How to Avoid Car Repair Scams?For safety, efficiency, and durabil...
For safety, efficiency, and durability of your car, it is very important to keep your car in good condition. On the contrary, some service centres are more engrossed in making money than providing car repairs and services. Here are steps to ensure that you are paying for the right service you need for your car.
StepsAsk friends, co-workers references for crash repairs service centres and get the reviews from them. This will make your work easy.Identify the reason before you take your car in the service shop. Make a list of problems that you have noticed and gather as much information about it as possible. This will help you to explain to the expert at the service centre. Check out with nearby local auto parts store, especially when the engine light is on. This service is usually free of charge and the expert at the local auto part store can tell you right away if there is a need for a new sensor and get the complete information. With proper knowledge, it's time to go to the service centre. Give the expert complete information that you have observed and request them to check and get back to you with their observation about your car. Ask questions regarding the car repairs, services and get the complete explanation. If the experts in unable to provide you the information then it time to look for the new service centre. Get services charges in writing before the car repair work is performed. The service centre should provide the quote in writing and all the sort of extra charges are eliminated. So the expert will not perform any repairs without your permission. Follow these steps and you can avoid car repair scams easily. Visit our service center for more information on accident repairs and other services. |
How to Get Your Car Back from the Panel Beater QuiNobody wants to spend long periods ...
Nobody wants to spend long periods of time without a car, and it can be inconvenient to have your vehicle in the shop, meaning you have to beg for lifts or spend cash on taxis. Unfortunately, when you damage the body of your car, whether it’s a knock from parking or a full-on collision, your car will probably need to go to a panel beater to get your car back to normal. Because collisions often involve dealing with insurers, both for you and the other party, and mean you need to get quotes for the work, this can mean a lot of time chasing people by phone. Luckily, there are ways to make the process quicker, so you can be back behind the wheel in no time.
Insurance delaysOne of the biggest delays for getting repair work done can be dealing with insurance companies. So, if it’s a smaller job, for example you’ve hit a post while parking, then paying privately can make life easier. Check your insurance documents and look at your excess. Sometimes it’s cheaper to pay out of pocket rather than pay the excess. Get a quote from panel beaters in Perth so you can decide whether to claim through your insurance, or pay yourself.Another issue to think about is your no claims bonus. If you make a claim for repairs, then your insurance can be more expensive when you renew, and with car insurance rates on the rise, this could mean a significant amount of money over the next few years. Therefore, you should weigh up the pros and cons before you go. Insurance paperwork
Part of the claims process that can cause delays is getting it assessed by the insurance company. There’s not much that can be done about this, as it varies by insurer and whether they’re busy at the time, but by making sure you use a reputable panel beater they can ensure all the paperwork is in place so work can be carried out as quickly as possible. Choose your panel beater carefullyChoosing an experienced panel beater is key to getting the best service. Plenty of companies make promises about offering the quickest service in your area, but if they’re not experienced and established, then they might struggle to work with insurance companies and get things turned around in time. Quality is also very important. When you are looking for panel beaters in Gauteng, you want to know that the job will be done correctly the first-time round. Getting the work done professionally the first time will save you having to bring the car back later, and using an established company will take the stress out of the process.It often saves time if a panel beater can pick up the car, as you don’t need to go out of your way to drop your car off and try to get home. If you are stuck by the side of the road, your car can be towed, and you can be dropped off in a convenient location such as your home or workplace so you can get on with your day. Finding the right partsIt’s important that the correct parts be used to repair your car, and this can mean parts needing to be ordered. If you have a pretty standard car and there are lots of them on the road, then the odds are the parts will be easy to find. If you have a more exotic, foreign car, then this can delay things. Using a reputable panel beater means that they’ll know the best places to look for parts, which can help minimise the delay.When you claim on your insurance, it’s important that manufacturer approved parts are used on your car, as this ensures safety and high standards. If you go to a less reputable repair centre, they may rush to do the job using incorrect parts, which can lead to issues with your insurance, and mean issues have to be rectified down the line, which is a waste of your time. DamageThe time it takes for a job to be carried out will often depend on how much damage has been done. Some body repairs are cosmetic, which means dents simply need to be removed and panels can be resprayed. However, if you’ve damaged your suspension or other parts of your vehicle, then this can mean additional time to get the job done, and it may make the insurance process more complex. In these situations, using an experienced panel beater is essential, as they can explain the extent of the damage to the insurance assessor, and justify the cost of the repairs. It’s important that quotes are prepared for the insurance assessor, as this can help move your claim along more quickly.Having an accident can mean spending time without your car, which is inconvenient for the majority of people, and that’s why it’s important that body repairs get carried out quickly. By choosing a reputable panel beater, experienced with insurance claims, the process can be much easier. It means you don’t have to deal with your insurance companies, sort out visits from assessors, or do any of the tedious paperwork, you can simply sit back and relax while your car is repaired. |
The Importance of Having Your Bumpers Repaired asEven if you’ve been involved ...
Even if you’ve been involved in only a minor collision, it is extremely important to have your bumpers repaired as soon as you can. It is best not to continue driving your vehicle with damage to some of the bumpers, for the simple reason that it is those bumpers that could help save your life one day.
For this reason, it is vital you get your bumpers repaired as soon as possible after any collision. It is the law that all newer vehicles must be fitted with bumpers, and so if your bumper is significantly damaged, you may be pulled over by the police and fined. Furthermore, a damaged bumper may not pass the rego, and also will affect your insurance. Therefore, it really makes sense to get your damaged bumper repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Remember, bumpers are fitted for your own safety, so it only makes sense to have fully intact bumpers at all times. Here are our top reasons why it is crucial to get your bumper repaired immediately, after even the smallest sign of damage:InsuranceEven if you’ve just been in an accident and you’re not at fault, with damaged bumpers your insurance company will not cover any physical damage to your vehicle the next time you have an accident, whether you’re at fault or not. Unless you repair your damaged bumpers, your insurance company may drop damage coverage for your vehicle.Something else the insurance company may do is only pay out part of the claim, covering only new damage, if the old damage had not been repaired. It makes the most sense to repair any existing damage as soon as it occurs, rather than run the risk of the same area being damaged again in the future, potentially worsening any further damage that may arise. Even though the damage to your bumper may seem small, unless it is repaired now it could cause worse damage in a future accident. The next time your car is involved in an accident it may debilitate your vehicle enough to make it not roadworthy because it wasn’t protected properly. It is much wiser to pay less now – fix the bumper at a fair price – rather than risk the possibility of more expensive repairs later. At Fiad Dent, we specialize not only in panel beating, but also recognize the importance of bumper repairs and so offer our customers a value-for-money price to have any damaged bumpers repaired. Potential for Further DamageA bumper is designed for one purpose: to limit the impact damage to the actual car. They do their job well, but once a bumper is damaged it cannot protect the body of your car as well as it did before. Looking from the outside, any impact to a bumper may seem to be surface damage, but what lies beneath may be more serious in the long term.It’s hard to see any further damage that a dented bumper may cause to your vehicle, however, there are many complications a broken bumper may cause internally. For example, a cracked bumper may allow water to access the internal structure and cause corrosion. This potentially long-term damage can be defended against only if the bumper is fully restored. We are experts in bumper repairs. Most damages are hidden to the human eye, but using the most advanced technology and our expertise we are able to recognize internal damages and then repair them too. SafetyBumpers are fitted to cars to make impacts safer. Without them, any collision could be impacting the metal chassis itself. Even if you have the tiniest of collisions that have damaged your bumper, it is vital you get it repaired as soon as possible.Sometimes the damage will be hidden from view, and that’s why it’s crucial to take your vehicle in for an inspection and repair at the smallest sign of damage. Perhaps you weren’t involved in the accident yourself, and maybe someone collided with your parked vehicle when you weren’t there? In any case, it is extremely important to have fully intact bumpers – front and rear – otherwise they will not be able to protect you the next time an accident occurs. We value our customers, and that’s why we offer a fair price on any bumper and smash repairs. Safety is of the utmost importance. The LawWhilst a damaged bumper may appear to not be that bad from the offset, it could lead to much more serious problems that make your vehicle a danger to yourself and other road users. The surface damage on the bumper may be hiding something worse to the chassis, which will ultimately render your vehicle out of operation. This is the reason why the law states that all newer vehicles must be fitted with a front and rear bumper.Older vehicles, such as classic cars, can get away with having no bumper, if you can prove that the manufacturer never fitted one. But as such, with all new vehicles, the car-makers must include bumpers at the point of sale. Therefore, it becomes your responsibility as a car-owner to ensure that they are maintained. If your bumper is deemed to be too damaged to be safe, then the police may issue you a fine, and your vehicle won’t pass inspection for rego. So, even with the smallest amount of damage to your bumper, you shouldn’t delay getting it fixed. We will be easily able to restore your bumper quickly after any collision. ValueYou probably don’t want to hold onto your vehicle forever, and at some point, you’ll want to sell it. Every little dink and scratch to your car will make it lose value, and that’s why it pays to get all minor damage repaired as soon as possible. Keep your car like new, and it will be more likely to sell for a higher price.Not only that, but minor damage can deteriorate and worsen over time, and that’s why it’s important to repair it as soon as possible. It will be much cheaper to catch any small damages earlier on – nip it in the bud – before they grow into something bigger. Furthermore, if your car displays a visually damaged bumper, this will raise doubts in any buyer’s mind as to what else may lie beneath. There could well be no further damage, but even small damage to your bumper could lead the person to offer less money than your vehicle should be worth. Getting you bumper repaired as soon as possible is incredibly important if you want to hold the value of your vehicle. Here at Fiad Dent, we will not only fix it, but we can also provide documentation that the repairs certify that the vehicle is safe and roadworthy, as we are a licenced collision repairs specialist. Keeping Your Bumpers up to Standard. There are several reasons to get your bumper repaired at the first sight of any damage, and all will save you money in the long run. There is no need to wait to receive a fine from the police or not pass your roadworthy inspection and then have to pay more, if you fix the bumper now. The resale value of your car will remain higher if you fix damages to the bumper as they happen, and particularly as this may be masking a more serious problem. More importantly is your safety. Bumpers are designed to protect you, and protect your vehicle from further damage. A damaged bumper will do neither, and that’s why insurers recognise this and won’t pay out if the bumper is known to have not been repaired. We recognise all these factors and that’s why we believe it is critical to have damages fixed as soon as possible. |
Keep Your Car Shining With These Simple Exterior CNothing makes as good a first ...
Nothing makes as good a first impression as pulling up in a car that looks as sleek, shiny and well-maintained as the day you drove her out of the lot. Of course, with the demands of daily driving, keeping your vehicle in premium condition is often easier said than done – if you don’t know what you’re doing, that is. If you ever require more professional repairs such as panel beating then get in touch with your local company.
Luckily, we do! Keep your car shining for years to come with these five simple tips:Wash every two weeksThe most important part of maintaining your car’s appearance is regular washing. Every time you take your car out, you’re exposing her to contaminants such as smoke, chemicals, dirt and grime, all of which can contribute to your vehicles paint becoming faded or discoloured.Thankfully, regular washing can combat the effects of these pollutants and help you retain your car’s shine. Aim to wash your car about once every two weeks using a quality, purpose-made car wash solution. Alternatively, save yourself the time and take your vehicle in for a professional car wash service. Wax every six monthsTo add extra sparkle to your car, you’ll also want to give it the occasional waxing. In addition to keeping your vehicle looking great, wax has the added benefits of protecting your paint against airborne contaminants, harsh weather conditions and minor scratches.Best of all? You only have to do it a couple times a year. Just throw some water onto your car bonnet and watch how the liquid runs off – if it doesn’t form nicely shaped beads, then it’s time for a waxing. Keep her coveredAs noted, the main sources of paint damage are things beyond your influence. While you can’t control the conditions your vehicle is exposed to while driving, you can keep your car protected when it’s not in use. A quality car cover serves to safeguard your vehicle against harmful UV rays, dirt, mud, salt, harsh weather conditions and just about anything else you can think of.Remember the undercarriageIt’s all too easy to forget about the undercarriage, but keeping this part of your car regularly maintained can do wonders for preserving your vehicle’s exterior. Every few months, examine the undercarriage for signs of rust and use a hose and/or cloth to remove dirt from all those hard-to-reach places.Get her detailedA professional detailing can revitalise your car’s exterior condition in a way that simply isn’t possible for most people to achieve at home. A good detailing might involve removing chips and scratches in the paintwork, repainting any faded or damaged spots and generally working out any visual imperfections. Keep your car in top-notch condition and maintain its value by taking her in for a professional detailing about once every 18 months.Does your vehicle need some work done to it before it’s ready for a good wash and wax? Whether it’s a small dent in your bumper or major collision damage, we can work our magic to get your car looking beautiful again. Contact us today for a free quote. |
Bumper Repair Facts That You Should KnowHere at Fiad Dent, we’re expe...
Here at Fiad Dent, we’re experts in auto body repair. We are responsible for getting fleet and luxury vehicles back on the road quickly. A big part of our comprehensive panel beating services is bumper repair.
Today we’re going to share some trade secrets and let our readers in on our bumper repair process. Let’s check it out! The First StepThe first step is removing the plastic cover from the bumper bar. This can be a complex job, as the screws that keep the plastic covering on are sometimes hard to locate and vary from make to make.Choosing an AdhesiveThe next step is determining what adhesive to use. This depends on the type of plastic in your bumper bar. Most bumpers have a stamp that identifies the type of plastic. Once we know, we can choose a suitable adhesive.PreparationWe then slightly scuff the damaged area and clean it with a surface cleaner. If the bumper is cut or torn through completely, we may have to replace the entire bumper. After we rinse the bumper and let it dry, we prepare it with an industrial solvent. We take great care in how we apply this, making sure that we wear appropriate protective equipment.We also use a grinder to sand off any rugged edges of the damaged bumper to make it smooth. Other StepsSometimes we also need to drill several small holes into the surface area. The structural repair material flows through the holes, allowing it to further reinforce the repair.Apply AdhesiveWe apply an adhesive to both sides of the bumper and wait at least 10 minutes. Some adhesive manufacturers recommend a longer wait time. We use our years of industry experience to ensure that the job is done right.Structural RepairWe apply the proper structural repair material to a backing reinforcement piece. This needs to cover the back of the bumper too. We then shape some contouring plastic around the bumper to match the exact shape and curve of the bumper. This is one of the most satisfying parts of the process, as your repair starts to take its final shape.Finishing TouchesYour bumper wouldn’t be complete without some finishing touches. After the bulk of the job is finished we usually wait an hour or two before applying these touches. When it’s ready, we sand the bumper at a low speed to make it smooth and even. We finish off by applying a plastic finishing putty or filler in case we’ve missed anything.The Important of ExperienceIt’s so important to choose an experienced and professional panel beater to perform this technique. While it can get tempting to DIY, remember that there are people who do this for a living who make it an art form. Always choose an experienced panel beater for any bumper repairs.Had an accident? Need to have a bumper examined and repaired? Choose Fiad Dent for efficient, experienced and elegant work. We specialise in luxury cars and fleet vehicles. |
Why You Should Avoid DIY Dent RepairThat heart sinking feeling you get ...
That heart sinking feeling you get when you see a series of minor dents in your vehicle can really ruin your day. Your first thought may be to search repair techniques online and save money by attempting the repair yourself. However, this could actually end up causing more damage to your vehicle, costing you more to fix than the original dent.
It is imperative that you do your research and find a reputable dent repair company to work on your car. At Fiad Dent, our Master Technicians are experts at Mobile Paintless Dent Removal and treat every single vehicle as if it were their own. We know how important your vehicle’s appearance is, which is why we pride ourselves on returning your car to back to its factory finish. In some cases, surface dents to your vehicle can signal more widespread damage underneath. If you attempt to perform DIY dent removal on your car, it is likely you will overlook such problems and put yourself at risk on the road as a result. We provide free, no-obligation estimates on how much the repair will cost, giving you a clearer indication on the extent of the damage done to your vehicle. Our highly trained technicians have spent years perfecting their craft to ensure we give flawless results every time. We also use specialised tools and techniques, which requires a great deal of training to use effectively. Therefore, we advise that people without this knowledge do not attempt it themselves. Not only can you end up with a less-than-perfect result, but you will also be spending money unnecessarily on DIY repair kits that you may never use again. What’s more, if do not have the skillset to use dent removal tools, you may cause damage to your paintwork. Our services are affordable and fair; with us you get guaranteed a high quality dent repair and satisfaction. If you elect for the DIY route and make a mistake, it’s likely you will have to live with the consequences. Be sure to use the dent repair experts, we can guarantee high quality and flawless results every time. With our Mobile Dent repair service it couldn’t be easier! Our technicians can come directly to you, saving you time and effort. Give us a call today or fill in an enquiry form for a free quote. |
Car Parking AdviceIf you are looking for a dent repai...
If you are looking for a dent repair service you are in the right place. Our team will be happy to help remove any minor dents you might have, but avoiding dents in the first place can be an even cheaper option.
Not all dents are our own fault, cheap but thinking carefully about where we park can help side step any incidents. We wanted to share our top tips to help you avoid any damage to your vehicle. Garage ParkingParking in our own private garage would seem like the safest option by far, and to a certain extent it is. Vehicles can be parked up and protected from the elements or any potential vandalism. However, garages have become extensions of our homes and are generally filled with items that no longer fit in the house. Items hanging from the wall or balancing precariously on top of each other lead to a difficult space to park in. Keeping the garage tidy and organised with only the essential items stored in there will make parking easier for you. By keeping your garage clutter free, you prevent any accidental damage before it can happen.Leaving your car in unknown areas overnight.There are times when you will have to leave your vehicle in unfamiliar territory, perhaps whilst visiting friends. If this is the case, take a moment to look around and assess any potential risks in the area. Try to park as close as possible to well-lit areas as after dark is usually when any vandalism will happen. Take note of where others are parking, close enough that your car is in full view of other residents homes and therefore less likely to be vandalised but not so close to others that it’s overcrowded and liable to get a knock. Car ParksCar parks are a hotbed for minor dents. If you have the option to park well away from other cars, make sure you do. If car parking spaces are limited and the car park is pretty busy, try your best to park next to a vehicle that seems well looked after. If a car is looking worse for wear, the owner will likely not care about anyone else’s either and will probably not think twice about opening their car door into yours or carelessly reversing. It’s all about anticipating what might happen to avoid the risks.Accidents do happen and unless you decide to wrap your car in bubble wrap the chances are you will have to deal with a minor dent or two at some point. If you should find yourself looking for affordable dent repair, contact Fiad Dent today. |
Dent Repair Improving The Resale Value Of CarsAre you thinking of selling on your...
Are you thinking of selling on your car but are worried that dents will reduce its appeal to potential buyers?
It can be difficult to sell on a vehicle which has visible signs of wear and tear on the body, however you may be understandably reluctant to shell out large amounts of money for body shop repairs and yet want to reduce the stress of the sale. We provide a perfect solution for this predicament, as we can use Mobile Paintless Dent Repair techniques to eradicate minor dents from your car, restoring it to its previous perfect condition. This is done without altering the vehicle’s original paintwork or using fillers, meaning without the problem of colour matching, the repair is entirely unnoticeable. We can offer a real alternative for those of you who want to make the selling on process both easy on the eye and on the pocket. In addition to this, we provide a mobile dent repair service, meaning our Master Technicians can come to you at your convenience, allowing for an entirely stress-free experience. Unlike some large, commercial garages who may suggest a costly complete panel replacement, we won’t quote you unreasonable prices. Fiad Dent are committed to undertaking jobs with the sole intention of giving a perfect result, so that no client is left disappointed. It couldn’t be easier to receive a quote: simply fill out the online enquiry form and we will get back to you. As our method of dent repair eliminates the need for filling and painting on dings and small dents, we can guarantee a fast and efficient service, enabling you to secure a sale on your vehicle without having to wait around for the repairs to be made. Rather than days, or even weeks, of waiting for a body shop, we can restore the damage within a matter of hours. Don’t let minor dents diminish the resale value of your car. You can trust Fiad Dent to give you an expert service from start to finish, while increasing the value of your car for just a fraction of the cost. For quality dent repair from the dent removal specialists, get in touch today! |
Common Causes of Car Paint DamageCar paint scratches are not on...
Car paint scratches are not only unsightly, but they will drive down the re-sale value of your vehicle. If you don’t get your car scratch repairs fixed, it can also lead to chronic and escalating rust problems.
Unfortunately, it is all but too common to pick up car paint damage. So, if you want to keep your car’s paintwork looking in showroom condition, these are the most common causes of car paint damage to be aware of: Stones chipsLoose stones and pebbles are one of the biggest offenders when it comes to car body damage. They are most common on motorways, and are caused by little rocks, gravel and road debris flicked backwards from the tyres of cars and vehicles in front of you. Due to the high speeds of these little stones, they often leave very deep dings in your car paintwork, most typically on the car bonnet or bumpers.Summer WeatherUnfortunately, it’s not just winter weather that can cause car body damage – if your car is exposed to the sun for long periods of time then this can also cause the car paintwork to fade. The best way to avoid this is to keep your car under cover or in a garage if possible.Not cleaning your car often enoughAs previously mentioned, road salt, dirt, debris and snow all cling to your car and this is destructive to the paint, therefore it’s important to wash this off regularly to avoid car paint damage. We would recommend a high-pressure spray when washing so that it cleans your car thoroughly and gets into those hard-to-reach areas.Abrasive cleanersBear in mind that when cleaning your car, it is best use a soft brush or microfiber cloth rather than a harsh scraper – the latter is much more likely to scratch car paintwork. You should use a patting motion when drying rather than a scraping action.We would also recommend using a proper car cleaning shampoo rather than household detergent, as this could potentially damage the protective sealant further. Bird droppingsThe acidity of dried bird droppings can cause permanent damage to car paint. There are various products you can use to remove bird droppings from your car, but you’ll need to be very careful to ensure you don’t cause car paint damage by scraping it off.BugsDead bugs that are left on cars can be difficult to remove because they’re very acidic. If a bug lands on your car, try to remove it as quickly as possible in order to avoid car body damage.Fuel stainsDiesel, petrol, engine oil or brake fluid can cause lasting car body damage if they come in contact with the paintwork, often causing it to peel. If you do get a spillage whilst re-fuelling or happen to have a leak, wash your car thoroughly as soon as possible in order to protect the paintwork.Finger printsFinger prints can be an issue, especially if you have children. Unfortunately, they grind dirt into the car paintwork which leaves a blemish, and they can also scratch the paint. If your vehicle has been affected by finger prints, give it a wash and then use a polish to remove any light marks and paint scratches.ConcreteAvoid leaving your car near a construction site if you want to avoid car paint damage. There’s a danger of wet concrete landing on the car and when this dries, it can leave prominent car paint scratches and minor dents when you scrape it out. |
Mobile Paintless Dent Repair Vs. Traditional BodysDent removal using conventional ... Dent removal using conventional body shop techniques used to be the only choice for car owners. This meant a lot of expense and a good few days without your car, in other words, a very inconvenient experience! However, with the evolution of Mobile Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) in recent decades, there is no longer any need to visit your body shop for minor dings and dents to your car body. In fact, PDR has proven to be a highly economical solution, which can take just a few short hours or less. Mobile Paintless Dent Repair techniques work extremely well on a variety of the most common types of dings, whether the damage is as a result of a rogue shopping trolley, other people’s car doors, wheelie bins or hailstones. PDR is perfect for minor dents where the paintwork is still intact and the metal is not stretched or torn. In fact, our customers are often stunned at the seamless finish we can achieve through using specialist tools and techniques – in the vast majority of cases you would never know a dent had been there! Moreover, PDR is 100% environmentally friendly, unlike the processes used by traditional body shops that release harmful substances into the atmosphere. One of the best reasons for choosing Fiad - Dent over a conventional body shop is our ability to restore the flawless finish without re-spraying or filling, which can seriously decrease the value of your car. At a body shop, the process can become very lengthy, whereby technicians remove surrounding paint and apply body filler to recreate the smooth surface, followed by a primer coat, sanding and finally repainting. This process is complex and can lead to variation in paint colour due to problems with colour matching with the original paint. On the other hand, PDR uses no chemicals, no solvents, no primers and no paint; just the specialised tools used by our highly trained Master Technicians to massage the dent back into place. Our Mobile Dent Repair Service coming directly to you, it couldn’t be more convenient! If you have minor dents in your vehicle, the best option is undoubtedly PDR. As the leading experts in the country, you can’t get better than Fiad - Dent to provide fantastic customer service and flawless results every time. Get in touch today for a free, no obligation quote and save time and effort by choosing Fiad - Dent. |