Gerber Collision & Glass Articles

Washing your car regularly can keep it looking new if it's done properly.

Falling prey to these common car wash myths can leave you with lackluster, scratched paint and a vehicle that looks old before its time.

MYTH: It's okay to use laundry or dishwashing liquid to wash the car. These types of cleaners often contain ingredients that can cause serious harm to auto finishes. These caustic substances can strip the outer coatings that protect the shiny paint underneath. When it's exposed to oxidation, the paint dries out prematurely. MYTH: It's safe to use leather protectant products on the dashboard. Products formulated to protect leather aren't designed for use with the synthetic materials used in...

Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration identify drowsy driving as the cause of over 100,000 accidents and collisions each year.

If you experience any of these signs of drowsiness when you're behind the wheel, pull off the road and get some rejuvenating rest before you become a statistic:

Frequent blinking or heavy eyes Inability to focus thoughts Missing exits or traffic signs Brief memory lapses Repeated yawning Drifting, hitting the shoulder or tailgating Irritability and/or restlessness Uncontrolled head bobbing

Safe Driving Tips to Prevent Drowsiness Behind the Wheel

Rather than risk your life or put the lives of...

Washing your vehicle regularly is essential, but if it's not done carefully, a simple wash could dent or scratch the finish.

Here are five car wash tips to prevent damage and keep your vehicle looking great:

Use proper cleaners and car wash methods at home. Never use household cleaners; only use those made especially for auto detailing. Park the car in a shady location to protect the clear coat. Don't use circular motions when scrubbing with a sponge or chamois. That can leave unsightly round scratches on the finish. Keep the undercarriage clean. The chloride-based chemicals used on icy...

Discovering a scratch on your car is an unpleasant and upsetting experience. Scratches on the finish aren't just unsightly, though. Depending on the severity of the damage, a scratch can expose the underlying metal to moisture and corrosion.

How to Prevent Scratches to Car Paint

There are smart ways to prevent scratches to car paint so you don't have to deal with the consequences.

Don't park where the car is vulnerable. Avoid pulling in next to a vehicle that's not lined up properly, and don't park where pedestrians have to pass close to your car. It's better to choose a spot in an empty area of a parking lot and walk a little farther than risk scratches from adjacent vehicle doors, shopping carts...

When your vehicle is damaged in an accident or collision, obtaining repair estimates is a crucial first step in the process of getting it back on the road. When you're getting a repair estimate after a car accident, quality, cost and timing are three key factors to keep in mind.

 

The following tips can help make the entire process smoother and less stressful:

Do your research - Make sure the estimates you obtain are from well-established collision repair shops with a history of performing quality work. Before you contact a shop about getting a repair estimate...