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Six Tips for Safe Trailering and Towing
Towing a trailer, whether it's for recreational purposes or work-related tasks, requires careful attention to safety. Improper towing practices can lead to accidents, damage to vehicles, and even injuries. To ensure a smooth and safe towing experience, it's essential to follow best practices and guidelines. In this blog post, we'll discuss six crucial tips for safe trailering and towing. 1. Choose the Right Equipment Selecting the appropriate towing equipment is paramount. Ensure that your vehicle is rated for the weight of both the trailer and its contents. This includes considering factors such as the trailer's gross weight rating (GVWR) and tongue weight. Investing in a quality trailer hitch and using the correct ball size is vital for secure attachment. 2. Distribute Weight Properly Proper weight distribution within the trailer is crucial for maintaining stability on the road. Load the trailer with heavier items positioned toward the front and centered side to side. This prevents excessive sway and minimizes the risk of jackknifing. Utilize tie-downs to secure the cargo and prevent shifting during transit. 3. Perform Regular Maintenance Both the towing vehicle and the trailer need to be in excellent mechanical condition. Regularly inspect the trailer's tires, brakes, lights, and hitch components. Ensure that your towing vehicle's brakes, suspension, and engine are functioning optimally. Neglecting maintenance can lead to breakdowns and unsafe driving conditions. 4. Respect Towing Capacity Exceeding your vehicle's towing capacity can strain its engine, transmission, and braking system, increasing the risk of accidents. Consult your vehicle's owner's manual to determine its towing capacity and adhere to this limit. Remember that towing uphill, on rough terrain, or in adverse weather conditions can impact your vehicle's towing capabilities. 5. Practice Defensive Driving Towing adds complexity to driving, requiring more time and space to accelerate, brake, and maneuver. Maintain a safe following distance to allow for sudden stops and prevent overheating of brakes. Use your mirrors frequently to monitor the trailer's position and any vehicles behind you. Signal well in advance for lane changes and turns to give other drivers ample notice. 6. Plan Your Route Before hitting the road, plan your route carefully. Avoid narrow roads, low bridges, and steep inclines that could challenge your towing setup. Choose roads with adequate parking and turnaround options, as maneuvering with a trailer can be more challenging. Stay informed about the weather conditions, and if possible, avoid towing during inclement weather. Safe trailering and towing demand attention to detail, proper equipment, and responsible driving practices. By following these six tips, you can reduce the risk of accidents, ensure the well-being of yourself and others on the road, and make your towing experience more enjoyable. Whether you're embarking on a cross-country adventure or simply transporting cargo, prioritizing safety will lead to smoother journeys and peace of mind.
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Unveiling the Most Popular Car Colors in 2023
As we step into 2023, the automotive industry witnesses a fascinating array of car colors adorning the roads. Car color choices play a vital role in defining a vehicle's personality and appeal. Let's explore the top car colors that are dominating the automotive landscape this year, captivating drivers and enthusiasts alike. 1. White: Timeless Elegance White continues to reign as one of the most sought-after car colors in 2023. Its timeless elegance and versatility make it a top choice for various vehicle types. Whether it's a sleek sedan or a rugged SUV, white exudes a sense of sophistication that appeals to car buyers of all ages. 2. Black: Bold and Striking The allure of black never fades, making it a consistent favorite among car enthusiasts. Black cars exude an air of boldness and power, enhancing the aesthetics of high-end luxury cars and sporty models alike. 3. Silver: A Fusion of Modernity and Classic Silver strikes a perfect balance between modernity and classic appeal. This versatile color complements the sleek lines of contemporary cars while lending a touch of sophistication. 4. Gray: Understated Sophistication Gray has emerged as a popular choice for those seeking a subdued yet sophisticated look for their cars. With its understated charm, gray seamlessly blends into various driving scenarios. 5. Red: The Daring Choice For those craving attention and a touch of daringness, red remains a favorite. This fiery hue symbolizes passion and vitality, making it a go-to color for sports cars and eye-catching vehicles. 6. Blue: Serene and Inviting From cool shades of baby blue to deep hues of navy, blue captivates with its calming and inviting nature. Blue cars evoke a sense of tranquility and harmony on the road. 7. Other Colors: Boldness Unleashed While neutral colors dominate the automotive world, some drivers opt for more unconventional choices. Vibrant hues like yellow, green, and orange stand out, reflecting the individuality and boldness of the car owner. FAQs What are the safest car colors? Choosing a popular exterior color thoughtfully can affect resale value. Black, white, and gray are considered "safer" choices, appealing to a wider range of car shoppers than brighter colors. What are the most popular car colors? White, black, silver, and gray continue to be the most popular car colors across different vehicle types. Why are car colors so dull? Car shoppers often prioritize resale value, which influences the prevalence of neutral colors. Safety and classic appeal also contribute to the popularity of subdued shades. Do car colors affect insurance rates? Car paint colors do not directly affect insurance rates. However, sportier vehicles in attention-grabbing colors might command higher rates due to their performance and price. Which car colors show less dirt? The visibility of dirt depends on various factors, including the type of dirt and your location. Light-colored cars may show pollen more prominently, while darker ones can reveal road muck easily. The world of car colors is a fascinating realm where personal style and market trends converge. Whether you prefer the timeless elegance of white, the boldness of black, or the serenity of blue, your car's color speaks volumes about your taste and personality. Embrace your preferred hue, and let your vehicle's color make a statement as you hit the road with confidence and style. Happy driving!
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Understanding the Repair Process
The first step at New Again Auto Repair starts with an inspection by an estimator, the results of the assessment are documented, pictures of the entire vehicle including the inside are taken, a preliminary estimate is written based on visible damage only, often times additional damage is uncovered after disassembling the vehicle. The estimate is computer generated itemizing all the parts, labor and material costs. 1. Estimating Process Upon Insurance or costumer agreeing to disassemble the vehicle, all damages found are accurately documented in order to determine the right course of action on each and every repair. Only after Insurance company and or costumer authorizes the repairs, all parts are ordered as required for the repair. If vehicle is drivable no teardown is necessary, repairs can be scheduled at a later date once all parts for the repairs are received and work can begin. 2. Disassembly and Parts Order Process Make sure your vehicle is serviced at the intervals specified in your owner’s manual or warranty booklet and keep clear records of your vehicle’s maintenance. Be sure to include the date, parts installed, vehicle identification number, and mileage recorded on the invoice. Keep your receipts in a safe place. If you have a service log in your owner’s manual or warranty booklet, we highly recommend that you use it. 3. Structural and NON-Structural Process At this stage, the shop performs repairs to the vehicle’s structure using a measuring system to restore it back to factory specifications. This insures that the frame is straight and structurally sound. Suspension repairs will be done in conjunction with structural repairs if possible. Once the vehicle is structurally and mechanically sound, body repairs can now begin. This process requires special tools and a trained technician to properly repair the body panel damages and parts replacement as well. 4. Refinish Process During this stage, the vehicle is carefully prepped to insure all areas to be painted have the proper adhesion and smooth finish, parts are sanded then primer is applied followed by color or base coat and finally a coating of clear coat is applied to protect the finish. The vehicle then is baked in a in a computer controlled spray booth to ensure a proper cure time. 5. Corrotion Protection Process When a vehicle is repaired, many areas get disturbed during the collision repair process, restoring the corrosion protection is a key factor at this stage. Cavity wax, Foam fillers and undercoating are applied to achieve a quality repair. 6. Reassembly Process Your vehicle is ready now to be reassembled. Any electrical wiring, hoses, airbag modules, or other componentes that were disconnected to facilitate repairs, are now connected and restored to their original location. If any “MIL” Malfunction Indicators Light is present, it will be reset at this time. A thorough quality control inspection is performed to insure all components function properly, followed by a road test to make sure vehicle drives properly. 7. Detailing and pre-delivery Process Once everything has been carefully inspected and passed the quality control inspection, your vehicle is ready for a wash and a thorough interior cleaning bringing your vehicle to its former glory. 8. Customer Delivery Proces At this point, a representative from New Again will explain all the repairs that were done to your car and go over the entire estimate with you, it should include an itemized list of all repairs made and parts used to complete the work on your vehicle.
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What Are Crash Parts
PART TYPE DEFINITIONS Today’s vehicles are complex, sophisticated and technologically advanced. A multitude of systems must work together to provide an enjoyable and safe driving experience. This includes your vehicle’s sheet metal, bumpers, and safety-related items, such as airbags, and the sensors that trigger airbag deployment. Many consumers may be aware of the existence of non-OEM (non-original equipment manufacturer) mechanical parts sold at traditional, highly visible and highly advertised auto parts stores. But most consumers are totally unaware of the existence of alternative collision repair parts (also called “crash parts”). Sometimes, insurance companies will specify the use of these alternative parts (non-OEM) to repair your vehicle as a cost-saving measure. The following is offered to help you better understand the terminology of collision repair parts and some of the ramifications of their use. ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURER (OEM) COLLISION PARTS Sometimes called “OEM Part” on the estimate, OEM collision parts are designed by your vehicle manufacturer and are produced to the same specifications and tolerances as the parts on the vehicle when it was manufactured. These parts meet stringent requirements for fit, finish, structural integrity, corrosion protection and dent resistance. They are the only parts proven during vehicle development to deliver the intended level of protection as a whole system. The only way to know for sure you are getting collision repair parts just like the original parts on your vehicle is to use your vehicle’s OEM collision replacement parts. No other parts meet this level of testing. Using them also ensures your new-vehicle warranty remains intact. Aftermarket collision parts—also referred to as “non-OEM parts,” “imitation parts” or “copy parts”—are parts produced and supplied by companies other than the original equipment (OE) manufacturer; in other words, non-OEM collision parts. Aftermarket collision parts—including but not limited to sheet metal, bumper components, and lamps—may offer a price-based alternative, but may not be made of the same material or to the same tolerances and specifications as Original Equipment collision replacement parts. As a result, some new aftermarket collision parts may not be of the same quality or have the same performance characteristics as OEM collision parts. Some aftermarket companies may offer a lifetime warranty, but that alone does not make them equivalent to Original Equipment collision replacement parts in terms of quality and performance. Damage to your vehicle or its parts caused by the failure of new aftermarket collision parts may not be covered by your new-vehicle warranty. Aftermarket collision parts are often referred to on your estimate with these names or abbreviations: A/M Aftermarket / Automotive replacement parts QRP Quality Replacement Parts CP Competitive Parts LKQ (LIKE KIND AND QUALITY): In the collision repair industry, this term has come to mean parts salvaged from a vehicle that was previously deemed a total loss. These parts can be found in a salvage yard and are also commonly called “salvage” parts. This category commonly includes large body assemblies such as complete bumper assemblies, doors or complete front ends, severed from the original vehicle from the windshield forward. While LKQ parts may offer a lower-priced alternative, the parts used from the salvage vehicle may have already been replaced with aftermarket collision parts, or may be structurally compromised as a result of the collision. Other potential factors affecting the quality of these parts from donor vehicles may include: Unsuitable storage resulting in exposure to the elements. Hidden damage. Removal technique. Water damage, such as a vehicle that has been submerged in a body of water, sustained flood damage, or been subject to water as a result of extinguishing a fire, which could have severe consequences for electrical parts. Exposure to the high heat generated from a vehicle fire, which could alter the molecular composition of high-strength steel used in many vehicles, possibly changing its safety characteristics. Any of these potential unknown impacts on the salvage parts could compromise the safety or performance of the vehicle on which they’re used. Damage to your vehicle or its parts caused by the failure of salvage parts may not be covered by your new-vehicle warranty. Note: The industry term “LKQ” is not to be confused with a company by the same name that offers salvage and aftermarket parts. RECONDITIONED: In the collision repair world, reconditioned generally means parts removed from an existing vehicle that are repaired and/or refinished, such as bumper covers, wheels or lamps. Damage to your vehicle or its parts caused by the failure of reconditioned parts may not be covered by your new-vehicle warranty. COUNTERFEIT: Counterfeit parts are parts that may be similar in physical appearance to OEM collision parts, but are different internally in such a manner that may not be detectable to the average person or even a trained technician. These parts are falsely branded as if made by an OEM and often sold by unscrupulous distributors trying to pass them off as coming from the OE manufacturer. A prime example is counterfeit airbags sold at a fraction of the cost of the OEM airbags. If you are never involved in a subsequent collision, you may never know that a counterfeit airbag was installed in your vehicle. However, if you are in a subsequent collision, and the airbag deploys incorrectly, or does not deploy at all, driver and passengers could be severely harmed.
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Choosing Right Body Shop
All body shops are not the same. That’s why choosing the right body shop is important. A reputable body shop employing trained, competent technicians, following recommended repair procedures, using the proper tools and equipment, and operating in an ethical manner can make a significant difference not only in how your car is repaired, but equally important, how you’ll feel about driving your car afterwards. The average person can’t tell if a shop has the proper tools and equipment or not. But there are a few things you should look for, and questions you can ask. First, look at the shop’s work area. A relatively clean, organized shop is a sign of professionalism. Just because body work can sometimes be messy and dirty, doesn’t mean that the shop should look that way. Next, look for plaques or certificates stating the shop is a current member of the local Better Business Bureau or are members of local, regional, or national trade organizations such as a state auto body association. Ask what kind of training the shop technicians have had, or if they are certified or recognized by some entity. Some examples are listed below. You may also want to ask about the criteria for certification or what the training includes. Factory Training: Some car manufacturers provide their own collision repair training. I-CAR Training: The Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair, more commonly known as I-CAR, is a not-for-profit international training organization dedicated to improving collision repair. The I-CAR vision is that every person in the collision industry, present and future, has the necessary knowledge and skills relevant to their position, to achieve a complete repair. Those shops achieving I-CAR’s highest level of training are designated as Gold Class. ASE Certified: The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, more commonly known as ASE, works to improve the quality of vehicle repair and service by testing and certifying automotive repair professionals. Look for the blue and white ASE insignia certified technicians proudly wear on their uniforms. Those shops achieving ASE’s highest level of certification are designated as ASE Blue Seal. Our Shop At New Again we are commited in our mission to be the best Body for you, the customer. OE Certification / Recognition Program: Some vehicle manufacturers have shop certification or recognition programs. Each has their own criteria. Be sure to ask the shop if it participates in a certification or recognition program for your brand of vehicle. Third-Party Certifications: There are some third-party organizations within the industry that have their own certification programs. Be sure to ask your shop about third-party programs and the program’s criteria. You may also want to look for certificates of completed training from paint companies, refinish products suppliers or industry training centers; and check with family or friends who have recently been through the collision repair process. Be sure you are comfortable with the body shop and are reasonably sure that it will provide a safe and proper repair for your vehicle. You will have to live with the results of its work for a long time.
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What is the cycle time
TIME REQUIRED FOR REPAIRS Repair time, also known in the industry as “cycle time,” is determined by a number of factors, not the least of which is the severity, nature and extent of the damage. Generally speaking, the use of OE or Original Equipment parts can help speed repairs. Here are a few reasons why: When a part fits properly, like an OEM collision part should, the technician can install the part and move on to the next operation. When a part does not fit correctly, the technician must either take more time to attempt to make the part fit properly—possibly compromising the quality of the repair and the final appearance of the vehicle—or try another part. Ordering another part can cause a delay of a day or more. Vehicle manufacturers don’t recommend the use of salvage parts. Sometimes, however, a salvage part is specified for the repair. When this happens, the salvage part may need to be reconditioned, cleaned-up, have small dents removed, and have the paint completely sanded before it is ready to be fitted to your car. This could cause delays. The use of multiple parts suppliers may slow the repair process. In some cases, the body shop is authorized to write an estimate for repairs and the insurer will accept that estimate. In other cases, your insurance company may require its own estimator or adjuster to look at the car. This usually consumes a day or more. Here at New Again we try our best to keep our customers notified of the repair process at all times. If you have any questions regarding repair time and schedule, you can talk to one of our representatives and we will be happy to answer your every question.
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