Detail packages are available at carwashes, dealerships, and even in parking garages. Depending on how much is included, the price can range anywhere from $30-$300+. That may seem expensive at first, but in the grand scheme of things, you‘re more than likely going to keep the same car for a number of years. From door dings in parking lots, to cart bumps in the grocery store lot, to the occasional small fender-bender, your car goes through a lot for you. Investing in a good waxing helps your car not only represent you well, but protects it as well.

Though the immediate result is a beautiful shine and restoration of paint gloss, waxing offers longer term effects as well. When you wax your car you are protecting the body from everyday dirt, grime, and pollution and preventing the sun’s ultraviolet rays from fading the paint. Waxing prevents water spots from forming, as the wax causes water to bead and roll off your car leaving the body virtually spot free.

From do-it-yourself kits to premium detail packages at your local carwash, waxing care can fit into any budget. With a bit of time and a lot of elbow grease, you can give your car the luxury treatment all by yourself. Here are some great straight-to-the-point tips for correct DIY waxing techniques from eHow.com.

• Make sure you pick a non-abrasive wax. Some waxes can damage clear-coat and lacquer finishes found on many darker-colored paint jobs. Best to check with an auto parts associate or paint/body professional before purchasing.
• Be sure to wax your car in a shady or covered area. The sun can bake and harden the wax too quickly causing a white paste that is difficult to remove.
• Wax only a small area at a time. This way you can be sure that the wax doesn’t harden before you get to it.

Here’s a very simple step-by-step video from eHow.com.

But sometimes with today’s rushed lifestyles and busy work and family schedules, an afternoon dedicated to car waxing isn’t possible. Automatic, drive-thru carwashes have appeared in local gas stations on almost every corner. Although they’ve gotten a bad reputation over the years for having abrasive brushes that scratch your paint and break your antennas, now that there are so many of them it’s easy to shop around. Look for stations that offer a “Touchless” car wash. These carwashes use high-impact sprayers to remove dirt and grime without the use of brushes of any kind.
If you opt for the drive-thru car wash, the next question is what kind of wax job are you getting for your extra $2 to $8? The popular automatic carwash add-on known as Rain-X is actually a glass-cleaner construct, even though it’s applied all over the surface of your car. It helps bead water to prevent spots and surface damage like wax, but does not provide UV protection, nor do you get the benefit of scratch reduction that comes with surface buffing. The drive-thru results in a much more temporary shine, but a very nice shine. And the fact that it’s so quick, affordable, and easy might make it the right choice for you.

Whether you choose a detail package, a do-it-yourself wax job or an automated “Touchless” drive-thru, here’s the bottom line: if you take care of your car, it will take care of you. Protecting your finish by proper waxing will extend the life and beauty of your vehicle’s finish.

For additional information, advice, or to compare the cost of waxing versus full professional paint repair over time, please don’t hesitate to contact our Sacramento auto body professionals at G&R Paint and Body Shop at 916-731-8203.

Whether you just drove a new vehicle off the dealer lot or you recently invested in a high-quality refinish job, the steps you take to protect your vehicle’s finish can go a long way to extend the life and the value of your ride.

• Wash: Your vehicle’s exterior finish bears the brunt of the elements. Wind blasts your paint with abrasive sand and gravel; salt air and dampness create rust and corrosion. According to the Car Care Council, some one-third of vehicle owners use dish soap, household cleaners and scratchy cleansing pads and brushes that can strip away wax and may damage your vehicle’s finish. The best way to keep your vehicle finish smooth and shining is to wash it frequently, in a shaded area, using soap and a mitt or soft brush specifically made for washing cars.
• Rinse: Remove the spray nozzle from your hose and rinse frequently. Don’t allow soap to dry or remain on your vehicle finish.


Use proper car washing materials to protect your vehicle's paint.

• Dry: Don’t just let it drip! Dry surfaces thoroughly after washing, using a chamois or soft, lint-free cloth. Drying your vehicle protects from water spots and rust.
• Wax: Wax exterior surfaces monthly, or at least several times a year. A good quality paste car wax creates a protective surface that repels water and dirt, making it easier to keep your vehicle clean and shiny. Apply wax to a small section of the vehicle, rubbing wax on with a soft cloth and circular motion. Allow wax to dry, then buff until no visible paste remains. Do not leave wax on too long before buffing, or the result can be dried white paste that is tough to remove—thus don’t apply wax to too large an area at a time!
• Shelter: Park in a garage or carport if you have one. If you must leave your car uncovered under our hot California sun, try to park in shaded areas whenever possible. Like wind, rain and sea salt, sun will bake and fade your paint job. If you must park outdoors, consider purchasing a car cover.
• Repair: The steel used to make cars and truck is one of the strongest substances on earth, but a dent or scratch can still leave it vulnerable to rust and corrosion. Cover chips with touch-up paint as soon as possible. Clear nail polish applied to a chip or scratch can provide temporary protection, or you can find do-it-yourself scratch repair kits at your local car wash or big-box discount store. Or better yet, take your vehicle to a qualified auto body and paint shop for professional color matching and a factory-quality finish.
• Undercarriage: Don’t forget to keep wheel wells and undercarriage clean and free of debris, especially if you travel in snowy areas where salt and abrasive materials such as sand or cinders may be used for road maintenance. Cars from states with cold winter climates are notorious for rusting out after a few years. Consider having your vehicle professionally undercoated. Look for rubberized spray-on protectants for wheel wells.
• Protect: Consider rust-proofing your car and protecting your paint job with a professionally applied sealant. Most manufacturers provide a five-year warranty against rust perforation. But don’t wait until year six to think about a sealant; prevention is key, and you might be too late. A 1999 Minneapolis Star Tribune article recommends having a sealant applied to a new car if you plan to keep it longer than five years, or to a used car that is more than three years old.


Road salt and chemicals can damage your car's undercarriage

Many of our customers at our Sacramento body shop pamper their cars; that’s one of the reasons they come to us for quality repairs and service. But caring for your vehicle properly not only keeps it looking great and you feeling proud; it’s an expenditure of time, labor and sometimes a little cash that will protect one of your largest investments—your vehicle—in the long-run.

Don’t hesistate to give us a call for any of your autobody maintenance or repair needs–916-731-8203, or e-mail info@grbodyshop.com.

If you’re in the market for a used vehicle, you’re probably already kicking tires and having your mechanic take a look at the engine. But it’s also important to check out the structural integrity of the used vehicle as well: Has it been wrecked? Have body repairs been properly done? Is there evidence of flood damage? It doesn’t save money to buy a pre-owned vehicle only to find out you’ve purchased someone else’s problems!

Here is a checklist of things to look for when you’re shopping for a used car or truck. For a complete list and other information about purchasing or financing used vehicles, visit the California Bureau of Automotive Repairs website.

• Body Condition—Check the body carefully for signs the car may have been wrecked and repainted. Look for rust or “blisters” on fenders, bumpers and around lights, on splash panels, under doors, in wheel wells and under the carpeting in the trunk. Look for mismatched paint, cracks, dents and loose bumpers—all potentially pointing to a past accident.
• Tires—Unevenly worn tires can point to bad alignment or suspension damage.
• Doors, Windows, Trunk, Hood—Make sure all doors, windows, trunk lid and hood open and close easily and smoothly and don’t show any gaps when closed. A misalignment may mean the vehicle has been in a crash.
• Window Glass, Headlights, Tail Lights—Check for cracks and holes.
• Seats and Upholstery—Check for interior wear and tear, and don’t forgot to look under floor mats and seat covers.
• Steering—Unlocked and with the engine off, steering wheel should have no more than 2 inches of “play.”
• Odometer—A used car showing low mileage but with heavy wear visible on the driver’s seat, brake or accelerator pedal may be a sign the odometer has been tampered with.
• Smell—A musty smell inside the vehicle may indicate the car has had water damage or that windows/doors do not seal properly to keep out rain.

Source: California Bureau of Automotive Repairs

And remember, California’s Lemon Law only applies to vehicles still covered under the original manufacturers’ warranty, which means most used vehicles are exempt from this consumer protection.

Another thing to keep in mind about the recent boom in used car sales is that it may drive up the resale or trade-in value of the vehicle you’re driving right now. That makes it even more important to maintain your vehicle in peak condition and to do business with a professional, high-quality auto body repair provider for your body work, paint and collision repair services. To learn more about how G&R Body & Paint does business, visit http://grbodyshop.com or give us a call at 916-731-8203.

The PRO SPOT i4 water cooled inverter spot welding system is designed for new advanced steels that automakers are using in new vehicle designs in order to meet stringent government crash standards, including AHSS, HSS, T.R.I.P, BORON. These four steels alone are extremely advanced with yield tensile strengths over 1,000 MPa (megapascals). The welder’s computer monitoring  feature helps not only with training our skilled repair technicians but can easily be upgraded with more advanced programs in the future. 

This new welding system comes with a variety of attachments and will improve the quality of all our repairs and is also OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) approved.

Jeff, G&R Body & Paint’s lead technician, has used the PRO SPOT i4 several times and confirms, “It is great.”

 G&R is committed to regularly upgrading our shop equipment and infrastructure, just as we are committed to providing state-of-the-art technical and safety training, as a way of continuing to provide our customers with the high standards of service and craftsmanship they deserve.

At Friday’s meeting, we discussed many topics involving our member shops throughout the state, from the organization’s financials to our Technical Review Committee. In 2009, our CAA Technical Review Committee sent out bulletins on controversial “basecoat reduction” claims adjustments and a review of an alternative finishing method called De-Nib.

 CAA benefited this past year from increased involvement of our corporate sponsors, who are not only a valued member of this organization, but have really stepped up this past year to assist our members. The membership is pleased with our goals and achievements from 2009 and are excited about up and coming items, from bills we’re working on in the legislature to changes in state rules and laws. We have continued to develop good working relationships with insurance companies and expect additional cooperation with all of them. Insurance companies have opened the door to collaborating with CAA to help us satisfy our common customers. 

 We are working to make final changes to our new Member Benefits package, and our outside sales representatives will begin distributing them to current and prospective members soon.

I continue to be very proud to serve as CAA Vice President and proud of the work we do to raise industry standards, provide training, and bring value not only to our member shops but to our valued customers. More to come in future posts about how our benefits improve repairs and increase customer service around the state. Read more about CAA’s 2009 accomplishments.

The e-book, which is written in easy-to-understand language both for the lay consumer and auto repair professionals, includes descriptions of major vehicle systems, a list of questions to ask your auto repair technician when maintenance or repairs are being done, and a check-list of recommended maintenance services. Also, new in this issue: Sections on fuel economy and environmental awareness.

The e-book is super-easy to navigate page-by-page or by using the search tool and typing in a term (i.e., fuel filter or carburetor) to go straight to the information you’re looking for.

There’s even a Spanish-language version: http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aaia/carcareguide_sp/#/0.

The Car Care Council operates the  “Be Car Care Aware” campaign, a consumer education campaign about the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair. Built around three key message areas of safety, dependability and pride of ownership, the campaign is spearheaded by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), with the Car Care Council serving as the brand and messaging source. To learn more about the Car Care Council, visit http://www.carcare.org.

In order to receive the GreenLink Shop designation, G&R Body & Paint was required to meet standards in environmental, health and safety practices in four categories: business operations, employee training, safety compliance and environmental management.

“We are excited to welcome G&R Body & Paint to the GreenLink Shop program,” said Rod Enlow, CCAR Vice President of Industry Relations, as quoted in CCAR’s news release announcing G&R’s GreenLink recognition. “Today’s retail customer is knowledgeable and enlightened with regard to environmental responsibility and safety awareness, and G&R’s desire to attain this level of recognition should give their customers and insurance partners great satisfaction and confidence in this facility.”  

The GreenLink Shop program is part of the CCAR-GreenLink Environmental Compliance Assistance Center and S/P2 (Safety and Pollution Prevention) E-learning Program. The program, which recognizes both auto mechanical and collision repair shops, is designed to promote consumer confidence in their local facilities’ environmental/safety awareness and stewardship.

We learned about the GreenLink Shop program through G&R Body & Paint’s partnership with GEICO, as one of GEICO’s Auto Repair Xpress facilities. GEICO has been working with CCAR to promote the GreenLink Shop program nationwide.

As I wrote in an earlier blog post, G&R also recently became part of the Certified Green Investment Registry Program, which requires us to comply with an extensive checklist of environmentally responsible best practices in our collision repair shop—such as upgrades to energy-efficient equipment and lighting, investing in pollution control equipment, taking care with how we store and dispose of paints and chemicals, and providing our employees with up-to-date training in environmental best practices.

As many businesses are discovering these days, our financial and manpower investments in greening our Sacramento body shop will pay off  in lower energy costs, healthier conditions for our employees and generally better-run, more efficient operations. But that’s not the only reason G&R Body & Paint is working to be earth-friendly. The main reason is that it’s ‘right thing’ to do, not only for the environment, but also for our employees and our community.

 As all of us go home to our families at night, it’s important that we feel good about both the quality of our work and our role as good citizens; it’s not just about bringing in the paycheck. That’s the real reason that G&R Body & Paint makes safety and environmental awareness a priority.

 CCAR is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation established in 1994 as a coalition of 38 national automotive trade organization, representing all segments of the service and repair industry. Today the organization has more than 200 affiliate organizations. Its mission is to work – on an international scope – with the automotive industry, career and technical schools, governments and other organizations to provide best practice information and training, and to measure improvements related to environmental responsibility, workplace safety, cost-effective training methods, risk management and other issues affecting the industry.

CAA is a non-profit trade organization serving more than 1,000 members throughout California. The organization works to educate its members on best practices, monitors legislation and regulations affecting our industry and has done a tremendous amount of work in supporting businesses in reducing pollution and improving energy conservation the Certified Green Investor and EnergyStar programs. I’m very proud to be a CAA member and to serve as vice president.

Visit http://www.calautobody.com/ for more info.

All of our board meetings are open to all CAA members, but we’re expecting an especially good turnout at this meeting due to the Friday afternoon Leadership Conference, which will include chapter presidents and representatives from 16 CAA chapters throughout the state.

CAA is a non-profit trade association comprised of over 1000 individual and independent businesses within the automobile collision repair industry. Formed in 1967, CAA is committed to:

• Improving the collision repair industry through education and training;
• Taking a proactive stance to protect both the consumer and the industry through legislation.
• Benefitting the members through programs and services designed to make member shops professional, successful, and profitable; and
• Working toward establishing a fair and equitable relationship with the insurance industry.

 All of my fellow board members and CAA chapter leaders are business owners who volunteer to serve and take time away from our businesses because we believe those goals are important. To learn more about CAA, visit http: http://www.calautobody.com/index.cfm.

About 350 people from the auto insurance and collision repair fields attended. I think all of us were a little wiped out by the end of a full day of workshops and panels that included presentations from experts in the fields of auto insurance claims and auto body collision repair—but there was so much great collaboration and sharing of knowledge that the work we put in there was definitely worth the trip!

We heard from large several body shop owners about business models they use to maximize efficiency, work quality and customer satisfaction.

Tricia Griffith, president of Claims for Progressive Insurance, spoke about a change in the corporate cultures of insurance companies that is improving the working relationship between insurers and body shops.

Wayne Sharrah, chief claims officer for online insurer Esurance Insurance Services, gave a presentation that was fascinating for anyone who trying to reach an online audience, providing great statistics on Internet use and its expected impact on the auto claims industry. It was the first time I had heard the term “Net Generation”—the 88 million or so kids who have grown up with a computer mouse in their hands. Esurance is another company that supports a closer, more collaborative relationship between insurers and the collision repair industry.

An Allstate representative gave a presentation on how that company works to provide claims services even for motorists and collision repair shops in remote locations, such as rural Alaska.

Capitalism, small business and the tough economy were hot topics of discussion, both in the formal presentations and during networking time. At the end of the day, I think all of us recognized that insurers and body shops have much in common, and that’s exactly why VeriFacts put this symposium together. All of us are trying to succeed despite a rough economic environment. We serve the same customers and have the same goals, including top-quality repair workmanship and timely service. When insurers and collision repair shops are able to work together as trusted partners, our customers are ultimately the winners.

For more about G&R’s collision repair and auto body and paint services, visit http://grbodyshop.com.