Category: Auto Body Blog

When a fire starts in your car, it’s probably going to be in one of two places:

• The Engine Compartment: These fires are usually caused when hot gasses flood back into the carburetor and ignite the residual gas fumes that manage to gather after the engine is turned off. If you suspect that you have an engine fire, you’ll want to pull over immediately, avoiding anything combustible. Turn off the engine and any electrical systems, and have everyone leave the vehicle and stand away.
• The Passenger Compartment: These fires are relatively safer, as they are probably not being fed by the car’s fuel. Should you have a fire in your passenger compartment, pull over and use your chemical fire extinguisher, if you have one. Take care, though, as most car interiors are made with flammable materials and the flames can spread quickly.

After suffering a car fire, you will definitely need to have extensive work done on your vehicle. Contact our auto body shop in Seattle for all your repair needs.

Are you aware of your car’s warning lights? When your engine is having problems, a quick response to these lights could make a big difference in money, time, and even lives saved.

According to AAA, the “big three” of your warning lights are your engine oil pressure, your engine coolant temperature, and the vehicle charging system. These should light up briefly when you first start your vehicle, and then turn off again once the engine is running. Should any of the big three fail to light up as you turn on your car, you should have the appropriate system checked by our auto body shop in Seattle. Should any of them remain illuminated after your engine is turned on for more than a few seconds, you should either check your owner’s manual or consult our mechanics for more information.

If you’re planning to sell your car privately, you probably are going to need to take a picture of it to display for potential buyers. The right picture can make a huge difference as to whether or not you unburden yourself of your old vehicle quickly, or for a good price. So, when it comes time to capture your car’s good side for the camera, consider the following tips from our auto body shop in Seattle:

• Photographers swear by something they call “the Golden Hour”. This is a phenomenon that occurs in the first hour after daybreak and the last hour before sundown where the light is perfect for taking pictures.
• Find a good place to take your picture, preferably with no other vehicles in the background.
• Feature any dents or scratches that your car may have. Your buyer is going to see them when he or she comes to look at the car anyway, so it’s best to be upfront about any flaws so that they aren’t used as negotiating leverage when you discuss price.
• Showing off the interior is also important. Take a photo of the driver’s seat, as this is probably the place that has seen the most wear.
• A picture of the odometer serves to validate your listed mileage.

With the warmer months sneaking up on us, it is time to start thinking about what the heat means for your car. Though you may look forward to not having to defrost your windows or warm up your engine, there are other ways that you can be getting the most out of your vehicle when the weather turns hot. One of the most obvious, simplest of these is parking in the shade.

When you park in the shade, you’re not just making the car more comfortable for when you return. You’re also helping your fuel efficiency. The warmer your car is, the more the gas in your tank is going to evaporate and escape. With this in mind, seek out the protection of overhanging trees or buildings whenever you can, and invest in an effective windshield shade.

For more help getting the best out of your fill-ups, bring your car in to our auto body shop in Seattle. A little routine maintenance can go a long way!

Though not many people think of pests as a problem that might apply to their cars, there is a risk of your vehicle becoming infested by insects or rodents. With all of the small places to hide in your car, removing your pest problem can be fairly difficult. In bad cases, a rodent carcass may get in your engine and destroy key components. The best way to deal with a potential pest problem is to take steps to avoid attracting pests in the first place.

The biggest part of keeping away pests is not giving them anything to eat. Firstly, this means maintaining a clean interior. When you spill food, clean it out quickly and vacuum the carpeting. You should also be looking at the area you park your car in; if your garage is offering pests a meal, they could very well be retreating to the comfort of your car to eat it.

Should the worst happen, bring your car in to our Seattle auto body shop for repairs.