What does a total loss mean?

Losing something is always scary. When the total cost of repairs exceeds the total value of your car, consider that totaled! Think of completely unfixable. Nothing can be done. With the rising cost of repairs, more and more vehicles are being totaled out. This actually does help the workload of all the body men. Don’t worry! This doesn’t mean the car cannot be repaired if it is of sentimental value. However, you will have to make that decision fairly quickly. Keep in mind, if you decide to keep the vehicle it might be very costly for you in repairs.

What happens to your totaled vehicle?

Where do I find my car? Once a car becomes totaled, it becomes the property of the insurance company. It will go on to a public auction or it will be sold to salvage yards. Many of these parts reappear on the market as remanufactured, refurbished, and/or re-inspected.

So the insurance company just told you that you have a totaled vehicle. Now what?

Accidents are unfortunate in themselves, but even more so once a vehicle is a total loss. When you are in an accident, record every detail whether it be in writing, photos, an exchange of insurance information, or a police report. Your insurance company will use this information to determine who is liable for the damage.

The insurance company process

Typically, a claims adjuster or the insurance company appraiser will monitor the process. Once they determine that the damages on your vehicle are far too extensive and more costly than the value of the car itself, it will be a totaled vehicle. We want to prepare you and to help understand what happens next. Here are a couple examples of common questions during an accident. So, hop in the passenger seat and buckle up as we help explain all the uncomfortable stuff!

 

Do I repair or replace my vehicle?

Following up, if you’re looking to save your vehicle due to some sentimental value, you must make your insurance company aware of your decision in the beginning. An insurance company will make a determination on the amount distributed for repairs based on the car’s value. The insurance company will reimburse you either for repairs, or replace the car completely. I think everyone prefers the later! There is also an option to purchase your vehicle back from the insurance company. You will need to re-register it under a salvage title. The down side to keeping your vehicle is that you may be investing more money into it than it’s worth. You can find out more information on this process on the DMV website.

What if the damage is only cosmetic?

Cosmetic damage is noticeable damage such as defect in a visual nature. This can be paint scratches, chips and dings on the body, a crack in the windshield, or even a scrap on the bumper.  These defects do not affect the functionality of the vehicle at all. With the rising cost of repairs, cosmetic damage can be just as expensive as body or frame damage. As long as the vehicle is still safe to drive, then you don’t have to get it repaired. You can even buy it back from the insurance company and pocket the difference! This is called the “actual cash value.” Every situation is different, so always ask questions!

Call Car Struction to learn about your options

We feel these are the major areas of concern for most of our customers during the time of an incident. If your vehicle is deemed a total loss and you’re looking to save it now, call Car Struction! We will review the extent of the damage. There are always plenty of options and we are here to find the best solution for you! 

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As if there aren’t enough hazards on the road already, a very common hazard is drowsy driving. Drowsy driving is a dangerous combination of driving and fatigue. Generally, driving drunk and driving with fatigue are equally dangerous. AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety estimates that 21 percent of FATAL automobile accidents involve a drowsy driver. Evidently, many drivers have even admitted to falling asleep at the wheel at least once in their lifetime. That’s a scary thought! Here we have compiled some tips and important info when concerned with drowsy driving and how to avoid it.

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety estimates that a tired driver contributes to:

• 6% of all crashes in which a vehicle was towed from the scene
• 7% of crashes in which a person received treatment for injuries sustained in the crash
• 13% of crashes in which a person was hospitalized

In total, their estimates suggest that a drowsy driver is involved in 328,000 crashes annually.

How do I know if I’m too tired to drive? The National Sleep Foundation gives us some warning signs.

• Difficulty focusing, frequent blinking, or heavy eyelids
• Daydreaming, or disconnected thoughts
• Trouble remembering the last few miles of your drive, missing turns, exits or traffic signs
• Consistent yawning
• Drifting, tailgating, or rubbing the shoulder strip.
• Feeling restless or irritable

Furthermore, if you ever feel sleepy while driving a vehicle, then you understand the many ways a driver will try to stay awake. Generally, some of the top ways a person tries to stay awake at the wheel are drinking a caffeinated beverage, switching drivers, opening car windows, listening to loud music, turning up the A/C, eating, smoking, pulling over to stretch or sleep. But after all, two of these options are proven to be effective in combatting drowsy driving–switching drivers and pulling over to nap.

How do I avoid driving tired?

1. Plan. If you know you’ll be out on the road, take a short nap ahead of time.
2. Avoid alcoholic beverages.
3. Drive with a friend. If you have a partner, you can switch drivers at the first sign of drowsiness.
4. Stay off the road between midnight and 6a.mI. If this is not possible, then be as vigilant as possible while you’re on the road. Watch for warning signs that you’re feeling drowsy, such as drifting across lanes or hitting rumble strips, and keep an eye on other drivers for the same behaviors.
5. Drink coffee or caffeine to stay alert, but not as a substitute for sleep. One thing to keep in mind is that coffee and other caffeinated beverages provide a temporary energy boost. After the effects of the caffeine have worn off, the feelings of drowsiness may return.

Additionally, make sure you get eight hours of sleep before a long trip. Also, you can make regularly stops at the 100 mile mark or every two hours. This will help you stay fresh and alert on the road.

In conclusion, drowsy driving is extremely dangerous and we would like you to take every precaution to stay safe!

If you or someone you know has been in an accident as a result of a drowsy driver, contact us now and find out how we can help get you back on the road safely. We are here for you!

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When looking for an auto repair shop, there are a few things to consider. But our biggest piece of advice is: find the perfect repair shop before you need it! It’s an important decision and you don’t want to make it under pressure. For most people the consideration doesn’t come until you’re on the side of the road calling your insurance company. Well we’re here to outline how to find a quality auto repair shop and what to look for. We hope that you’ll consider us.

There are also other ways that you can narrow down your search. Finally, remember to look for ASE certifications. Technicians are required to pass at least one specialty exam and fulfill two years of work experience to become ASE-certified. If they pass a range of exams, they earn Master Technician status. So, take a peek! What’s the harm. Repair shops expect this sort of thing. You won’t hurt their feelings by asking a few questions. Do the research and take your time choosing your auto repair shop. Because when you really need them, you’ll be happy you took the time.

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Why is a proper wheel alignment so important?
Picture yourself cruising down the most beautiful road in the world. Now imagine driving down that same road and your car veering off to the left or right because your wheels were pointed the wrong way. Not the most beautiful road in the world anymore.

Proper wheel alignment is a complex topic covering a variety of terms and a smorgasbord of parts. When your wheels are out of alignment, your tires aren’t pointing in the right direction. This will affect your steering and suspension. More importantly, it could affect your safety and the durability of our tires and all of the parts controlling them.

How do vehicles lose their wheel alignment?
It doesn’t take much. There are many ways for your car to lose its alignment. Wheel alignment can be thrown off by:

*Pot holes
*Hitting the curb
*Bumping into a concrete parking stall
*Fair wear and tear

Without a proper wheel alignment, you will end up wasting a lot of money on tires because they will wear down much faster. Your vehicle may not handle as well, or you could have difficulty maintaining control of your vehicle altogether.

Did you know?
The best move you can make is to have it checked with every other oil change. This will extend the life of your tires.

A lot will happen over the course of 6,000 miles. You will inevitably drive through pot holes, travel down gravely stretches of road, and you may occasionally knock your wheels on a curb mid-turn. All of these things combined can greatly impact the way your tires sit, throwing off your wheel alignment in an instant.

It can be difficult to determine with the naked eye when your wheel alignment is off. We cannot see in fractions of degrees without the proper technology. It only takes a minuscule amount of misalignment to have a huge impact on tire life. Our certified technicians here at CarStruction are available to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Come by and see us today!

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If you’ve been in a major accident, you need to get your frame repaired and realigned. Statistically, about half of all accidents require a frame repair. Car Struction uses Chief Frame Machines to bend and pull your frame back to perfect condition. It’s amazing how easily your frame can get out of alignment. Sometimes, it only takes a low-speed collision. This can get you thinking, “are body shops and dealerships in cahoots?”

Actually, there’s a very good reason why your car crumples even on low-impact. It’s to protect you and whoever else is in the cab. By crumpling more than vehicles used to when they were made of different materials, it allows your vehicle to absorb more of the shock from the crash. It can keep you from sustaining more than minor injuries in most cases.

Thank your Car with an Accurate Repair

It’s easy to be more upset about the state of your car when you’re not in a neck brace. But if you’re in this situation, look and the car, then look at the small bruise you have, then look at the car. You dodged a bullet, my friend! Your car took care of you, now it’s time to take care of it. Don’t hesitate to get your frame repaired quickly. Driving on a misaligned frame can cause major problems for your vehicle. It can affect your balance and alignment which can ruin your tires as well as your suspension. It can also cause your vehicle to drift! Plus, your vehicle saved you once, but if you continue to drive around in its current state and get in another accident, you’re not going to be so lucky.

So, bring your vehicle into Car Struction. We’ll restore your beloved car to factory specifications with our Chief Frame Machines. They offer the fastest and most accurate frame repairs in the industry. The Chief Frame Machines provide us with a computerized measurement of your vehicle’s frame. With the factory specs already loaded, the machine pushes and pulls the frame to the correct measurements. Our technicians are even able to focus in on specific areas of your frame to get the most precise repair possible.

Don’t delay, call Car Struction for your auto frame repair needs. We’ll be happy to provide an estimate.

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