Favorite Car Commercials
There have been some entertaining car commercials out, but here are a couple of our favorites.
Tires
When it comes to making large purchases, we usually do our research. Never want that money to go to waste. In this case it’s tires. If you’re not sure when to get new tires, what kind to get or how to maintain them, don’t fret because Consumer Reports has a tire buying guide. They break it down how to start, to types of tires, brands, to knowing early warning signs of tire failure. Loads of great info and everything you need to know is there!
Precious Metal
Choosing a repair facility can be a difficult process for anyone. It can be especially stressful when you own a luxury vehicle. There’s a good chance your local dealership doesn’t have repair facility for collision repair. While we haven’t yet had a visit from Jay Leno, Carroll Shelby, or Wayne Carini, we understand the requirements of fine automotive aficionados. If you’re looking for a place to trust your cherished wheels, you’re in the right hands.
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.
Going Green
I mentioned in my last post that we now use DuPont Cromax Pro, a waterborne paint. With Cromax Pro no matter what color you came in, you’ll leave a little greener. It’s one of several ways that Rick’s Paint and Body has taken steps to reduce our environmental footprint. I’d like to touch on things we’re doing in the collision repair industry, and what you can do to join us in our effort to go green.
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!
Insurance
When it comes to getting insurance some of us just see what will cost the least and meets state minimum requirements. But if and when you do get into an accident, the low cost policy you chose may not benefit you. We’ve seen the commercials and maybe we are the ones that got caught up in how much an insurance company can save us. But do they really save us if we have the misfortune of getting into an accident?
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.
