Category: Auto Repair

What Causes Faded Paint on My Car?

Posted on by European Collision Center
sunburn in the car's roof, fading paint on the hood,

When your car was new, it was sleek and vibrantly colored. Over time, that beautiful, radiant color and shiny finish may start to look dull and faded. Unfortunately, faded paint is a fairly common problem that can be caused by a combination of environmental factors and improper care. The good news is, if you understand what causes paint to fade, you can take steps to prevent it from occurring.

Some of the most common reasons for dull or faded paint include:

  • Sunlight
    The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays are one of the top culprits when it comes to faded paint. This is because UV rays can contribute to oxidation, a chemical process that occurs from the paint’s exposure to heat and oxygen. Over time, the paint begins to lose its oil content, which causes it to dry out. This makes the paint lose its vibrancy and take on a faded, chalky appearance. Eventually, oxidation can also cause the clear coat to deteriorate, leaving the body of the vehicle susceptible to rust.
  • Salt
    Although we don’t have rock salt on the roads to worry about here in San Francisco, we do have plenty of salt air! Salt can be very corrosive, especially if it’s left on the paint for an extended period of time. The heat from the sun increases the pores in the paint, which allows the paint to absorb a greater amount of salt and moisture. When exposed to UV rays, salt crystals will begin to eat away at the paint. Not only does this cause fading over time, but it can also result in rust formation.
  • Air Pollution and Exhaust
    Unburnt fuel in the environment and from your exhaust can also damage the paint. Carbon particulates are hard and jagged, which allows them to bind to a car’s clear coat and create scarring. Over time, this can lead to oxidation.
  • Car Washes
    Some automated car washes use spinning plastic brushes and harsh soaps that can damage the paint and cause the clear coat to appear dull.
  • Improper Hand-washing Methods
    Like an automated commercial car wash, using bristle brushes on your car or harsh soaps can damage the paint and cause a dull appearance.
  • Acid Rain
    Acid rain contains acidic material that can ruin the paint on your car and even weaken the metal below. Although the moisture will evaporate, the acidic compounds remain and can cause damage, especially in combination with the sun’s UV rays.

Prevention and Repainting

As you can see, there are many things that can cause your vehicle’s paint to fade or become damaged. How can these be prevented? First, you should try to park your car in the garage or in a shaded area whenever possible. If you don’t have a garage or shady area, you may want to consider using a weatherproof car cover. If you can reduce the amount of time your vehicle sits in the sun, this will go a long way in preventing oxidation.

Secondly, you should get your car professionally detailed every few weeks or whenever your exterior looks dirty. This will get rid of corrosive elements, like exhaust, rain deposits, bird droppings, dead insects, and other impurities that can damage the paint.

Along with improving the appearance of your vehicle, the paint is essential for preventing rust and corrosion from developing on the body. These can compromise the structural integrity of the vehicle – and your safety. A nice paint job also increases your vehicle’s resale value, so there really aren’t any downsides to keeping your paint in good condition.

If your vehicle looks faded or the paint has been damaged in an accident, contact European Collision Center for expert paint matching and repainting services that will help it regain its luster! Give us a call at (415) 551-9700 to schedule your appointment.

Is Rush Hour Traffic Getting Back to Normal?

Posted on by European Collision Center

If you commute to work during typical business hours, you may have noticed a change: rush hour isn’t quite as “rushed” as it used to be.

traffic jams in the city, road, rush hour

It’s not just you. Traffic data suggests that the daily commute – particularly in the morning – has changed drastically since the start of the pandemic, and it’s unclear if it will go back to its pre-COVID-19 patterns.

In general, rush hour traffic has become more spread out and shifted to include the later hours of the morning as more Americans have transitioned to remote work. Although it’s expected that more people will return to the workplace following Labor Day, traffic experts believe that traffic will continue to stay lighter than it was prior to 2020.

Less Road Time, More Accidents

Less congestion on the road seems like it would have no downsides. Commutes are quicker and there’s less time waiting in stop-and-go traffic, which means less stress and potential for road rage. However, it also means there are more dangerous hours on the road, as open roads encourage speeding and increase the potential for deadly accidents.

Even with fewer people on the road, it’s more dangerous out there than it was before the pandemic.

In 2020, the fatality rate per 100 million miles traveled on U.S. roads was 1.37, a 23% increase from 2019, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The reason behind this is simple: there was less traffic, so people could go faster. The National Safety Council also estimates that just under 4.8 million people were seriously injured in collisions in 2020.

To add to the issue, police aren’t stepping in the way they would have prior to the pandemic. So, people are speeding because they know they can get away with it.

Now, with traffic returning, many areas have reported incidents of sudden braking and other potentially hazardous driving behaviors as drivers adjust to slightly more congested roads.

Stay Safe

Whether you commute to the office daily or work remotely, it’s important to keep in mind that many people are still adjusting to life after a year of lockdown—and more traffic on the roads. Stay safe by keeping your eyes on the road, limiting distractions, and give people who want to go faster than the speed limit allows a wide berth.

If you do get into an accident, we’re here to help! From high-quality OEM repairs to complete insurance coordination on your behalf, we make the repair process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Give us a call at (415) 551-9700 or contact us online. Stay safe out there!

How to Know if Your Auto Body Repair Was Done Correctly

Posted on by European Collision Center

After a collision, it’s common to want to put the whole situation behind you as quickly as possible. So when the auto body shop lets you know your car is ready to pick up, you might be tempted to just sign the papers and drive away. But how can you tell if your repairs were done correctly? Here are a few tips on what to look for:

Get an Overview of What Was Done to Your Car

Once you arrive at the shop, a facility team member should walk around the car with you and explain what was done and why. This is the perfect time to ask questions on anything you’re wondering about or are unclear on. If you didn’t already ask about the shop’s warranty when you dropped your car off, you may want to ask about that now. Many reputable shops guarantee their work for one year or 12,000 miles. European Collision Center has a lifetime warranty on all repairs. Once the initial once-over is done, it’s time for a visual inspection.

Is Your Vehicle Clean?

When you pick up your car, it should always be clean. Dirt or dust on the exterior of your car can hide imperfections in the paint. Make sure that your vehicle has been washed and there are no old parts lying around in the trunk, engine compartment, or interior.

Examine the Repaired Areas

The next thing you should do is to examine the areas that have been repaired. Does the paint match? Is there overspray on areas that shouldn’t have paint? Do the body panels lie flat and evenly? If you had repairs done near your doors, windows, hood, trunk, or gas tank, make sure they all open and close with ease. If there was front-end damage, check under the hood to make sure that all the hoses and wires are connected. Turn on the headlights –alignment issues should be fairly obvious. If the frame needed to be straightened, request a copy of the frame spec printout and have the technician explain it to you. If any mechanical repairs were done, you should also take your car for a test drive to ensure everything is in good working order and there are no unusual noises, like rattling panels.

Common Repair Issues

In addition to the visual inspection, here are some common repair issues to watch out for:

  • Poor alignment – Is your car pulling in one direction after repairs? This could be a sign that the frame is bent or that the unibody structure is misaligned. Although some frames and unibodies can be straightened after a collision, others can’t – and they typically won’t drive straight or handle properly. This can also cause rapid tire wear.
  • Clipping – Clipping refers to an older repair method where an entire section of another vehicle is welded onto your car. This was a common practice decades ago, but it’s not the right way to repair newer vehicles made from lightweight high-strength materials. Clipping can create structural weaknesses that can compromise the safety of your vehicle.
  • Airbags – Were your airbags replaced? Unfortunately, there have been rare cases of unscrupulous shops charging insurance companies for a new bag, only to turn around and sell it. Check to see if your airbag light is on or if the center of your steering wheel column sounds hollow after your knock on it.
  • Aftermarket and used parts

Some insurance companies may push for auto body shops to use aftermarket or used parts, which are lower in cost. Unfortunately, these parts may not meet the original manufacturer’s specifications or they may even go against the manufacturer’s recommendations. Ask the shop to show you an invoice or receipt for the parts used on your car, because the parts used could make a significant difference if you were to get into another accident.

  • Torque -If you had parts replaced in your suspension system, they need to be torqued to the manufacturer’s specifications. Failing to do so could result in a loose assembly that will affect your handling and performance. Ask the auto body shop which procedures they use when replacing suspension parts and if they can provide the torque specification.

What’s next?

If you’ve inspected your vehicle and aren’t satisfied, make sure to mention this to the shop immediately. A reputable shop should be willing to correct any issues you find.

Of course, the best way to prevent repair issues in the first place is by choosing the right repair shop. At European Collision Center, we adhere to factory repair procedures on every make and model we service, and we perform a thorough check on all vehicles before they’re released. We’re always happy to go over what was done to your vehicle and why – and take the time to show you the areas that were repaired. Our goal is always to return your car to its perfect pre-accident condition – and for you to drive away 100% satisfied!

To avoid common issues and pitfalls with auto body repair, give us a call at 415-551-9700 or contact us online.

Quality Control Matters: Our Steps for Ensuring Safe, High-Quality Repairs

Posted on by European Collision Center

Every team member at European Collision Center takes exceptional pride in their work. Whether we’re repairing a minor scratch in the paint or extensive front-end damage, we take time to make sure every detail is perfect through strict quality control measures.

Auto body repair is more complex than many drivers realize, and even more so with today’s vehicles. Modern vehicles have more electrical components, sensors, and computer processors than ever before – and that’s a trend that will certainly continue as automotive technology continues to evolve. For this reason, greater care must be taken to confirm everything is working exactly as it should before the vehicle is returned to its owner.

Our Process

To ensure the quality of our work always remains high, we perform the following quality control measures on every vehicle:

  1. The first step in the quality control process is when our estimator meets with our clients and review the damage together. Making sure to get clear client expectations on what they want addressed and how the damaged occurred.
  1. The estimator will then do a thorough inspection of the vehicle with the client, noting damage the extent of the damage that we’ll be repairing, as well as any pre-existing damage.
  1. Once the estimator has completed their estimate, it’s given to the blueprinter, who researches the repairs. This includes factory-recommended repair processes, necessary equipment, and any new parts that are needed.
  1. The technician then takes the areas that require repairs apart and develops a repair plan with the blueprinter.
  1. Next, we check the torque specs for your vehicle. This is important because if any rotating part is even slightly off-level, it will create a wobble during rotation. It may not be visible, but it’s noticeable with high revolutions or RPMs. Over time, this can cause damage to the part, or nearby components.
  1. All parts that require welding are welded on, then the technician inspects all welds to make sure they’re of good quality and the correct type for the location.
  1. Once the technician has signed off on the welding, all gaps between doors, fenders, panels, and other areas are checked before the car is sent to the paint shop.
  1. The car is painted, then goes through a series of quality control checks before it’s refinished. Once this is done, they check that the color matches.
  1. The body man looks over the paint department’s work before the car is reassembled to make sure everything is flawless and a complete match.
  1. After the vehicle is reassembled we run a full systems check, including checking the emergency, safety, and ADAS codes, making calibrations as needed.
  1. The shop foreman does a final quality control inspection before the car goes to the detail department. All doors and windows are checked multiple times to ensure they open and close correctly, as well as the trunk and hood.
  1. The vehicle’s then sent to the detail department, where they use a high powered sprayer to test all the areas that could leak, like the doors, windows, and sunroof.
  1. The vehicle is returned to the estimator, who does another quality control check.
  1. If any mechanical components were disassembled, we’ll also take the car on a test drive for a minimum of 30 miles. This allows us to check for any unusual sounds, vibrations, or mechanical issues.
  1. The final inspection is performed by our Quality Control manager and then the estimator is notified that the vehicle is ready for delivery.

What’s Next?

Once your vehicle has passed every quality control check, we’ll notify you that it’s ready to be picked up!

As you can see, your vehicle goes through many different departments and steps after you’ve dropped it off. Although these checks do extend the repair time, it’s the best way to ensure your car will be safe and completely restored to its pre-accident condition. If you have any questions about our repair process, quality control, or you’d like to schedule an appointment, feel free to contact us at (415) 551-9700 or send us a message through our online form.

How to Choose Right Auto Body Repair Shop

Posted on by European Collision Center

Choosing the right auto body shop is the best way to make sure your vehicle is restored to its former pre-accident glory, but how do you know which shop is the right one? Here are 5 simple tips to help you choose:

  1. It All Starts with Research!
    Accidents can be stressful long after the actual event, so it may be tempting to just go with the first auto body shop your insurance recommends. However, it’s important to remember that insurance companies will often steer you towards what’s cheaper for them – which isn’t always the best option for you or your vehicle. Remember: you have the right to go to any shop you choose. So, do some research before making a decision. Ask friends and family who they’d recommend, read reviews, and look at the certifications of the shops you’re considering.
  1. Location – Stay Local!
    Finding a great auto body shop doesn’t mean you need to travel out of the area; chances are, there’s an excellent qualified independent repair center close to where you live. Look for auto body shops that are factory certified and have good customer satisfaction ratings. These shops go the extra mile when it comes to training, replacement parts, and repair equipment – giving them the ability to truly return your vehicle to its pre-accident condition.
  1. Due Diligence
    When it comes to auto body repair, you should never be afraid to ask questions. That’s what the repair technicians are there for! A good technician won’t shut you down if you ask them for more information. It’s also a good idea to find a shop that offers full insurance coordination, so they can handle the paperwork and pre-approval costs on your behalf.
  1. Price and Quality Comparison
    When searching for an auto body shop, it’s ok to call around and get multiple estimates; if you have time, you may even want to visit the shop and see how they work. Remember though, the lowest estimate isn’t always the best choice. Keep in mind that the quality of work is what really matters – especially because shoddy work can affect the safety of your vehicle. Once you find a shop that does the quality of work you expect and a reasonable price, you can make an informed decision.
  1. Trust Your Gut!
    When in doubt, trust your gut feelings. If you feel like a shop isn’t being straight with you, listen to that instinct – and remember tip #3! Ask questions. It’s important to feel completely comfortable with the shop you choose.

Hopefully, these tips have given you some ideas on what to look for in an auto body shop – but don’t hesitate to consider other factors. Have questions? European Collision Center is here to help! Give us a call at 415-551-9700.

The Pros and Cons of Traditional vs. Innovative Car Bras

Posted on by European Collision Center

Nobody wants their car to be harmed by the onslaught of pebbles, road grit, and random debris that slams into your paint every time you cruise down the roadway.

Pros and Cons

But many hate the appearance of the traditional car bra. Though some think the look of black leather or vinyl across the bumper, grille, and hood makes their car look sporty and sleek, others think it is like the vinyl cover on Grandma’s living room couch. An unnecessary accessory that, even IF it provides longer life, detracts from the look and feel of the car as it is meant to be.

There are, though, some other reasons why a traditional car bra may not be as helpful as intended. Sure, it will protect from chips, dings, and scratches, but the surface beneath the bra needs to be cleaned and preferably waxed since debris and dust can act as an abrasive over time. This can be a hassle due to all the hooks that must be removed every time you wash your car. If not secured tightly, the bra can also damage the paint by flapping and vibrating.

However, a BodyGuard clear auto bra can give you the protection you want without the loss of aesthetics or an increase in maintenance. It’s an innovative film that protects your paint from minor chips, scratches, and chemical and environmental stains. It can be custom designed to shield as much or little as you want—from just the front fender and hood to the entire vehicle!

There are some questionable car films out there, but BodyGuard really works, which is why we use it on our own vehicles. Benefits include:

  • Virtually invisible to the eye.
  • Highly effective protecting your car from chips or minor scratches in the paint commonly caused by road debris.
  • Will not peel or crack.
  • Backed by a 10-year warranty.
  • Simple 2-day installation.
  • Can be removed and replaced without harming your paint.

One thing is for sure. The front of your car is exposed to high-speed damage from flying shards, fragments, and objects, and sometimes this harm is greater than even a BodyGuard bra can protect you from. If you suffer dents or dings to your vehicle, bring it to the pros at European Collision Center. We adhere to all factory repair procedures and have the right tools, equipment, and methodology for flawless cosmetic paint restoration, detailing, minor or major collision repair, and lease return repair. For European autobody repair done right, call us at 415-551-9700 or contact us online today!

What Are the Advantages of an Audi Factory-Certified Body Shop?

Posted on by European Collision Center

If your Audi is damaged in a collision, one of your first thoughts might be, “Will my car ever be the same?” The answer is yes – if you bring it to an Audi-certified body shop. A certified shop will help ensure that your vehicle is returned to factory standards with all features functional and intact.

How is a factory-certified shop different?

Certified facilities, like European Collision Center, have made considerable investments in Audi specific tools and training. This ensures that technicians have the knowledge and equipment they need to properly repair your Audi. Years ago, it didn’t necessarily matter where you brought your car for bodywork, as long as the shop provided quality work. Cars used to be primarily composed of steel, but that’s changed – particularly in the past two decades.

Audi-Factory Certified Body Shop

In an effort to make cars safer, more fuel-efficient, and increase performance, many manufacturers now utilize a combination of materials that require specialized repair methods – and Audi is no exception. The 2017 Audi Q7 is made of a combination of high-strength steel and aluminum, two materials that require special handling during repairs, as well as a dedicated workspace. Repairing aluminum panels is very different from repairing steel. Aluminum panels need different paint primers, specially coated fasteners, sealants, tools, and metal-working procedures. Audi-approved shops are the only facilities that are factory-authorized to repair Audi ASF® aluminum construction.

A certified shop will also use genuine Audi-certified parts that are designed for your specific model, as well as genuine Audi paint, which comes with a limited lifetime warranty. Unlike aftermarket parts, genuine Audi parts are engineered, manufactured, and tested to maintain the car’s original performance. They also fit properly, which allows us to restore the structural integrity of your car. Genuine Audi parts are backed by a limited warranty and will keep your manufacturer’s warranty intact. Newer vehicles have more extensive computer systems and specialized sensors. A certified shop understands how all these systems work and knows how to repair them so that your important safety features work as they should.

You Have a Right to Choose Your Body Shop

Many insurance companies will try to push for repairs to be done at their preferred body shop. European Collision is a preferred shop for many insurance companies, but we will work to use genuine factory parts to repair your vehicle no matter who insures your car. Fortunately, by California Law, you have a say on where you get to take your vehicle. To truly have your Audi restored to its pre-accident condition, you should choose an Audi-certified shop.

If you’d like to learn more about Audi-certified repairs or make an appointment for your Audi, give us a call at 415-551-9700, send us an email at info@europeancollision.com, or contact us online.

Choose a Mercedes-Certified Shop to Protect Your Investment

Posted on by European Collision Center

Nearly every aspect of an accident is stressful. Even if everyone is uninjured, there’s still police reports, insurance claims, and repair work to deal with. If your Mercedes has been in a collision, one way to reduce the stress – and make sure your car is repaired properly – is to choose a Mercedes-Benz certified auto body shop.

Mercedes Certified Shop | Auto Repair Service

While it might seem like you’ll receive the same repairs at any shop you visit, there’s a big difference between a shop that’s certified for Mercedes repairs versus one that isn’t. Every auto manufacturer includes unique features with their vehicles. Some manufacturers even use systems or components that are specific to particular models. With so many types of vehicles on the road, it’s important to take your Mercedes to a shop that knows your make and model inside out.

Safety & Material Considerations

Mercedes has some of the most advanced safety components in the automotive industry. Features vary from model to model, but many of them come with Blind Spot Assist, Speed Limit Assist, Active Assist, and Attention Assist. All of these rely on sensors to do their job. During a collision, your car’s sensors can sustain internal damage that may not be obvious. If a shop isn’t aware of Mercedes’ sensor system or lacks the proper diagnostic and repair tools, your car’s safety and driver-assistant features may not work properly. This could have serious consequences for your safety.

As auto manufacturers work to make cars safer and more energy-efficient, they’re also turning away from traditional single-material vehicles. Many manufacturers, including Mercedes-Benz, utilize a combination of materials, like high strength steel, aluminum, and composites. The 2015 Mercedes S Class, for example, has a steel rear quarter panel attached to an aluminum rear body panel and rear floor extension. This presents a challenge to uncertified-body shops, as extra care and knowledge are required when working with vehicles that have direct aluminum to steel contact.

Keep Your Warranty Intact

Choosing a Mercedes-certified shop also allows you to keep your manufacturer’s warranty intact. We use only genuine Mercedes parts, which ensures that they fit and function perfectly. We have a dedicated fixture bench that was developed exclusively by Mercedes-Benz. This allows us to make repairs with assembly-line accuracy. Mercedes-certified shops, like European Collision Center, have completed specialized training to restore Mercedes vehicles to factory specifications. Our technicians know how each model is constructed and the correct process for repairing them. They know the systems they’re working with, understand how to make or model-specific components work, and know how the manufacturer themselves would repair the vehicle.

We hope you never have to go through a collision, but if you do, you can rely on European Collision Center. We’ll restore your Mercedes back to its pre-accident condition, with all safety features working exactly as they should. And after a collision, that’s one less thing to stress about.

Why Should You Choose a Tesla-Certified Body Shop?

Posted on by European Collision Center
why-should-you-choose-a-tesla-certified-body-shop

Tesla features some of the most innovative technology out on the road today. Due to their strict standards, the make has become nearly synonymous with quality and safety. Needless to say, if your Tesla is in a collision, it shouldn’t be brought to just any shop. A Tesla-certified auto body shop is the best way to restore your Tesla back to factory condition while keeping its high safety rating and factory warranty intact.

More Than Just Aesthetics

Auto body repairs aren’t just about fixing the aesthetic damage on your vehicle. In many cases, auto body repair is crucial to ensuring your Tesla’s functionality, safety, and longevity. Tesla uses a unique combination of aluminum, hybrid steel, and composite materials in their vehicles. These materials require specialized tools and a highly trained facility to be restored properly.

One specific feature that a certified shop is better capable of handling is the ultrasonic proximity sensors. These sensors are used for Tesla’s autopilot feature, as well as the auto-presenting and Falcon Wing doors on the Model X. While other car manufacturers rely on cameras or visible sensors, Tesla’s ultrasonic sensors are hidden within the body panels of their vehicles. This allows the sensors to use sonar to measure proximity without sacrificing the design aesthetic. Trusting your vehicle’s repair to a shop that doesn’t understand the mechanics or technology of Tesla could leave important features like these sensors inoperable. 

Demanding Certification Standards, Higher Quality Repairs

Tesla’s certification standards are very demanding. They require rigorous training of technicians and a strict assessment of the facility. At European Collision Center, we’re proud to say we’re a Tesla-certified auto body shop. Our I-CAR Gold certified technicians have undergone specialized training on Tesla repair, learning directly from those who developed the standardized repair procedures. We use only Tesla-approved repair methods and genuine Tesla parts. We’re authorized to perform repairs on everything from paint scuffs to structural damage and sensor calibration.

Tesla works closely with our team to ensure we continue to maintain our high repair standards and exceptional customer service. Tesla, like European Collision Center, is committed to guaranteeing you the best possible experience with your vehicle. We know getting into an accident is stressful and nobody is thrilled with the idea of needing auto body repair. But if you do, you can trust our team to repair it properly and get you back on the road in no time.

Subject: It Doesn’t Need to Be Luxury to Receive Our Luxury Treatment!

Posted on by European Collision Center

We may have made our reputation on European luxury cars, but did you know that we actually do repairs on ALL types of vehicles?

European Collision Center is a full-service auto body collision repair center for any of your auto body needs. Whether you have a small ding in your door, have been through a fender bender, or your vehicle needs extensive body work we repair all vehicles with precision and the same attention to detail that we use on the luxury vehicles we specialize in. We utilize and adhere to factory repair procedures on every make and model vehicle that we service.

Our goal is always to restore your vehicle back to its pre-accident condition – and in many cases, our customers say their vehicle looks even better than it did before it was in the accident!

We understand that being in an accident is rough, but your repairs shouldn’t be. When you’re in need of expert auto body repairs, give us a call at (415) 649-7617. We look forward to working with you!