Unfortunately, due to a combination of alcohol, lack of sleep, and long hours on the road, traffic accidents dramatically increase at popular spring break destinations. Researchers at the University of Miami looked at auto accidents involving fatalities at 14 spring break destinations in seven states: Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia.

The study reported that fatalities from car accidents in those locations rose by 9.1% during spring break. Also, traffic fatalities more frequently involved out-of-state drivers and/or those who were under age 25. Interestingly, the study did not find a statistically significant difference between fatal accidents due to alcohol and those involving non-impaired drivers. This suggests that exhaustion, distraction, speeding, and other factors could have played a role.

Prepping for a Safe Trip

Every long journey requires a certain amount of preparatory work to arrive at the destination and return home safely.

• Make sure registration and insurance are up-to-date. Start by making sure everyone who will be driving on the trip has a valid driver’s license. Also, check to see if the vehicle’s registration and proof of insurance are in the glove compartment before setting off. If you plan to cross the border into Mexico, check with your auto insurance company to see if you need extra coverage.
• Give your car a safety checkup. A well-maintained car is a safer car. Make sure the tires have plenty of tread. Check their air pressure and top of all fluid levels. Have the brakes checked, especially if they haven’t been replaced in a long time. Test your horn, blinkers, and lights to see that they are working properly.
• Make sure you have a spare tire in the trunk. This includes having a jack and lug nut wrench so you can change it. Otherwise, you will have to get towed or rely on roadside assistance if you get stuck with a flat. If you don’t have roadside assistance, you might want to add it to your insurance coverage before leaving on the trip. It doesn’t cost very much and is more than worth it when you need it.
• Plan your route. Getting lost is a distraction. Accidents can occur when you’re looking at a GPS or map instead of keeping your eyes on the road. Know where you’re going and which routes to take to get there. Appoint a designated navigator to keep you on the right roads at all times. Always carry a map in case you can’t get a cellular signal for your GPS.
• Check road and weather conditions in advance. Knowing about road closures, expected storms and other driving hazzards can save time and enable you to drive around potentially dangerous conditions.

Safety on the Road

Once you get underway, there are many things you can do to keep the journey safe.

• This is the ultimate no brainer, yet up to 10% of drivers still don’t wear seat belts. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, of the 37,000+ people killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2016, 48% were not wearing seat belts. In that same year, seat belts saved an estimated 14,668 lives. Everyone on your road trip should wear a seat belt, not just the driver.
• No drinking and driving ever. Spring vacations for college kids tend to involve a lot of alcohol. Never get behind the wheel of a car drunk, especially on long road trips. Also, don’t drive under the influence of illicit drugs – including marijuana. And don’t drive after taking prescription medications that can make you drowsy.
• No texting and driving – ever. Numerous studies have shown that texting while driving is more dangerous than drunk driving. It actually takes longer to brake while texting than it does under the influence of alcohol. As the driver, put your cell phone away until your shift behind the wheel is over. Or, give it to someone else who can respond to calls or texts for you.
• Rotate drivers. Sleepy or exhausted drivers are the leading cause of accidents. Rotating drivers every few hours will keep everyone fresh and help break up the monotony of long trips. When driving at night, make it a rule that whoever gets to ride shotgun has to stay awake, as two alert drivers are better than one.
• Take frequent breaks. One of the best ways to stay alert on long trips is to stop at rest areas, get out, and stretch your legs. It can help to get a small bite to eat or a cup of coffee. But, avoid eating a heavy meal as this can make you drowsy. Breaks are also a good time to change drivers, especially if several hours have passed since the last rotation.
• Obey all speed limits. On long trips, the tendency is to put the pedal to the metal and get there as fast as you can. Speeding is another leading cause of fatal accidents, so don’t let the desire to get there fast cause you to drive at unsafe speeds. Keep in mind that highway patrol officers are extra vigilant during spring breaks. Driving at posted speed limits will help avoid costly speeding tickets.
• Be extra vigilant on rural roads. One big advantage of interstate freeways is the barrier or safety zone between cars going in opposite directions reduces head-on collisions. This is not always the care with many state or county highways. Driving on these roads requires extra alertness, especially on curvy roads or those with limited visibility.
• Don’t let others drink and drive. This goes without saying while on the long drive to your spring break destination, but it also applies once you get there. If you’ve had too much to drink, have a sober friend drive you back to the hotel. Or, call a cab or Uber it back. The same goes for your friends. If they’re in no shape to drive, give them a ride back or call a rideshare service. If necessary, take the keys away from them to keep everyone safe.

Use Common Sense

Don’t overload your vehicle with too much personal stuff. This makes it harder to handle, especially at high speeds or if tire treads are low. Also, don’t carry more people than the car is designed to hold. If you have more passengers than you have seat belts, you have too many.

Most of all, don’t be in a hurry. Relax, follow these tips, and you’ll arrive at your spring break destination safe and sound.

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If this happens to you, don’t panic. Instead, take a deep breath, remain calm, and then do the following.

Check for injuries.

Always check to see if anyone is hurt, even in minor rear-end fender benders. Even when properly buckled up, you can still suffer whiplash and other internal injuries from the force of the collision. Check yourself first and then any passengers in your car. If anyone is hurt, determine the severity of the injury and call for medical assistance, if necessary.

Call the police to report the accident.

Even if the damage from the reared collision is minor, call the police. They are the ones who provide a written accident report, which is important because it documents when, where, and how the accident happened. The police also play a key role in determining who is at fault in the accident.

If the other driver is at fault the police report validates your insurance claim for damages to your vehicle. More important, you may not realize you have an injury until a day or two after the accident. The accident report is also essential to substantiate other claims. Always make sure you get a copy of the report.

Document the scene of the accident.

These days, the best way is to take photos or videos with your phone. However, it’s also important to describe the accident in written form – what you were doing when the other driver hit you and how it occurred. It’s important to do this as soon as possible. If you have whiplash or suffer a blow to the head, you may not remember things correctly the next day. Your written information will also help the insurance companies settle any claims.

Exchange information with the other driver.

Here’s where staying cool and calm helps. It’s a lot easier to exchange contact information in a friendly manner, especially if you’re angry at the person for smashing into you from behind. Be sure to get the following information (at least):

• Name of the driver
• Address and phone
• Driver’s license number
• License plate number
• Owner of the vehicle

Contact your insurance company.

Both insurance companies should be notified after the accident, especially if someone is injured. However, your job is to contact your insurance company and let them get in touch with the other driver’s carrier. Be prepared to present your carrier with the police report (if available), photos or videos, and your written description.

Conduct a follow-up injury check.

In rear-end collisions, it’s not uncommon to feel fine immediately after the accident but experience pain and soreness the next day. In fact, this frequently occurs in the neck and chest areas due to the sudden forward and backward forces applied to the body during forceful collisions. If you experience pain anywhere on the day after the accident, see your doctor to have it checked out.

Tips for Avoiding Rear-End Collisions

The best way to avoid rear-end collisions is to keep a safe zone in front and back of your car at all times. To create a “space cushion” for safety:

• Follow at a safe distance while driving. The general rule of thumb is one car length for every 10 miles per hour. Increase this distance when driving on slippery roads.
• Don’t stop too close to the car in front of you at an intersection or stop sign. Leave a safety zone to minimize the impact in case a car from behind pushes you into the car in front.
• Avoid distracted driving.
• Stay alert for slowing traffic ahead of the car directly in front of you.
• Avoid hard braking. Instead, slow to a stop at stop signs and stoplights.
• Regularly check your brake lights and turn signals to make sure they’re working.

The post Just Got Rear-Ended? Here Is What You Need to Do appeared first on www.westpalmbeachautobodycenter.com.

At Collision 2000, we work hard to provide a better repair experience than you expect, and that starts with four key elements you don’t always find at auto body shops:

• Premier-level customer service
• Highly trained, certified auto repair technicians
• A commitment to safe, professional repairs
• High-tech repair tools, equipment, and processes

Collision 2000 repair centers are equipped to carry out a full range of repairs, from paintless dent removal to glass repair to full collision repairs work. Our collision repair centers use the latest in auto body equipment, so we can perform repairs on recent models made with metal alloys and other high-tech materials. We also employ computerized quality control processes to ensure our repairs meet your expectations and ours.

If you’re wondering how to choose an auto body shop, here’s what you can expect at Fix Auto.

First visit.

We want your first visit to Collision 2000 to be unlike any other experience you’ve had with an auto repair shop. So, we go out of our way to make you feel welcome, relaxed and confident in our ability to correctly restore your damaged vehicle to its pre-accident condition.

Once we assess the damage to your vehicle, we don’t just explain what repairs are needed, we also explain why. In fact, we explain everything that will take place from the moment you hand us the keys to your car until delivery of your repaired vehicle. This includes filing your insurance claim. To earn your trust and confidence, we do not proceed with the repair process until you fully understand what needs to be done and why.

Complete damage analysis.

Many auto body repair shops only inspect the visible damage to your vehicle and prepare their written estimate based on what they see. At Collision 2000, the first thing we do is disassemble the obviously damaged areas to inspect for any underlying damage that otherwise wouldn’t be detected.

We then document all damage to your vehicle, and use it to build a repair plan that identifies the necessary repairs.

When the repair plan is completed, we provide you with a copy and explain all the details while answering any questions you may have. We also provide the repair plan to your insurance company. Once they authorize the repair work as outlined in the plan, we order the parts and get started fixing your vehicle as soon as they arrive.

Body department.

Our goal with every repair job is to return the body of your vehicle to factory specifications. This is important for maintaining the safety and structural integrity of your car, whether the damage is minor or extensive.

Many car owners have heard the myth that if a car’s frame gets bent in the collision, it will never be the same again. We can assure you this is not true. Using the proper equipment, our expert technicians can measure and restore critical repair points to within the original manufactures tolerances for the original structure. If we discover the need for additional repairs not listed on the repair plan, we will obtain authorization from you and your insurance company before proceeding with them.

Our experience, expertise, and equipment allow us to repair all makes and models of passenger cars and light trucks, including luxury and foreign models. If your vehicle is repairable, we can repair it.

Paint prep.

The next step after the bodywork consists of prepping and repainting the damaged areas. The prep and undercoat are just as important – if not more so – than the topcoat color because they determine the durability and longevity of the paint’s finish. Using high-quality products, we take extra care to get these critical steps right.

As an example of our attention to detail, we remove all trim parts rather than just masking them so undamaged areas won’t be affected by overspray. Most important, we use computerized color matching to make sure the new paint perfectly matches the existing color.

Refinish process.

Next comes the topcoat refinish process. To apply the paint, we move your vehicle to a special paint booth designed to mimic the conditions of the factory. This provides a dust-free, controlled environment that allows us to bake the paint at the high temperatures needed to deliver a factory-quality finish. We then add a protective clear coat to give the top coat a showroom gloss. Finally, we use special equipment to polish the paint. This ensures the repaired parts match the material’s texture of the undamaged parts.

Vehicle assembly.

After the paint process, we put everything back together, taking extra caution to make sure newly painted areas don’t get scratched or chipped. We reinstall, adjust, and align all disassembled parts to match adjacent undamaged parts. Then we inspect every aspect of the assembled vehicle to ensure it meets our “invisible repair” standards.

Final detail.

As a final quality control measure, we use a completed repairs checklist to verify the quality and finish of your repairs. We clean any nooks and crannies that may have gathered dust during the repairs. Your car is now ready to be delivered to you.

Vehicle delivery.

But wait – you can’t drive off just yet. Our customer service rep first reviews all repairs that have been performed and answers any questions you might have. We then hand you documents for all repairs performed and special instructions for care of your newly repaired vehicle. Most important, you also receive a limited lifetime warranty on all repairs.

How to Choose an Auto Body Shop

When going through the process of how to choose an auto body shop, here’s what to look for:

• Reputation. First and foremost, you want a shop that is known for safe, accurate repairs. See if the facility has any awards or professional certifications on display in the office.
• Skilled technicians. Repairing today’s high-tech cars requires extensive training and ongoing education. Ask to see the certifications of the shop’s technicians.
• Verified quality. Companies like VeriFacts audit auto body shops to determine their ability to consistently deliver high-quality repairs. Look for the VeriFacts quality assurance seal on the shop’s walls.
• Superior customer service. For example, does the shop work directly with your insurer to expedite the claims process? Does it keep you informed on the progress of your repairs? Do all staff members treat you with courtesy and respect?
• The condition of the shop. Repairing vehicles is a messy business. But that’s no excuse not to have a clean shop, both in the office and in the repair areas. An unclean, cluttered work area could signal a lack of attention to details in other areas.

Nobody likes having their car repaired, but sometimes it’s necessary. For an auto body repair experience where you drive away with a smile on your face and full confidence in the repairs. Visit Collision 2000 today.

The post Collision 2000 Start to Finish: What to Expect at a Collision Center appeared first on www.westpalmbeachautobodycenter.com.

When you’ve been involved in a rear-end collision, your first step is taking it to a reputable auto body repair shop like Collision 2000. Their auto repair specialists can do a full inspection to find some of the hidden damages that can be caused by a rear-end collision.

1. Hidden Body Damage

Even if there is no damage to the naked eye, there can be serious damage affecting critical components of your vehicle. Some vehicles, especially modern cars, will use plastic bumpers, covers, and shields for aesthetic purposes, but these covers provide little to no protection for your frame and other essential components. An auto body specialist will inspect the frame of your vehicle for any internal damage that cannot be seen.

2. Alignment Issues

One of the most common issues after a rear-end collision are alignment issues. If you notice changes to how your car drives, including wobbly steering, your vehicle pulling to one side or vibrations, your vehicle is likely misaligned. If you believe that your vehicle may be misaligned, it should be inspected immediately. Apart from it being difficult to drive, alignment issues can wear down your vehicle faster and pose serious safety hazards

3. Transmission Issues

Transmission issues are common in rear-end collisions, especially if your vehicle is rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive, as these vehicles have transmission components located toward the rear of your vehicle. Common symptoms of transmission issues include transmission slipping, difficulty shifting or leaking transmission fluid following a rear-end collision. Ignoring transmission issues can turn them into larger problems down the road. You should take your vehicle in for diagnosis immediately if you experience any transmission issue symptoms.

4. Trunk Malfunctions

If you notice that your trunk does not open and close smoothly after a rear-end collision, you may need to have your trunk components repaired. While it may seem like a superficial fix, there are many reasons why you should have your trunk components repaired immediately following a collision. A loose latch can cause your trunk lid to open unexpectedly, including while you’re driving. A damaged trunk seal can allow water to come in, allowing potentially harmful moisture in the compartment. Lastly, a trunk lock that is broken can be a target for thieves if you must leave your vehicle unattended for an extended amount of time.

If you’ve been involved in a rear-end collision, don’t take the chance that there is no damage just because you can’t see it. You should always take your vehicle into a trusted auto body repair shop to have it fully inspected, inside and out, by an auto repair specialist.

The auto body repair specialists at Collision 2000 can inspect and repair any damage caused by a rear-end collision. They strive to bring you the best service to get your vehicle looking great and to get you back on the road.

The post 4 Hidden Problems Caused by Rear-End Collisions appeared first on www.westpalmbeachautobodycenter.com.

1. Autonomous Emergency Braking

Since the mid-80s, some vehicles have been equipped with Anti-lock Braking Systems or ABS, which allows the vehicle to be steered safely while braking hard. Since 2000, ABS is mandatory on all new vehicles made in the United States. The only problem with ABS is that it still relies on you, the driver, to physically hit the brakes in the first place.

The newest advancement in braking technology is Autonomous Emergency Braking or AEB. Also called Automatic Emergency Braking or Auto Emergency Braking, this technology uses the same radar systems as your cruise control to judge the distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. Since the system is computer controlled it can react faster than you, it can instantly put on the brakes before you have a chance to react to a situation. When combined with ABS, you now have maximum stopping power within an instant.

While AEB is not yet mandatory on all vehicles, some car manufacturers are making this feature standard across all of their newest models.

2. Lane Departure and Warning and Prevention Systems

Lane Department Warning or LDW is a prevention system that alerts you when you are drifting out of your lane. LDW systems will actually attempt to steer your vehicle back into your own lane. LDW systems will alert you, by dashboard lights, beeping sounds or steering wheel vibrations, to let you know that you are drifting out of your lane and into another.

LDW systems work using a camera to monitor lane markings and detect when you’re drifting out of your lane. While this is not a system available on all vehicles, LDW systems are becoming a standard feature on nearly all newly made models.

3. Blind Spot Warning System

A blind-spot warning or BSW system uses radar technology to detect when another vehicle is in your blind spot. BSW systems give audio and visual alerts to let you know if it is unsafe to merge or switch lanes and may also alert you of a potential hazard when you turn on your turn signal.

4. Cross-Traffic Alerts

Front and rear cross-traffic alert systems alert the driver of vehicles approaching from the side. These systems work well when backing up or at intersections and will give an audible warning if an object outside of the rear camera’s view approaches the vehicle.

5. Electronic stability control

Electronic Stability Control or ESC is a system that prevents vehicles from sliding out of control as a result of over-steering by applying the brakes or reducing engine power. In the event of a driver losing control of the vehicle, the ESC would take over. ESC is standard in vehicles made after 2012, although different car companies may call it by another name. Electronic Stability Program, Advance Trac and Stabilitrak are a few examples of ESC systems.

High tech sensors, the vehicle’s central computer system, and mechanical actions work together in the ESC to assist in driving safely. These systems lower the risk of single-vehicle crashes by half.

Other Types of Car Accident Prevention Technology

Backup cameras, LED headlights, even your hands-free voice control are all examples of accident prevention technology. Backup cameras can be purchased aftermarket if one does not come with your vehicle. LED headlights are brighter and last longer than traditional halogen bulbs, making them safer and more efficient. Hands-free technology lowers the risk of distracted driving, helping you make calls, send texts and look up directions without having to touch your smartphone.

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1. Aside from your home, it’s likely that your vehicle is the largest purchase you’re going to make in your lifetime. It’s all the more reason to preserve this investment and have your vehicle repaired by a certified body shop.

1. You never want to risk driving a vehicle that may be unsafe because of damages. It could injure you or someone else.

1. Though insurance companies may recommend you have your vehicle repaired at a particular collision repair shop, you’re free to have it serviced at the service center of your choosing. It’s the law.

1. Just because one shop gave you a lower estimate than another doesn’t make the low-priced shop the better option. Sometimes, low estimates don’t include all of the work that is needed or don’t use the high-quality parts needed for a sufficient fix.

1. Not all collision repair shops are created equal. Look for I-CAR or ASE certification among technicians and check to see if the shop uses OEM replacement parts to separate quality shops from the questionable ones. Also, be sure to check on any warranties that are offered with repairs. Good collision repair shops usually stand behind their work.

1. Good collision repair shops won’t just perform quality work at a fair price, but they’ll also help negotiate claims with your insurance company. This value-added service can go a long way toward reducing costs, streamlining repairs and minimizing inconvenience.

The post Things to think about after the accident happens…. appeared first on www.westpalmbeachautobodycenter.com.

An airbag is no pillow, but while a deployed airbag is not a comfy experience, it remains a landmark of safety.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that airbags have saved 44,869 lives from 1987 to 2015.

According to Popular Science, in a head-on collision, a car stops fast, but the bodies inside the car don’t. The momentum of the bodies inside continues until the windshield, dashboard or steering wheel brings them to a stop — usually with dire consequences.

The idea of an airbag is not just to pillow the blow, but to lower the impact by spreading it over a larger area of the body. No single area of the body bears the brunt of deceleration, according to Popular Science.

To accomplish this, airbags deploy within 1/25th of a second of impact, filling the nylon airbag with nitrogen and instantly deflating. Tiny holes in the bag begin releasing gas the moment a driver’s head hits the bag, absorbing the impact. This is why the driver’s head doesn’t hit the bag and then whip backward.

A white puff of cornstarch might also come out of the bag. The cornstarch keeps the bag supple while it is in storage. Newer cars have airbags with silicone coatings that make the cornstarch unnecessary.

Because airbags stop the body, they prevent deadly head injuries and whiplash. But they do sometimes cause red impact burns on the body and break eyeglasses.

The post They save lives, but . . .Know what happens when an airbag deploys! appeared first on www.westpalmbeachautobodycenter.com.

After the damaged auto body components have been replaced and the dings have been fixed, the final step in getting the car back in good shape is to prime, paint and seal the work properly.

Be sure to first review these key aspects to consider before getting your car painted.

HOW PAINT PROTECTS YOUR CAR

It’s imperative that the body shop use premium quality paint and do a thorough job. Auto body paint isn’t used just to make the car shine again, it plays an essential role in safeguarding it and making it last for years. The paint helps protect automobile components, prevent rust and maintain the car’s resale value.

SHIELD AUTO BODY COMPONENTS

Acting as a shield, the paint job is really the final layer that protects your vehicle from regular wear and tear on the road. With a well-sealed coat of paint, the steel components will be more durable and hold up better through harsh weather, salt, gravel and road debris for many years to come.

PREVENT RUST

Some owners try to save money following a fender bender by ignoring minor dents and scratches or skipping the paint job after having damage repaired. What they don’t know is that this leaves a hole in the car’s protective shell where corrosion can enter.

If the paint has been damaged in any way, rust can begin to eat away at the car’s body and components and spread just below the surface and causing the paint in other areas to flake and fall off. Here are some other tips on avoiding rust damage.

HELP THE CAR RETAIN VALUE

Potential buyers and dealerships won’t pay the Blue Book price for a vehicle with paint damage. Having the paint job done professionally can make a big improvement in the car’s resale value.

TYPES OF AUTO BODY PAINT

There is a sea of paints out there in the auto body industry, and for such an important job, quality is everything. If you need to have your car repainted, be prepared to answer the auto body repair shop when they ask what type of paint you prefer. Here’s a quick overview of the options:

ACRYLIC LACQUER

The nice, glossy finish that we generally associate with a new paint job is typical of acrylic lacquer. This is the oldest type of car paint. It must be baked on the vehicle, but generally, application is quite simple. Single stage acrylic lacquer is simply sprayed on and double-stage requires a clear coat finish.

Acrylic paint is usually the least expensive option, but it does have some negative aspects. This paint is very thin which makes it less resistant to UV rays and can cause chipping or fading in a relatively short amount of time. Application of an acrylic urethane topcoat can help preserve it.

ACRYLIC ENAMEL

Enamels are also sprayed on, followed by a clear coat. When acrylic enamels dry, they give the car a hard finish. In comparison to lacquers, enamels are thicker and offer much greater durability. Because the application process is longer and the paint quality is better, this type of car body painting is usually one of the more expensive options.

URETHANE

For long-lasting coverage, your auto body shop will recommend urethane. They are usually applied to engine parts and components that are subject to high temperatures. A thinner and a catalyst must be mixed with the paint before spray application, but it dries quickly and provides an extremely durable finish. Urethane is useful when painting over things as it doesn’t react with other kinds of paint or cause chipping.

WATER-BASED PAINT

The more environmentally friendly option is water-based paint. Application is easy and it can even be sprayed over the existing paint. After the protective clear coat has set, the finish is glossy and smooth, but the color selection is limited.

AFTER YOUR CAR HAS BEEN REPAINTED

To keep your paint job looking vibrant and shiny for as long as possible, wax your car soon after it has been repainted. 

The post Why It Matters What Quality Paint Your Auto Body Shop Uses appeared first on www.westpalmbeachautobodycenter.com.

Simply put, we specialize in exotic repair.

If you had the unfortunate experience of having an accident with your exotic or sports car, it can be a stressful experience. Bringing back your vehicle to showroom original look should not be a problem. The most important aspects to consider when looking for a place to repair your car is training and experience.

Training and Experience working with Exotic Luxury Cars

Some people think that the most important issue is whether the shop is officially authorized by the manufacturer. Even that anyone could claim that they can repair a Lamborghini, Bentley, Ferrari, just to mention some exotic luxury cars. But only a few have the training and experience to do the work correctly. This is our specialty since we open our shop in 2001. Our technicians are trained to repair all makes and models, but we specialize in exotic luxury vehicle repair.

Warranty Repair is another important aspect to consider

Some shops stand behind there work. It can be easy to talk about this type service and they could do a correct repair the first time, but we offer a Life Time Warranty after the vehicle’s repair is completed, not all the shops offer this.

These aspects are critical when you need to select your exotic luxury, sports vehicle repair specialist shop, you should go to the one that offers this.

When your exotic luxury vehicle was made, the manufacturer did not cut corners and you should not either. Our passion and expertise are in working with exotic and luxury cars.

At Collision 2000,  we have an expert team that enjoys repairing your vehicle and we always back our work with a limited Lifetime Warranty.

Our highly skilled technicians will be happy to give you advice on how to maintain your vehicle new look, keeping the paint in perfect shape after it leaves our shop.

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What Does the Manufacturer’s Warranty Typically Cover?

The most common types of warranties for vehicles are powertrain and bumper-to-bumper although some warranties will include both.

The powertrain of a vehicle includes the car parts which provide power or movement to the frame: engine, transmission, and drivetrain. Bumper-to-bumper covers almost everything else—even tires, if they have problems before they eventually wear out.

Unfortunately, each warranty is unique to the vehicle’s manufacturer. Typically, powertrain warranties have a longer duration than bumper-to-bumper warranties with some car makers, such as Dodge, Jeep, and Chrysler offering limited lifetime warranties on powertrains. Most, though, fall between 60,000-100,000 miles for powertrain (or 4-6 years) and 3-5 years (or 30,000-50,000 miles) for bumper-to-bumper.

There is a lot of variation for specific warranties, so consult your individual vehicle for more information.

What Would Void a Warranty?

Generally speaking, average, everyday vehicle use will not void your car’s warranty. Some examples of what will typically void your warranty could include:

• Extreme use such as racing or off-roading
• “Acts of God” such as damage caused by floods or earthquakes
• Neglecting routine care such as oil changes or scheduled maintenance
• Modifying the vehicle, especially the odometer

This last one, in particular, can cover a surprising amount of ground. While altering the odometer in any way is a sure-fire way to void the warranty, you can also run afoul of car dealerships for a wide range of aftermarket parts.

However, car owners should be aware of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975 which, according to Edmunds.com, mandates that coverage cannot be denied unless the dealership can specifically prove that the aftermarket part in question caused the damage.

Of course, aftermarket parts being present on your vehicle in general may suggest to the dealership that you have raced or off-roaded your vehicle, which would potentially give them another angle to deny your coverage.

Does a Car Accident Void the Warranty?

In short: no.

The only accident-related way to void a vehicle’s warranty is if it is given a salvage title, which notes a vehicle branded damaged or declared a total loss by an insurance company that paid a claim towards it.

As above, some car dealerships will try to argue that an aftermarket part caused the accident, which would result in a voided warranty. This is particularly dangerous with things like tires and suspensions or lift kits.

Buyer beware.

Overall, if you are using your vehicle in an average manner, taking care of it through routine problems and using proper maintenance techniques, your warranty should not be voided. Hopefully you never have to use this information, but if you do, at least you won’t be alone in your struggles by following these recommendations: the manufacturer should be there to help.

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