repair following a collision, you should inquire about the replacement parts which are utilized by the auto body shop. Auto body shops might use new original parts, used parts, or aftermarket parts. While used parts were made by your vehicle manufacturer and work as well as new original parts, aftermarket parts are often cheap imitations with inferior quality. These parts can rust, rattle, and ultimately diminish your automobile's value.

3. Carefully examine paint match

More often than not, you see vehicles on the road with body panels that do not match in color. Matching a newly painted body panel to the rest of your car is a difficult challenge, and sometimes there can be a large, obvious difference in shade. When you pick up your automobile from the auto body shop, ask which panels are original and which ones were painted. Step back ten feet from the car and see if there is a difference in color. If there is, there may be additional paint work necessary to get a better match.

4. Check warning lights

After an accident, there are some warning lights which could turn on in your dashboard. These can include the airbag light, the low coolant light, the check engine light, and others. When you pick up your finished car, make sure all of the issues have been corrected and none of the lights are lightened. Illuminated lights can indicate that your car's on-board computer might need to be reprogrammed, or that specific electrical components need replacement.

Auto body repair is something that everybody in a collision should know about. If you want to find out more about this worthwhile subject, or if you need auto body repair in St. Peters, Missouri, visit Jungerman CARSTAR.

Hail Damage Repair: Can You Really Do It Yourself?

A lot of people think that you can just take care of hail damage by yourself with no knowledge, tools, or experience. The internet is fraught with videos lauding the virtue of all kinds of home remedies, including hair dryers and dry ice. It should come as no surprise that so many people want to find the easy way out when it comes to hail damage dent repair. After all, even little dents in your new car can be detrimental for its value.

Unfortunately, the fact is that they just don’t work. The men and women at Jungerman CARSTAR have broken these DIY methods down one at a time for you. Jungerman CARSTAR wants the people in St. Peters, St. Charles, O'Fallon, and Lake St. Louis, Missouri to understand that there’s not necessarily an easy DIY solution for hail damage.

Sun Exposure

Some sources will tell you simply parking your automobile in sunny areas will cause the heat of the sun to eliminate the dents. Common sense most likely tells you that this will not solve your hail damage problem, and it won’t. Nevertheless, wikihow asserts that 1 week of parking in warm sunlight will take care of 90% of hail damage. Naturally if this were the case there would be much less call for dry ice, hair dryers, and of course, professional dent repair.

Hair Dryers

This brings us to the hair dryer technique. The idea is to apply additional heat the simple sun exposure can't provide. Know that as you apply heat you must watch to ensure you don't damage your car’s paint any more; if you see any discoloration, stop right away.

Dry Ice

Everybody likes to talk about how all it takes is a little dry ice can get rid of those pesky hail dents. They say that it is as easy as making the temperature cool rapidly by warming the dent via a hair dryer before applying the dry ice. This method probably will not work. Even if it does, the hail damage will only be partially removed.


Dent Removal Kit

If all of those other homegrown techniques fail you, you can always fall back on the highly lauded dent repair kits. These kits generally come with something to knock the metal and a glue gun. Even so, these kits can’t give you the skills and experience needed to actually take out the dent. If you do choose to try these out, do not take the risk on any larger dents. Many people do not take into account that you can actually make the issue even worse when you do not do it right.

Leave It To The Pros

So, if nothing else really works and you are stuck, must you pay a visit to an auto body shop? Maybe; in the end it’s your call, but at least you know the damage will be fixed properly if you go to a professional. Will it cost you an arm and a leg? Not always. A lot will depend on the methods utilized. So how do auto body shops fix dents in the St. Louis, Missouri area then? There are lots of methods.

Remove and Replace

If the damage is serious and the parts which have been damaged are bolted on and can be easily removed, the remove and replace method may be the easiest way to go. In this case the parts in question are simply replaced.

Paintless Dent Repair

Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) is often employed to repair hail damage. In this process the technician goes behind the dent with tools to rub out the dent leaving the paint surface intact. This technique requires a lot of practice and specified tools, so it is really not suited to the do-it-yourselfer. It is especially effective for parts not easily replaced, such as roofs and quarter panels. Of all the professional techniques, it is the most cost effective. Actually, in locales where damaging hail is a normal occurrence, it's the repair technique most liked by insurance companies.

Finish Glazing

This strategy is good for small hail damage and is an alternative to PDR. Some individuals try this at home, outside of the professional auto body shop; make sure you know what you’re doing before you do.

The major advantage of this technique is that you don’t have to sand the paint all the way down to the metal; instead, you just sand it coarsely so the glaze putty adheres properly. A related advantage is that the protective anti-corrosion coat from the factory is not removed during the repair since the paint is not sanded the whole way down to the metal. Though of course this method is utilized to make repairs, other than the hail damage at issue your paint surface ought to be in excellent condition for this technique to work well.

Here’s how this process works. First, whoever is repairing the damage will need to clean the damaged areas well in order to locate all of the hail damage. The next step is to sand the damaged areas, normally utilizing a hundred and eighty grit paper on a dual-action sander. This step makes sure that the glaze sticks well to the car’s surface. After the sanding, it is best to utilize compressed air to blow all debris from the repair areas. Next, the surface ought to be cleaned again, this time with degreaser and wax. At this point it's time to apply a thin coat of the finish glaze to repair the little points of damage. Next comes a second sanding session, with 150 or 180 grit paper on the dual-action sander. Lastly, the repair is done, and it is time to prime, block, and paint the freshly-repaired areas. Clearly, this isn’t a simple fix, but it looks good.

Traditional Repair with Body Filler

This technique is very very similar to the finish glazing technique with just a couple of exceptions. The main difference is that you do need to remove the paint to the metal, and that your grind ought to be really coarse. Obviously anti-corrosion coating is an issue under these conditions. Very big dents can't be fixed this way.

Traditional Heat Repair

For vehicles with larger dents and older vehicles made of thicker metal this is the method your auto body shop will need to go with. This technique utilizes heat, usually an oxyacetylene torch, to raise the metal. The technician heats the metal surrounding the dent in a spiral motion working from the outside moving inwards; this will raise the metal. Next, to relax the metal, the technician taps with a hammer. Finally, he or she tests the metal to find out if it's level to check if the dent is gone. After the metal cools, it's time to feather edge the paint, prime, block, and paint the metal again.

The primary advantages here are that this method is the only one that works for thicker metals and larger dents, and that for proficient technicians it is quick and fast. It also eliminates the filler and sanding filler steps. However, as most auto body shops will warn you, newer vehicles are not always able to take this technique because they're made of thin metals that can warp.

The Bottom Line

Unless you really know what you are doing, fixing hail damage isn't an easy feat. The good news is that hail damage repair is probably covered by your insurance. Since average hail damage repairs range between $2,500 and $3,500, and can often go much higher, it is well worth making a claim for the repair. If you would like a professional opinion on your hail dented vehicle, go to Jungerman CARSTAR in St. Peter's, MO. They have got plenty of experience using all of the latest dent repair methods.

A Step-By-Step Look At Paintless Dent Removal

Paintless Dent Removal, or PDR, has been becoming more and more popular because more and more consumers are finding it to be a highly effective and affordable alternative to getting small repairs done with more traditional methods. PDR offers a much better value than traditional dent repair methods and is an excellent way to look after the condition of your vehicle’s exterior affordably. Here’s a glance at how Jungerman CARSTAR utilizes PDR to repair vehicles in St. Peters, St. Charles, O'Fallon, and Lake St. Louis, Missouri.

What's Paintless Dent Removal?

Traditional dent repair fills auto body dents in with paint or auto body filler, which is then matched to the remainder of the vehicle’s exterior. Although this process can make a vehicle look as good as new, it does not deal with the actual dent in a way that's a lasting, long-term solution. It’s also time-consuming, expensive, and could affect the re-sale value of your automobile.

With paintless dent removal, there are not any fillers and there isn't any sanding. PDR is an eco-friendly repair method that restores your vehicle’s body to factory-like condition in a fraction of the time at a fraction of the price. PDR may be used to get rid of dings and dents from vehicles in St. Peters, St. Charles, O'Fallon, and Lake St. Louis, Missouri, in addition to auto body creases and hail damage. Jungerman CARSTAR technicians utilize PDR to safely restore vehicles to their initial factory condition without compromising a vehicle’s original painted finish, or a consumer’s wallet.

The PDR Process

Assess the Damage

The first step to any repair procedure is to gauge the damage. Where is the dent? How large is the dent? How can we get to the dent? After assessing the damage, and determining how it can be effectively removed via PDR (as 80-90% of all dents are), we prepare the spot around the dent for the repair. Particularly with hail damage, special equipment needs to be used to find all of the dents that may not be visible to the naked eye.

Gain Access to the Dent

In most cases, PDR requires you to access the back side of the dent, which means carefully removing body panels, tail lights, or in some instances, interior panels. To perform PDR, you'll need a pathway to the dent.

Once we have access to a dent, it is time to perform the PDR repair. This is where the precision and expertise of our trained technicians comes in.

Get A Better Look at the Dent

Jungerman CARSTAR utilizes a special light board to offer our technician a better look at the offending dent from their point-of-view. The special lights let us get a clear look at all of the dent or dents so that nothing is missed.

Apply Slow Pressure to Work out the Dent

Special tools are then utilized to carefully massage the surface back to its initial position.

Paintless dent removal is faster, cheaper, and more effective than conventional methods in most cases. That’s why you ought to head to Jungerman CARSTAR in St. Peters, Missouri to take care of hail damage or other dents that could show up on your automobile.

Be A Summer-Ready Driver

Summer's heat, dust, and stop-and-go traffic will take their toll on your vehicle. Add the effects of this past winter, and you might be poised for a breakdown. You can decrease the odds of auto mechanical failure through regular maintenance. By taking the advice of Jungerman CARSTAR in St. Peters, MO, your motor vehicle will last longer and command an increased resale price, as well!
Many of the tips below are really easy to do; others call for a skilled auto technician.

Air Conditioning

A marginally operating system will fail in warm weather. Have the system inspected by a qualified technician in the St. Louis, MO area. More recent models include cabin air filters which clean the air getting into the heating and air conditioning system. Check your owner's manual for location and replacement interval.

Cooling System

The greatest cause of summer breakdowns is overheating. The cooling system ought to be completely flushed and refilled about every 24 months. The level, condition, and concentration of the coolant ought to be checked regularly. A fifty-fifty mixture of antifreeze and water is usually recommended. DIYers, don't remove the radiator cap until the engine has thoroughly cooled! The tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps, and hoses should be checked by a professional like those at Jungerman CARSTAR.

Oil

Many factors affect how often you need to switch out your oil and oil filter. The standard rule of thumb is every 3,000 miles, but some of the factors that might make you need to switch out your oil include making lots of short trips, making big trips with a lot of weight, or hauling a heavy trailer.


Engine Performance

This may sound like a daunting task, but it is actually very easy to take some simple steps to keep your engine working properly. The biggest thing that you can do besides oil changes is replace the filters. PCV, fuel, and air filters all have to be switched out every once in a while, particularly in dusty environments. Also do not forget to have an auto body shop immediately take care of funny noises and feelings, like hard starts, reduced power, stalling, and turbulent idling.

Windshield Wipers

It’s a bad idea have a dirty windshield. That could lead to eye fatigue after long trips on the road and ultimately it’s a safety hazard. Get rid of your blades when they get worn out and do not forget to keep plenty of windshield washer solvent on hand.

Lights

You’re going to want to keep your lenses clean of dirt and insects by cleaning them regularly. Don’t use a dry rag because that could actually scratch the lens. And do not forget to check all of the bulbs regularly to make sure that they are not burnt out.

Tires

Getting your tires rotated every five thousand miles to assure even rotation on them. Be sure to check your tire pressure every month. Also, when the weather gets colder, check them before you drive too far. Also, regularly inspect your spare tire and jack. Look for uneven wear on your tires, cupping, and tread life. Look for lacerations in the sidewalls. You should get your tires realigned if you discover uneven tread wearing or whenever your car pulls over to the side.

Brakes

Brakes ought to be inspected as suggested in your manual, or sooner if you notice pulsations, grabbing, noises, or longer stopping distance. Even minor brake problems ought to be fixed promptly.

Battery

Batteries can fail at any time of the year. The only accurate way to detect a weak battery is with professional equipment. Routine care: Scrape away corrosion from posts and cable connections; clean all surfaces; re-tighten all connections. If battery caps are detachable, check the fluid level every month. Avoid contact with corrosive deposits and battery acid. Wear eye protection and rubber gloves.

Emergencies

Carry some standard tools -- ask a technician for suggestions. Also have a first aid kit, flares, and a flashlight.

Travel Cheaper With These Gas-Saving Tips

While it is always wise to preserve natural resources, the price of gasoline over the last couple of years has made even the most wasteful individuals think twice. Whatever your motivation, listed below are some gas saving techniques from the professionals at Jungerman CARSTAR in St. Peters, MO.

• Keep track of your tires. Under-inflated tires or inadequately aligned wheels waste fuel by forcing the engine to work harder. (Let the tires cool off before examining the air pressure.) Out-of-line wheels, as demonstrated by uneven tread wear, should always be aligned professionally.
• Get rid of unwanted weight. Remove unnecessary items from the automobile. Keep only necessities in the trunk area. Less weight means improved mileage.
• Consolidate trips and errands in the St. Peters, St. Charles, O'Fallon, and Lake St. Louis, Missouri area. Some trips might be unnecessary. Also, try to travel whenever traffic is light so you can steer clear of stop-and-go conditions.
• Avoid excessive idling. Turn off the motor while waiting for family and friends.
• Follow speed limits. Speeding reduces your gas mileage.
• Drive gently. Sudden accelerations guzzle gas. Foretell traffic patterns ahead and adjust your speed progressively.
• Use windows and air conditioning carefully. Your mileage ought to improve if you keep the windows closed at highway speeds, because air drag is reduced. This applies even with the air conditioning on - assuming that the system is in good working order. But turn the air conditioner off in stop-and-go traffic to save gasoline.
• Keep the engine of your car in top working order. A well-maintained engine operates at peak efficiency, maximizing fuel economy. Follow the service schedules listed in the owner's manual. Replace filters and fluids as recommended; have engine performance problems (rough idling, poor acceleration, etc.) fixed at an auto body repair facility. Given today's high-tech engines, it is best to have this kind of work done by auto technicians who're ASE certified in engine performance. Jungerman CARSTAR in St. Peters, MO always utilizes ASE certified technicians.

These conservation tips will not only save gasoline, they will help extend the lifetime of the vehicle. If you've got any more auto body questions, visit Jungerman CARSTAR for the answers you need.

Spring Auto Body Rust Repair Tips

Auto body rust repair is a common concern with older cars in the St. Louis, Missouri area. Dents or scratching can wear away paint and expose metal to the weather. Living in a snowy environment like what we see in St. Peters, St. Charles, O'Fallon, and Lake St. Louis, Missouri may also add to the possibility for rust damage, as road salt and other ice removal accelerants may cause rust damage over time. However the rust formed, keep these rust repair tips from Jungerman CARSTAR in mind to restore your car body to like-new condition:

Inspect Your Vehicle’s Surface Carefully

The first step in adequately dealing with auto body rust is determining the extent of the damage. If you've got a vintage car, you may think about going over all surfaces of your vehicle with a fine tooth comb. This is because rust doesn't always materialize as dark-red discoloration. Instead, what you should be looking for are little bubbles in the painted surface of the automobile. If these bubbles can be found, it's likely that rust is hiding underneath.

Removing Rust

Auto body rust repair is almost always better dealt with by the auto body pros, such as those at Jungerman CARSTAR in St. Peters, Missouri. However, if you've got some car repair experience and the patch of corrosion is no greater than four inches in diameter, then it might be feasible to eliminate the rust yourself. To do so, you’ll want to utilize a sanding disc with 100-grit sandpaper on the affected area. Working slowly, sand away the rust, along with the immediate area neighboring the corrosion. This will create an even plane for paint adhesion.

Additional Sanding

Once the rust has been gotten rid of, it is recommended that you sand the spot with sequentially finer grit sizes. For instance, a second pass may include 120-grit sandpaper and a third pass might benefit from a 150-grit sandpaper. Once sanded carefully, tack cloth is recommended for removing any metal or dirt debris.

Priming and Painting

Three to four light coats of self-etching primer are suggested for auto body rust repair jobs. Before priming, block off the encompassing body paint by using newspaper and masking tape. Wait about five to ten minutes before applying each consecutive coat. Then, hold off until the day after to apply the paint. Apply the paint in a similar, light-coated manner. After five or six coats, leave the paint to dry out overnight, then come back and take away the newspaper and masking tape. A wash and wax may be helpful once the repair is finished.

Safe Driving On Dangerous Winter Roads

Cold weather can cause a lot of the toughest driving conditions of the entire year. And, months between October and February lead the list for collisions, auto damages and injuries in the St. Peters, MO area.

When the local climate falls and the snowfall rises, it is essential for vehicle operators to raise their attention to safety on the streets.  With the correct planning, some preventative driving measures and a close look on the weather report, road users can shield themselves and their vehicles during the long winter time.

The gurus on cold weather driving collisions at Jungerman CARSTAR in St. Peters, Missouri repair lots and lots of vehicles every single year wrecked in cold, arctic calamities.  They give car owners some helpful suggestions to help with making cold weather traveling better.

Inspect Your Visibility:

•   Make certain each of the mirrors are clear and perfectly fine-tuned for field of vision
•   Thoroughly clean your car headlights and check out the lightbulbs in your motor vehicle lights – back and front
•   Add de-icer to your windshield wiper fluid
•   Make sure your windshield wipers are without ice in advance of heading out on the highway – and look at modernizing with new flexible windshield wipers before the precipitate strikes

Slow Down and Stay Back:

•   Allow even more distance between your automobile and the vehicle before you for additional protection
•   Don't apply cruise control on slippery streets
•   When you find snow or ice on the ground in St. Peters, St. Charles, O'Fallon, and Lake St. Louis, Missouri, drop the speed of your car to a safe limit
•   Use careful attention on bridges, overpasses, and seldom traveled freeways since these are generally slippery due to ice
•   Use extreme caution when driving a vehicle on one-lane roadways

Skidding Safely

Should your back tires slip...

•   Bring your foot off of the accelerator pedal
•   Should you have standard brakes, pump them smoothly
•   If you've got anti-lock brakes (ABS), do not pump the braking system. Apply steady pressure to the brake system. You will feel the brakes pulse — that is ordinary
•   Steer in the direction you would like the front tires to move. If your back tires are moving left, steer left. If they're sliding right, steer right
•   If your rear wheels start moving the other way when you recuperate, ease the steering wheel toward that side. You might have to steer right and left more than once in order to get your ride thoroughly under control

If the front tires slip...

•   Take your foot off of the gas and shift to neutral, but do not try to steer immediately.
•   As the tires skid sideways, they're going to slow the car or truck and traction will return. As it does, steer in the direction you'll want to go. Then put the transmission in "drive" or release the clutch, and speed up gently

Prepare for Snow:

•   If your motor vehicle has rear wheel drive, put bags of sand or kitty litter to help keep your automobile easier to control on St. Peters, Missouri roads
•   Load up a snow day kit in the event you get stuck.  Vital items to include are a blanket, gloves, hat, water, granola bars, flashlight and spare batteries, additional mobile phone battery pack, flares, wooden matches in water-resistant container, compass, a pair of scissors, rope and first-aid kit.
•   Make a tool kit for digging your car or truck out with collapsible spade, 2x4 planks to place under wheels, ice scraper and snow brush, reflective triangles, flares and exterior windshield cleaner

You can't ever be too cautious when driving a vehicle in cold weather. A major accident can take place swiftly on slick, frozen roadways, so slowing down and making the extra precautions can really make the difference.

If the regrettable winter accident does come about, we recommend having a wreck plan in place so you won't be marooned on the wayside waiting around for assistance.  Jungerman CARSTAR in St. Peters, MO features high-quality, trustworthy repair service.  Simply call 1-800-CARSTAR whenever you have an automobile accident and they're going to send the tow truck, contact your insurance provider, arrange for a rental car and fix your automobile.