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Category: Car Repair

Car Repair

Repair Your Car Before You Trade-In

Trade-In Like a Pro

Looking to move up to a new car? Trading in is a great option. However, you might have some
doubts about the current state of your car. At ProTec Collision, we get a lot of questions about
repairs associated with cars before you trade them in. So, we’re taking time today to answer all
your repair questions and hopefully save you some money!

If you’re looking for auto repairs and service in RDU and the surrounding areas, ProTec is
your one-stop shop. From wheel alignments to oil changes to tire balancing to battery
replacement—we do it all, and we do it at an extremely competitive price. We also understand
the complexities of the trade-in process and are here to help you make the best decision. With a
5-star Google rating, ProTec is the auto shop that Sanford trusts!

I-CAR Gold Class Trained Repair Professionals
Trust ProTec Collision - Located in Sanford, NC

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Do I need to fix my car before trading it in?

The short answer is—it depends. There’s a fine line between necessary touch-ups and
unnecessary expenses. While you want your car to present well to a potential buyer or
dealership, sinking a lot of money into major repairs before trading isn’t always a smart idea.

What kind of repairs should I do before trading in my car?

We’d recommend minor repairs that can enhance your car’s overall appeal to the dealership.
Small fixes can make a positive impression on the dealership or appraiser and potentially
increase your trade-in value.

Some repairs worth investing in are:

Minor Blemishes

Small scratches, minor dents, and chipped paint can easily be touched up. These imperfections
might seem insignificant individually, but collectively they can affect your car’s overall
appearance, and bring down your trade-in price.
ProTec can offer you a fantastic deal on minor auto repairs in Sanford and the surrounding
areas. Click here to request a free estimate!

Basic Maintenance

Ensuring your car is up-to-date on routine maintenance is crucial. This includes oil changes,
filter replacements, and checking fluid levels. These tend to be relatively inexpensive and show
the dealership that you’ve taken good care of your vehicle. Click here to get directions to our repair shop. 

Other Quick Fixes

Interior and Exterior Cleaning

A surprising number of people sleep on keeping their cars clean. The truth is that a thorough
cleaning inside and out can significantly improve your car’s perceived value. Services that help
you remove clutter, vacuum the interior, wash the exterior, and some minor detailing truly
elevate your car’s overall aesthetic.

Lights and Wipers

Replacing burnt-out bulbs and worn wiper blades is a simple and inexpensive way to increase
your car’s value. Minor repairs like these are super easy, barely an inconvenience at ProTec
Auto.

Trust ProTec Collision - Located in Sanford, NC

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Car Repair

How To Repair Damaged Wheel Rims

bmw after repair

How To Repair Damaged Wheel Rims

Damaged wheel rims can be a real eyesore and, more importantly, a safety hazard when left unchecked. Whether you’ve encountered a nasty pothole or curb, or even if your car is just going through general wear and tear, understanding wheel rims and how they affect your overall safety is crucial. People often ask us if they should repair their damaged rims themselves. Below, we’ll go over how to gauge the extent of rim damage on your car, and why leaving it to the pros is probably the best idea.

 

How can I tell if my wheel rims are damaged?

Common signs of wheel rim damage can present themselves as:

Scratches and scuffs

These are the least problematic. They’re generally just superficial damage that affects the cosmetic appearance of your wheels and car.

 

Dents and bends:

These are more serious issues that can deform the rim’s structure, potentially affecting the tire seal and balance. Unbalanced tires are a considerable safety hazard.

 

If you’re looking for affordable and efficient tire balancing services in Linwood and the surrounding areas, Pro Tec Auto has got you covered. We’re known for our super-friendly staff and transparent pricing with no hidden fees.

Cracks

If your wheel rims have cracks in them, you probably should be heading to Pro Tec right away to get them repaired! Cracks in your wheel rims can cause tire failure and are a huge safety hazard.

 

Can I repair my damaged wheel rims myself?

While you can use sandpaper, filler, and touch-up paint for minor scratches and scuffs, we highly recommend professional help for any damage beyond that. Here’s why:

 

Experience

Damaged rims compromise vehicle safety. Professional technicians like those at Pro Tec Auto have decades of expertise in restoring the rim’s structural integrity, using state-of-the-art equipment that ensures a comprehensive repair job.

 

Precision

As mentioned above, damaged wheel rims require specialized tools and techniques to ensure proper balance and alignment. We’ve often had to fix DIY attempts from car owners that have worsened the issue. Further, when we fix your wheel rims, we also take care of corresponding issues like wheel balancing and alignment.

 

If you’re wondering if your wheels are aligned or not, bring your car over to Pro Tec! We’re the experts in wheel alignment services in Linwood and the surrounding areas.

 

Professional finish

Pro Tec professionals can match the original finish and ensure a seamless repair, restoring the rim’s aesthetic appeal. Why do it yourself when you can have the pros make it as good as new?

 

Long-Term savings

When done wrong, wheel rim damage can be exacerbated, leading to more expenses down the line. Letting Pro Tec experts do it ensures you get the best possible results and save money on future repairs.

 

Why should I get my damaged wheel rims repaired by Pro Tec Auto?

Pro Tec is one of the highest-rated auto repair shops in Michigan with an average Google rating of 4.9+. Our customers trust us for our superior quality of work, affordable and transparent pricing, and open-ended communication with regard to budgets and estimates.

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Car Repair

Car Frame Repair | Full Guide

All You Need To Know About Care Frame Repair

Have you ever banged a few dents out and attempted to maneuver certain parts back into their proper place? Been in an accident where it seems as if there is no apparent damage? Your car probably needs auto frame repair, and putting off the inevitable is only going to decrease your vehicle’s lifespan.

Think of your car’s frame as its backbone, holding everything together. Just as you prioritize caring for your own spine, repairing frame damage and maintaining your car’s frame is vital for safety, resale value, and even performance. Frame damage not only detracts from the aesthetic appeal but also hints at deeper issues beneath the surface.

 

Car Scratch Removal

This is where expert car frame repair comes in—it’s not just about fixing the visible dents, but about restoring the structural integrity that ensures your car looks good and performs well for years to come. A sturdy frame makes certain that in the unfortunate event of a collision, your car can handle the impact properly, keeping you and your passengers safe.

But your car is more than just a way to get from point A to point B; it is an investment. Resale value matters, and a car without a sturdy frame can scare off potential buyers. Fixing frame damage is essential and ensures your car holds its value longer.

Signs of Frame Damage

You should note the many signs of frame damage, as they can often be subtle and hard to detect. Visible bending or other defects, such as uneven gaps between body panels, misaligned doors, or crumpled metal, indicate the need for car frame repair. These issues compromise your vehicle’s structural integrity, making professional auto frame repair essential for safety and reliability.

Uneven tire wear is another sign. Tires wearing out faster on one side or unusual tread patterns reduce traction and increase the risk of blowouts. Regular inspections and car frame straightening might be necessary.

Misalignment also signals frame issues. If your car pulls to one side, has difficulty steering, or shows uneven tire wear, car frame repair is needed to ensure proper handling and reduce accident risk.

Strange noises, such as creaks or rattles, often indicate loose parts or suspension issues linked to frame damage. Immediate attention and auto frame repair can prevent these minor noises from leading to severe damage and safety risks.

Difficulty closing doors, the hood, or the trunk properly suggests frame damage, affecting convenience and safety and potentially causing water leaks and/or increased wind noise.

Recognizing and addressing these signs with timely auto frame repair is crucial for maintaining your vehicle’s safety, performance, and longevity. Regular inspections and professional assessments keep your car in top condition for a safe driving experience.


If you know your car’s frame has damage and needs auto frame repair, fill out the form below to get a free repair estimate.

Get A Free Car Frame Repair Estimate

Causes Of Frame Damage

Weather conditions play a significant role in causing frame damage, particularly when your vehicle is constantly exposed to the elements. Hail is a common culprit, causing dents that, if left unrepaired, can lead to rust. Rust will eventually eat away at the vehicle’s paint and paneling, weakening the frame over time. If dents occur, go to an auto frame repair promptly to prevent rust from developing.

 

Minor but frequent incidents caused by others’ carelessness can lead to frame damage. Runaway shopping carts, drivers opening their doors carelessly, and kids playing near parked vehicles are just a few examples. Although small, these acts can result in dents and misalignments that might affect the frame over time.

 

Potholes and road debris are also big causes of frame damage, especially when driving at high speeds. What might seem like just a pothole could bend or crack frame components which could ultimately require expensive repairs.

 

While fender benders are usually associated with minor damage, they can still cause significant frame issues, especially at low speeds. Even seemingly harmless dents can hide internal damage that compromises your vehicle’s structure. After any accident, no matter how minor, it’s important to have your vehicle inspected by a professional to rule out any hidden frame damage.

 

Neglecting regular maintenance can also lead to frame damage. Rust and corrosion, resulting from poor maintenance, weaken the vehicle’s structural integrity over time. Keeping your vehicle clean, regularly waxing it, and addressing any paint deterioration promptly can prevent rust from compromising the frame.

What Is Car Frame Straightening?

Car frame straightening is a crucial process in auto body repair, designed to restore a vehicle’s structural integrity after it has sustained damage, typically from a collision. This process involves using specialized equipment to correct any misalignments or deformations in the vehicle’s frame, ensuring that it returns to its original specifications and provides a safe driving experience.

Auto Frame Repair In North Carolina

At ProTec Collision, our skilled technicians will restore your vehicle to its pristine condition, whether it has suffered major body damage from a collision or minor cosmetic issues like scratches and dents. With years of experience and advanced equipment, we ensure your car looks and performs like new. Involved in a minor fender bender? We specialize in fixing cosmetic damage and making your vehicle flawless again. Got minor scratches or nicks? We can quickly and effectively remove them, leaving your vehicle spotless. No matter the size of the dent, our experts will make your vehicle look brand new. Offering a comprehensive range of cosmetic and collision repair services, ProTec Collision is your go-to place for top-notch repairs and exceptional service. Trust us to give your vehicle a second life and explore our services to see how we can help.

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Car Repair

How Much To Fix Front End Damage?

How Much Does It Cost To Fix Front End Damage?

The cost to fix front-end damage on an automobile can vary widely depending on the extent of the damage, the make and model of the vehicle, and the labor rates in your area. Here are some general cost ranges for common front-end repairs:

Minor Damage (Cosmetic):

Cost: $200 – $1,000

Examples: Scratches, small dents, bumper scuffs

Moderate Damage (Non-Structural):

Cost: $1,000 – $3,000

Examples: Bumper replacement, grille replacement, headlight/taillight replacement, minor alignment adjustments

Major Damage (Structural):

Cost: $3,000 – $10,000+

Examples: Frame damage repair, significant alignment adjustments, suspension repair or replacement, airbag replacement

Total Loss (Severe Damage):

Cost: Depends on the insurance company’s assessment; the vehicle may be deemed a total loss if the repair costs exceed the vehicle’s value.

It’s important to get a detailed estimate from a reputable auto body shop after a thorough inspection of the damage. The estimate should include parts, labor, and any additional costs, such as painting or alignment. Keep in mind that these are rough estimates, and actual costs can vary based on many factors.

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What Parts Are Up Front?

  • Bumper
  • Grille
  • Headlights/Fog Lights
  • Hood
  • Fender
  • Radiator
  • Radiator Support
  • Air Condition Condenser
  • Frame Rails
  • Suspension Components
  • Engine Components

Can The Rest Of My Vehicle Mess Up After A Front End Collision?

In a major front-end collision, the impact can have significant repercussions throughout the vehicle. The force of the collision can bend or damage the vehicle’s frame, compromising its structural integrity. Additionally, the engine, transmission, and other mechanical components can suffer damage, necessitating costly repairs or replacements.

Safety systems, including airbags and seat belts, may deploy and require replacement, while the vehicle’s electrical system, including wiring and sensors, can be compromised. Suspension and steering components may be damaged, affecting the vehicle’s handling and alignment. The cooling system, radiator, hoses, and other components can also sustain damage, leading to potential overheating issues.

Furthermore, there may be cosmetic damage to the body, paint, and trim. In some cases, the impact can cause secondary collisions, such as rear-end collisions, further complicating the damage. Depending on the extent of the damage and the vehicle’s value, it may be deemed a total loss by the insurance company.

Collision Repair Estimate

ProTec Collision is your go-to destination for a free, comprehensive collision repair estimate. With over 20 years of experience and a team of expert technicians, we pride ourselves on providing accurate and detailed assessments of your vehicle’s damage. Our state-of-the-art facility is equipped with the latest technology to ensure that no detail goes unnoticed. From minor scratches to major structural damage, we’ll inspect every inch of your vehicle to provide you with an honest and reliable estimate. At ProTec Collision, we understand that dealing with the aftermath of a collision can be stressful, which is why we strive to make the repair process as seamless as possible. Trust ProTec Collision for a free estimate and let us get you back on the road with confidence.

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Car Repair

Luxury Car Repair Services at ProTec Collision

BMW - Luxury Vehicle repair services

At ProTec Collision, we specialize in providing high-quality auto body repair services for luxury cars. Whether you own a BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Porsche, or any other luxury vehicle, we have the expertise and experience to restore it to its pre-accident condition.

Our team of certified technicians uses the latest tools and techniques to repair even the most complex issues, from major collisions to minor scratches and dents. We understand that your luxury car is more than just a means of transportation – it’s a symbol of your status, taste, and personality. That’s why we treat each vehicle with the utmost care and attention to detail, ensuring it looks and performs like new.

Here are some of the luxury car repair services we offer at ProTec Collision:

Collision Repair

If your luxury car has been involved in a collision, you want to ensure it’s repaired by a team of experts who know how to handle it. At ProTec Collision, we have extensive experience repairing luxury vehicles that have been in accidents, from minor fender benders to major collisions. We use OEM parts and follow manufacturer guidelines to ensure your car is repaired to factory specifications.

Paintless Dent Repair

If your luxury car has a small dent, you can sometimes avoid costly and time-consuming traditional repair methods by opting for paintless dent repair (PDR). Our technicians use specialized tools to gently massage out the dent from the inside of the panel without damaging the paint or finish. This is a quick and affordable way to restore your car’s appearance without compromising its value.

Auto Detailing

At ProTec Collision, we offer a range of auto detailing services to help keep your luxury car looking and feeling like new. From exterior washing and waxing to interior cleaning and leather conditioning, we use the highest quality products and techniques to restore your car’s shine and luster. We can also provide ceramic coatings and paint protection film to protect your car’s finish from environmental damage and wear and tear.

Frame Straightening

The frame may have been damaged if your luxury car has been in a major collision. This can compromise the car’s structural integrity, performance, and resale value. ProTec Collision uses state-of-the-art frame straightening equipment and techniques to restore your car’s frame to its original shape and specifications. This ensures that your vehicle is safe to drive and performs as it was designed to.

At ProTec Collision, we understand that luxury car owners have high standards for auto body repair. That’s why we go above and beyond to provide personalized service, attention to detail, and outstanding results. Contact us today to schedule a free estimate for your luxury car repair needs. We’re conveniently located in Sanford, NC and proudly serve customers from Raleigh, Wake Forest, Apex, Cary, Sanford, Goldsboro, Smithfield, and surrounding cities in North Carolina, so that we can provide luxury Car Repair Services near you.

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Car RepairTips & News

Can You Get Car Repairs at a Different Shop Than Your Estimate?

Do you have to get your car repaired at the same body shop you got an estimate from?

When getting your car repaired, you are not obligated to go to the same body shop you got the estimate from. If you have filed a car insurance claim, however, the insurance company will advise you to get the estimate from a particular body shop, as they will need this information to approve the claim. The body shop will often call you to schedule an appointment when the insurance company approves the claim. Despite this, you are not required to get your car repaired at the body shop from which you got the estimate. 

While you can legally take your car to any body shop, you should always research to ensure you are getting a fair price and quality work. 

When researching body shops, look for one nationally certified in vehicle repairs, such as a with a Gold Class Certification. These types of certifications mean that the shop has met or exceeded the standards for automotive repair, and the technicians have passed an exam to demonstrate their knowledge and skills. Additionally, read reviews online to better understand the shop’s quality and customer service. 

At ProTec Collision, we work with all insurance companies, are among only 15 percent of collision repair businesses to achieve Gold Class status, and are proud to stand behind our work. No matter how big or small the damage is to your car, our body shop in Sanford will restore your vehicle to like new.

So to re-answer the question, you do not have to get your car repaired at the same body shop you got the estimate from. Instead, you should research the shop to ensure you get quality work at a fair price. Look for a certified shop with high reviews, and check if they work with your insurance provider. 

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Car Repair

Collision Repair Near Raleigh, NC

broken front bumper of car headlight

A car accident may be a life-changing experience. Insurance claims, injuries, doctor bills, and police reports may all consume your life. After the initial stress of the accident, you’re faced with the headaches of determining how to get your car back on the road.

Depending on the sort of accident, restoring your car to driving condition might be simple or rather difficult. Collision repair restores and repairs a vehicle that has been destroyed in a collision or another type of auto accident. If the car is salvageable, collision repairs are required. If you’re reading this, there’s a chance you’ve been in a car accident before. Even though it is an unpleasant situation, you can have peace of mind knowing that your automobile may be repaired and restored to like-new condition with the assistance of ProTec Collision near Raleigh, North Carolina. 

Major Collision Repair Near Raleigh

Here are the general steps that will occur when you bring your vehicle to get repaired after a major collision accident:

1) A VEHICLE DROP-OFF

When you get to the auto repair shop, the first thing you will be asked to do is let them know what has happened and to fill out any paperwork.  This paperwork usually includes contact information, vehicle information, and insurance information. 

Minor repairs, on average, take 3-5 working days, but more serious collisions might take up to a month or more. You may receive an estimate of completion time, but this is subject to change once the vehicle is worked on.

 2) VEHICLE CHECK-IN

After you’ve finished the drop-off paperwork, the vehicle will be put into the system, which includes verifying the VIN, license plate number, and mileage. 

Furthermore, they may record a video of the vehicle to show all damage and accidental fractures, dents, and scratches that existed before your vehicle arrived at the shop.

3) DETERMINATION OF DAMAGE

Next, the vehicle will be thoroughly checked for exactly what is wrong. The damaged portions of the car are removed first, and then an estimator may be called in to evaluate the cost of repairing the problematic parts.

4) BODY AND COLLISION REPAIR

After you, the auto repair shop, and the insurance company have agreed on pricing and all questions and concerns have been addressed, the next step is for the auto repair shop to begin working on the accident repairs.

5) PAINT REFINISHING

The next step is to fix up the exterior paint.  Many cars in critical condition may need to spend several days in the paint department for normal accident claims, although minor paint repairs may only take half a day.

Occasionally, the auto repair shop is unable to fix your vehicle for you – the damages may simply be beyond repair, or, totaled.  In this case, you will need to purchase a different vehicle to drive.  Luckily, Hanna Imports Group in Raleigh, North Carolina has a wonderful selection of used cars in their inventory to choose from if you are ever in a bind.  Feel free to check out their inventory if you are in the market for a vehicle.

dented car

Chipped Car Paint Repair Near Raleigh

Auto repair shops can also repair chipped paint on vehicles. First, the space is cleaned and prepared for painting. Then, touch-up paint specifically blended to match a vehicle’s paint code is used to fill in paint chips or deep scratches by hand. The paint is then allowed to dry to establish a solid connection to the surface. 

To safeguard the repaired area, the region is sealed with a high-durability sealer. This service is a terrific and cost-effective alternative to a complete panel repaint in a body shop, with comparable high-quality results.

Major Car Dent Repair Services Near Raleigh

Scratches usually appear white, regardless of the paint color – except on white cars, which seldom display this variance. With your fingernail, a clear coat scratch is often difficult to notice. You see it but can’t even feel it.

Wet sanding and buffing are commonly used to eliminate these sorts of marks. Sometimes a little polishing is all that is required. This can be done either by hand or using a random-orbit polisher. Shopkeepers urge you to avoid round buffering unless you are familiar with them since they may easily leave swirling traces, further worsening problems.

vehicle body damage

Paintless Dent Removal Near Raleigh

Paintless Dent Removal in Raleigh is not always simple to come by, which is why you may need to engage a local professional. This procedure is a cost effective method of repairing pesky little scratches that ruin the look of your vehicle from hail and other small damages that are too expensive to repair using traditional auto body shop processes.

Non-obtrusive procedures are used to reach the dent or scrape with paintless restoration. After locating the blemish, it is massaged, pushed, and twisted back to the original contour of the car using specialized light and a plethora of instruments designed specifically for paintless removal. 

Paintless Dent Removal is helpful for a variety of reasons. One of the most significant advantages of this sort of automobile maintenance is its inexpensive cost. It is excellent for people wishing to save money on hail damage and bumper repairs while keeping the quality and value of their automobile since it costs 70% less than the solutions available at traditional car body shops. Even if your mechanic utilizes a manufacturer-supplied color, it does not account for the wear and tear on the present paint job.

 Another financial advantage of Paintless Dent Repair is the increased value of your car; it works with what is already on your vehicle, so you never have to worry about the degradation that comes with traditional body repairs.

ProTec Collision

ProTec Collision is located near Raleigh, North Carolina in Sanford.  We repair major collision damage and offer our customers nothing but the best service possible – we have taken cars that looked way beyond repair and have repaired them back to good-as-new condition.  ProTec Collision offers major collision repair, scratch removal, minor repairs and cosmetics, and dent repair.

If you are in need of auto repair near the Raleigh, NC area, contact ProTec Collision today.  We are happy to take a look at your car, provide you with your best available options, and get you back on the road as soon as possible.

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Car Repair

Collision Repair near Sanford, NC

vehicle body damage

When your car is in an accident, all you want is to get it fixed properly and as soon as possible.  However, it may not always be quite as simple as dropping off your car at the mechanic and walking away without a second thought.

Cars sometimes need a pre-and post-repair examination when they go to an auto body repair shop. The issue for repair services is that certain shops are not prepared to conduct such adjustments, or they may not even be aware that they are required. 

Second, insurance providers are unfamiliar with these requirements and the time necessary to scan and recalibrate them properly; they will occasionally refuse to pay for this phase. The following article will let you know about collision repair, to make sure these situations do not happen to you.

Let’s start!

Car Dent Repair Services Near Sandford, NC

Whether you need collision repair shops due to a small dent on your bumper, a larger accident, or damage from the weather, car repair shops will be there for you. The experience with the professionals you entrust your vehicle with will greatly impact the quality of the repairs.  Here are a few services that you can get done at a collision repair shop:

1)  Get Original Equipment Manufacturer Parts

For collision repairs, auto repair shops will employ Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts. Some pieces of your automobile may need to be replaced depending on the amount of damage.

Obtaining OEM components is also a significant benefit when it comes to finances. If your vehicle is fixed using defective replacement parts, your insurance agent may refuse to process your claim the next time you require collision repairs. Furthermore, purchasing genuine components for your car will improve its overall performance when the repairs are completed.

2) Collision Repair Services with a Specialty

When you’re in a serious accident, several pieces of your car may need to be repaired or replaced. Collision repair may require specific expertise from a well-versed technician. 

Collision professionals at car repair shops have received factory training for specific vehicles. As a result, they’re well enough to manage any form of repair. Your neighborhood mechanic may not have the technical knowledge or tools to conduct significant maintenance properly.

3) Internal Problems Evaluation

Your automobile may endure more than external damage following an accident. Internal components of your vehicle that appear to have been unaffected by a collision may have actually been damaged. Fortunately, collision experts are well-versed in monitoring and inspecting a car for additional damage following an accident. 

Before they begin the accident repairs, they will inspect the vehicle for additional damage. This improves your driving safety.

Car Scratch Removal

Major Car Collision Repair Sanford

Here are the typical steps that occur when getting your car repaired after a major accident:

1) Drop Off a Vehicle

When you get to the facility, the first thing you should do is fill out any necessary paperwork, which will have you give contact information, your insurance information, and anything else they may ask for. 

You will most likely be given an estimate of completion time based on what is wrong.  As a general rule, minor repairs typically take 3-5 business days, while major collisions can take up to a month or more.

2) Check in a Vehicle

Once you’ve completed the drop-off documentation, the mechanic will take the car to look at, which entails confirming the VIN, license plate number, and mileage. Furthermore, they may capture a full video of the automobile to show all damage and random cracks, dents, and scratches that existed before the car reached the garage.

3) Assessment of Damage

Once the car has been checked in, they will begin inspecting and quantifying the damage. They may bring in an estimator to help them at this time.  They will add up the cost of all the damages at that time and present you and the insurance company with the initial cost.

4) Repair of Body and Collision

After everything has been worked through with the insurance company, the next step is for the mechanic to begin working on the collision repairs. Parts fitting and structural craftsmanship, as you are aware, are time-consuming tasks that need meticulous attention to detail.

5) Refinishing Paint

The refinishing technique is the next task. This is a very important phase that may make or break the outcome of your repair. Many wrecked automobiles will need to spend quite a bit of day in the paint division for an average accident claim, while small paint jobs may take half a day.

Sometimes, the collision company comes back and tells you that your car has been totaled and is no longer drivable.  At this point, you will need to buy yourself a new vehicle to drive.  Sanford Imports in Sanford, NC has a wonderful selection of used vehicles to choose from if you are looking for a different car to drive.

car body restoration

Car Paint Scratch Repair Sanford, NC

 Scratches typically seem white, independent of the paint color — except on white automobiles, which don’t frequently show this variation. A clear coat scratch is typically difficult to detect with your fingernail. You see it but can’t really feel it; it isn’t a deep groove that snags your fingernail. These types of scratches can usually be removed by wet sanding and buffing. 

Sometimes simply polishing will suffice. This can be done by hand or with a random-orbit polisher. Shopkeepers advise you to avoid circular buffers unless you are acquainted with them since they may easily leave swirling traces, complicating matters further.

Cosmetic auto repair services in Sanford, NC

Cosmetic auto repair refers to the practice of improving the look of your vehicle. Minor paint chips, shattered windshields, and damaged bumpers may all be repaired with cosmetic vehicle repairs.

Consider the following:

  • Discuss why good ratings are important.
  • Why is location important while looking for the finest shop?
  • How obtaining only one quote might be detrimental to your budget.
  • Remember why asking questions isn’t “wrong.”
  • And remember to trust your instincts.

ProTec Collision

ProTec Collision, located in Sanford, North Carolina, is a high quality auto body repair shop.  We offer major collision repair services, minor repairs and cosmetics, scratch removal, and dent repair.  Think you have a car that is beyond repair?  Bring it by ProTec Collision, and we will give you your best available options to have the car running like new.

Feel free to contact us today with any questions or to schedule an appointment.  We look forward to hearing from you soon.

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Car Repair

What Causes Bubbles to Form in Car Paint?

Have you ever discovered bubbles in the car paint? If yes, then you might wonder what Causes Bubbles to Form in Car Paint. Well, car paint bubbling is one of the complaints that is leveled at all car paint suppliers. It is one of the toughest and most challenging issues to explain to the repairer. So, if you don’t know much about paint bubbling and want to know in detail about it, then this guide has got you covered!

In this guide, we will discuss everything about car paint bubbling and its related aspects like causes, preventions, and even why being in Raleigh, NC increases the chances of this happening. Make sure to go through the entire article thoroughly for a better understanding.

What are Bubbles in Car Paint?

Paint bubbling is another name for paint blistering. A blister is generally a pocket of fluid that congregates between the dried paint. This can further expand and form into bubbles or blisters and break open, leaving holes, marks, and damaged paint surfaces. Paint bubbling can happen shortly after paint or even in the longer term.
When we talk about car paint bubbles, they are of different kinds, namely:

Tiny Bubbles

Tiny bubbles are the bubbles that are uniform across the panel. These bubbles are caused due to the presence of moisture in the painting process. Painting a car with too much humidity in the airlines will cause tiny bubbles formation. Unluckily, the repair for such kind of paint bubbling is to refinish the panel.

Solvent Pop

Solvent pop condition is caused due to the application of a clear coat. In short, when a painter applies too much paint too fast, then the condition of solvent pop can arise. The way it looks is not much like car paint bubbles, but they resemble tiny pinholes on the surface.

Car Paint De-Lamination

Under car paint de-lamination, the car paint starts to break down as it gets older, mainly due to exposure to the sun. As the top later breaks down, it will begin to lose its ability to protect and guard the base color. This condition starts with small bubbles and moves to peeling at the end. You can solve this issue only by stripping it off and getting it refinished.

Now, let’s talk about the causes of car paint bubbling.

Car Paint Bubbles- What Are The Causes Behind It?

If you are hunting for what causes the bubbles to form in car paint, we have an answer for you!

The cause of car paint blistering is the saturation of the film by exceptional levels of atmospheric humidity along with the presence of water-soluble materials either in the surface before painting or absorbed into the film. The paint blisters are formed when the moisture escapes eventually from the film as temperature increases and humidity decreases. Since Raleigh is hotter and more humid than other states paint bubbles are more likely than our western counterparts. 

Raleigh & Sanford Paint Repair

If you have minor damage to your vehicle’s paint job, bring it to ProTec Collision for repair. We can repair minor paint damage in your vehicle as well as major collision damage. Bring your vehicle in for inspection and we will get you a quote as soon as possible. What Causes Bubbles to Form in Car Paint?

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Car Repair

Can You Drive A Car With A Bent Frame?

Do you have to get your car repaired at the same body shop you got an estimate from?

Have you recently faced a car accident after which your car is not driving exactly the way it should? Or do you have a car door that is not shutting properly? If all these are the situations that you are facing, then these all are the indicators that your car frame is bent. So, now the question arises, “Can you drive a car with a bent frame”?

If your car has a bent frame and you have to go somewhere urgently, then you might be confused regarding if you can drive a car with a bent frame. So, in this article, we have got an answer to this question.

Let’s dive in and discover everything about driving a car with a bent frame!

Is it Possible to Drive a Car with a Bent Frame?

We do not recommend attempting to drive a vehicle with a bent frame. Instead, you should have the car repaired or find a new vehicle instead. A vehicle with a bent frame will possibly lead to more damages to your vehicle and we do not recommend driving the vehicle. You may even be putting your life at risk every time you get behind the wheel.

Moreover, no matter how bent your car frame is, the integrity of your vehicle is totally lost, and often, there are underlying damages and risks to the car that go unnoticed by the untrained and unprofessional eye. So, suppose you ever suspect a bent car frame and wondering about what to do next. In that case, the safest thing you can do is to have a professional look it over to analyze the damage and risks associated with it.

Whenever you drive a car with a bent frame, remember that there are multiple further damages to your vehicle that do not meet the naked eye but could really have an immense impact on the safety of your car. The bent frame of a car indicates that there was some damage by force to your car, which is likely to be caused by a collision.

So, in short, a car with a bent frame may run, but you should not drive it. The overall cost associated with doing so might convince you to consider otherwise. It may even cause noticeable damages to other parts of your vehicle as well.

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How to Know If a Car Frame is Really Bent?

When it comes to driving cars with a bent frame, most of the drivers are confused regarding they know if their car frame is really bent. Well, if a car frame is badly bent, you will be able to clearly see it with naked eyes. One side of your car might be pretty titled further than the other side. However, in most situations, you will not know that your car frame is bent until and unless you take it to the repairer.

So, if your car pulls to one side over the other side while driving, then you must be sure that things are not absolutely fine with your car frame.

What Happens When You Drive A Car With A Bent Frame?

When you drive your car with a bent frame, a significant concern is that it will cause your car alignment to be off. This can even make managing your car pretty challenging. When your vehicle’s alignment is off, it causes the vehicle to pull to the left or right and can even cause you a car accident if you don’t have a proper grip on the wheel.

As your car entirely relies on the frame for alignment and stability, therefore, a bent frame is likely to cause an alignment issue. If the car frame is bent, it will also cause the suspension angle in your car to be off. It’ll also cause the tires to become unaligned with one another.

In addition to this, another issue that you might face is that the back and front wheels of your car will not be in the appropriate position while driving, and this could eventually lead to quick wear and tear, which could result in a costly repair further.

On average, the complete cost of getting your car aligned will be $100. Taking your car to the professional mechanic to get it aligned must be a standard maintenance practice in order to make sure that your car is safe to drive. The repairers and mechanics suggest getting this done every 2-3 years and anytime when you get new tires installed.

Is it Unsafe to Drive a Car with a Bent Frame?

If the frame or structure of your car is severely damaged, then it is not safe to drive such a car. This is because the overall integrity of your car frame has been compromised. As the purpose of the frame is to keep the vehicle stable, so if the frame itself is damaged, then it may be dangerous to you while driving.

So, if you ever got into an accident or collision, then it will be extremely dangerous because now, all the parts and components of your vehicle are not positioned perfectly in the right place. Therefore, this can increase the risk and severity of an accident.

Driving a car with a bent or damaged frame is not safe as it may pose certain risks. You can have your car realigned and fixed by a mechanic, but until then, you should not attempt to drive the vehicle.

ProTec Collision Repair

Here at ProTec Collision, we fix vehicles that have been in any major or minor collision accidents. If you have a bent frame from a collision accident, bring it into ProTec Collision in Sanford, NC for repair.

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