There is always this excitement surrounding a trip, whether it’s going somewhere new or familiar.  Clothes? CHECK! Snacks and drinks? CHECK! GPS? CHECK!  MUSIC?  CHECK!  These are all the typical things that are checked off before our expedition, but is it everything?  Before you’re well on your way, here are several other things that you should CHECK!

Getting an oil change is probably the more common maintenance we do to our vehicles. If you’re nearing the point of an oil change, go ahead and get one before you leave.  Normally when you get an oil change, as a courtesy all fluid levels are checked.  If you’re unsure if other fluid levels are being checked, just ask the technician working on your vehicle to take a peek.

On a long trip tires heat up and can cause worn tires to blowout, so make sure the tread on your tires are in good shape.  If you don’t need to replace your tires, you will need to check your tire pressure.  Properly inflated tires can help improve gas mileage.  You can find the recommended pressure in your owner’s manual or on a sticker in the driver’s side door jamb.

You never know what kind of weather you’ll drive through on your journey.  Making sure you have good visibility comes down to checking that your wipers are in good condition and all lights are working properly.  It’s not necessary, but a coat of Rain-x on your windshield helps repel rain, sleet and snow.  It also helps remove frost, bugs, and mud easily.  When it comes to checking your lights you’re going to need another set of eyes.  Check that all lights are functioning properly and replace bulbs as needed.  If replacing a bulb doesn’t help, the problem could be caused by a blown fuse.

No one likes to think about the possibility of an accident or breakdown, but keep an emergency kit handy in case of an unfortunate event.   Flares/flashlight, first aid kit, cell phone, spare tire and emergency tools are all great things to keep on board even if you aren’t traveling.

So now you know before you go, CHECK!

While we’re very proud to host the world’s most famous golf tournament, it does bring certain changes in the daily schedule of those of us who call the CSRA home.  Will you need to change your route, leave a little earlier, or consider carpooling?  Those of us who will continue to travel to and from work, school, the grocery, etc., need to start planning for these delays now.

The worst of the traffic is usually between 8:00am – 10:00am, and 3:00 – 6:00pm.  This is when the crowds are headed to the course, and then headed back to their hotels or to dinner.  Here’s a cool link to live traffic cams in the area.  Augusta Chronicle is also keeping a good eye on traffic plan set for Masters Tournament.  The highest traffic areas are Washington Road, Berchmans Road, Wheeler Road, and Walton Way.

Rick’s Paint and Body is certainly familiar with this time of year because of the higher risk that you’ll be involved in a fender bender.  Keep your distance in traffic, and keep in mind parking spaces will be at a premium.  Patience will be tested, and bumpers will be crunched.  We’ll be here when you need us, and are ready to schedule your collision repairs immediately.

If you’re planning to travel via the Augusta Regional Airport either to pick up friends/family coming in for the tournament, or to conveniently leave for vacation, be there early!  I have traveled numerous times from this airport, and always with ease.  However, it’s soon to become a hub of thousands who want to get somewhere NOW.  Many of the golfers such as Phil Mickelson use the airport, so security will be especially high.  Travelers are also coming from many different countries, and this slows the security process down as well.

Locals, remember this is a great boost to our economy, and it’s best just to keep a good attitude about it.  Get out and enjoy the Par 3 celebrations!  Make the most of this beautiful time of year.

If you’re visiting, or new to the area this is the best time to see Augusta.  Whether you come for the sport, beautiful Amen Corner, or simply our pimento cheese sandwiches … we’re happy to have you.

• Drive the speed limit.  By changing your driving habits, you can improve fuel economy by up to 37%.  As much as you won’t want to hear it, simply slowing down can save 12-14%.  You can do it, I believe in you.  This is especially effective on long distance trips.  Can’t break the speeding habit?  Use your cruise control.  With the exception of using it in bad weather, your cruise can be the tool that keeps a few bucks in your wallet.
• Aggressive Driving.  If you’re a speed demon, there’s a good change you also envision yourself as Tony Stewart when the light turns green.  Keep in mind that aggressive driving has pretty much the same effect as speeding with regards to your gas tank.  You don’t have to take that corner at 45 mph. 
• Tire pressure.  I’ve said it before (just checking to see if you’re keeping up with my blogs), and I’ll say it again … Checking, and maintaining proper tire pressure is important for many reasons, but in this instance it’s just another way to save gas. 
• Avoid excessive idling.  Waiting for the wife to run in the grocery store?  We both know it’s going to take more than the 5 minutes she promised, so turn that key back and save a little.
• Car pool!  You’ve talked about it, now’s the time to do it.  Lots of us have a long drive to work.  Surely you can find somebody, or several somebody’s to share the commute.  Some companies have ride-share programs set in place.  This can cut your weekly fuel costs in half. 
• Phone Apps.  All hail modern technology.  There are plenty of apps out there for your smart phone.  They’ll help you find the lowest price in the area, and even how to get there. 
• Cash is king.  Keep some cash handy.  Some stations are now offering a lower price for cash customers.
•  Sell the guzzler.  Still driving that SUV that’s big enough to transport the whole soccer team?  Maybe it’s time to trade in for something more fuel efficient.  Not sure what to buy, or want to know the mpg of a vehicle?  Here’s a great link to the federal fuel economy site, where you can find everything from government mandates to mpg on most make and models.

Hope this is some helpful information.  We can’t stop driving, but we can become more conscious of our fuel economy.  As Dory would say, Just keep swimming, err, I mean driving!  Just keep driving!   

I’ve written blogs on the repair concerns of the general public, but when a vehicle is one of your highest monetary investments the bar is certainly raised.  Luxury vehicles offer a vision of the future, hold the highest safety standards, and have the proven technology to offer the highest performance.  It’s no wonder that an owner of such a vehicle would hold a repair facility to the same standards.

Rick’s Paint and Body has the privilege of having relationships with several local luxury dealerships.  These are vital working relationships, and we are proud to have them.  Not only do we rely on these dealerships to assist us with complex mechanical issues, but they utilize our facility for repairs as well.  They often refer their customers to us for collision repairs that cannot be completed at the dealership.  These dealerships include Mercedes-Benz of Augusta, Taylor BMW, Jim Hudson Lexus, and Bob Richards Infinity.  We welcome their trust in us.

Still driving that 1994 sedan that you’ve babied since you bought it?  Do you expect the same treatment and repair that we would provide a luxury vehicle owner?  Don’t worry; you too are an important part of our clientele.  Collision repair is wide ranging, and we pride ourselves on meeting the needs of any and every customer that walks in the door.  We look forward to your business, whether you drive a posh sports car, or the family wagon.

We can proudly say that we are Geico GreenLink shop.  It’s an extension of the CCAR-GreenLink program, and is designed to promote environmental stewardship in local repair facilities.  It also helps make sure that we’re meeting, and maintaining the highest level of environmental and safety standards.  In other words, it keeps us in check.  We’re delighted to be recognized as one of these facilities. 

Rick’s is also working daily to become a paperless facility.  We’re doing this by converting most of our printed documents into digital form.  Any documents that we need to print, are later scanned into digital files, and then shredded for recycling.  This includes not only the administrative offices, but the body and paint shops too.  We’re deeply aware that paper manufacturing contributes significantly to deforestation, and the production of greenhouse gases.  This effort has given us great satisfaction knowing we’re eliminating waste, but it has also increased productivity as well.  No more searching for or filing paper invoices, repair orders, or a multitude of other daily printed items.

These are just three of the way’s we have committed to protecting our environment.  What can you do?  Going green is easier than you think.  Just small changes in your daily routine can make a difference.  Listed below are a few great ideas I’ve stumbled across in my research for this assignment:

• Water – Do you have a toilet that runs constantly?  You could be wasting up to 200 gallons of water a day.  Repairing a leaky toilet can be a quick, and more than likely cheap fix.
• Plastic, Metal, & Paper Recycling – Stash a couple of dollar store plastic bins stashed near your garbage and items like soda bottles, cans, etc. can be tossed in with ease.  Here’s a list of Columbia County and Richmond County recycling centers.
• Vehicle Maintenance – The harder your car has to work to get you from A to B, means the more emissions it releases.  Something as simple as underinflated tires decrease fuel economy by up to three percent and lead to higher emissions.

We can all take simple, daily steps to protect our natural resources for the next generation.  Not sure what items are recyclable?  Here’s a great link that explains recycling symbols, which identify if (or which part) a package can be recycled.  Even if you only incorporate one of these ideas, you’ve still started the begining of green habits.  We invite you to join us in our ongoing efforts to Go Green!

The last place you need to be wondering and worrying what kind of coverage you have is at the scene of the crime.  You just rammed into someone’s car, hit a pole, or hydroplaned into a ditch and you’re wondering “Does my auto insurance cover this?…Do I have rental coverage?”  No, but really, do you know?  Of course there are more extreme situations and maybe that isn’t even the next to first thought that crosses someone’s mind, but you get the picture.  The thought does eventually come.

There are a lot of factors that play a role in what kind of premium you’ll pay.  Whether it is your age, how old and what type of vehicle you drive, where you live, how many cars will be under a policy, etc. etc.  Knowing the different terms that are used like collision, deductible and liability can help you when deciding what kind of coverage you want and what fits your needs best. Here’s a glossary (ßclick that) for more auto insurance terms.

The higher your deductible (the more financial risk you’re willing to take on), the lower your monthly premiums will be.  But be prepared to pay that deductible if you do get into an accident (IF YOU’RE AT FAULT).  The lower your deductible the higher your monthly premiums will be.  Some insurance companies give discounts if you can pay for 6 or 12 months in one lump.  In the long run this can save you some money.

Maybe this will make you stop to check out what kind of coverage you have.  GOOD, you need to.  Shop around and ask questions if you need to, making sure you are protecting you and your family with the right policy.

Finish: Does your vehicle have an aftermarket finish?  Is it brand new?  Or is it 20 years old?  For some customers, color match is a significant issue.  You worry that your color will not match, or will in some way be different than your existing finish.  We use several different technologies to insure the best finish.  These range from blending the color onto adjacent panels, using an Aquire paint match tool, even spraying test panels before we paint the vehicle.  If our environmental impact is something that concerns you, we now spray DuPont Cromax Pro.  It’s a waterborne product, and one of the ways we’re reducing our environmental footprint.

Parts Usage: The types of parts we use vary from repair to repair.  At times your insurance policy will determine parts usage.    Even in this case, we make sure that the highest quality of parts are used in your repair.  In cases of customers paying out of pocket, we have more economic options such as Aftermarket parts as well as Recycled.  Some of the terms we use to describe parts are;

OEM – Original Equipment Manufacture, built by the manufacturer of your vehicle
Aftermarket – a part manufactured from a secondary market, but matches the design and performance of an OEM part
Remanufactured/Reconditioned – a part that may have had a slight blemish, and has been reconditioned
Recycled/LKQ (Like, Kind & Quality) – a part taken from a used vehicle of the same year, make, and/or model

Days to Repair: Most of our schedules are hectic these days, and being without a repair can be very inconvenient.  Not all families have a second car to depend on.  This seems to be one of the most significant issues with our customers.  We can help provide you a rental through a local rental company, and set the billing up with the insurance company involved or help get you a competitive rate.  They can even pick you up on the spot.  While we do rely on basic time and labor formulas to calculate the length of repairs, many times unforeseen variables change our predictions.  We are constantly refining the repair process to unite speed and quality, and to lessen waste in time.

Cost: Sometimes damage is minor, or the damage is not covered by an insurance company.  In that case, you’ll probably be looking for the best price possible.  We understand your position, and have options to offer you.  The parts listed above often have price differences, and we can help you choose what’s best for you.  On minor dings and dents, we can offer PDR (paintless dent repair) which is often much better for your budget.  Until recently wheel damage required replacement.  We now have the ability to repair minor wheel damage, and this has reduced the cost greatly.

Communication: With current technology, we can communicate with you in most any way you prefer.  We are even willing to update you at the frequency that you choose.  We can call you daily, bi-weekly, or weekly, depending on your length of repair and preference.  We can text, or email you.  While smoke signals and singing grams are a bit of a stretch, be assured we are going to do our very best to keep you updated about the status of your repairs.  We also want you to completely understand the repairs that are being completed to your vehicle.  You are invited to voice your questions and concerns.

I’ve mentioned several of the concerns I know my customers have; now I’d like you to join in the conversation.  Have I touched on the worries you have about auto body repair?  What have I missed, what’s important to you?  What are your specific needs?  What can we do to give you some comfort about your repairs?  Help us learn what we can do to meet your expectations.

Make sure you are familiar with what your insurance policy does, and does not cover.  After an accident is the worst time to find out you don’t have rental insurance, that you only have liability (covers the other vehicle only when you are at fault), or that you have a high deductible.  Here’s some great info from the State Bar of Georgia about the law in regards to auto accidents, as well as South Carolina.

If your accident is minor, and you do not have injuries, it may be safer to move your vehicle out of traffic to the shoulder of the road.  Some states have created laws making this required on highways, and interstate roads.  This is the best way to avoid further damage, and even another accident.  Turn on your hazard lights, and shut your vehicle off.  This will prevent the vehicle from overheating if there is damage to the cooling system, as your vehicle’s cooling system is located at the very front of the vehicle.  If you’re not comfortable moving the vehicle, it’s always best to wait for instructions from the responding authority.  If you are injured in any way, it’s best to let the paramedics check you out at the scene.

Always call your local police, sheriff, or public safety.  Even with the smallest of fender benders, a police report will be required by any insurance company.  This protects you in a situation where the other party involved wants to pay for repairs out of pocket, or denies liability.  Not all of these circumstances go as planned.  Don’t discuss the accident details, or fault with anybody at the accident scene.  Reserve this discussion for the authorities, and your insurance company.

Get the facts.  While the authorities will help you with this process, it’s best to exchange information with the parties involved.  This includes contact information, vehicle information, and insurance information (including policy number).  I’ve created an emergency bag for my car that helps me with this process.  It includes a disposable camera (although most of us have cell phones handy that will take quality photos), a pen and small notepad, and a set of warning cones.

Your insurance card is the best place to find the information you’ll need to make a claim.  There will more than likely be a 24 hour claims hotline number on that card.  While calling your agent is certainly advised, the claims hotline is the most efficient way to get the ball rolling.  This is a call you may want to make once things have settled down from the accident.  Your claim representative will have lots of questions for you, and will need your full attention.

Maybe your auto body damage is very minor, such as a door ding.  With the holiday bustle, parking lots become risky business!  If this is the case, you may be the perfect candidate for paintless dent repair (PDR).  It’s a more economical way of dealing with small dents and dings.  No refinish is required for dings that qualify for this type of repair.  Most PDR can be done within a business day, and can be scheduled quickly.

Hopefully we’ve provided you with some practical information.  If you have any questions that were not answered here, please call us.  We’ll always have someone qualified to answer your collision repair, or claims process questions.  Rick’s Paint and Body is always available when you need us most.