How
to Care for Your Car After its Been Painted
Now that you're car has a new, fantastic looking paint
job its time to make sure you take care of it. Below
are some simple tips to keep your car's paint looking
great for years to come.
* It is recommended that your freshly painted vehicle
be garage kept to prevent damage from tree sap and bird
droppings. These substances contain acids that can damage
the finish. If contact occurs, wash immediately with
soap and water. This is especially important for the
first few days.
* Do not use a car cover or commercial car wash for
the first 30 days after painting. Hand washing is always
best to keep the finish looking new.
* Do not polish or wax your car for 90 days after painting.
Use only non-abrasive wax or polish formulated for cars
every four months.
* Do not set things on your car hood or trunk. Avoid
placing any object on your car hood or trunk lid. When
objects are moved, even slightly, they will scratch
the paint, leaving a mar in your new, perfect finish.
Do not allow people to sit on your car exterior because
their clothing may have rivets or they may have keys
in their pockets or on their hips which can scratch
your paint.
* Use common sense. Taking care of a car after it is
freshly painted simply involves using a bit of common
sense. If you wouldn't place an object on a fine oil
painting, don't put it on your car.
Don't leave the car in parking lots parked close to
other vehicles because they will ding your door paint;
instead park farther away and walk a bit.
Avoid leaving your car in the sun for days on end if
you have a covered parking space to avoid sun damage.
Take care
removing snow and ice from your vehicle's finish, and
use scrapers for window exteriors only. They can scratch
paint surfaces, window tint and rear view mirrors.
Bird droppings are acidic, and should be cleaned from
the finish immediately, before they can damage paint.
Because many species of birds ingest sand as an aid
to digestion, their droppings can be abrasive, so take
care when removing them.
Wash gas stains from around the fuel filler door as
quickly as possible.
The sooner
the stuff dropped by growing trees is removed (pollen,
and shedding) the easier it is to get off, and the less
damage it will do. Tree pitch (the clear, sticky globs
that fall onto paint and glass) won't yield to normal
washing.
Use your manufacturer's recommended bug and tar remover.
If the pitch is fresh, it should come right off. If
not, time and patience will be needed. Never use scouring
pads or razor blades on your vehicle's finish.
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Important
items
to carry in your vehicle
In
case of road-side emergencies, accidents or bad weather,
always have in your vehicle the following items:
Jumper cables
Pliers, an adjustable wrench
and a screwdriver
A first-aid kit
Blankets & Gloves
A supply of any regularly
needed or taken medications
Candles and matches
Sand or kitty litter for climates
with snow or ice.
Clean water
Non perishable food items or snacks
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What To Do If You Have
An Accident
* Stop your vehicle if it is clear, safe and legal.
* Move the vehicle out of the traveled roadway, if it
is clear, safe and legal. (In some states it is against
the law to move the vehicle from the place where the
accident occurred. Check the ordinance in your area.)
* Turn off the ignitions of the cars involved.
* Make a first aid check of all persons involved in
the accident.
* Call the police and, if necessary, emergency medical
services.
* Mark the scene of the accident with flares or retroreflective
triangles.
* Gather the names* of all persons in the motor vehicles
and people who witnessed the accident.
* Make a quick diagram of where the vehicle occupants
were seated and indicate the vehicles' direction of
travel and lane. Also note the date, time and weather
conditions.
* Ask to see the other driver's license* and write down
the number.
* Exchange insurance company information. DO NOT discuss
"fault" or make statements about the accident
to anyone but the police.
* Get a copy of the police report of the accident from
the local precinct.
Here is
a list of items that can be
very helpful in case of an accident:
1. Cell phone - To call police &
ems
2 First aid kit - You may need to use
until ems shows up
3. Camera- Take pix of the area and
cars involved.
4.Flares- Let other cars see you. If
possible get a saftey strobe light which will last longer.
5. Pen & paper- Take notes down
and info on the other car & driver, witneses info,
etc.
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Frequently
Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)
Many people have questions regarding their auto body needs.
Whitney's Collsion Center takes pride in the quality of
our customer service. For your convenience, we have provided
you with a list of the most frequently asked questions
in the auto body business.
Take
a look at the questions below and let us know if you
have a question that isn't answered here.
What are "Betterment
Charges?"
Some items, such as batteries, tires, paint, upholstery,
convertible tops, vinyl tops and some mechanical parts
are inspected to establish what their age and condition
were prior to the accident. If these items are replaced
due to accident damage, you may be asked to pay a percentage
of the repair costs based on the item’s state of
age and wear when brought in for repair. These are referred
to as "Betterment Charges" and are controlled
by your insurance company. Ask your estimator for further
details.
What effect does frame
damage have on my vehicles repairs?
Frame damage can be returned to original factory specifications
using our computerized frame machines and technicians
that have been trained to use that equipment. Frame
repairs are guaranteed by Whitney's Collsion Center
to be within factory specifications.
Can you match my paint
color?
Each and every vehicle color is individually matched
by our computerized paint system and skilled technicians.
Whitney's Collsion Center
can guarantee a complete paint match. Our computerized
paint system and experienced technicians allow us to
make this guarantee.
What is paintless dent
removal?
Paintless dent removal is the process of removing some
minor dents without having to paint the panel that'a
damaged. This results in considerable savings of repair
costs. Ask your estimator about this service.
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