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5 Tips for Driving in a Flood

Posted on: May 26th, 2022 by Accurate Auto Body Shop 1 Comment

driving in a flood Flooding is not as common in Denver as in some cities. However, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen, and sometimes for surprising reasons. In mid-April, part of the Berkeley neighborhood flooded because of a water main break. Floods can cause damage to vehicles, but if you make the wrong move when driving in flooded areas, the consequences can be much worse: you can lose your car or be swept away and killed.

Here are some tips so you can avoid damage to your car. If your car does suffer damage, however, let Accurate Auto Body help. We can repair collision damage to the car’s body to help it look and drive like new again.

Tip #1: Don’t Drive in Water If You Can Avoid It

Whenever possible, try to avoid driving in standing water or moving water. Because we’re not used to much flooding in Denver, the Denver police aren’t good at putting up barricades to mark high waters. Don’t assume that the absence of barricades means that it’s safe to drive through water. If there are barricades marking high water – don’t pass them.

It doesn’t take much water to make your car lose control, cause damage to the car, or even stall your car. If your car isn’t specialized to deal with water, it’s best to just take a different route if you encounter flooded streets.

Tip #2: Drive in the Middle of the Road

If you must drive in flooded roads, drive in the middle of the road. Roads are designed high in the center and low on the edges, so most of the time the water will be shallower when you travel in the middle. This can cause congestion as cars traveling in opposite directions must take turns. Be polite and patient – it will slow you down even more if you drive aggressively and get in an accident or try to navigate a lower part of the road and get stuck.

Tip #3: Try to Gauge the Depth of Water Before Entering

Never enter water unless you have a good idea of its depth. The best way to know the depth of water is watching other cars travel through it. Then you can observe the depth. Avoid water that’s more than six inches deep (a little less than midway up most car’s tires).

If there are no other cars, you might estimate the depth of water on a familiar street. However, be warned that sometimes the bottom of the street washes out, or a newly formed pothole might cause deeper water than you expect.

Tip #4: Drive Slowly in Water

Driving through water significantly diminishes your car’s ability to grip the road. This can make it hard to keep control. Plus, trying to push through water too quickly can cause waves that create problems for you and other drivers. Enter water at around 1-2 miles per hour (mph), then climb to a speed of around 3-4 mph.

Tip #5: Don’t Try to Move a Stalled Car

Once your car stalls in water, you will likely have to leave it until you can get a tow after water recedes. Restarting the engine after it gets overwhelmed by water can cause irreparable damage. Getting out of the car and trying to push it out of the water puts you at risk of getting swept away. You might also be struck by debris in the current or by another car.

If the water level is stable, it might be safest to stay in the car and call for help. If the water level is rising, you will have to abandon the car and get to higher ground.

Why Choose Accurate Auto Body for Flood Damage to Your Car

Do you have flood damage to your car? Let Accurate Auto Body Help. Our highly skilled technicians have helped our auto body shop earn and maintain the elite I-CARR Gold rating. Our mechanics are factory trained by Honda and Toyota, but technical expertise is only part of the benefit of working with us. We maintain an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau because of our high degree of customer satisfaction.

That’s thanks in large part to our Focus on You Service™ system. We take the time to listen to your repair needs and follow through, using our expertise to get it right the first time. We give you a guaranteed estimate and a guaranteed completion date. We work around your schedule, and you can check the progress on your car’s auto body repair at any time on our website.

Want to learn how our approach can benefit your car? Please call 303-344-2212 or contact us online to get a free repair estimate at our auto body shop in the Sunny Vale neighborhood of Aurora.

7 Ways to Protect Your Car from Hail Damage

Posted on: May 23rd, 2022 by Accurate Auto Body Shop 2 Comments

hail damage on the roof of a car In Colorado, we have the second highest level of hail damage repair claims in the country. While it’s been a dry spring so far with few storms to speak of (let alone hailstorms), there’s still a lot of hail season to go. If you’re worried about keeping your car safe from hail through the end of the season in August or September, here are the things you can do to protect your car.

Clean Out Your Garage

Many people with garages aren’t using them to keep their car safe, which is a shame, because there’s nothing better for protecting your car from hail than keeping it in the garage.

Clean out the storage space in the garage, move your workshop, even get your hubby to move out his neglected hobby car. Just do what you can to fit your car in the garage through the hail season.

Build a Carport

Don’t have a garage, can’t clean it out, or have more cars than you have space in the garage? Try building a carport.

These days, there are many easy-to-build solutions, from prefab car ports to YouTube videos that give you step-by-step instructions. Just make sure that the carport is hail proof and it’s big enough to overhang on all sides. Hail can come at such angles that you might not be able to guarantee your carport will protect the car, but do what you can to protect from angled hail.

Pay for Parking

If you live in an apartment or if you don’t have the resources to build a carport, consider paying for covered parking through hail season. This will not only protect your car from hail, but it might also provide extra security against theft.

You might find you like it so much you decide to pay all year long.

Buy a Car Cover

car cover to protect against hail damage

If your car is going to be outside all summer, you can try to protect it with a car cover. Make sure the cover you get is designed for hail protection. Get in the habit of covering your car most of the time. This not only protects you from surprise hailstorms, but it also helps you get good at covering the car.

Being able to put the car cover on quickly is important because you likely won’t have much warning for an impending hailstorm. If hail is already falling, however, think of your personal safety first, and don’t go out to cover your car if it could put you at risk.

Improvise Cover

If you must, consider improvising cover for your car. One popular improvisation is moving blankets. These are heavy and thickly padded, so if you have them, they’re worth trying. Just make sure to secure them. Though they’re heavy, the kind of wind that accompanies hailstorms can pick up even heavy blankets.

Another good improvised cover is bags of potting soil or mulch. These are easy to spread out on your car, they’re unlikely to blow away, and they provide good protection.

Some people also recommend cardboard sheets to protect your car, but these can be hard to spread out, and they’re likely to blow away. Not to mention that it doesn’t take much rain to turn them to mush. Not only does that reduce their protective value, but it also makes them hard to clean off your car.

Get to Shelter

If the forecast shows imminent hailstorms, especially if you’ve seen them on the radar heading your way, seek shelter for your car. If you’re downtown or in Cherry Creek North, there are plenty of options. Shopping centers, paid garages, even some RTD Park & Rides have covered lots where you can shelter your car.

Pull Over

If you’re driving when the hailstorm hits, don’t try to outrun the storm. Instead, pull over. The speed you’re driving adds to the speed of the falling hail, making impacts worse.

If you see cover, use it, but try to avoid pulling over at underpasses. These can get crowded, and there’s often less shoulder room to pull fully out of the traffic lanes. With poor sight in hailstorms, you’re more likely to get hit, which can cause worse damage to your car than hail. In addition, some underpasses are at risk of flooding during large storms, and that can also cause worse damage to your car.

Why Choose Accurate Auto Body for Hail Repairs in Denver

Despite all these steps, you might find that your car suffered hail damage anyway. If that’s the case, let Accurate Auto Body help. We can repair most hail damage with our paintless dent repair, helping your car look good as new.

At Accurate Auto Body, our exclusive Focus on You Service System™ helps you have the best auto repair experience. We start by listening to your repair goals, so we know what you’re looking for from repairs. We work around your schedule, with guaranteed completion date and a guaranteed quote so there’s no surprise charges. Check on the state of your repairs any time on our website. Plus, we utilize the latest repair technology to ensure your repairs are done right the first time, including your advanced safety systems. We can work with your insurance company to make the repair experience easier, too.

Find out how we can help your hail damaged car. Please call 303-344-2212 or contact us for a free estimate by making an appointment at Accurate Auto Body in the Sunny Vale neighborhood of Aurora.

How Much Does Hail Damage Devalue a Car?

Posted on: April 29th, 2022 by Accurate Auto Body Shop 1 Comment

It’s hail season in Colorado, and since Colorado usually has the second-highest amount of hail damage claims in the US, there are good odds that your car will be damaged by hail this season. This can be a huge blow if you have a valuable car that you were hoping to sell or refinance. The potential loss due to devaluation might hurt a lot.

However, how much hail damage actually devalues your car will vary depending on how you’re thinking of the car’s value. In practical terms, hail damage might not devalue your car much, if you get the hail damage repaired properly by a reputable auto body shop.

Three Types of Car Valuation: Insurance, Appraisal, and Resale

Your car’s value varies depending on who’s doing the evaluation and for what purpose.

How Your Insurance Company Considers Value

hail damage to a vehicle Your insurance company keeps one tally of your car’s value, which is basically how much they’re willing to pay to fix it. This value depends on a formula that insurance companies and regulators agree on. It’s related to things like your car’s make, model, age, and mileage.

As they pay to repair your car, they subtract these payments from the value. To your insurance company, essentially 100% of the cost of hail damage comes out of the value of your car. They’ll declare your car “totaled” when the cost for repairs meets or exceeds their tally of your car’s value. For some types of damage, this means that your car is literally a total loss and can’t be insured without going through some difficult procedures in addition to the costly repairs.

However, with hail damage, having a totaled car doesn’t keep you from driving. It just means the insurance company cuts you a check and washes their hands of responsibility for your car. Your insurance policy will change to reflect the fact that they’re no longer covering damage to your car. Silver lining: this might reduce your premiums. But it comes with a very dark cloud: future repair costs will all come out of your pocket.

The Appraisal Value of Your Car

The appraisal value of your car is an estimate of how much you can sell your car for. A car-value expert (appraiser) considers the car’s make, model, age, mileage, and condition. The appraisal value of the car limits what you can get for trading your car in or whether you can refinance your car.

To an appraiser, hail damage devalues your car by more than 100% of the cost of repairs. Anyone buying your car would have to pay to repair it, but the hail damage also reduces your car’s attractiveness, making it less appealing to buy.

However, to an appraiser, you can gain back much of the lost value by repairing the damage at a reputable auto body shop. Potential owners don’t have to repair the car, and it can look like new despite the former damage. You’ll have to declare hail damage when selling the car, but even if your insurance company has declared the car totaled, the value won’t be dropped fully down to zero.

The Actual Resale Value of Your Car

While an appraisal of your car is an estimate of what your car might sell for, it could be significantly different from the actual resale value of your car, which is whatever you might be able to get for it.

As with appraisal, the resale value of your car increases if you repair hail damage, often by more than the cost of repairs.

However, even if you don’t repair hail damage, there are often buyers who are prepared to look past cosmetic damage to get a car they can afford and that will get them from point A to point B. Cars with a reputation for reliability, such as Hondas and Toyotas, often sell for a good value despite hail damage if you take the trouble to sell it yourself and can wait patiently for the right buyer.

Repairs That Can Restore Car Value in Denver

hail damage to vehicle Don’t despair if your car has hail damage. Even if your insurance company declares your car a total loss, repairing hail damage can restore much of the practical value of your car.

At Accurate Auto Body, we can often use paintless dent repair to remove hail dents and help your car look like new. In other cases, we might need to replace panels or repair them in ways that require repainting. Fortunately, our advanced color matching system helps ensure the painted parts match the rest of the car. It won’t look like it’s a repaired car.

Our Focus on You Service™ system helps us understand your repair goals. We will first talk to you about your repair goals, then recommend repairs that will achieve your goals. We will work around your schedule, making it convenient for you to drop off your car and pick it up. Plus, with our guaranteed completion date, you’ll experience minimum disruption to your schedule. And our guaranteed estimate means you won’t pay more for your repairs than we estimate.

Want to learn how much your hail damage repairs will cost? Please call 303-344-2212 or use our online form to schedule a free estimate at Accurate Auto Body in Aurora.

 

How to Remove Bugs from Your Windshield

Posted on: April 25th, 2022 by Accurate Auto Body Shop No Comments

First of all, the bad news – bugs happen. They happen indoors. They happen outdoors. And yes, they happen on your windshield. But, there are ways to help make your windshield more bug free and help reduce dreaded bug build-up. A couple sure ways for a bug free windshield are to drive without a windshield or drive backwards, but those are highly impracticable and could be in violation of many laws. So, we put together an all new list of how to help reduce bugs and ways to more easily remove bugs from your windshield.

Tips for a Keeping Bugs off Your Windshield

Bug Deflector

how to remove bugs from a windshield You can buy a bug deflector that attaches to the front of the hood. They are effective at reducing the number of bug casualties on your windshield as the unfortunate bug hits the deflector first. But it also alters the slipstream of the air moving over your vehicle. They essentially create a higher wind draft that pushes some bugs higher over your windshield and over the top of your car. Also, they are somewhat effective at deflecting smaller rocks that would normally chip your paint or windshield.

However, as these do alter the aerodynamics, although slightly, you may see a reduction in gas mileage.

A Thin Layer of Wax

While you want to go heavy on wax in bug prone areas such as your bumper and hood to help reduce bug build up, you will want to use just a thin layer on your windshield. Doing so makes it harder for bugs to stick to the windshield, and they can then more readily be removed simply by using your windshield washer fluid and wipers.

Periodically Change Wiper Blades

Always check your wiper blades and change them at least once a year. Not only will this greatly help in rain and snow, but it also aids with bug residue. Changing out the blades will keep the windshield cleaner by not spreading bug splat and dirt every time you switch the wipers on.

Windshield Repellent

There are special formulas, such as RainX, that you can apply to your windshield. Many of these help water bead on the windshield to make it easier to see in a storm as they essential waterproof your windshield. But they also make it a great deal easier to remove bugs that encounter the windshield. They make them less sticky, so to speak.

Learn How to Remove Bugs from Windshield

But you can’t always keep bugs off your windshield. So how do you clean bugs from your windshield after a long drive? Here are some ideas for removing any “hitchhikers” from your most recent trip.

Basic Soak & Scrub

removing bugs from a windshield Start with a washcloth that is soaking wet with hot water. Drape the cloth over the affected area for a few minutes to get the buggy remains wet. You can add vinegar or Dawn dish soap for tough spots. Be careful about using other household cleaning chemicals that could damage your paint or the glass in your windshield.

Making a paste out of baking soda and water for a mild abrasive can help you go after stubborn spots. Baking soda particles are small enough that they will not scratch the glass of your windshield. Apply the paste using disposable rag and let it dry. Once it dries out, wash it off with hot water. Microfiber cloths are a good choice as they only leave a tiny amount of lint behind.

Special Cleaners

If good old soap and water doesn’t work for you, there are several bug cleaners you can pick up at your local auto parts store. Ask for some guidance from the staff at your store to choose the right product for your car.

Scrape & Pressure Wash

Razors and other sharp objects can be a manual way to remove smashed bugs. Be careful as it is easy to chip the windshield frame or scratch the glass (and you could hurt yourself as well).

If you don’t want to risk using a razor, try using the pressure washer at your local self-serve car wash. Go with the wash and rinse settings to power things clean.

When All Else Fails, Try Coke

One of the more novel ways we have heard to clean your windshield is with Coca-Cola. The Coke acts as a mild solvent that breaks down the bugs and make it easier to remove them with a clean rag and standard glass cleaner. Essentially, it is a pre-treatment application before spaying and wiping down the glass.

We don’t know how effective this really is compared to other approaches. Coke and other colas are fairly acidic, with a pH of around 2.5. However, white vinegar from your pantry has about the same pH. Keep in mind that pH is not the only measure of how well acids will dissolve certain substances. Vinegar is mostly acetic acid, but colas’ acidity is caused by phosphoric acid, which might be more effective at dissolving bug guts. You might also try using lemon juice, which is even more acidic (pH 2—the lower the pH, the stronger the acid), but is mostly citric acid.

We haven’t resorted to this solution ourselves, and we don’t know if anyone’s done a systematic study. Some people swear by it, though, and it won’t hurt you or your windshield. So if you’re having trouble cleaning bugs off, give it a try.

How to Use This Information

When it comes to driving, we want to keep you safe, and staying safe on the road can be as simple as keeping bugs off the windshield. However, if you do find yourself in need of automotive auto body repair, please give us a call at 303-344-2122 or contact us through our website.

Types of Hail Damage to Cars

Posted on: March 25th, 2022 by Accurate Auto Body Shop 1 Comment

With the return of spring, we’re entering hail season again in Colorado. We know, it seems like you just got finished trying to deal with sliding all over the roads in that last snow and ice storm, but springtime in Colorado moves fast.

Hail damage can strike at pretty much any time from now until the end of the summer. When it does, your car might experience many types of damage. Here are some of the types of hail damage that we see and what it takes to fix them.

Dent

hail damage to a vehicle The most common type of hail damage is a simple dent, dimple, or ding to the car’s panels. Depending on the severity of the storm, there may be dozens, even hundreds of these dents on your car.

The good news is that most dents can be fixed with paintless dent repair. With paintless dent repair, we can pop out the dents on your car’s hood, roof, or door. There’s no need to sand or paint, and the car can look almost like new.

There are some limitations. We can’t pop out dents too close to the edge of the panel, and if your panel has been repaired previously, it might not respond as well to paintless dent repair this time.

Scratch

A scratch is when hail damages the paint on your car. This might happen because the hail is traveling at a faster speed, which leads to paint damage. It isn’t related to the size of the hail, so it’s possible to get paint damage even with relatively small dents.

If your car has paint scratches, we will have to perform a more extensive repair. This involves sanding the car and repainting. It may also involve popping out dents and applying filler. Fortunately, we have an advanced color matching system that lets us ensure your new paint will match the old paint. No one will know your car was repainted.

Broken Glass

Hail is not only capable of denting the metal on your car, it can break your windows as well. Some hail stones are large enough to outright shatter your windows. Other times, hailstones can start a crack that will slowly grow across your window.

The windshield and rear window are most affected by hail damage, but any car window can be broken by hail. We can replace all broken windows.

Water Damage

Water damage usually occurs when hail breaks a window, letting water into the car. The water can damage upholstery as well as any components in the car cabin that aren’t designed to be waterproof. This can include in-car electronics, which might not be designed to withstand the elements.

We can replace components inside the car as necessary using OEM parts. For some upholstery, a thorough cleaning might be sufficient, but in other cases, we might recommend replacement.

Mechanical and Functional

It’s possible for hail to damage your car’s functional components. The most common functional components affected are side view mirrors. These can be chipped, cracked, or broken off. For many cars, side view mirrors incorporate advanced safety equipment that will need to be repaired and recalibrated.

Other safety equipment, like sensors, is also vulnerable to hail damage. Damage around the doors can make it hard to open or close them.

Why Choose Accurate Auto Body

At Accurate Auto Body, we utilize our exclusive Focus On You™ Service System. We start by listening to you to figure out what matters most to you. For example, some people really want to restore their car to factory condition, while others are more concerned with getting insurance to pay for most of the repair cost.

Once we know your goals, we will inspect your car and develop one or several repair plans. You can choose which repair plan works best for you, and we’ll give you a guaranteed quote and a guaranteed repair date. We’ll work around your schedule so you can drop off your car and get it back when it’s convenient for you.

You can trust us to get your repairs right the first time. With mechanics certified by Toyota and Honda, we have achieved the rare I-CAR gold class certification. We can handle the most sophisticated repairs, including to advanced safety equipment.

For a free estimate on your car’s hail damage, please call 303-344-2212 or contact Accurate Auto Body today to schedule an appointment.

7 Important Questions to Ask an Auto Body Repair Shop

Posted on: March 18th, 2022 by Accurate Auto Body Shop 2 Comments

If your car has suffered damage from a crash or hail, you are looking for an auto body repair shop to fix the damage. But how do you find the right shop to do the necessary repairs on your car?

One way is to ask questions. Here are seven of the questions you should always ask of any auto body shop before you decide to work with them.

What Certifications Have Your Mechanics and Shop Earned?

mechanic working at an auto body repair shop Every auto body shop is going to claim that they are great mechanics and capable of making necessary repairs. However, you shouldn’t take their word for it. Instead, check for objective evidence that a shop’s mechanics are capable workers with the necessary knowledge to complete repairs.

One piece of objective evidence is third-party certifications. These certifications go to well-trained mechanics and shops with extensive hardware to complete repairs. If you’re not clear what any certification means, ask the shop – and check it for yourself.

What Is Your Rating with the BBB?

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is an organization dedicated to helping consumers separate ethical businesses with good business practices from those that either deliver substandard results, poor service, or both.

An A+ rating with the BBB means that a company either has no complaints or has resolved them to the satisfaction of their customers.

Is My Quote Guaranteed?

One common form of unethical practice from auto body repair shops is to quote you one price upfront, but charge you something much higher in order for you to get your car back.

To avoid this, make sure you get all repair quotes in writing. Also make sure that these quotes are guaranteed.

Can You Repair This Damage Right the First Time?

With some auto shops, you might pick your car up thinking it had been repaired, but the problem might not be fixed. Either that, or it might fail relatively soon after the repairs are complete.

Being able to fix damage right the first time is essential to getting good service from an auto body shop. An auto body repair shop should be able to assure you that they will repair your car properly the first time. Evidence of relevant training and experience can help you feel comfortable with their answer.

When Will I Really Be Able to Get My Car?

You depend on your car, and you can’t let it sit in the shop forever. Just as important as getting a guaranteed quote is getting a guaranteed repair date.

If an auto body repair shop isn’t prepared to guarantee that you’ll be able to get your car back when they say, you have no idea when you will be able to get it back. It’s also helpful to have a way to check the progress of repairs online so that you can see evidence that repairs are moving forward to be completed on time. If it looks like repairs might not make it on time, you can then call the auto body shop to make sure they’ll hit the guaranteed date.

Will You Be Able to Match the Paint on My Car?

Not all auto body shops have the ability to precisely match paint colors. Of course, many repairs can be completed with paintless dent repair, but if you are going to need your car painted, it’s important to know if it’s going to match properly.

Will You Help Me File My Insurance Claim?

Insurance claims can be complicated to file. Some auto body repair shops leave the burden of that on you. This is an extra burden that make it harder for you to get the full compensation you’re due under the terms of your insurance.

Your auto body shop should be prepared to offer some help to improve the odds you’ll get paid what you’re due.

Why Choose Accurate Auto Body for Your Repairs

If you are looking for an auto body repair shop that offers highly accurate repairs in a way that gives you peace of mind, look no further than Accurate Auto Body. Our Focus On You™ Service System includes guaranteed quotes and guaranteed repair dates. We are dedicated to getting your repairs right the first time, and we have the high-level certifications and experience that show we can do it. We carry an A+ rating with the BBB, showing the high level of satisfaction we give our customers.

Want to learn more about what makes us a great choice for your repairs? Please call 303-344-2212 or use our online form today to schedule a free repair estimate at Accurate Auto Body.

What Vehicles Need Snow Chains?

Posted on: February 28th, 2022 by Accurate Auto Body Shop No Comments

If you live in Colorado, you need to know about snow chains. The weather can turn snowy for most of the year, especially in the mountains. When the snow falls in the mountains, the steep grades can become dangerous, and snow chains are a way to reduce the danger of getting in a car accident. In addition, the law often requires that you carry chains and/or use them when conditions demand it.

At Accurate Auto Body, we hope that you can avoid getting in an accident, not to mention getting what can be a very expensive ticket – and tow charge – if your lack of chains ends up leading to an accident. That’s why we want to let you know the vehicle chain laws in Colorado. Note that this is distinct from the Colorado traction law.

Commercial Vehicle Chain Law

In Colorado, all commercial vehicles traveling on I-70 between the Dotsero exit (133) and the Morrison exit (259) must carry chains to be in compliance. This restriction is in place to ensure commercial vehicles don’t get stuck on the roads or get into accidents, causing blocked lanes that can shut down the highways. Accidents and being stranded can be dangerous, even deadly, for motorists.

The chain law can also be enacted for commercial vehicles at any time on other roads.

Colorado defines commercial vehicles as meeting one or more of the following criteria:

  • Having a gross vehicle weight of 16,001 pounds or more.
  • Having a gross combination weight of 16,001 pounds or more, including a towed unit, which has a gross vehicle weight-ration of more than 10,000 pounds.
  • Designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver.

These characteristics apply even if the vehicle is not being used for commercial purposes.

Passenger Vehicle Chain Law

For passenger vehicles, which are all vehicles weighing less than 16,001 pounds, a chain law is much less common. It is enacted when conditions on the road are slippery because of snow. Chain laws are enacted for passenger vehicles only under the worst conditions. When a chain law is in effect for passenger vehicles, the vehicle must have tire chains or alternate traction devices installed on two or more drive tires.

How to Know When a Chain Law Is in Effect

road sign instructing about snow chain requirements We noted above that chain laws are in effect for commercial vehicles traveling on I-70 for most of the year. However, you can check when and where chain laws are in effect on specific roads by going to CDOT’s COtrip events list. You can also sign up to get COtrip travel alerts on your phone.

If You Do Get in an Accident, Choose Accurate Auto Body

We hope you can avoid an accident this winter, in part by following chain and traction laws. However, if you do get into an accident that damages your car, choose Accurate Auto Body for your repairs.

We use our exclusive Focus On You Service System™ to ensure you get the best service and the best results from your auto body repair. We treat you with respect. Our friendly staff and welcomes you to our comfortable environment. We want you to feel at home and feel free to ask a question or speak up to get what you want from your repairs.

We’ll educate you on all your repairs so you know exactly what to expect when repairs are complete, and so you can choose the repair options that really matter to you. we can tell you about your repairs in the way you want, using either plain or technical language.

We provide you with guaranteed pricing and a guaranteed completion date. You have a budget, and you depend on your car. We make sure you don’t break your budget and get your car back with minimum disruption to your busy schedule. We also work around your schedule, allowing drop off and pickup times that fit your life.

When we fix your car, we do it right the first time. Our mechanics are factory certified by Honda and Toyota. Plus, our shop has achieved the coveted I-CAR Gold Class recognition. We have an A+ rating with the BBB, evidence that we satisfy our customers with our high-quality repairs.

We can even help coordinate your insurance claims, saving you time and hassle.

Want to receive an estimate on getting quality repairs on your vehicle? Please call 303-344-2212 or contact us online for a free estimate on your repairs.

7 Tips to Avoid a Winter Car Accident

Posted on: January 24th, 2022 by Accurate Auto Body Shop No Comments

auto body repair after a winter car accident With winter finally deciding to show up along the Front Range, we’re also seeing an increase in the number of car accidents related to the winter weather. At Accurate Auto Body, that means we’re plenty busy, so we’d just as soon it didn’t have to be your car in our shop. Here are some of our tips to help you avoid accidents when you’re driving in the snow.

Don’t Make Unnecessary Trips

You can’t get in a car accident if you’re not in your car. When the weather and road conditions are bad, it’s best to reduce the number of trips you’re taking. See if you can work remotely for the day. Avoid trips for recreation. Only go out for essential supplies. (Note: it’s a good idea to have some extra supplies on hand in Colorado so you can get through winter storms without needing to go to the store, even if it falls on your regular grocery day.)

Prepare Your Car

Make sure your car is in good condition for driving in snow and ice. Most important is your tires. These are going to make the most difference in your car’s performance for starting, stopping, and turning in snow and ice. Make sure your tires are in good shape. Consider switching to snow tires for winter, especially if you live in the mountains.

Also make sure your car has a good level of antifreeze, and that your wiper fluid reservoir is filled with a de-icing formula. Try to keep your gas tank close to full all winter long – you might be stuck in traffic for a long time and unable to get to a gas station.

Plus, it’s a good idea to have an emergency kit in your car in case the worst happens.

Check Road Conditions in Advance

If you do have to head out, check out road conditions before you go. Sometimes it might make sense to plan a different route than usual, one that sticks to streets that are more likely to be clear, avoids accidents, and limits hills.

Don’t forget that weather can roll in suddenly and change dramatically in Denver. Pay attention to the forecast and try to be in before the weather hits or be prepared for it to go bad while you’re out.

Clear Your Vehicle

clearing snow off car to prevent winter car accidents It’s a good idea to clear your vehicle fully before heading out. You want to have all your windows clear for full visibility, and you want to make sure that others can see your headlights, brake lights, and turn signals.

Beyond that, try to clear as much snow as possible from the roof and hood of your car. This snow can get on your windows once you start moving. Besides, snow from your car can obscure the vision of other cars, which might make them more likely to hit you.

Go Slow and Keep Your Distance

This should go without saying, but you should go slow and increase distance between you and other cars when you’re driving in snow and ice. It can be frustrating taking so much longer to get home in the snow, but it’s a lot faster to drive slow than it is to get in an accident.

Avoid Abrupt Maneuvers

Avoid trying to do anything too suddenly in ice and snow. Accelerate slowly, brake gradually, and let yourself turn gently. Whenever possible, try not to steer and accelerate or brake at the same time.

If you find you missed a turn, it’s better to go around than to try to make a sudden maneuver, causing an accident. If you’re making a left turn, wait until the space between cars is wide enough to accommodate your slow acceleration.

Be In Your Best Shape for Driving

Winter driving takes all your skill and attention. Make sure you’re up to the task whenever you get behind the wheel. Don’t drive when tired. Try to avoid distractions or outside stress when you’re driving – the road conditions are stressful enough!

And, of course, don’t drink and drive, ever, especially not when the conditions are bad.

Why Choose Accurate Auto Body for Dent Repair

However, if you do end up getting into an accident, choose Accurate Auto Body for your dent repairs.

We are Toyota factory trained and Honda certified for collision repair. We also maintain I-CAR gold class certification, a testament to the quality of techniques we use and the level of training for our technicians. Our Focus on You Service™ system also means we offer guaranteed quotes and completion dates. We also guarantee the quality of our repairs. Our work is done right the first time. We can work around your schedule, and we will work with your insurance company.

To schedule a free estimate on your repairs, please call 303-344-2212 or contact us online.

12 Vehicle Emergency Kit Essentials When Stuck in the Snow

Posted on: December 31st, 2021 by Accurate Auto Body Shop No Comments

vehicle emergency kit Hopefully, you will be able to avoid getting stuck in the snow thanks to your snow tires, but if you do find yourself trapped in the car on a winter road, you will be happy to find you have these essential items in your vehicle.

Jumper Cables

Cold weather can do a number on your batteries. A battery that wasn’t giving you any trouble in the fall can leave you stranded in the winter cold. You should be carrying your jumper cables all winter long. Not only can this save you, it also puts you in a position to save somebody’s Christmas when they’re stranded at the mall.

Shovel

When the snow hits, you can easily find yourself stranded if it’s too tall and deep for your car. You don’t want to be improvising a shovel from cardboard or digging with your hands in the snow. A compact, folding shovel will get you out of many bad situations.

Traction Aids

When you’re stuck on ice or slippery packed snow, it’s good to have something that can give your tire grip. Non-clumping cat litter or sand are great choices.

It’s also not a bad idea to have a short section of 2×4 for use in deep snow. Just make sure no one is pushing behind that wheel when you put on the gas.

Tire Chains

tire chains Speaking of traction aids, tire chains are another piece of car equipment that should be in your standard driving toolkit. Besides, they might be required. Review Colorado’s traction laws.

Tools

You’ll want to have a basic toolkit for dealing with minor car problems. This should include the tools that came with your car, as well as some pliers, an adjustable wrench, a knife, and more. A Leatherman-type tool can serve for most of this, but you should still have an adjustable wrench.

Tire Change or Repair Supplies

You need to be prepared in case you get a flat tire. Older cars had spare tires standard, but this has become less common. Check what your car has, and supplement as necessary (for example, if the fix-a-flat type stuff is old, get new cans).

If you do expect to change a tire, it’s not a bad idea to have a “cheater bar,” a length of sturdy pipe that can fit over the end of your tire iron to give you more leverage. Rust and cold can “weld” the lug nuts in place. Or you could invest in a genuine breaker bar.

Flashlight

With the short days and long nights of winter, the odds are good that you’ll be trying to deal with being stranded in the dark. A flashlight should absolutely be in your winter safety kit. Remember to store batteries separately and have a second set handy. A hand crank flashlight is a great backup, but if you are doing repairs alone, you don’t want to have to be cranking and working at the same time.

Cell Phone Charger

Sometimes it’s best to just call for help. These days, cell phones can help you avoid many instances where you’d be stranded long-term. But a cell phone does no good if it’s not charged. You should make sure you have a compatible charger installed in your car, but a second charging solution is a good idea in case your car isn’t running. This is a great application for a crank flashlight—many have charging ports. It isn’t fast, but it’s better than discovering that your backup battery is dead, too.

First Aid Kit

first aid kit

You should always have a first aid kit in your car, but it’s especially important to have it in your winter survival kit. If you’re in an accident, or if someone gets hurt trying to fix the car or get it unstuck, it’s good to be able to provide basic first aid.

Warm Clothes and a Blanket

If your best efforts don’t get you back on the road, you will need to hunker down and wait for help to arrive. In some severe winter storms, this could take days. Having some extra warm clothes and a blanket could make the difference in your condition when help arrives.

Nonperishable Food

If you are waiting days for help, you will want to have food on hand, too. Keep some nonperishable food in your emergency kit. But be aware that you’re going to be eating it in the cold—some energy bars can turn rock-hard in cold conditions, so they might not be good choices despite being compact and nutritious.

Heater

Depending on how cold the weather is and how long you’re stranded, you might want to have an additional heat source. It’s not a great idea to run your car for heat. Not only will this deplete the tank, but the fumes can be dangerous and are more likely to accumulate in a stationary car over time. Instead, a simple tea candle in a metal can will add a significant amount of heat in your car. Plus, it’s a light source that lets you save your flashlight batteries for task-specific uses.

Let Accurate Auto Body Help with Repairs

If you were stranded at least in part because of an accident, your car may also need collision repairs. Accurate Auto Body is not only a highly-awarded repair shop, we are also caring and understanding. With our Focus on You Service™ system, we work around your schedule and get your repairs done by the guaranteed repair date. You’ve been stranded enough – your auto body shop shouldn’t make it worse.

Please call 303-344-2212 or use our online contact form to request a quote from Accurate Auto Body. We serve customers in Denver and Aurora, CO.

Best Snow Tires for Colorado Mountains

Posted on: December 27th, 2021 by Accurate Auto Body Shop 1 Comment

The Front Range experienced an extended snowless period in 2021, setting the record for the latest first snow in Denver, and almost tying the longest period without snow as of the time of this writing. This might make people who don’t spend time in the mountains think they don’t need snow tires.

However, the Colorado Rocky Mountains have been getting a steady supply of snow for months, which means that if you live in the mountains or spend a lot of time there, switching to snow tires is an important way to avoid needing collision repair.

At Accurate Auto Body, we want you to stay safe on the roads this winter, so we want to help you choose the best snow tires. There are many good options, though they may not all come in sizes appropriate for your vehicle. Here are a few points to consider about your snow tires, as well as some suggested options for you.

What about Studded Tires?

studded snow tires for winter driving When thinking about true snow tires, many people’s first thought goes to studded tires. Colorado is one of the few states where you can have studded tires at any time of year, and this might make them appealing.

However, for the most part, studded tires are not necessary. Modern tread designs on snow tires work great on roads covered with powder, packed snow, and slush. If you’re off-roading through deep snow, it’s best to put on chains. The place where you will see the most benefit from studded tires is on icy roads. If you often find yourself on slick ice, studded tires might be a good choice for you, but we mostly are looking at non-studded tires.

Bridgestone Blizzak Tires

Although many people have their personal favorites, there’s one snow tire that Colorado mountain drivers talk about most: Blizzak.

Blizzak tires utilize multi-cell tubes – a porous rubber that acts like a sponge – to disperse water from the surface of snow and ice to improve contact between the car and the surface. Then the tire’s grip particles, like mini studs embedded in the rubber, can give your tire additional grip. This provides great control in snow, slush, and even on ice.

There are six different models of Blizzak tires, making it easier to find one that fits your car and your driving needs.

General Tire Altimax Arctic

Another snow tire that is popular among Colorado mountain drivers is the General Tire Altimax Arctic series.

These tires have advanced sipes to help grip in snow and additional raised ridges within their grooves to provide even better traction in snow. Plus, this line of tires is studdable if you need studs for driving in icy conditions.

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3

best snow tires for Colorado Nokian Tyres promotes itself as the northernmost tire manufacturer in the world and focuses on producing the best snow tires. Although the manufacturer offers multiple studded tires, this non-studded version is extremely popular. Well-designed grooves and sipes give this tire great grip in snowy conditions. Plus, it has great performance on dry roads. They’re also available in most sizes, making this an accessible choice. The only downside is that they wear quickly in warm, dry weather.

When Snow Tires Weren’t Enough, Choose Accurate Auto Body

Unfortunately, sometimes even the best snow tire isn’t enough to protect you from a traffic accident. Pile-ups can force you to stop faster than any tire possibly could under snowy or icy conditions. Plus, you can’t count on other people to be using their snow tires, and someone on bald all-weather tires can easily slide into you.

If you were involved in a traffic accident on snowy Colorado roads, whether in the High Country or along the Front Range, look for an auto body shop that is not just capable of handling the collision repairs, but also cares about you.

Accurate Auto Body is a highly awarded auto body shop, I-CAR gold class recognized, Toyota trained and certified by Honda.  Our Focus on You Service™ system offers many benefits when shops get busy in or after the winter accident season. We offer guaranteed estimates and a guaranteed completion date. Plus, we work around your schedule and deal with your insurance company. We also treat you with respect and compassion. We know being in an accident is stressful enough – you don’t need more stress from your collision repair shop.

Please call 303-344-2212 or use our online contact form to request an estimate on your repairs at Accurate Auto Body, serving customers in Denver and Aurora, CO.