Common Causes of Rapid Tire Pressure Drops
If you happen to live in Kansas City, you know extreme drops in temperature can make your Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) light go off, indicating your tires need air. For every 10-degree drop in
outside temperature, your tires can lose up to 2 PSI. Heat can do the opposite, raising your tire pressure by up
to 2 PSI for every 10 degrees. But what other reasons are there for your car TPMS to go off suddenly? Here are
some common causes of tire pressure changes.
Bad Valve Stem
Tire valves can weaken over time—typically several years when taking into account road
salt and chemicals. These valve stems will develop thin or brittle areas that can cause slow tire pressure
leaks. Unlike other causes for tire PSI drops, bad air-fill valves usually present in all four tires, making it
an easier problem to diagnose. If this happens, your best course of action is to purchase new tires.
Preventative maintenance, which includes regular cleaning and seasonal care, can extend the
life of your tires and air valves.
Valve Caps Missing
Without a valve cap, your tire will be more apt to lose air slowly—sometimes only 2 PSI per
month, without any fluctuations in outside temperature. Check your tires to see if any of your air-fill caps are
MIA. If so, don’t blame raccoons for stealing them; go to an auto parts store and buy a new set for a few bucks.
Corrosion of Wheel Bead Seat
Your tire is attached to a wheel—obviously. That wheel has several features, one of
which is the “tire bead seat.” The wheel or tire bead seat sits directly below the wheel flange (side ring) and
above the tire well. Beads are the first point of contact between the tire and the wheel, essentially. The
purpose of a tire bead is twofold: first, it can help increase brake clearance, and second, it prevents tire air
loss.
Therefore, if you have an old wheel or one that’s built with diecast metals, which are
prone to rust, you may have tire air leaks caused by corrosion. A small gap between the metal wheel bead/flange
and your tire can slowly deflate said tire, resulting in TPMS alerts.
The best solution is to replace your wheels, though you can sometimes utilize bead sealant and
a “buzzy wheel” to remove corroded material on your wheel bead. This should be done by a qualified technician or
at a service center or auto body shop
near you.
Poor Seal on Tire Bead
Similarly, you may have an issue with the sealant around your tire bead. This can be
caused by deteriorated rubber, improper installation, corroded or rusted wheels, a bent rim, or debris that’s
become lodged in between the seal.
Visual signs of a poor tire seal include “bead chunking”—small, raised pimples or
missing portions of rubber along the ridge where the tire and wheel meet—and “bead chafing”—obvious and overly
aggressive wear on the part of the tire that sits on the flange. A chafed tire bead is usually diagnosed by a
technician after removing the tire from the wheel.
Broken tire beads can also occur when the tire is mounted improperly or on an
improperly sized wheel, or when it’s installed on an old or dirty wheel.
New tires are the safest solution, and regular wheel alignments can help identify these issues before they become
dangerous.
Tread Puncture
Broken glass (e.g. a glass bottle) won’t usually cause any significant damage to your
tires, but there are some nasties on the road that can puncture the sidewall or tread (e.g. the 10-inch nail
that guttering company left in your driveway). This usually results in an immediate flat tire, but some smaller
foreign objects can embed into your tire tread just tightly enough to keep it inflated—until it isn’t. A small
bump can dislodge the item and cause air loss. If driven on that tire for too long, you may even start seeing
tread separation, which is a particularly dangerous condition that will literally separate the tread from the
tire—and that’s incredibly bad.
For small punctures to the tread, if caught early enough, a tire plug or patch may be a
possible solution. However, tire repairs like these are usually short-lived, and the best course of action is to
purchase a new one. Speak with your mechanic or someone at a trusted autobody center for an assessment.
Pothole Damage
Potholes are the biggest jerks in the world. Tire damage caused by potholes can
certainly result in overnight PSI drops. If you notice a deflated tire and drive on gnarly roads regularly,
potholes should be suspect no. 1. Hitting pothole after pothole will stretch tire sidewalls enough to force the
tiniest pffts of air out over time, but the real damage comes from bent rims that leave gaps between the wheel
and tire beads.
You can prevent most pothole-related PSI loss by keeping your tires properly inflated. Check
the air pressure monthly and at the start and end of each season, and fill ’em up as needed.
Bad TPMS Sensors
You checked the pressure on all four of your tires. You reset your TPMS. You had a
professional do an inspection. You rinsed and repeated. Still, after all that, you’re still getting a warning
that your tire pressure is incorrect. In this case, the culprit may be a faulty or damaged sensor within the
tire pressure monitoring system itself. Bring it to a certified dealer for assistance. They may recommend
replacing it with a new TPMS kit.
To avoid an accident—and a visit to our Kansas City body shops—it’s important to have a good
set of tires. If you notice air loss in one or more of your tires, that’s the first sign that there’s something
afoot. Get it diagnosed! For a free quote
on body work or to schedule a wheel alignment in Kansas City, contact McCarthy Collision Centers at
800-NEW-AGAIN. We’ll help you out.
Benefits of Auto Repair Financing: A Guide
Transmissions fail. Alternators go kaput. Dum-dums rear-end you at a 4-way stop sign. As a car owner, you know both routine and unpredictable vehicle repairs are just part of doing business. However, that doesn’t mean routine service or a surprise car repair can’t be a burden financially – especially if you’re one of the 49% of Americans living week to week, paycheck to paycheck.
So, what do you do when you can’t afford to pay for an emergency auto repair? Try financing directly through your auto body shop or service center. Many places will set you up with a payment plan that allows you to pay for autobody service in installments.
Here’s what you need to know about car repair and auto body shop financing programs:
Offset Insurance Deductibles
If you have a high-deductible car insurance policy, you’ve been enjoying lower monthly premiums; but when you crash your car, crack a windshield or get stuck in a Kansas City hailstorm, that high deductible might bite you on the you-know-what.
Instead of dipping into your emergency rainy-day fund, you can finance your car repairs and make monthly payments over time. For example, a $1,500 deductible for auto body work can be spread out over the course of 24 months, costing you as little as $69 per month. That may be much more manageable.
Safer than “Payday Loans”
Those predatory “cash advance” loans are just never worth it – you’d be better off selling your car and taking the bus. Some payday loans impose humungous annual percentage rates on applicants, forcing them to pay anywhere from 200% to 780% (!!!) in interest. And that’s not even mentioning the late charges.
Qualified applicants can get a good APR on car repair loans from auto body shops that do payment plans. In fact, some of these auto repair loans can have interest rates that are comparable to credit cards (anywhere from 10% to 36%).
Our McCarthy Collision Centers are also proud to provide these financing options with complete transparency. That means no hidden charges, application fees or additional costs. The terms are laid out for you when applying.
Quick Approval
You usually don’t have to wait long to get pre-approved for car repair financing. Customers at our Kansas City collision centers will typically get through the finance application in about 60 seconds. All that’s needed is a state ID, phone number and a valid email address to get started.
High Approval Rate
Whether you’re a single mom in need of car repair assistance or a Wall Street investor down on her luck, you can count on getting approved for financing. About 90% of all our customers are approved on the spot. We’re like a collision-repair church offering financial aid to those in need.
Applies to All Auto Services
You can finance everything from auto glass and windshield replacements to PDR and even official OEM car parts. It’s best to speak with your auto body shop about payment plans that lump all work, products and services into one.
Personalized Payment Plan
Speaking of which, flexibility is the main reason to finance car service and repairs at your dealership. McCarthy customers are guided through all their options to help build a customized monthly payment plan. Essentially, you choose how to pay and when to pay for auto body work.
Want to learn more about our new auto body repair financing program in Kansas City? Give us a call at 1-800-NEW-AGAIN or contact one of our McCarthy Collision Centers in Olathe, Blue Springs, Sedalia, Overland Park or Lee’s Summit.
How to Choose an Honest Auto Body Shop
When you need to replace your windshield or repair a dent after a car accident, what’s the first thing you do? Search for an auto body shop near you, of course. However, considering collision repair centers seem to be a dime a dozen in big cities, it can be very difficult to spot a good body shop amidst a crowd of dishonest ones.
Don’t get ripped off by a shady auto repair facility or mechanic. Follow the tips below to protect yourself from potential body shop fraud.
Tips to Avoid Dishonest Body Shops
Good Word of Mouth
Researching online star ratings and reviews is an excellent way to begin searching for an honest body shop. However, word of mouth shouldn’t be disregarded. Ask your friends for recommendations, then cross-reference those recommendations with other customer testimonials.
Clean Facility
Auto body shops and car repair centers are naturally dirty – but that shouldn’t show from the lobby. Choose a facility that looks organized and modern.
Free Estimates
You shouldn’t have to pay to get an estimate for auto body repairs. In fact, you should get not just a free estimate of repair costs, but also a free and detailed report of all damage and the actions that need to be taken to fix your car.
Authentic Car Parts
Always ask your chosen auto repair center if they use authentic OEM car parts. If not, ask why, as installing non-OEM replacement auto parts can sometimes nullify your vehicle’s warranty.
Before & After Photos
Does the collision center have evidence to show off their good work online? Quality before-and-after photos are a good indication that a body shop is reputable.
24/7 Towing
Any local body shop worth their weight in aluminum will have some sort of emergency towing service.
Insurance Assistance
Your collision repair center should be working on your behalf, not your auto insurer’s. They act as your guide and help you navigate the process of filing an insurance claim. If your chosen autobody center doesn’t seem to be in your corner from the start, move your vehicle to another shop.
Guarantees
Your auto body shop should be providing customers with some sort of warranty or guarantee. For instance, our Kansas City collision centers offer lifetime warranties on all bodywork, paint and general collision repairs. Any problem you encounter related to that work is repaired for free.
Auto Repair Financing
Many shops now offer financing for paintless dent repair and general collision repair services. Just providing this option is a sign that the auto body facility is looking out for customers.
7 Potential Signs of a Body Shop Scam
They “Bury the Deductible”
Some shops will offer to help customers save money by lumping the deductible into the insurance claim. This tactic is often called “buying the deductible” or “saving the deductible” – but it isn’t very ethical.
Auto body repair centers that offer this are essentially trying to scam the insurance company and consumers by either not performing repairs or overcharging for labor or repair work.
So, be cautious of any shop that tells you they’ll waive your car insurance deductible, because they don’t really have the power to do that legally.
They are Evasive & Delay Work
While it’s completely normal for body work to be delayed, it’s not normal for your collision center to evade you, their customer. If you are playing telephone tag with the shop or can’t seem to get a definitive deadline to pick up your vehicle, they might be taking advantage of you.
Once you do get your vehicle back, bring it into another local collision repair center or service center for an inspection. Specifically request that they look at the work the first body shop supposedly performed.
They Always Agree with Your Insurer
Again, the auto body shop you pick should always be in your corner. If they agree with your insurance company 100% of the time, you may want to question their motives.
Shady vehicle repair facilities will form special relationships with insurers – kind of like a “you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours” type of scenario – that benefits both the shop and the insurer. These facilities are not advocating for you.
Instead, your body shop should be notifying you when and why your insurer is incorrect, then provide you with suggestions to improve your claim.
They are Your Insurer’s “Preferred” Auto Body Shop
In that same vein, be wary of any collision shop that’s “preferred” by your insurer. Although there’s nothing intrinsically wrong with being an insurance company’s preferred collision center, that designation doesn’t automatically make it the best body shop for collision repair. Do your research as we outlined in the previous section before making a choice or judgment.
They Won’t Explain Estimates or Repair Process
If your auto technician or body shop mechanic knows what they’re doing, they should also know how to explain everything to you when they give you a quote. If they can’t, you should question every line item on the estimate. What’s more, your estimate should be detailed, not just one or two lines.
For instance, if you need to replace and repaint your dented quarter panel, the estimate provided by your body shop should break down the costs and work associated with removing the bumper, unhooking the taillights, taking off the side panels, and all other forms of labor or components. The entire repair process should be explained to you when you ask – and you should ask.
They Scam You on Auto Parts
Dishonest body shops and car repair centers will force you to pay for car parts that you don’t need. The really dishonest shops will force you to pay for car parts that they don’t even install. Instead, they’ll charge you for a new component then either never install it (because it wasn’t needed) or they’ll pocket the component and replace yours with some used, salvage car part.
Ask your body shop to show you the receipt for the part, the packaging for the part, and, better yet, the new part installed.
They Give Lowball Estimates
In some instances, smaller body shops will write an estimate that’s so low, it makes you question the legitimacy of the other auto shops who provided higher estimates. Here’s why it shouldn’t:
A “low-ball” estimate can sometimes be a shady tactic to just get your car in the shop (called “seizing the keys”). Once there, the technicians will dismantle the car and magically discover new damage that needs to be repaired. Unfortunately, you won’t know you’re being scammed until it’s too late, which is why it’s important to go with an honest auto repair shop from the get-go, not just the cheapest auto body shop near you.
Of course, hidden damage isn’t unheard of. In fact, it’s pretty common – you can’t really see what’s going on with a vehicle – particularly all parts of the frame – without first taking it apart. So, when you find an honest autobody mechanic and shop, you stick with them for years.
Need an estimate for collision repair or PDR in Kansas City ? Contact any of our McCarthy Collision Centers in MO and KS for a free quote! We offer a full menu of auto repair services and are trusted by thousands of local drivers.
Is Your Vehicle Really Totaled After a Car Crash?
Typically, if the cost to repair your car after a collision exceeds 70% of your vehicle’s ACV, it will likely be labeled a total loss. For instance, if your car is valued at $10,000, and auto repairs are estimated to be $8,000, your insurer will probably total it. Bummer.
Do you need to bite the bullet and take a check from your insurance company? Sure, that money can be used to buy a nice, new vehicle; but your totaled car might not really be totaled, after all. Here’s how to know if your vehicle is worth fixing after a car accident.
Airbag Deployment
Just because your airbags have deployed after an accident doesn’t mean your car is totaled. In fact, your vehicle’s airbags will deploy if you drive into an object – be it another vehicle or a mailbox that came out of nowhere – at just 8-14 miles per hour. That car accident may leave a dent in your fender and give you a minor case of whiplash, but that shouldn’t necessarily force you to mark your car as salvage.
However, there are many reasons why your insurance would total your car rather than choose to fix it after your airbags deploy – and it all depends on the price of new airbags (oftentimes over $500) and repairs vs. your vehicle’s estimated Actual Cash Value (ACV).
- The vehicle is older, and replacing the airbags and making repairs would cost more than the vehicle is worth.
- Your vehicle’s ACV is low because it has high mileage.
- The general condition of the car lowers its resale value, even before the car accident occurred.
- Your insurer considers the accident to be your fault, so they reduce the total loss value by all expenses they incur to repair the other driver’s vehicle.
- There is a low demand for your vehicle on the used resale market in your region. (For instance, a used Silverado would have a higher ACV in rural Sedalia, while a used Sonata might be valued higher in Kansas City.)
- Simply put, if repairing your car would cause other safety concerns.
But you can get a second opinion on car repairs that may keep your car out of the salvage yard! Tell your insurance company that you’d like an airbag replacement quote from an honest body shop near you instead of getting a check or salvage title in the mail.
Need a Free Autobody Repair Quote in Kansas City?
If you require a second opinion in Kansas City, contact McCarthy Collision Centers for a free estimate on your autobody repairs. We’ll even help you with your insurance claims – because the last thing you need after an accident is to deal with extra stress.
What To Do When Icy Roads Cause A Car Accident
Icy conditions can make for white-knuckled driving even for the experienced driver. You’ve got to slow down and drive for the conditions even if it’s rush hour; but you’ve got places to be, things to do, people to see! Well, unless you want to slide into a pole or get into a collision with another driver, it’s best to take your time around icy roads.
Even heeding that advice isn’t a guarantee that you’ll be safe. If you’ve been in a crash or your car’s been damaged after sliding on ice, here’s how you should proceed:
Immediately After A Minor Accident
Minor accidents usually have little car or property damage and no one is injured. Because people are usually driving much slower in sleet, snow and ice, it’s more likely you’ll get into these small crashes. But just because it’s minor doesn’t mean the accident shouldn’t be taken seriously. In fact, winter weather makes it especially dangerous to follow the normal post-accident inspection.
If you have an auto accident on an icy road, gather your bearings and don’t panic. Look around you and make sure you and any passengers are okay. If no one is hurt and you don’t see sparks, smell gas or any smoke, you’re probably safe to stay in or around your vehicle.
Don’t get out of your car to assess the damage unless it and you are out of harm’s way. It’s icy out. You don’t want to block traffic, but you don’t want anyone sliding into you either. You’re probably a little shaky after the accident, too, and standing on slippery ice can cause you to fall.
If You’ve Hit Another Vehicle
After making sure everyone’s unhurt and the damage is minor, stay calm and exchange insurance information with the other driver. This information will include:
- Name
- Phone numbers
- Email address
- Insurance information
Most drivers carry a mobile device these days. It’s perfectly acceptable to take a picture of the license plate of the car involved as well as a picture of the insurance card. It sure beats looking over hastily scrawled information and realizing that you can’t read what you wrote.
If there’s any doubt that the accident has more than minor damage or that someone may claim injury, call 911 while everything is fresh in the minds of both parties. The 911 dispatcher may call emergency services to come out and assess for possible injury.
A police report protects you both. Don’t promise anything to the other driver, admit fault, or leave the scene.
Contact your insurance company. Often your rates won’t go up for a minor accident.
If There’s Property Damage
Sometimes you’re the only vehicle involved in an icy spin-out into someone else’s property. How do you proceed when no one’s around?
- Again, call 911 to ensure a police record is made. The police will alert you to the next steps.
- If you’re still in sight of other vehicles, make sure to put on your flashers so they can see you. It can’t be stressed enough – don’t get out of your vehicle unless there’s an emergency, like the smell of gasoline or in the event of a fire. If you’ve run off the road, another driver can, too, and you don’t want to be hit by another vehicle while assessing the damage.
- When possible, leave a note for the property owner. If you hit a parked vehicle, a note on their windshield is sometimes the best you can do; include all pertinent information, like your name, phone number, insurance policy number and license plate. Don’t admit fault, even if you’re the only one in the accident to blame.
- If you’ve struck a fence, mailbox or piece of residential property, knock and leave a note. It’s a good idea to speak with neighbors, as well; they may be able to get you in contact with the property owner to come to a more immediate resolution.
- Comprehensive and collision insurance should cover you if your accident involved minor property damage. You will be held at-fault for the purposes of filing your claim, but at least no one was injured.
Icy Driving Safety Tips
It’s scary to lose control of your car on ice, especially black ice. Unfortunately, you can’t always see black ice until it’s too late.
It’s best to follow these general safety tips if there’s even the remote possibility that black ice is on the road:
- Slow down.
- Don’t use cruise control.
- Your tires should have good treads for the winter weather season. Less tread, less traction.
- If your vehicle is a front-wheel drive, steer in the direction of the skid. Don’t brake.
- If your vehicle is a rear-wheel drive, steer where you want your vehicle to go and accelerate slowly through the patch.
- Steer slowly out of the skid across the black ice. Brake normally if you’ve anti-lock brakes. If you don’t have antilock brakes, pump your brakes very gently while steering slowly off the ice.
- The 2-second rule doesn’t apply during icy driving. Slow down! It takes nine or ten times the braking distance to stop your car during icy conditions.
- Make sure your car’s road-worthy with good tires.
- It’s a great idea to have a winter emergency kit handy.
If you do have an icy car accident, work with your insurance company and choose a body shop that will best handle your claim. For Kansas City collision repair after a winter crash, come to McCarthy Collision Centers. We have body shops throughout the Kansas City region, including Olathe, Overland Park, KS, and Blue Springs, Sedalia and Lee’s Summit, MO.
Top 6 Signs of a Damaged or Broken Car Axle
A vehicle’s axle is comprised of a large bar, usually a steel transaxle or drive shaft, that connects the wheels to the steering system, engine and transmission. Power and torque are transferred from the engine and transmission, respectively, through the axle and to the drive wheels. While some axles are more complex – cars with split-axles, for instance, utilize CV joints to provide independent suspension to each wheel – but they all essentially work to do the same thing: make your car tires spin.
When a car axle breaks, either abruptly (like hitting a curb) or due to frequent overuse (like driving with too much payload), you’ll usually know there’s a problem because the tires simply won’t spin. However, there are some signs and symptoms of axle damage that might indicate a broken axle—and a visit to an axle repair shop—is on the horizon.
6. Car Won’t Budge
The most obvious sign of a broken axle is when your car tires won’t rotate. The car will turn on fine. Its engine will sound happy as a clam when you rev it. There aren’t any electrical issues—no dashboard warning lights, no weird clicking sounds. It. Just. Won’t. Move.
Why does this occur? It’s usually the result of a bent axle joint that’s finally snapped like a Slim Jim. You’ll need a tow truck to haul it to a repair shop near you for an inspection and axle damage repair.
5. Vehicle Strains
Car axles are fairly resilient, but when they’re under pressure, you’ll feel it in the gas pedal. When an axle is bent or damaged, your vehicle might begin to strain. You’ll put it into gear and notice right away that power isn’t getting transferred to the wheels (i.e. it’s slow to get going).
A straining vehicle doesn’t necessarily mean that you have a bad car axle, however. This should accompany some other signs of axle damage (below).
4. “Sputtering” Noises
Along with straining to move, the vehicle may also make sputtering, bumping or clunking sounds. This is because the axle is not able to transfer adequate power to the wheels.
These bad axle sounds will be audible when the car begins to move as well as when turning the wheels.
3. Wheel Wobbling & Vibrations
Underinflated tires, unaligned wheels and loose lug nuts can also make your vehicle vibrate. But if you notice any other signs of axle damage, don’t disregard it! Your car is incredibly dangerous to drive once you begin noticing vibrations caused by a damaged axle or other suspension problems.
2. Brake Pad Misalignment
You’ll notice some braking issues once your bent axle starts going bad. The brake pads will begin to shift and become misaligned with the wheels and rotors, and once that happens, you may notice the vehicle skids or slips to a stop. Over time, the brakes will eventually cease to function at all.
1. Leaking
The brake seal on an AWD or 4WD vehicle’s driveshaft may shift and begin to leak small amounts of oil. This will be noticeable when looking at the brake drum.
Axle CV joints can also leak grease, which is not as detectable. However, once this happens, the joints will collect dirt and dry out and deteriorate quickly.
Get Broken Axle Repairs ASAP!
What happens if your bent axle finally breaks? If you’re lucky, your car simply won’t move out of the driveway; if you’re unlucky, the wheel bearings will seize while you’re on the road, and the tire and entire wheel will fall off, leaving you with an out-of-control vehicle.
Don’t take that risk! Get an inspection at a service center or auto body shop near you if you’ve experienced any problems with your vehicle’s driveshaft or axle.
For a tow and free quote in Kansas City, contact one of our McCarthy Collision Centers or car dealerships. Dial 1-800-NEW-AGAIN to speak with a member of our team today. We have body shops throughout Kansas and Missouri, including Olathe, Sedalia, Overland Park, Lee’s Summit and Blue Springs.
Rusted Car = Busted Car? Auto Rust Repair Can Help!
Worried about those rust spots on your car? They’re obviously eyesores, but rust on a vehicle can also cause significant damage to your car’s chassis, body panels, frame, and sheet metal. So, having some trepidation about that unsightly car rust is appropriate.
What Type of Damage Can Car Rust Cause?
Like anything made of metal, your vehicle is susceptible to rust, forcing it to age ungracefully over decades. Even a small scratch, when left untreated, can spread into a full-blown rust-pocalypse within a few years. That’s because of a chemical reaction—oxidation—that occurs when iron, h2o, and oxygen interact. Rust protection like car paint eliminates the exposure of its metal frame to water and oxygen.
Aside from gross brown spots around your car, rust can cause the following type of vehicle damage:
- Holes in your muffler, catalytic converter, or exhaust system. This reduces fuel efficiency greatly and can emit potentially fatal carbon monoxide gas into the cabin.
- Holes in your trunk or hood, allowing water to flood your cabin or cargo area.
- Decay of your engine. Rust eats away at metal mounts, pistons, valves—essentially everything your engine requires to operate.
- Damage to electrical systems. Malfunctions of your power windows, radio, gauges, and lights can be caused by spreading rust.
- Cracks in the underside, resulting in oil leaks, fuel leaks, and general corrosion of axles.
- Your car will lose thousands in resale value for any visible rust damage.
How Can I Repair Car Rust Damage?
Repairing rust damage on a car is no simple task. That’s why it’s important to bring your vehicle into a trusted auto body shop that’s certified in rust repairs. Most body shops have specialized equipment to identify, assess, and repair rust damage even before you’ve researched how to do it.
Typically, the auto body repair process to un-rust rusted cars come in two forms:
- Small Rust Repair – This is usually performed on small, confined areas where rust is prevalent yet has not penetrated metal. Such areas include wheel wells, door panels, exhaust pipes, and fenders. Rust patches usually form when deep scratches are not fixed, so our Kansas City body shops will first repair those scratches, then remove the rust and repaint the area to match your car’s color.
- Large Rust Repair – When rust has metastasized to several car parts or penetrated the underside, more extensive auto body repairs will be necessary. In this case, the technicians at our Kansas City collision centers will cut out the damaged areas and replace the metal with a strong bond or weld. In some instances of extreme rust damage, the entire car frame may need to be replaced.
How Do I Prevent Car Rust?
Prevention is the best medicine when it comes to the health of both you and your car. To prevent rust from damaging your car, you can follow the recommendations below:
- Wash and wax regularly, at least once per season. Applying a high-end wax will ensure even the oldest car can withstand rust attacks.
- Get thorough underbody washes, especially after winter. Because Kansas City gets snow, it also gets a healthy taste of road salt and chemicals. This eats away at the undercarriage of cars, causing rust.
- Don’t allow water to sit on your vehicle. If you have areas on your car that collect rainwater—the trunk is a prime example—wipe it away after any storms.
- Better yet, cover or store your car in a garage to prevent rain from pooling.
- Clean off bird poop right away!
- Get a rust protectant pre-treatment. When you buy a car or visit an auto body shop, you can ask for anti-rust coating for your car’s body and underbelly.
- Inspect for signs of rust regularly. Symptoms include bubbling paint in areas, typically near the wheels, peeled paint around dents, and deep scratches down to the metal.
- Invest in floor mats, especially if you have an older car. Water and road salt in winter can saturate your carpets and leak through to the floor. And who wants a huge hole in their floor?
- Get routine inspections from an honest auto body shop. The #1 reason rust damage occurs is due to the negligence of regular maintenance. A trip to your auto service center can discover rust problems before they become catastrophic.
Rust Damage Repair in Kansas City
Don’t let car rust take over—protect your four-wheeled baby! Whether you suspect underbody rust or see rust holes along your wheels, bring your car into one of our collision centers near Kansas City for a look-see. At McCarthy Collision Centers, we have the gear, tools, and experience to repair rust damage on any vehicle, big or small.
Find your nearest rust repair shop in Kansas City today, or simply call 800-NEW-AGAIN to schedule an appointment and receive a free estimate. We’ll be here waiting.
DIY Windshield Chip Repair Kits: Good or Bad?
Assaulted by a rogue rock, car windshields will chip or crack – this is just a part of driving – no matter how many preventative actions you’ve taken. But instead of visiting a local body shop to get your window chip fixed, you decide to do it at home with a DIY windscreen repair kit. It’s the thrifty choice, as do-it-yourself Autoglass repair kits are quite cheap – you can normally buy a decent Loctite, Permatex, or 3m product for less than $20 – and you’ve got YouTube video tutorials to guide you through the process. How hard could it be, right?
In certain situations, it can be fairly difficult to produce quality results with a standard car window chip kit. Depending on the size of the glass chip, or if there is any spider webbing or bullseye damage, it may be in your best interest to head to a professional windshield replacement or Autoglass repair shop. Here’s how to know if you should stick to the DIY route or bring in the big guns, like the pros at our Kansas City body shops. (Apologies for the shameless plug.)
Types of Windshield Damage & Recommended Repairs
Chips
The most minor form of windshield damage. Window chips, sometimes referred to as stone-breaks or dings, are usually found on the first laminated layer of glass, where the debris made impact, and will rarely affect the plastic interlayer.
Can it be repaired at home? A good windshield chip kit may be the solution if the glass chip is smaller than 1 inch in diameter and there is no splintering or sign of visible cracks stemming from the impact site.
Should I bring it to the shop? If the ding is in the “danger zone” of the windshield – that is, on the outer edge of the windshield, directly within the driver’s line of sight, or near the windshield wiper blades – you may need a windshield replacement. Some insurance plans may even cover the cost of repairing a windshield without raising your premium or asking for a deductible. Ask your agent for more details.
Bullseye Chips
Bullseye windshield damage refers to any glass chip that appears as a dartboard, with a well-defined “pit” in the center.
Can it be repaired at home? DIY windshield bullseye repair kits do an admirable job of filling in minor bullseye chips up to 1 inch in diameter, though it should be noted that the damage can still be visible even after the repair.
Should I bring it to the shop? Similar to a standard window chip, bullseye damage should be repaired by a professional when it’s on the edge of the windshield, within the driver’s sightline, or near wiper blades. Oftentimes bullseye chips are not repairable.
Half Moons
Also known as partial bullseyes, half moon windshield chips are usually smaller than bullseyes and may not have the same distinctive, symmetrical dartboard shape.
Can it be repaired at home? Partial bullseye chip kits can work, but don’t expect the damaged area to disappear entirely after applying the resin. Both half moon and bullseye chips are notoriously difficult to hide, post-repair.
Should I bring it to the shop? If the half moon is larger than an inch or sits within the “danger zone,” consider taking it to an auto glass repair center.
Surface Pits
Deeper gouges in the glass are referred to as surface pits or, simply, windshield pits. These pits are not usually penetrative or damaging to the tempered center of a car windshield.
Can it be repaired at home? Because surface pits are typically deeper than a chip, windshield pit repair resin or filler may only fix damage with a diameter of 1/8 or 1/4 an inch.
Should I bring it to the shop? Any pitted auto glass that shows signs of cracks or spiderwebs, or any pit that has penetrated the interlayer of the windshield, should be brought to the professionals.
Combination Breaks
A chip or crack in your windshield that features a combination of any or all forms of damage, including bullseyes, chip cracks, stars, etc.
Can it be repaired at home? Combination breaks in a window are repairable if they’re less than 2 inches in diameter. However, unless the damage is very minor, windshield repair kits for combination breaks are not recommended.
Should I bring it to the shop? Any combination break larger than 2 inches should be brought to your auto glass replacement center.
Star Breaks
Usually, star breaks will feature numerous “legs” that branch out from the impact site, almost like a star.
Can it be repaired at home? This type of damage can be quite complex, therefore it’s not advisable to use a star break windshield repair kit.
Should I bring it to the shop? Star breaks smaller than 3 inches in diameter can sometimes be repaired by an auto glass technician, though total window replacement isn’t out of the question.
Hail Damage
Hailstones are the devil. They’ll ding, crack, or even shatter car windows.
Can it be repaired at home? Unless you were extremely lucky and found a single small chip after a hailstorm, we don’t recommend using a hail damage repair kit to fix your windshield.
Should I bring it to the shop?We fix plenty of vehicle hail damage in Kansas City. Most often, we find that windshields damaged by hail cannot be fixed. It’s also more cost effective to replace the entire pane of auto glass.
Cracks
A crack in your windshield, no longer than 14 inches, should be repaired immediately. Cracks can expand, spiderweb, or entirely break your window if left too long. There are four subsets of cracks, which include stress cracks, edge cracks, floater cracks and chip cracks.
Can it be repaired at home? Some windshield crack repair kits claim to fix cracks up to 14 inches in length; be wary of these claims! The auto glass technicians at our Kansas City body shops only recommend attempting to repair windshield cracks up to 2 or 3 inches in length, and even then…
Should I bring it to the shop? Cracks that are longer than 3 inches, including edge cracks, stress cracks, and floater cracks, should be inspected by a professional. Any damage with 3 or more large cracks would indicate a replacement windshield is in order.
Don’t DIY. Get Professional Windshield damage repair.
Windshield chips and cracks are nothing to mess around with. If you’re driving around with a damaged car window, you could very well be one stone, speedbump, or accident away from a very dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation. So, either buy your windshield repair kit or bring your vehicle to an auto glass specialist. It’s the smart thing to do.
For professional and affordable auto glass repair and windshield replacement in Kansas City, head to your nearest McCarthy Collision Centers location, and receive a free quote.
Do New Car Safety Features Prevent Crashes?
Have you ever made a mistake because you got distracted while driving? Maybe you turned your attention to your car stereo and started drifting out of your lane. Or you were taking a bite out of your burger and didn’t see the other driver turn in front of you. Even though you know better, you might have been sneaking a peek at your smartphone and didn’t notice a child dart out into the road.
Hopefully, you avoided a crash that could have led to a catastrophe. But luck won’t always be on your side, which is why it’s important to keep distractions to a minimum when driving. You never know when that wrong move will result in a fender-bender—or worse.
What is Distracted Driving and How Can We Avoid Doing It?
Distracted driving is considered to be any behavior that takes your attention from the road, like using your phone, eating or drinking, playing with the navigation system or stereo, or even turning to talk to the passenger in the seat next to you. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3,450 people died in 2016 due to distracted driving.
To make people more aware of the dangers of distracted driving, April has been named Distracted Driving Awareness Month. It’s important to understand the behaviors that can lead to distracted driving and avoid them. But the truth is that all of us waver in our attention as we drive. Even if you’re not texting, eating or choosing a new radio station, you might be thinking about something else and not focusing on your primary task of driving safely.
Can Vehicle Safety Features Protect You From Distracted Driving?
That’s where vehicle safety features come in. Over the past two decades, car manufacturers have been adding new safety features like antilock brakes, airbags, and electronic stability control into vehicles to help drivers survive accidents; the implementation of these safety systems has paid off as there have been fewer deaths each year. In fact, in just the three-year period between 2008 and 2011, driver death rates fell by one-third, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Today, manufacturers are focusing more on crash avoidance features to bring those collision and death rates down even further. These include:
- Automatic brakes. Application of the brake if a forward crash is detected and you’re not braking fast enough.
- Forward collision warning. Audio or visual (or both) warning of a possible crash with something in front of your vehicle.
- Blind spot detection. Audio or visual (or both) warning of something in your blind spot.
- Lane departure warning. Audio alarm that sounds when you’ve drifted over lane lines.
- Lane departure prevention. Assists with keeping the car centered in the lane.
- Adaptive headlights. Automatically moves lights up and down — as you go over hilly roads — and left to right — as you go around curves — for better visibility.
In 2015, IIHS research found that drivers in vehicles with these collision safety features in place had 11% fewer single-vehicle, head-on and sideswipe accidents. The features also helped to keep more serious accidents from occurring and led to a reduction in injury crashes by 21%.
If every vehicle on the road had these features in place at the time of the study, more than 55,000 injuries would have been prevented. And while the nationwide implementation of these advanced car safety features would lead to our Kansas City collision centers servicing fewer customers, it’s a worthwhile price to pay in order to save lives.
Can Collision Avoidance Features Prevent Distracted Driving?
There are two problems with crash avoidance features:
- Drivers rely on them too much and don’t curb their own problem behaviors; and
- Drivers don’t understand the limitations of the technology.
In the latter case, that means some drivers believe blind-spot detection will always see an obstacle in the blind spot, even though, at high rates of speed, that won’t always happen. It’s important to review your vehicle manual and talk to your dealer to fully understand how the features work and how to utilize them correctly. (They aren’t all created equal!) You, as a responsible driver, still need to look and use good judgment, as well as avoid behaviors (e.g. using your phone) in order to stay as safe as possible on the road.
This April, it’s a great time to make sure you’re not driving with distractions. And next time you purchase a vehicle, consider one with crash avoidance features that can help you keep from a dangerous collision if you do get into a tight spot.
In the meantime, if you have questions about collision repair or need a trustworthy auto body repair shop in the greater Kansas City area, be sure to contact McCarthy Collision Centers for help. Sometimes collisions are unavoidable, and we’re here to help. With Missouri and Kansas auto body shop locations in Olathe, Sedalia, Overland Park, Lee’s Summit, and Blue Springs, McCarthy is the name to trust to get back on the road! Dial 1-800-NEW-AGAIN to schedule an appointment or request a tow.
According to the AAA, approximately 682,000 hit-and-run crashes have occurred each year since 2006. Considering a hit-and-run accident occurs every minute in the United States, it’s no surprise that Kansas City was host to an unfortunate hit-and-run that caused a double fatality in October. With such a terrible accident happening so close to home, we thought our readers would appreciate these 5 simple steps to take after a hit-and-run in Kansas City—or anywhere in the U.S.
1) Pull over to safety
Unless you are a seasoned mechanic, car specialist, or a technician from one of our Kansas City auto body shops, you will won’t likely be able to determine whether it is safe to continue operating your vehicle after a hit-and-run. The best thing to do is to pull your car off the road and park it in a safe location. In some cases, the safest location might be the shoulder of the road, though any parking lot or side road should do.
2) Seek medical help immediately
Once you have safely pulled off the road, call for medical assistance if you or any of your passengers have sustained injuries. If you are injured, wait for medical help to arrive and do not try to move. Neck injuries are no joke!
3) Call the police
Even if your accident seems minor, it is wise to report the crash to authorities. Make sure that you report all the details of your accident. even if they seem irrelevant as seemingly small details can play a key role when dealing with your auto insurance company or identifying responsible drivers.
Here are some key details to make a note of before and during your interaction with the police:
- The make and model of the car that hit you
- If you are unsure of the make or model of the vehicle, provide a description of the vehicle’s color and features
- The car’s license plate number or any portion of the plate number
- Contact details of any people who saw your accident
- The exact location of your accident
- Name and badge number of the police officers who respond to your call
4) Contact your insurance company
“Because there is no other driver whose insurance company can be involved in taking care of the damage, a hit and run accident will be taken care of under your own policy. Hit and run accidents are the only accidents in which you are not at fault for which you will be required to pay your collision deductible, in most cases. This can vary from company to company.” – InsuranceHotline.com
You should contact your insurance company even though you are not immediately able to identify the driver who hit your car. While the accident will likely be taken care of under your own policy, you should still call your insurance agent to discuss your next steps, including filing a claim and securing a rental car.
5) Seek the expertise of a trusted body shop
“Even if the damages seem minor (for example, you can spot only a few dings and scrapes on the bumper), you should have your vehicle inspected by an auto repair mechanic BEFORE you resume using your car as you normally would.” – DMV.org
Trying to drive your car right after a hit-and-run accident could compromise your safety and lead to serious damage to the vehicle. A trusted collision repair center can evaluate your car and confirm that it’s safe to drive while identifying any necessary repairs. If the damage to your vehicle is severe, a collision repair specialist can help you determine whether you should attempt to repair or replace it.
Auto body shops will also work with you and your insurance company. As your proverbial middleman, the auto collision shop will ensure all damage is addressed in your claim, so no surprises will be waiting for you.
The Bottom Line
Being involved in a hit-and-run accident can leave you shaken and uncertain about what to do. By maintaining a calm demeanor and following the five steps above, you can help protect your well-being and ensure that your vehicle is in good working order prior to driving it again. Don’t worry—you’ll get through this!
Been involved in a hit-and-run in Kansas City? Once you’ve handled injuries and called the police, contact your nearest McCarthy Collision Centers location for a tow and free estimate. Dial 800-NEW-AGAIN for immediate assistance and partner with one of the best Kansas City body shops to rejuvenate your vehicle. We look forward to helping you throughout the entire process.
Sources:
- https://newsroom.aaa.com/2018/04/hit-run-deaths-hit-record-high/
- http://aaafoundation.org/hit-and-run-crashes-prevalence-contributing-factors-and-countermeasures/
- https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article219721765.html
- https://www.insurancehotline.com/how-to-handle-a-hit-and-run/
- https://www.dmv.org/accident-guide/car-accident-faq.php
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