Category: Auto Body Blog

When you get a flat tire, you’re probably going to be replacing it with a “donut” spare. This is a functional, no-frills substitute designed to get you out of a tight spot. Your manufacturer equipped you with this spare because it’s simple and efficient, as it takes up a lot less space in your car than a proper tire. Unfortunately, this means that it is not ideal for extended periods of usage. It’s got no tread or reinforcement, so you’re likely to notice a drop in performance vis a vis cornering, handling, and braking.

When you put on a donut, your next stop should be our auto body shop in Seattle. If you’re driving for more than about seventy miles, you could be in trouble.

When it comes time to sell your car, a big part of its resale value is going to depend on the mileage. Even if your car seems to be in pristine condition, you will likely face buyers using your mileage as a bargaining chip against you in a price negotiation. With this in mind, it pays to know the important milestones. You can generally expect the value of your car to drop at three thresholds:

• Your first milestone will be at around 30,000 or 40,000. This is when you are first due for a major service visit.
• The next milestone comes at about 70,000 miles. A more expensive service visit is generally required at this point, which causes the vehicle’s value to drop all the more.
• When you finally reach 100,000 miles, your car is likely to get far less reliable. Don’t expect to get too much for your trade-in at this point.

Should you need to get your car serviced, or if you want to polish it up to be sold, bring it to our auto body shop in Seattle.

Occasionally, you may find a small dent on your car that doesn’t seem worth taking in to an auto body shop. Fortunately, this doesn’t mean you need to drive around with a dented car. There are easy ways to take care of small to moderate dents in your car, some of which can be applied with items you already have around your house.

For many smaller dents, you can probably make do with an everyday household plunger. Simply place it over the dent and give it a sharp tug. If you have trouble forming a secure seal, try using a bit of petroleum jelly. Alternatively, you may consider purchasing a special car dent plunger from your local car supply store, specially designed for just such a purpose.

Of course, some dents are beyond the help of a plunger. When you encounter any body damage that you can’t handle by yourself, bring your car down to Greenwood Collision in Seattle!

Over time, your headlight covers are bound to get foggy. Not only is the light of the sun harsh on the plastic, but they’re also getting constantly blasted by tiny particles that will scratch up and dull the finish. There are expensive products available in stores that promise to rectify this problem for you, but you can probably achieve the same results with materials you already have around the house.

All you need for this job is a rag and a bit of toothpaste. Simply apply the toothpaste to the rag and rub it onto your headlight covers, moving in small, circular motions. After a few passes, you should be seeing noticeable improvement in the clarity of your headlights. Once you are satisfied, consider applying wax or a sealant to the surface to protect them from further damage.

If you have any damage that cannot be as easily wiped away, bring your vehicle down to our auto body shop in Seattle.