Auto Body Shops in Dallas Provide Tips on Buying a New Car

Auto body shops are keeping busy with minor collision repairs, dents, dings and scratches as people are keeping their cars longer now than ever before. Maintaining the auto body and paint is just as important as mechanical maintenance when it comes time to sell or trade in your car.

The resale value of your used car will help you with purchasing a new car. Here are some additional tips for getting the best deal on a new car:

Wait until December: If you are not in a hurry to buy a new car now, then wait until the end of the year when dealerships are trying to get rid of old inventory to make room for new models.

Today, dealers are not offering low interest or cash back incentives. Their inventory is down as a result of the cash for clunkers program. By the end of the year the dealerships will be under pressure to clear out inventory, so they will be likely to offer incentives and discounts.

Take care of your credit: In order to get approved for a car loan with a favorable interest rate you must have a good credit score. Pay down your credit cards and other debts. Be sure to pay bills timely. If your credit score is low you will be required to make a larger down payment and/or pay a larger interest rate.

Compare prices: Consider which models are most popular. SUVs and minivans used to be popular; however, gas prices have influenced people to choose smaller vehicles. Keep in mind that dealers will be less likely to offer competitive pricing on popular vehicles.

Used car values are increasing as the demand for used cars rises. Fewer people can afford new cars today; therefore, they choose to buy a used car. For this reason it is well worth it to keep your car looking good. It used to be inconvenient and expensive to have cosmetic repairs done. People do not have time to leave their cars at the body shop for days at a time.

Jack Barker owns Collision on Wheels, a mobile auto body shop that comes to the consumer’s home or workplace to provide dent repair, scratch removal, auto body and paint repair. Their fee is typically less than the traditional auto body shop and they usually complete the work in one day or less.

Jack serves homes and businesses in the North Dallas Metro area: Dallas, Plano, Richardson, Allen, Frisco, Grand Prairie, Carrolton, Farmers Branch, Fort Worth, Garland and neighboring cities and communities in Dallas, Collin and Tarrant Counties. 75201, 75203, 75205, 75206, 75208, 75210, 75216, 75218, 75220, 75223, 75226, 75023, 75025, 75075, 75094, 75081, 75002, 75034, 75050, 75052, 75006, 75010, 75244, 76103, 76105, 76107, 76108, 76110, 76112, 76114, 76115, 76117, 76119, 76040, 76042, 76044, 75202, 75204, 75207, 75209, 75211, 75212, 75215, 75217, 75219, 75224, 75225, 75024, 75074, 75093, 75080, 75082, 75013, 75035, 75051, 75054, 75007, 75234, 76102, 76104, 76106, 76109, 76111, 76115, 76116, 76118, 76120, 76123, 76126, 76041, 76043, 76048

Auto Body Dent Repair, Scratch Repair – Mobile Auto Body Shop Fort Worth, Texas

Auto dent repair, scratch repair and minor collision repairs used to involve the hassle of leaving your vehicle at the auto body repair shop for days while you had to arrange alternate transportation.

Today, there is a better, more convenient way that saves time and money. The new trend in auto body repairs is the mobile auto body shop. The concept of the mobile auto body shop, where the service is performed at your home or business, is convenient, time saving and less expensive.

Mobile Auto Body Shops – House calls for auto body dent and scratch repair, paint repair, doors, bumpers, fenders and more…

Mobile auto body shops come to your vehicle, in the office parking lot or your driveway to provide an estimate. A mobile auto body shop is a van equipped with everything the auto body technician needs to perform scratch and dent repair right in your driveway or at your workplace. They can repair football-sized dents, scratches, and abrasions on vehicles while you work and have your vehicle ready for you drive home at the end of the day. This is convenient because you don’t have to be without your vehicle for days at a time while it sits at the body shop.

A mobile auto body shop has considerably less overhead expenses than a traditional auto body repair shop; therefore, they can pass the savings on to their customers with lower fees for auto body work.

The mobile auto body shop is a new trend in auto body repair that saves consumers time and money. Estimates and service are often completed in one day or less with a cost of less than an insurance deductible. This is another benefit of having minor collision repairs performed by a mobile auto body shop.

Mobile Auto Body Shops – Quality Workmanship

Some people are concerned with the quality of repair that can be done by a mobile auto body shop. Mobile auto body shops are fully equipped to complete necessary body work with the high quality workmanship that you would expect from a traditional auto body repair shop.

Advanced technology allows the mobile auto body shop the ability to perform auto body work and a paint job to restore your vehicle to its original condition. They can computer match the color of paint for a perfect match. They work under special tents that protect the surrounding area and enable technicians to work in any weather conditions.


Mobile Auto Body Shop for Convenience

A mobile auto body shop can complete most minor collision repairs in one day or less; some in just a couple hours. These same repairs, done in a body shop, would require leaving your vehicle for at least day or two. One reason for the delay is auto body shops often focus on the bigger, more expensive jobs while the vehicles in need of minor repairs sit and wait.

Mobile Auto Body Shop cost of Service

Mobile auto body shops have less operating expenses than a traditional auto body repair shop; therefore, they are able to pass the savings on to the customer. They don’t have to lease a building and expensive equipment, pay utility bills, property insurance or any other costs associated with a building. Everything they need is in their vehicle.

Another good reason one should consider a mobile auto body shop is that most of the minor repairs that need to be done cost less than an insurance company’s deductible. Most people prefer to pay for minor scratch and dent repairs without involving their insurance company for fear of an increase in premiums.

Jack Barker owns Collision on Wheels, a full-service, mobile auto body shop that performs all minor collision repairs, auto dent repair, scratch repair, auto paint repair, bumpers, fenders and doors. Jack serves consumers and businesses in the North Dallas Metro area: Dallas, Plano, Richardson, Allen, Frisco, Grand Prairie, Carrolton, Farmers Branch, Fort Worth, Garland and neighboring cities and communities in Dallas, Collin and Tarrant Counties.

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Auto Body Repair Shop Dallas, Texas: Rear End Crash Protection

Do you feel safer in a larger vehicle? Many people think they have less chance of injury in a larger car if they are in an accident. Rear end crashes are very common. Head restraints for head and neck support are more important than the size of your vehicle. Studies have shown that many larger vehicles do not have the proper head restraint support needed. Passengers in some SUVs and other larger cars are at a greater risk of suffering a whiplash injury.

Though fatalities are rare in rear-end crashes, whiplash injuries are a major problem that cost insurance companies millions in claims each year. Pain and lack of flexibility can disable victims for years.

Rear Crash Protection

Airbags are only designed to work in front-end crashes, providing front, side and rollover protection. Researchers are looking for ways to improve seats and head restraints to protect people from injury in a rear end crash. They use mannequins in crash simulation labs to determine the possibility of injury based on geometric data.

Head restraints are required in the front seats of passenger vehicles; however, their shape and size continues to vary. There are currently no requirements for head restraints in the back seat.

Seats and head restraints are designed to provide the support needed in rear-end crashes. The force of a rear end crash pushes a passenger’s body forward while the head remains behind the torso. This causes the neck to stretch, resulting in whiplash injuries. The degree of injury depends on several factors, including the person’s weight, position on impact, the shape of the seat and the position of the head restraint.

Head restraints are crucial for keeping the head and body aligned as much as possible in the event of a rear-end crash. The most effective head restraints are height and angle adjustable and the seatback is designed to work well with the head restraint. It is important for passengers to adjust their head restraint properly and wear their seat belts.

The Problem with Back Seats

Back seat passengers have little or no protection from whiplash injuries. Some vehicles have built-in head restraints that cannot be adjusted; they’re just bumps on top of the seat back.

Some vehicles have adjustable head restraints that don’t lock into place so they can drop down when pressure is put on them. Some head restraints block the driver’s view out the rear window. One good idea that has been implemented in some cars is the head restraints that can be folded down when not in use.

Car manufacturers have a ways to go in creating and designing good seat back and head restraint systems for protection in rear-end crashes. Most cars rate poor to fair in this category, so it really doesn’t matter if you are in a large or small vehicle; without proper head and neck support, the risk of serious injury is the same.


This information is provided by Jack Barker, owner of Collision on Wheels, a mobile auto body repair shop that comes to you to perform minor collision repair, dent repair, scratch repair, auto paint work and more. Many repairs can be done in one day or less; the cost is considerably less than a typical auto body shop and you don’t have to be without your vehicle for days at a time. Jack Barker services the North Dallas Metro area: Dallas, Plano, Richardson, Allen, Frisco, Grand Prairie, Carrolton, Farmers Branch, Fort Worth, Garland and neighboring cities and communities in Dallas, Collin and Tarrant Counties.


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How Auto Body Shops work with Insurance Companies, According to an Auto Body Repair Technician in Dallas, TX

Minor collision damage and small fender-benders often cost more than your insurance deductible if you have them repaired at a traditional auto body shop. If the accident is your fault, then you will have to pay the deductible.

Insurance companies have a contract with auto body shops for a pre-negotiated rate on specific repairs. Some practices include requiring low hourly labor rates or forcing the body shop to pay for a rental car if they do not complete repairs timely. As a result, the auto body shop is tempted to cut corners, using lower quality materials or neglecting to complete certain steps required for proper repair.

In many cases repairs are not completed timely, as promised. Auto body shops like to blame this on a delay in parts delivery when the truth is they took on more business than they could handle. Do your homework; research the auto body repair shop you are using to see if there have been multiple complaints about repairs not being completed on time.

Rental cars can be costly; make sure your insurance company covers the type of rental car you need while yours in the shop. Your policy might limit you reimbursement on a small car when you need a minivan.

Many insurance companies require auto body shops to use generic or salvage replacement parts to save money. This is acceptable for some repairs, but original-equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts are designed to match perfectly and in some cases may be safer. If you are in an accident and you are at fault then there could be wording in your insurance policy that requires you to use lower quality parts or pay the difference for OEM replacement parts. If you are not at fault, be sure to tell the shop to use only OEM parts.

Many foreign made cars require special equipment and a high degree of precision to perform repairs properly. If you drive a foreign car be sure the shop you choose is certified by the manufacturer to do the repair work. Your insurance company will not be likely to recommend these shops because they charge higher rates; however, they should be willing to pay to repair your vehicle to its original condition.

Check the parts and service warranty offered by the auto body repair shop. Sometimes an insurance company provides a parts and service warranty; it is useless. The auto body shop’s guarantee is the one that is important to you; most body shops guarantee their work and the parts manufacturers guarantee the parts.

Insurance companies have negotiated so many discounts with auto body shops that in order for the shop to stay in business they do lower quality repair work. Check with the Better Business Bureau, Vehicle Information Services or other agencies that monitor the quality of work done by auto body shops to be sure you are getting good service.

Jack Barker owns Collision on Wheels, a mobile auto body shop that specializes in minor collision repair, dent and scratch repair, bumper repair and replacement, and auto paint repair. They come to you to do perform auto body repair work in your driveway or at your workplace. Repairs are typically done in one day or less and the cost is often less than your insurance deductible. Jack serves consumers and businesses in the North Dallas Metro area, Dallas, Plano, Richardson, Allen, Frisco, Grand Prairie, Carrolton, Farmers Branch, Fort Worth, Garland and neighboring cities and communities in Dallas, Collin and Tarrant Counties.

75201, 75203, 75205, 75206, 75208, 75210, 75216, 75218, 75220, 75223, 75226, 75023, 75025, 75075, 75094, 75081, 75002, 75034, 75050, 75052, 75006, 75010, 75244, 76103, 76105, 76107, 76108, 76110, 76112, 76114, 76115, 76117, 76119, 76040, 76042, 76044

How Auto Body Repairs Benefit our Environment

We often take the planet earth for granted as we live, breathe, eat and sleep here. There are so many simple practices we can live by to eliminate the impact we have on our environment to preserve the planet. We can conserve energy, not waste water, recycle and cut down on pollution.

Auto body repairs versus replacement of body parts is another way we can help the environment and cut down on the waste products going into the landfills. Many auto body shops prefer to replace bumpers, fenders, doors and trim on vehicles so they can charge more for labor and mark-up on parts. This wasteful practice means more trash going to the dump. In addition, the packaging material that the new parts are shipped in are also thrown in the trash.

In addition, if you are thinking of buying a new car, you might reconsider repairing the one you have. So many cars end up going to the dump when they are still usable. If you must have a new car, consider selling your old car or donating it for a tax write-off.

Auto body repairs versus replacement saves consumers time and money while helping to preserve our environment. Make sure your auto body repair shop is eco-friendly, repairing auto body parts when possible.

Jack Barker owns and operates Collision on Wheels, a mobile auto body shop that comes to you to perform minor collision repair, dent repair, scratch repair, auto paint repair, bumpers, fenders and doors. Collision on Wheels serves consumers and businesses in the North Dallas Metro area, Dallas, Plano, Richardson, Allen, Frisco, Grand Prairie, Carrolton, Farmers Branch, Fort Worth, Garland and neighboring cities and communities in Dallas, Collin and Tarrant Counties.

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Auto Paint Repair - Dallas Expert Explains Auto Paint Contamination

Removing Paint Contamination with a Car Clay Bar

Auto paint contamination includes overspray, industrial fallout and tiny metal shavings form brake dust. This type of contamination can cause serious damage to your car’s finish and it cannot be removed by washing, waxing or polishing. Paint contamination feels rough or gritty and leads to tiny rust spots.

Causes of Paint Contamination

Rail Dust: Rail dust is produced from the friction of a train’s wheels against railroad tracks. Most new cars are shipped to dealerships by train; therefore, a new car’s finish can be contaminated before it gets to the dealership. If you live near a railroad track or your daily route to work takes you past the tracks your car is subject to rail dust contamination.

Brake Dust: Brake dust is particles produced from the friction of brake pads rubbing against the rotor and dispensed into the air on the highway where it comes into contact with other cars.

Industrial fallout is another type of pollution; it is a byproduct of our modern industrial age.

Checking for Paint Contamination

One way to check for paint contamination is by placing your hand in a plastic bag and lightly running it over the paint surface after washing and drying your car. If the surface feels rough and gritty contamination is present and should be removed with a clay bar before applying wax.

Removing Paint Contamination

There is no way to prevent paint contamination. Using rubbing compounds to remove the contamination can be abrasive and will eventually remove the top, clear coat finish from your car.

The best way to safely remove paint contamination is with a clay bar as it does not cut or use abrasive action like rubbing compounds. Poly Clay bars are the best product to use because they do not dry with age or decompose with repeated applications. They are non-abrasive and clear coat safe. Poly Clay bars leave little residue making clean-up easy.

Wash and dry the car before using a clay bar as dirt on the surface will cause scratches. Follow directions and use a clay lubricant to reduce friction between the clay bar the paint surface.

Work in sections, applying a light mist of lubricant. Gently glide the clay bar across the area until the finish is smooth and the contaminants are removed. Wipe with a clean, dry microfiber towel and continue working in sections until the entire vehicle has been treated.

As the clay bar becomes soiled, pull, stretch and refold to expose a new area. When it is completely soiled throw it out. A 2 oz clay bar should last through 5 to 7 treatments. Be careful not to drop the clay bar on the ground.

Clay bars only remove contamination; they do not remove scratches or restore the gloss. Polish or wax the car after removing paint contamination to restore the shine and protect the paint.

Jack Barker owns Collision on Wheels, a mobile auto body shop that comes to your home or work place to perform minor collision repair, dent repair, scratch repair and paint repair. Repairs are usually done in one day or less and the cost is typically less than the deductible on your insurance policy.

Jack Barker Serves the North Dallas Metro area: Dallas, Plano, Richardson, Allen, Frisco, Grand Prairie, Carrolton, Farmers Branch, Fort Worth, Garland and neighboring cities and communities in Dallas, Collin and Tarrant Counties.

75201, 75203, 75205, 75206, 75208, 75210, 75216, 75218, 75220, 75223, 75226, 75023, 75025, 75075, 75094, 75081, 75002, 75034, 75050, 75052, 75006, 75010, 75244, 76103, 76105, 76107, 76108, 76110, 76112, 76114, 76115, 76117, 76119, 76040, 76042, 76044

Auto Paint Maintenance Tips from Dallas Texas Auto Body Repair Expert

Here are some tips for maintaining your vehicle’s paint to keep your car looking like new for years.

Always use a wet cloth when wiping dirt from your car; be sure to rinse the car first.

Don’t use dry cloth on a dry car as this will cause small scratches as you drag dirt across the paint.

Wax the car immediately after washing to provide a protective shield for the paint.

Don’t wash or wax your car after it’s been sitting in the hot sun or you will end up with streaks and stains on the paint surface.

Use only products like car shampoos, wax and polishes designed for use on your car.

Don’t use laundry detergents or harsh soaps to wash your car as they will only remove the protective wax and your paint’s oils, making the paint look flat.

Only use non-abrasive liquid polishes specifically designed for your car’s finish. Avoid silicone-based wax as it penetrates all layers of paint.

Don’t use polishing or rubbing compounds on paints with a clear acrylic coating or it will become dull.

Use rubbing compounds only when needed; when the paint surface has become dull.

Don’t use abrasive cleaners and compounds that can remove the paint and primer and expose bare metal.

If you use a car cover choose one that is made of natural fibers that breathe like cotton.

Don’t use vinyl or plastic car covers, especially in humid conditions as they trap moisture that causes mold and corrosion.

Park in a garage or in the shade as much as possible

Parking in the hot sun for a long period of time will cause the paint to fade or blister.

Repair scratches as soon as possible

Don’t neglect these repairs as the exposed metal will begin to rust when exposed to water and salt.

Wash your car at least once a month and wax it every three months to protect and maintain the paint. Always use products that are specifically designed for your car; do not substitute car shampoo with laundry soap or other products. Follow manufacturer’s instructions. Only use rubbing compound when necessary and choose products with very mild abrasives.

Jack Barker owns Collision on Wheels, a mobile auto body shop that comes to your home or work place to perform minor collision repair, dent repair, scratch repair and paint repair. Repairs are usually done in one day or less and the cost is typically less than the deductible on your insurance policy.

Jack Barker services the North Dallas Metro area: Dallas, Plano, Richardson, Allen, Frisco, Grand Prairie, Carrolton, Farmers Branch, Fort Worth, Garland and neighboring cities and communities in Dallas, Collin and Tarrant Counties.

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