1. Tend to any passengers immediately. Everything else can wait. If there are injuries, be sure to call the police and an ambulance right away.
2. If the accident is a minor one, move both cars out of moving traffic for your safety.
3. Make sure you get the names and contact information for any witnesses to the event. In many cases, people do not have time to stick around for the police but they are willing to be contacted later either by the authorities or by the insurance companies. Even if you think the fault is obvious, and even if both drivers agree, someone may change his story later: so witnesses are extremely important.
4. Often police will not come if the accident is a minor one. If this is the case, be sure to get all the information you will need for an insurance claim, including:
   • Driver’s name, home phone number, insurance card, policy information, agent of contact
   • Make, model, color and year of other car as well as license plate number
   • Time and exact location of accident
   • Write down your version of what happened
   • Contact your own local insurance agent right away: he may even come to the scene to ascertain the events for himself and offer support.
5. After these immediate post-accident steps are completed, drive your vehicle (if possible) or have it towed to a good Utah auto body repair shop like Shine Collision to get an estimate. Remember that even seemingly minor collisions may result in underlying damage that can put your safety at risk; so it’s wise to have your car checked out by a professional.

Accidents are scary — there’s no doubt about it! But keeping a cool head and following all the proper steps will can make a bad situation better.

Actually, fixing any exterior auto body damage such as this is pretty straight forward and is the least of your concerns. Of course, you want to have the chassis and paint restored to their original conditions by top professionals so that they look great again: but the real worry lies in what’s happening on the INSIDE. The quality of repairs done to the frame and related areas will make all the difference in terms of excellent vehicle performance as well as safety should you — God forbid — ever get in another accident. For example, getting wheels properly aligned again is crucial: here’s some straight talk on why this step is so important.

What Does Proper Alignment Do?

When you’re driving along on a straight road and let go of the steering wheel momentarily, does your car still go straight or does it drift to the left or right? If it drifts, chances are good that your alignment is out of whack. When a car is in alignment it simply means that the wheels are set into the chassis at the correct angles relative to each other and to the car body as specified by the manufacturer. Alignment will:

• Allow your car to handle properly, optimizing the safety of both you and your passengers
• Promote even wear of your tires resulting in longer life and increased performance

The most common reasons for alignment problems are hitting something hard (such as a pothole or a curb) and being involved in an accident. That’s why it’s essential to visit an excellent Utah auto body repair shop like Shine Collision and have your car’s inner workings checked out after any kind of accident: even if the exterior damage seems minor.

How Can An Auto Body Repair Specialist Help?

A skilled technician will adjust all primary and secondary angles including camber, caster and toe to make sure that your vehicle’s alignment is returned to its pre-accident condition according to factory specifications for that particular make and model.

Remember: as with many things, it’s what’s inside that counts most. Experienced Utah auto body repair professionals at Shine Collision are committed to addressing all facets of frame and undercarriage repair (like alignment) before moving on and expertly fixing that killer paint job: after all, your safety is what matters most.

• The body is faded from the elements and shows signs of cracking and peeling
• The body is starting to show signs of rust
• Your vehicle doesn’t “shine up” like it used to, even after waxing
• You’re been involved in a collision
• You are planning on selling your car soon and want to maximize resale value
• You want to sell your car quicker and help it stand out from the competition
• Your car’s been damaged by a particularly vicious storm
• You just feel like driving around in a different color!

Having a car professionally repainted can represent a significant investment depending on the make and model, so you want to be sure you choose the right body shop to do the job.

What to Look For in an Auto Body Painting Service

Insist on using a quality auto body shop that is backed up by a great reputation, that has extensive experience, and whose professional technicians know what they’re talking about.

–Get a written quote.

–Get clear time estimates for how long the job will take.

–Ask for a tour of their facility: if they refuse then they may have something to hide; time to go elsewhere!

–The facility should have all the trappings of a quality painting operation: paint booth, fans, heat lamps, paint guns, etc. It should also be a clean and dust-free environment.

–Ask about the credentials of their technicians: are they experienced, friendly and knowledgeable?

–Remember: cheaper is not necessarily better. When it comes to something as important as your paint job, it’s worth paying a little more to have it look top-notch.

When it’s time to repaint your buddy on wheels, trust a quality Utah auto body shop like Shine Collision. We are seasoned vehicle painting specialists who know how to do it right the first time and will give your car that just-off-the-lot shine you’re looking for at a reasonable price.

Here are some problems that might occur if your vehicle’s auto frame is not repaired correctly:

• Misaligned wheels
• Poor mechanical function
• Problems with airbag deployment
• Seat belts may not work as designed
• Body repair that becomes obvious over time

Most seriously, if your auto frame is not sound you have a greater chance of being seriously injured should you ever be involved in another accident. Interestingly, some of the most common damage to an auto frame happens away from the point of impact; this is called a “ripple effect” and it is nearly impossible to detect with the naked eye. We are a Utah auto body shop that takes a team approach to frame repair to make sure we don’t miss a thing. Having lots of trained technicians reach a consensus on the type of work that needs to be done instead of relying on just one opinion makes great sense: and you can be sure that your vehicle is in great hands.

Because all auto frames are not the same, we have the exact factory specifications for all makes and models: and our seasoned professionals use the latest technologies such as a laser measuring system to get your car’s “skeleton” put back together right. Of course, once your frame is back in tip top shape, we’ll make the outside of your car look spectacular too. But remember that great auto body repair starts from the inside out.

Look for a shop that maintains a state-of-the-art facility, with all of the latest manufacturer-approved tools that will help their skilled technicians restore your car exactly as it was before. Today’s cars have special auto body repair needs: make sure the shop you choose can handle your specific vehicle.

The quality of the auto body work will vary from shop to shop. Make sure yours has a reputation for honesty, integrity, and craftsmanship in all that they do. It should be standard procedure to not just fix the “outsides,” but to also disassemble your vehicle to search for any hidden damage that might cause trouble later.

Estimates should always be free, and the ideal Utah auto body shop will also offer a free loaner car while yours is being repaired, so you never have to miss out on work or your favorite activities after your accident.

The shop should offer all the services you need to get your car back to its old self again: towing, auto frame repair, body work, suspension, professional repainting, and so forth. You should never have to take your car from one place to another to another.

There are differences in Utah auto body repair shops: you’ve been through enough already without feeling like you’ve been in another accident after getting your car back: choose wisely.

Winter is officially here and snow season has begun. Snowed out roads and hazardous driving conditions are a complete package from December to March. These easy tips will help you stay safe while driving this winter.

Prepare Your Vehicle

Severe cold and heavy snow can be hard on your vehicle. The first thing you need to do is have your car winterized to make sure it is in the best shape possible to take on winter storms.  Some simple steps to take are:

• Make sure the battery is fully charged
• Check your tires pressure
• Change to an oil that provides better winter performance
• Check windshield wipers and wiper fluid

Practice Driving In The Snow

Certain braking techniques and driving maneuvers are proven effective when you are driving in heavy snow conditions. By practicing these moves in an empty parking lot you will be prepared when it comes time to taking on the busier streets and highways.

• Drive slowly and become familiar with the thickness of ice and snow under tire
• Brake when turning corners to make sure you don’t skid into on-coming traffic
• If you start to skid turn into it and accelerate slightly to get control of your vehicle
• If you get stuck in the snow try rocking it back and forth until your tires are free

Be Trained To Deal With Emergencies

Unpredictable conditions can lead to flat tires, dead batteries and icy windshields. By being prepared and trained on how to install and take care of certain matters it will relieve your anxiety and make you more comfortable driving in the winter.

• Learn how to replace a flat tire
• Practice installing tire chains for hazardous road conditions
• Carry jumper cables and learn how to jump start your car battery
• Carry an ice chipper and snow brush to maintain clean windows

Driving on winter roads can be scary but if you are prepared and ready for any situation it will ensure a stress free snow season. Follow these quick and easy steps to stay safe and secure on the dangerous roads.

If you live in a wintry climate where snow both in the air and on the roads is a regular occurrence, it’s easy to get complacent about driving under these conditions. But such complacency can quickly turn tragic: winter drivers should always keep their guards up and be mindful of the possibility of accidents: here are some snow safety solutions for keeping you and your car accident-free.

Make sure your car is ready
Many winter accidents could easily be prevented if car owners would simply take the time to prepare their vehicles for driving under adverse conditions. Make an appointment with your mechanic and have your brakes checked; if your tires are worn, it is definitely worth the investment to replace them. Carry snow chains in your car, if necessary, and always keep an extra gallon of washer fluid handy.

Drive defensively
More than ever, it’s imperative that you keep an eye on what others are doing on the road as well as yourself. Even if you are a safe driver, you are always at risk from others who are not. Keep your windshields and mirrors defrosted and completely clear so that you have maximum visibility. Remember, driving an all-wheel or 4-wheel drive vehicle does not mean that you will not slide out if you choose to drive too fast for conditions. Use common sense.

Move deliberately at low speeds
Many fender benders during winter months occur at traffic signals or at intersections with stop signs. Always accelerate slowly to avoid spinning your tires or sliding your vehicle’s rear into the car next to yours. Sudden starts and stops are culprits for mishaps too: always keep a two-car distance between you and the vehicle in front of you whenever possible. When you need to stop, start braking at least two car lengths behind the person ahead.

Of course, you should always have emergency gear on hand should an accident occur: warm blankets, water, jumper cables, and a flashlight should be kept in the trunk at all times. A little preparation, common sense, and a dose of respect for Mother Nature will go a long way toward helping you enjoy an accident-free winter driving season.

– Be prepared ahead of time: A good driver should be prepared for any eventuality ahead of time, even an accident. Make sure that your cell phone has your emergency contacts listed under ICE (In Case of Emergency) in case you get in an accident. Choose a good auto body shop ahead of time so that you will have someone to call should something happen.

– Stay calm: This first step is definitely the hardest, but it’s essential to your making intelligent decisions and acting rationally from here on out.

– Call the police right away: You always want to have the law on the scene as soon as possible to resolve any problems, for traffic control, and to collect evidence if necessary. If injuries are involved, call 9-1-1.

– Collect as much information as possible: Get the names and addresses of all involved parties including drivers, passengers, and witnesses. Record license plate numbers as well as the makes and models of involved automobiles and insurance information, if available. Take your own photos if possible from every angle: both long shots as well as close-ups. The ready availability of cell phone cameras now makes this step much easier.

– Do not talk about whom was at fault: If your accident results in a court case, anything you say about liability may be held against you. Focus on what’s most important right now: everyone’s health and well-being, and getting the vehicles taken care of.

– Call your insurance agent, and then your loved ones: You always want to get your insurance agent going on your case as soon as possible. He may even want to come down to the scene, and he will give you good, measured advice on how to proceed. Only call your loved ones after all other steps are taken care of first.

– Contact your auto body repair shop: The shop may arrange a tow or you may be able to get your vehicle there yourself, but either way you need to contact them so that they can be ready for you.  You need to trust who will get you the quick service and repairs you need if you are ever in an accident.