So, you got yourself in a fender bender, and now you are concerned about the costs. You are wondering if you should tackle the whole procedure of repairing the damage yourself or just get the help of an auto body shop. Here are the pointers you should remember about fender damage repair and costs.

DIY Fender Bender Repair

There are methods in which car owners can patch up a fender bender themselves. You have to remember though that this process is on the complex side.

One popular DIY method is to plug the dent with a body filler and smooth it down with sandpaper. While this sounds simple in theory, the procedure might entail plenty of hours to accomplish particularly if you have no background in vehicle body repairs. Then again, this method is not for car owners who do not want the inconvenience of spending more than 5 hours repairing their vehicles.

You can do some free auto car repair by following the YOUCANIC tutorials and save some money by replacing the fender yourself.

Why Settle for the Help of a Professional?

Before you decide on going all DIY on your precious ride, consider that car experts will often suggest that you take care of the fender damage right away. Fender benders are always dealt with immediately by expert technicians from reputable auto body shops. Auto body shops are just one phone call away and the most reliable ones will always provide a price estimate of the procedure.

In short, leaving the job to the hands of professionals will also prevent such issues from getting worse. Your car is an investment, so investing in the right auto body shop is also essential to make your vehicle’s looks and inner workings last longer.

General Fender Repair Costs

Primarily, small, minor dents and dings repair can cost from $50-$150.00. This is the most basic price estimate though, for there are several factors that contribute to the overall cost of fender bender damage. Cases differ based on these factors.

• Make, model, and year of the car
• Car color
• The speed and angle of the collision
• Insurance
• Underlying damage
• Labor costs

The damage wrought by a fender bender can be minor or severe—the latter can lead to either headlight or bumper replacement and at worse, a replacement for the whole fender itself. Extensive check-ups should also be done on the car following the accident in order to determine hidden damages in the car’s system.

The severity of the fender bender and the part or parts affected can also lead to damage underneath it. Remember that these components are often fastened to other parts—these components can take in the force generated during the accident, thus suffering some damage too during the process. Additional damage to other parts of the fender can also result in inflated repair costs.

Why Auto Body Repair Can Be Pricey

Like any other specialized procedure, vehicle body repair requires specific equipment and expertise. These repairs do take some time. Furthermore, labor costs also influence the overall expenses needed to complete fender repairs. Luxury models are also pricier to fix – the technology, finishing procedures and replacement parts used to carry on repairs for such vehicles are always on the costlier side.

Do not take those fender benders in jest and prevent future car troubles. Take the expert advice of a good auto body shop and invest in excellent fender repairs so your car can operate like new again. The staff of Fresno Auto Body will be more than glad to take care of your ride. Touch base with us and we can provide insights for the service you need. For more information about our services including pricing and/or estimates, visit our official website at https://fresnoautobody.com.

WHO launched the Global status report on road safety in 2018, according to which every year about 1.35 million people lose their lives in road tragedies. The alarming situation is becoming even worse with time. The main reason for these accidents is the minor mistakes, which most of the drivers make while driving.

If you are trying or planning to learn driving, you can easily find a driving school near your area, or you can also book your online driving lessons from EZlicence. These driving lessons are not only for beginners but also for experienced drivers to make their driving more smooth.

No matter you are a beginner or a well-skilled driver, this article is a must to read. Since, it will tell you “the tips, hints, and tricks to being a better driver”.

• Driving lessons

There are many things in this world, which cannot be self-taught and driving is on top of the list. Cars are expensive, and if you lose control of them, they can become a threat to life. Before driving on their own, everyone needs proper guidance and training.

You can get your driving lesson by a family member, friend or through a driving school. In my opinion, it is better to choose professional instructors because they will not only teach you driving but will also explain the traffic rules and regulations, which will help you prepare for your drivers license test.

• Be confident

Many people suffer from driving phobia and anxiety, which makes them under pressure and nervous while driving a car. In the initial days of driving, it is very important to build up your confidence.

Confidence comes with practice. In the initial days, do not go for long drives rather drive nearby your residential area. When you are regularly driving, you will notice an improvement in your driving skills. You can listen to the music or can chew gums to cope up with your anxiety.

• Know your destination

When you are driving, it is very important to know where you are going and what the exact route towards your destination is. We all have witnessed poor drivers who do not know the exact locations, and they end up roaming in the streets. To save yourself from such misery, get directions from the Google maps as this will save you time.

You can find out the quickest and smoothest route towards your destination so that you can drive better. Leave a few minutes earlier, if you are in an emergency or you have to reach somewhere on time.

• Car maintenance

If you want to improve your driving skills, then car maintenance is essential. As if every other machinery cars also require timely maintenance, therefore in every few months you should take your car to a mechanic shop. Properly maintaining your car will save you from roadside broken car incident and you do not have to wait for help.

If you know your car better, you can drive more confidently. For an emergency, you should know some basics things like fixing tyre puncture.

• Check fuel

One of the distractions while driving a car is the low fuel indication, this becomes troublesome when you are in a hurry, and you do not have time to wait in the fuel line. To save yourself from this stress always get your car’s fuel tank filled before time.

• Stay calm

Human nature is the perfect blend of happiness, sorrow, anger, kindness and many other moods. While driving many people to become aggressive due to arguments, stress or even by the honking car at the back. This anger can lead to deadly accidents.

While driving do not talk much and even if the car at your back is honking, stay calm and do not react instantaneously, first, you should know the situation then you give any reaction. If someone is irresponsible, you cannot do the same.  

Always try to keep yourself calm and focused because your single mistake can cost your life and the safety of other people also. A tremendous reduction in noise pollution can occur if everyone stays calm and follow traffic rules and regulations. 

• Proper sleep

Our brain has the most advanced signaling mechanism; the signal from the brain reaches our body within microseconds. These signals slow down during drowsiness. Therefore, it is very important to stay awake and alert while driving a car.

When you are driving for a longer time, sleep deprivation becomes a major issue. In research, approximately 20% of car accidents occur due to lack of sleep. So, next time whenever you plan a long journey by road, make sure you add plenty of stops in between, where you can relax and get some sleep.

• Avoid distractions

Once you are on the driving seat, it is your responsibility to stay alert and keep an eye on the road. There are numerous distractions, which can affect your driving like stress, anxiety, adjusting the mirrors and air condition, changing music, and eating or drinking anything. It only requires a moment to meet an accident. In the current scenario, where roads are jam-packed, you cannot afford such distractions.

• Know the safety features of your car

Cars have many safety features like seatbelts, airbags, antilock braking systems, bumpers, four-wheel steering, and mirror. We all have heard about these things, but most of the people are not familiar with the functioning of these safety features. Make sure you should know about them and their usage.

• Do not use a cellphone

In the current era, it is a fact that cell phone is one of the biggest distraction, or we can say the addiction of people. Although people know they will get a ticket by using a cellphone, still they use it. A good driving practice includes keeping your cell phone on flight mode.

• Vision test

There may be many people like me, who hate wearing spectacles, but eyesight issues can cause a problem in getting a clear view of the roads. If you do not like spectacles, you should wear contact lenses. If you are observing eyesight issues for a few days, you should visit a doctor and get it fixed.

• Avoid drink and drive habit

According to a research article, drug and alcohol is the second biggest reason for car accidents. It is illegal, but when you get high, you lose control over yourself. Therefore, if you are planning to drink, no matter what do not drive.

Conclusion

All the above tips can improve your driving skills and ensures your safety as well. Remember, a good driver is one who can face all the challenges with patience and intelligence.

Driving a car is a huge responsibility when we say safety comes first; it is not only about your safety. When you take out your car on the road, you should think about the safety of the people sitting with you, people on the sidewalk, and people traveling in other cars. Remember your small mistake can cause a life so always drive safe.

After putting so much weight in the suitcase, it is much harder to carry the suitcase to the airplane now because you have added unnecessary essentials to your bag. Have you decided on your destination but have no idea where to start and which hotel to book? Is it hard to figure out how to hire a car at Perth airport? Have confusions and frustrations regarding food, travel, communication, etc.? Fret not this article is all about simplifying your complexities. Just do not let your cold feet step back from your road to a new journey and experiences.

Finally, summer has arrived and with it all the possibilities to travel far away. There are although certain scenarios that might make you nervous like paying excess baggage fees, turbulence on the plane, running out of phone battery, or getting lost in an unfamiliar city. Do not worry! We have decided to give you some tips below that will make your trip more pleasant. So go and book a flight with Jettly and always remember to try and enjoy every moment!

Before Traveling

Learn basic phrases

You can resolve many things by talking and this is complicated when we are in a city where they speak another language. We can tell you from experience that it is best to search Google and write the phrases on your cell phone: “Hello, how are you?”, “Could you tell me how to get to my hotel?”, “Could you take me to my hotel?” “How much does this cost?” And “I would like to buy this.” They are all a bit tough to learn, but they will help you communicate better. However, along the way, you might meet someone who speaks your language.

Buy the medicines you may need

Always be prepared with a few over-the-counter meds for flu, headaches, stomach issues, etc. Carry other antibiotics, aspirin, bandages, cough drops, antihistamines, and all those things that may be hard to find during an emergency.

Always carry an external battery

You have to carry an external battery along. You must charge it fully at all costs. This accessory is one of the basics because it is very easy to carry in the bag and connect your cell phone whenever you want. Another good tip is to bring an adapter if the country you are going to has another type of plug point.

Choose three colors

There is a technique to pack your outfits that work for almost everyone. It is to base all the looks to sport in three colors to mix each piece and create several sets that you can use on different days or occasions. Choose the tones according to where you go. If you travel to a city, the combination of black, white, navy, and red works super well. For a beach or outdoor vacation, always try to use white, orange, or yellow tones. Ideally, pack things that do not take up much space and pay special attention not to carry extra shoes (even if you think you can use them). This is just a suggestion to pack light; it is not a hard and fast rule. It might vary from person to person according to his/her preferences.

Say goodbye to extra baggage fees

Everyone has paid an extra fee for extra weight once in his/her life. To avoid such hassle you can have a weighing scale at your home so that you pack accordingly and do not have to pay extra at the airport because you were not aware of the weight of your luggage. Verify that the bags do not exceed 23 kilos. We recommend you keep a large bag with a zipper in case you cannot avoid shopping and come back with some new things in your suitcase. It is the best solution in case you have an emergency and need to accommodate the extra weight somewhere.

Download your maps before the travel:

Maybe you are planning to go to a place where you will not be able to connect to the Internet often. You can download Google Maps on your phone or tablet to use them offline at the time you need them. There can be unfortunate times when you lose track of time because you cannot remember the way back to your hotel.

Verify your confirmations

Typically, you arrive at a place where your reservation does not exist or you never paid for it. Confirming data, such as flight or hotel, is essential to avoid surprises.

WHILE TRAVELING

Keep your mind busy

I believe a lot in the power of the mind and that our thoughts can help us improve or worsen any situation. Therefore, every time you travel and there is turbulence, distract yourself by either turning on your cell phone and start writing or reading. If that is not enough, then watch a movie or listen to music. The more you think of something, the more power you give it.

The validity of a passport is always important!

If you plan to travel abroad, it is worth remembering that even if the upcoming vacation is planned in a visa-free country, it is not enough to have a valid passport to enter. Its validity at the end of the journey varies by country.

Travel Insurance

You need to understand that travel insurance is not a luxury; it is a basic safety measure. Moreover, insurance is needed not only for visa countries; it also covers your expenses if the consulate refused to issue a visa.

Medical Insurance

The medical insurance that you buy with a ticket to the agency is quite inexpensive: a dollar and a half for one day of travel. It turns out that for the whole trip pay a maximum of fifteen dollars. But you will be sure that it will definitely help you if you become ill. A special policy that takes into account other extreme situations can also be purchased at an insurance company. The more risks it indicates, the more expensive it is.

Traveling with children

Now at all world resorts, they are ready to receive even the smallest tourists. But, if you are going on vacation with a child, it is important to remember the measures you must take on such a trip.

DURING THE TRIP

Choose the right hotel

One of the most important things when traveling abroad is choosing a hotel. For example, if you come across a room without an air conditioner, a vacation at the resort risks turning from pleasure into a test. Therefore, it is advisable to learn more about the hotel where you plan to stay.

Write your room number and hotel address on your phone

Among the excitements of running to explore new places, the least you think about is your room number or where the hotel is exactly. Make sure you have this data stored in a note in case you need it when you return to rest after an amazing day.

Don’t plan absolutely everything

I assure you that you are going to find a thousand places that you will want to know while you walk. Let it surprise you! Keep an open mind. Those unplanned moments while traveling can be the best. Don’t plan your entire itinerary!

Try to be flexible. Patience is extremely important when traveling. You cannot wait for everyone to want to go to the same place as you or have the same itinerary. Breathe and think before speaking. Try to understand your travel companions since they are as excited as you.

Conclusion

Patience is extremely important when you travel. Breathe and think before you speak and try to understand that not everyone has the same point of view as you.

Dominique Van Wieringen led the two-day test session for the ARCA Menards Series season-opener at Daytona International Speedway. The session was plagued both days by overnight rain showers that delayed the start but the teams on hand were able to get nearly 15 hours of track time over the course of both days.

Van Wieringen piloted the No. 30 Rette Jones Racing Ford to a fast lap at 49.615 seconds/181.397 miles per hour and also marks the second consecutive season a female driver led the way in a test session at Daytona. Lead your way to the online casinos and be the fastest to capture some winnings.

“I was really surprised when Mark (Rette) said we went to the top of the charts,” Van Wieringen said. “I was practicing trying to time the draft for qualifying and I didn’t get it times just right. Hopefully when we come back for the race I can time it out a little better in qualifying and get even more.

If you think Van Wieringen’s lap was crazy fast, check out crazy vegas.

“It’s been a good experience. It’s really intimidating because you go really fast and when things go wrong they go wrong really fast. For the first time out, it was better than I thought it would be. It was actually really relaxing. I don’t know how to explain it, it was just really relaxing.”

World of Outlaws star David Gravel (No. 28 KBR Development Chevrolet) timed in second fastest at 49.659 seconds/181.236 miles per hour.

Sean Corr (No. 8A Empire Racing Chevrolet) was third fastest with a lap at 49.676 seconds/181.174 miles per hour.

Michael Self (No. 25 Venturini Motorsports Toyota) was fourth fastest with a lap of 49.684 seconds/181.145 miles per hour and Drew Dollar (No. 15 Venturini Motorsports Toyota) was fifth fastest with a lap of 49.691 seconds/181.119 miles per hour.

The Lucas Oil 200 Driven by General Tire is scheduled for Saturday, February 10 with the green flag expected to wave over the field at 4:45 pm ET. The race will be televised live flag-to-flag on FS1; ARCARacing.com will have live timing & scoring throughout practice, General Tire Pole Qualifying, and the 80-lap, 200-mile feature event.

Official Test Results

1. Dominique Van Wieringen- Saturday Test Session
2. David Gravel- Saturday Test Session
3. Sean Corr- Saturday Test Session
4. Michael Self- Saturday Test Session
5. Drew Dollar- Saturday Test Session
6. Ryan Repko- Saturday Test Session
7. Bret Holmes- Saturday Test Session
8. Connor Hall- Friday Test Session
9. Ronnie Osmer- Friday Test Session
10. Jacob Heafner- Friday Test Session
11. Ty Gibbs- Friday Test Session
12. Riley Herbst- Saturday Test Session
13. Andy Seuss- Friday Test Session
14. Gus Dean- Friday Test Session
15. Tristian Van Wieringen- Friday Test Session
16. Ryan Vargas- Saturday Test Session
17. Tanner Gray- Saturday Test Session
18. John Ferrier- Saturday Test Session
19. Hailie Deegan- Saturday Test Session
20. Dave Mader III- Saturday Test Session
21. Harold Crooms- Saturday Test Session
22. Tom Hessert- Saturday Test Session
23. Willie Mullins- Saturday Test Session
24. Kieth McGee- Saturday Test Session
25. Sebastian Airias- Saturday Test Session
26. Jason Kitzmiller-Friday Test Session
27. Derek Kraus- Saturday Test Session
28. Chuck Walker- Friday Test Session
29. Gabe Sommers- Friday Test Session
30. Chuck Hiers- Friday Test Session
31. Ryan Huff- Saturday Test Session
32. Greg Van Alst- Saturday Test Session
33. Jason White- Friday Test Session
34. Ruben Garcia- Saturday Test Session
35. Benny Chastain- Saturday Test Session
36. Sean Corr- Friday Test Session
37. Dawson Cram- Saturday Test Session
38. Chandler Smith- Friday Test Session
39. Sam Mayer- Saturday Test Session
40. Doug Herd- Saturday Test Session
41. Ed Pompa- Saturday Test Session
42. Scott Reeves- Friday Test Session
43. Jared Irvan- Friday Test Session
44. Tim Richmond- Friday Test Session
45. Rick Tackman- Saturday Test Session
46. Eric Caudell- Saturday Test Session
47. Mike Senica- Saturday Test Session

No matter how much you love your old clunker, when it is time for an update, it is better to give it up and invest in a new machine.

Where on one hand it is quite hard to give up on a car that you love, on the other hand, it is equally important to do that for your convenience, safety, and advancement. So, if you’ve made up your mind and have decided to give up on your old car, we have got some help for you.

For everyone looking for options on how to sell a car, here are the 5 effortless and smart ways that will help you do so without much hassle. Let’s have a look:

1) Exchange It For A New Car

This is one of the most convenient options available in car markets these days. Car companies come with this offer of exchanging your used cars or trucks with a new one. Now, you might already be aware of this one but let us explain how it works.

All you have to do is bring your old used car to a dealer and get it valued. Whatever amount your old car is priced at will be deducted from the price of the new car you buy.

The value of your old car is decided on certain pre-determined factors by the dealer.

This is one of the quickest methods of getting rid of an old car and buying a new one, in exchange. The only downside of this method is the fact that in exchange offers, the exchange value of the old car is estimated way lesser than what an outside dealer would say. However, if you’re in a hurry to sell your car if you can’t wait to find the best dealer or buyer for it, and if you’re planning to buy a new car, go for the exchange method. You’ll be satisfied!  

2) Sell It To A Dealer

Of course, there are dealers outside of car dealerships such as fargo used cars that are always open to buying a car. However, their price valuation and estimation methods are a bit different from car companies but they also offer genuine prices for your car.

The factors they look for include the year of your car’s manufacturing, the distance it has covered till date, the visible physical attributes, the condition of the car’s engine and other machinery under the hood, and more.

Once everything is scanned through, they offer a price for the car. You can accept or leave, as per your suitability. They also leave some room for negotiations, so you can shoot your shot right! When you’re selling to an outside dealer, it is not necessary for you to get a car in exchange. You can simply seal the deal for cash or get the money wired to you!

This is another easy and fast option to sell your car, provided you find a trustworthy dealer. Make sure you run a background or even a DBS check on the dealer before proceeding with the deal.

3) Sell It For Cash

There are car buyers out there that pay direct cash for old and used cars. These buyers are also easy to locate through the internet or by browsing through your local car markets.

Such buyers are actually businessmen dealing in cars or just individuals in a direct need of a vehicle. By contacting them, asking a few important questions, and giving them all the details about your car, you can sell the car at a decided price. Such a deal is done in person and there is room for negotiations. So, it is easy and convenient. Plus, you get cash on the spot and you need not worry about any fraud or delay in payments, as is the case in many other options.

4) Sell It In Your Social Circle

If you’re worried about getting into an unfavorable or unreasonable deal or ca unable find a reliable buyer for your car, word-of-mouth is the best way to get the best buyer. Let the word out if you plan to sell your old ride.

Talk to your relatives, family, friends, or colleagues. Someone might be interested in buying your car – at a reasonable price.

This is another excellent way to sell your car because first, you don’t have to worry about any fraudulent deal; second, you don’t have to meet people you don’t know and inspect their background.

It is a convenient option with a significant trust factor. All you have to do is find out who can be interested in buying your old car, in your social circle.

5) Sell It Online

Well, if you’re tech-savvy – which almost all of us are these days – you can try another easy option of selling your car online. Countless websites, and networks allow you to post ads about your vehicle, meet potential buyers online and then finalise your sale. You’ll find that the online space caters for all kinds of vehicles – not just cars, so if you’ve got an RV or motorhome it might be worth looking to list and sell yours here.

Such online marketplaces have all sorts of options for you to make your ad impressive and realistic. For instance, you can add all the details about your car, pictures of your vehicle, extra features or other impressive information about the car, and your personal information in the safest way possible.

They make provisions for the interested buyers to reach you, inquire about the car, and then fix a meeting about the same. If you think everything is okay and trustworthy – you can seal the deal!

So, these were all the top 5 methods to help you decide how to sell a car. Where some of these require effort, the others are easy. Where some take time, others are fast. Where some are reliable, others possess some sort of risk. No matter what state your car is in, if it’s under finance or not, you should be able to find an option to sell it. However, you won’t be able to decide if you don’t analyze all of them first. Choose the one that suits you the best in all ways.

At Driveo, we help car owners sell their cars hassle-free. If you want to seek assistance or expert help in selling your car, get in touch with us! We will help you. 

Author Bio: – Lisa Mitchell has been taking things apart ever since she learned about better way to sell car in San Diego! She has started her carrier from Driveo in 2012 as Content Manager. With Driveo you’re guaranteed safety, convenience, transparency and competence throughout your entire car selling experience.

Car enthusiasts are always on the hunt for new services for the betterment of their vehicles. In most cases, these are upgrades on the aesthetics of their cars, including improvement of the wheels through a process known as powder coating. Over time, the rims of the wheels naturally age. Rather than buying new, custom ones, powder coating is available as an option to make them look as good as new again.

Yes, there are other ways for you to improve the aesthetics of your rims, but you can make no mistake by choosing the powder coating Colorado Springs (if you’re from around that area) option. Here’s why:

1. Creates Higher Wheel Resistance

Of all the parts of your car, the wheels are the ones that go through the most exposure to hazards as they constantly come into contact with outdoor factors, such as road debris. Over time, your car’s wheels will naturally corrode, flake, or chip. They’ll also go through a lot of scratches.

Through Colorado Springs powder coating, your wheels are given a surface shield, which is stronger and more resistant than the usual paints. With this layer of protection, your wheels have a higher resistance even to the most damaging environment.

2. Has Long Lifespan

Even after using your car for many years, the powder coating can still stay in good condition. When done by reputable companies, the powder coat can last for at least fifteen to twenty years. This makes it one of the most longer-lasting paints and coatings. Despite the cost, it turns out to be more worth it in the long run as compared with other options..

3. Makes Your Rims More Durable

Thin as it may be, the added layer provided by a powder coat also has the effect of making your rims more durable. After spraying the powder coat particles to your rims, the next process is having this layer exposed to baking at high heat. This is a curing process that results in adding a level of durability to your rims. With this, a thicker surface is created. As a direct effect, the overall longevity of your wheels’ rims also stretches..

4. Provides Total Coverage

In comparison with traditional painting, for instance, powder coating provides total coverage for your rims. No spot is missed, not even the tiniest detail that’s hard to reach through traditional painting. This is because, with powder coating, you’re working with microscopic particles that adhere well to metals. The electrostatic method makes the areas difficult to reach due to complicated designs easily accessible. Aesthetically speaking, the results are more pleasing as well.

5. Eco-friendly

You also need to make sure that every single upgrade undergone by your car must be environment-friendly. This is your responsibility not just to yourself and the society you belong to, but also to the future generations.

The whole powder coating process doesn’t emit any volatile organic compounds, unlike liquid coating or painting. These VOCs are very harmful to the ozone layer. Plus, with powder coating, you can easily recycle the excess powder coat.

6. Less Curing Time

In comparison with traditional paints, which usually takes hours, the curing time for powder coating is much lesser. In as fast as ten minutes after the procedure is completed, your powder coat is ready to hit the road. If you’re in a rush and you need your car back right away, this is undeniably a better option for you.

7. Applies Universally To Different Wheel Materials

Not all rims are created equally They are usually made of different materials. For instance, there are those that are made of aluminum, stainless steel, or steel. Apart from metals, you may also have rims that have a glass or fiberboard component. Interestingly, powder coating can be applied universally to these different types of materials. This also applies to highly specialized wheels, such as the Mustang’s, for example. You’ve only got to ensure that your powder coat goes through the appropriate heating process for it to work perfectly.

Conclusion Powder coating has been designed to stick better to the metal rims of the wheels. Through this, the surfaces create a hard cure. This enables you to enjoy an aesthetically pleasing look of your rims while also creating a durable surface. If you’re to make any aesthetic changes to your rims, it’s a good choice, therefore, it doesn’t hurt to give powder coating a try. Always remember, however, that in order to enjoy the maximum benefits of this specific modification, you have to ensure that you’re leaving the job in the hands of an expert. Contact one today.