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Tips & News
Home Archive by Category "Tips & News"

Category: Tips & News

Tips & News

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

vehicle body damage

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 Pro Tec Auto, 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 Linwood and the surrounding areas, Pro Tec 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 4.9+ Google rating, Pro Tec is the auto shop that Linwood trusts!

 

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. We can help evaluate the damage to your car and help you make an informed decision, just contact our team!

 

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.

Pro Tec can offer you a fantastic deal on minor auto repairs in Linwood and the surrounding areas.

 

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.

Pro Tec has hundreds of happy customers who came in looking for car maintenance in Linwood and the surrounding areas.

 

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 Pro Tec Auto.

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 Pro Tec Auto, 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 Linwood and the surrounding areas, Pro Tec 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 4.9+ Google rating, Pro Tec is the auto shop that Linwood trusts!

 

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 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.

Pro Tec can offer you a fantastic deal on minor auto repairs in Linwood and the surrounding areas.

 

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.

Pro Tec has hundreds of happy customers who came in looking for car maintenance in Linwood and the surrounding areas.

 

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 Pro Tec Auto.

 

In need of major repairs?

Major repairs such as engine or transmission issues, extensive body damage, or significant mechanical problems are generally best left to experts like us. We have an expert team that can help get your vehicle back in top shape and help you get the max value out of your car when you trade in!

Trust ProTec Collision

Schedule an Appointment for a Free Estimate

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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 RepairTips & News

How Much Do Dents Devalue Your Car?

Owning a car will undoubtedly expose you to all of the servicing issues that come with it. Damages and equipment failures can be frustrating if you don’t have a reliable car service to turn to. A car can be damaged in a variety of ways, not just in a car accident. Dent repairs are more common and less expensive.

How frequently does this occur? You might not even know what happened or when it happened at times. Though a car dent is considered minor damage that can easily accommodate your budget, avoiding one will undoubtedly save you money on car maintenance. But severe dents can devalue your car and make it less attractive. The following article will tell you everything about car dents.

Dents Do Devalue Your Car

It is strongly advised to have dents repaired as soon as possible after they have occurred and to take your vehicle to the shop as soon as possible after the damage has occurred. You save time and money by bringing your car in right away. Small dents necessitate minor repairs, which means the costs will most likely be reasonable.

If the damage is not repaired, the paint may deteriorate, and the dent may expand. If you wash your car or leave it in inclement weather, a small scratch in the paint can turn into something much worse. One could argue that the unavoidable is being postponed. A small scratch has a high probability of becoming a larger problem. You should approach the situation.

Because each dent is unique, the amount each one devalues your car will vary. A collision repair company can help determine the cost of repairs.

Dents can occur at any time or in any location. They can occur as soon as you enter a parking lot. They can occur after a car accident, which is why dents should be examined as soon as possible. You may have a small dent on your bumper due to colliding and not give it much thought. This is the perplexing aspect of car crashes. Dents can be an indication of a larger internal issue. The frame can bend, and the tires can become misaligned, especially if the bumper has dents. You may not be able to gather this relevant information on a dent in your bumper, but the foundational harm can pose a significant threat to the inner structure of your vehicle.

Cost To Fix Dents

Typically it can cost anywhere between $50 to $3,000 to fix a dents. Yes, that’s a gigantic range but it’s for good reason. Size and placement of the dent(s) is a major factor when it comes to repair prices. A small dent in the middle of your door can be a quick, easy, and cheap repair. However, if you have a large dent that goes across different body panels or body angles that takes much more work and expertise to fix and have it looking like new. This is also without mentioning potential paint damage. With new paint colors and options for metallic or satin options, the art of paint matching to repair dents increases the cost significantly. But there’s no need to fear! Our expert team at ProTec Collision can give you a free dent repair estimate so you know exactly what work needs to be done and show you that we know how to get it done right.

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How to protect your car from dents

Ways to Protect Your Car From Dents

Some things are beyond your power to control. However, you can take action against some of the most likely reasons for car dents. This is how you do it!

1. Obtain a Cover

Of course, if you have permission to use a garage, this is the ideal situation for avoiding dents caused by large hailstones, falling branches, and so on. However, this is not a choice for everyone. That is why you should buy a high-quality car cover. When choosing a cover, consider the material and the best choice based on your region. 

Car dents in a big parking lot

2. Avoid Parking in Congested Areas

The location of your car can make or break your trip. Tight parking spaces can be dangerous because all it takes is one good car door swing from a neighboring vehicle to dent your car. These sharp dings have the potential to ruin your paint job.

So, you have two options: avoid tight spaces by parking next to smaller vehicles that allow for more space, or park your car far away from other vehicles and walk a little further to your location.

 

Talk to kids about the value of cars

3. Discuss Preventative Measures With Your Children

If you have children, you must discuss the worth of your family vehicle with them. Teach them to be cautious when getting inside and out of the car and passing a vehicle — especially when riding their bike!

 

 

 

Car dent front bumper repair

Causes of Car Dents That Can
Devalue Your Car

You are aware of how inconvenient car dents can be. They are not considered severe damage because they are minor in shape, but they are still irritating and impossible to remove. From parking lots to natural calamities and alongside the road factors, there are numerous common causes of car dents around every corner that can lower the value of your car.

1. Vehicle Doors

Carparks are a widespread cause of car dents. Other car doors and food store carts are the two most common causes of car dents. Another reason to reserve away from other vehicles is to avoid being damaged by their doors. People can open their doors recklessly and slam them into your car door, going to cause a dent, whether it was deliberate or not (but it is most often not). In any case, you’re better off parking in an empty lot far away from other vehicles to avoid damage. If damage does occur, it is usually minor, and you will repair it in no time.

2. Damage from Hail

Even though most car dents occur in the parking lot due to careless or miscalculated pedestrian behavior, some common causes fall under the category of “Nature.” Hail destruction is often horrific, and it also scratches the car’s paint. This is why, for more complicated dents, a visit to a specialized service is recommended because attempting to repair these car dents yourself can result in more damage. Technical car dent repair services also use specialized tools to stroke the dent back into its original shape without permanently damaging it.

3. Tree Branches

Considering the above-mentioned severe weather, another primary reason for car dents caused by natural causes is damage caused by falling trees. Falling trees are typical of more widely accepted storms and can cause minimal damage in extreme cases. Falling trees frequently cause more severe dents on the top of your car, which often necessitates task requirements. Because the car’s roof is such a large surface, it isn’t easy to return it to its original shape without it deforming in the process. This is why professionals must use specialized tools to “massage” the dent from the bottom to finally corral it.

4. Collisions

Collisions are another frequent cause of car dents. Collisions with other vehicles, collisions with road debris, and unintentional bumping of speed limit signs can all leave a permanent dent. Most automobile accidents result in much more than dents, but some, such as rear-wheel collisions, resulting in only slight marks.

ProTec Collision Repair

Unfortunately, even when all safeguards are in place, car dents are sometimes unpreventable. If your car has been dented for any reason, take it to a local garage for car dent repair. If you have a need to repair one or more dents in your vehicle, don’t hesitate to reach out to ProTec Collision Repair for assistance!

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Car RepairTips & News

Can A Rear-End Collision Cause An Oil Leak?

Have you ever been rear-ended while stopped at a red light, or do you know anyone who has? If this is the case, take heart for the fact that you are not alone. Most are minor, and the destruction to the rear-ended vehicle is usually minor, such as a broken tail light or cracked bumper. But can a rear-end collision cause an oil leak?

However, even minor rear-end fender benders can induce severe, underlying issues with your car that may not show up for a while—problems that could jeopardize your safety and the safety of your passengers. A severe rear-end collision can cause the leakage of oil from your car. The following article will tell you what other things a rear-end collision can cause.

What Is Rear-End Collision?

Typically, a rear-end collision occurs when one vehicle collides with another car from the rear. Rear-end collisions can result in severe injuries to both the driver and the passenger. These injuries can range from permanent disabilities to life-changing injuries in some cases.

In general, the severity of injuries will be determined by several factors. Initially, you will have an idea of how severe the damages will be due to the collision. These various factors are detailed below:

  • When one driver refuses to deliver the other driver a warning, the other driver seems unable to manage the collision.
  • The accident’s principal impact. As a result, sudden movement has a significant effect on the driver and passengers.
  • The direction of the accident sometimes determines the severity of an accident

The one major problem which every driver faces whenever their car collides is oil leakage. This complaint comes from almost every driver after their car gets hit by a big rock or tree. There can be other reasons too. In the following paragraph, those other reasons are mentioned.

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How Rear-End Collision Leads To Oil Leakages

1) Oil Gaskets or Pans That Have Been Damaged

Because they are kept at the bottom of the engine, your vehicle’s oil pans and gaskets are easily destroyed by rear-end collision. Rough roads can cause a hole, resulting in an oil pan leak. The pan’s sealant is reported to suffer from a lot of excessive wear, and it can also become damaged, resulting in an oil gasket leak.

2) Installation Errors

It is possible that one of the gaskets that maintain the oil inside was installed incorrectly. This most commonly occurs when the oil pan gasket or valve cover gasket is retightened. It can also happen if the tightness is not distributed evenly. Another cause could be an improperly attached oil filter, as motor oil constantly flows through it, and if it’s loose, you could experience a leak. So when your car collides, installation errors lead to oil leakage

3) Rings or Valve Seals That Have Failed

Leaking chains or cylinder seals can also contribute to your vehicle’s oil loss. Nevertheless, if there are no holes in your gaskets, the oil will not be used outside the engine and will be destroyed in the burning process, so you will not start noticing it.

Regardless of the actual cause, it is critical to stop an oil leak as soon as possible, so take your vehicle to a Meineke location. So when rear-end collision takes place, following an oil leak, you may notice the smell of burnt oil, accompanied by dark smoke and, eventually, major engine harm. Do not put off repairing collision damage.

What Other Damages Can Be Caused By Rear-End Collision

The problematic part about rear-end collision damage is that it is frequently difficult to detect with the unaided observer. Even if your vehicle seems to be in perfect condition, there may be issues beneath the surface that will only worsen over time.

Rear-end collision destruction not only enhances the look, features, and value of the vehicle but can also jeopardize your safety. For instance, if your bumper is damaged, it will be unable to take the heat and protect you in the prospective accident

1) Rear-End Collision Cause Alignment Problems

Alignment issues are a common type of damage that occurs after a rear-end collision. If your car starts to pull to one side of the road while driving, this could indicate a problem with its alignment. Furthermore, if you see any of the following symptoms, there is most likely an alignment issue:

  • The car vibrates
  • squeaky steering
  • Tire wear can be rapid or uneven.
  • The steering wheel is twisted.
  • Tires squeaking

2) Rear-End Collision Can Damage the Engine

The engines found in today’s automobiles are highly complex and delicate. Unfortunately, rear-end accidents have the potential to degrade engine efficiency. If your car’s “check engine” light comes on after being in a collision, you should take it to a mechanic right away.

Furthermore, transmitting elements near the rear of rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicles can be affected in collisions. Your car leakage oil level or experiencing problems with acceleration and shifting are both indications that your transmission has been dented.

3) Rear-End Collision Cause Suspension Problem

The suspension system of a vehicle is critical to maintaining vehicle control and providing a smooth ride. The rear suspension, in essence, maximizes the turbulence between the tires and the road, allowing the driver to steer and handle the vehicle. It protects both the passengers and the car by mitigating the effects of traffic conditions.

The ride will be harsh, and your car will be hard to control if your vehicle’s suspended sentence isn’t functioning correctly. If you leave the car in this condition, it will only deteriorate and jeopardize your security and the value of your vehicle.

4) Rear-End Collision Can Lead Electrical Issues

Vehicles today are more technically advanced than ever before. Even a light tap can cause the wires to your rear lights, braking systems, or battery to loosen.

Each of these components is critical to staying safe on the road, so it’s vital to keep them in good condition—especially after a collision. In most cases, a technician will be required to inspect your vehicle’s electronic systems.

Have Your Vehicle Fixed at ProTec Collision Repair

When your car has been engaged in any type of rear-end collision, even if the damage appears to be simplistic, don’t risk underlying issues that could jeopardize your safety later, such as oil leakage and other technical problems. Instead, take it to a reputable auto repair shop like ProTec Collision Repair to have the destruction checked from the inside out.

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