A new car with a fresh paint job is gorgeous, but the car eventually takes on a slightly different appearance as the wax coatings and sealants break down. Fading appearance can result from improper care of your vehicle, weather damage, or simple wear and tear. Whether you need some spot touch-ups over scratches or a full body repaint, learn when the right time is to repaint your car.

Factors That Determine When You Should Repaint Your Car

If you are the owner of a vehicle, there are several things that you need to consider before deciding on whether it is time to repaint your car.

Watch Out for These Signs:

Deep Scratches

The most obvious sign that your car needs repaint work is if there are deep scratches on the surface or if there are any dents or dings in the bodywork.

If there are deep scratches in the paint, you can repair these with a touch-up kit or an aerosol spray paint. But if the damage is too severe, then repainting is necessary.

When there is a deep scratch on your car’s exterior, it can become hard to get rid of without taking it in for some professional help.

Ceramic Coatings

Ceramic coatings offer superior protection against rust and corrosion, but they can also have dents over time by road debris or other objects. If you have an accident vehicle or a car with deep scratches, dents, or salt, replace the coating. When you hire our professionals at Desoto Collision Center, the coating lasts longer before needing further repairs or replacements.

Fading Clear Coat

Fading occurs when the clear coat of the painted surface begins to chip off during normal wear and tear. While you might be able to touch up these chips yourself with touch-up paint, it’s usually better to repaint the whole surface so that the new layer blends seamlessly into the old one.

Discoloration

One of the most obvious signs is fading or discoloration. Discoloration can occur if it’s been a while since you painted your vehicle. Also, if you live in an area where the sun can take its toll on the finish, you may find that your car needs new paint to restore its original appearance.

Rust Signs

Rust is common in areas like door handles and fenders, so if you notice any rusting around these areas, repaint your car.

Accidents

The cost of getting a professional body shop to fix any damages will depend on the extent of the damage and whether it requires a complete repaint job or just minor touch-ups. A professional shop can help from panel replacement to painting prep work to the final clear coat.

Should You Repaint Your Car or Not?

That depends on various factors and circumstances like the type of paint, cost to paint a car, quality of the paint, and more. Time, alongside the elements (sun, wind, rain), are the two leading factors that affect any vehicle’s paint job.

If you are unsure whether it is time to repaint your car, talk to our experts at Desoto Collision Center. We can help drivers in the greater Memphis area protect their vehicles. Contact us online today or call your nearest service center to schedule your consultation!

Teen driving is scary, especially with the number of distractions on the road from smartphones and other machines.

If you want to save your youth from future dangers and accidents, you need to teach them about safe driving practices and safe driving habits.

Before your teen starts driving, it’s also essential they learn the proper driving skills they need to make clever driving decisions.

Use The Following Tips on How To Guide Your Teen Driver Into Safe Driving Practices:

1. Ensure Your Teen Has a Good Instructor

The best way to make sure they learn safe driving skills is to hire a professional instructor. Most states require that all teens take a driving training course before their road test, but some teens may be more nervous about taking lessons than others. They might even get discounts if you choose in-house instructors like the experts at Desoto Collision Center.

2. Go Over the Rules of The Road with Them

Spend some time talking about what it means to be a good driver. Don’t forget to emphasize the danger of disobeying driving rules. Insist on using proper safety equipment like seat belts, helmets, etc., while behind the wheel—even if it isn’t required by law in your state or province yet!

3. Set Boundaries

Create a safe driving agreement with your teen. Describe what you expect from both parties and make sure they follow it! If they know what you expect from them, they won’t have any excuses for doing something wrong behind the wheel.

4. Teach Them to Avoid Distractions at All Costs

It’s easy for teens to get distracted by their phones or friends in the backseat, so remind them constantly to keep their eyes on the road. Distractions lead to accidents and injuries. This includes texting or using GPS apps while driving! If they must use a phone app while driving, they should pull off the road first.

5. Don’t Let Them Drive While Tired or Stressed Out

No one should ever get behind the wheel while tired or stressed out. Everyone should wait until they feel more rested or less stressed before hitting the open road again!

6. Set up A Family Meeting

Set up a family meeting to discuss the ins and outs of driving before your teen gets behind the wheel,

Talk about how having a car can affect their lives negatively if they aren’t careful drivers.

7. Practice Makes Perfect!

Practice makes perfect when it comes to safe driving practices, so encourage your teen driver to practice their parking skills as much as possible before hitting the road full-time!

Get Help with How To Guide Your Teen Driver Into Safe Driving Practices

Ultimately, it’s the parent or guardian’s responsibility to ensure that their teenager drives safely. Learning how to guide your teen driver toward safe driving practices can go a long way in keeping your child safe.

If you or your teen need auto body repairs, our experts at Desoto Collision Center are here to help. We proudly serve the greater Memphis area. Contact us online today, or call one of our service locations to schedule a consultation!

The auto body repair industry has been around for decades, and there are still collision repair myths surrounding it. The first step in restoring your vehicle is to understand the process. Many people have misconceptions about auto body repair, which leads to frustration and unexpected costs. Here are seven of the most common auto body repair myths:

Myth 1: All Repair Shops Are Equal

Use a shop with trained technicians and certified mechanics who can diagnose problems quickly and accurately. The best shops will also be able to recommend parts that meet OEM standards, which guarantees they’ll fit perfectly into your vehicle’s existing parts system.

Myth 2: The Insurance Company Will Pay for Everything After a Car Collision

Unfortunately, this isn’t always true — even if it should be under the law! Insurance companies often try to negotiate lower settlements than the rate required by law, so make sure you know what your coverage includes before agreeing on anything less than fair market value for your car.

Myth 3: “I Can’t Fix My Car Without Estimates.”

You can fix your car without an estimate and without paying anything upfront. All major insurance companies offer their customers the option of paying for collision repairs as they go along while their cars are in the shop — even if they don’t have an estimate yet! So, you can fix your car right away and pay less overall.

Myth 4: You Can Only Use the Auto Body Shop Your Insurance Recommends

This is also false because there are many other great options besides using only the company your insurance company recommends. These shops charge exorbitant amounts of money for repairs compared to other cheaper shops in town that offer similar services. Ask your preferred shop if they can work with your insurance.

Myth 5: You Cannot Fix Bad FramesMyth 6: Only Auto Dealers Can Properly Repair Cars

Although bringing your car back to pre-accident condition may seem daunting, it’s easy when you know what to do. An expert auto repair shop can tell you about essential repairs when generating your estimate and help you understand the extent of the damage.

Myth 6: Only Auto Dealers Can Properly Repair Cars

A common misconception is that only dealerships can provide quality repairs. Plenty of local shops can offer the same level of service at a fraction of the cost. You want to find the best local shop with good reviews, warranty options, and knowledge about insurance claims for accident repairs.

Myth 7: Your Car Will Never Be the Same After a Car Accident

Yes, it will! Many people believe that you can never get back to normal again after an accident. The truth is that with the right help, your car will look like new again! The most important thing is to get help from experts to avoid spending extra money on unnecessary repairs or causing further damage by doing something wrong.

Contact Desoto Collision for Auto Body Repair around Memphis

Auto body repair shops have expert training to restore your car to a high standard. Desoto Collision auto body repair shop can offer you fast personal service and repairs. We back our work with a lifetime guarantee. Contact us online today or call one of our service centers near you!

An accident can happen at any time, but they often seem to happen when we least expect it. If you have a late-night accident, you should do a few things to ensure everyone’s safety and make sure the insurance claim process goes as smoothly as possible.

Call The Authorities and Check for Injuries

Call the police immediately following an accident. This step is essential even if the accident is a minor fender bender with no injuries. The police will create an official report of the accident, which can help file an insurance claim. They will also help to clear the scene and direct traffic if necessary.

Once you’ve called the police, take a moment to check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone gets injured in a car accident, call an ambulance immediately. Even if there are no severe injuries, see a doctor as soon as possible after an accident. Internal injuries can sometimes take days or even weeks to manifest, so don’t let accidents turn into fatal crashes.

Pull Over to A Well-Lit Area

Once you’ve called the police and checked for injuries, the next step is moving your vehicle away from the road. If possible, pull into a nearby parking lot or drive to a well-lit area. This step will give you a landmark for the police to find you more easily, and it will also help keep others driving at night from accidentally hitting your motor vehicle.

If you can’t move your vehicle, turn on your hazard lights and set up a signal like flares or reflective cones around your car to make it more visible.

Call A Friend or Family Member

After taking care of the practical details, it’s good to call a friend or family member to let them know what happened. This person can act as your advocate and support system during this difficult time.

They can also help you remember important details about the accident that you may forget.

Collect Information from the Other Driver

Once you’ve taken care of the accident’s immediate aftermath, it’s time to gather information. First, get the other driver’s name, contact information, and insurance information. It’s also a good idea to take photos of the damage to both vehicles and any visible injuries.

If there were any witnesses to the accident, get their names and contact information.

File Your Insurance Claim

The final step is to file an insurance claim. Your insurance company will likely have specific requirements for doing this, so follow their instructions carefully.

If you have questions or need help during the process, don’t hesitate to reach out to your agent or another customer service representative. They will be able to guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have.

Car accidents happen, but knowing what to do afterward can make a big difference. Following these steps will make a late-night accident less stressful, and the insurance claim process will go more smoothly.

Desoto Collision Center has multiple locations in Tennessee and Mississippi to help fix your vehicle after a late-night accident. Call us at a location near you, or contact us online for all your collision repair needs.

After an accident, your car will likely need an auto body repair. This repair can range from simple cosmetic maintenance to more severe damage that affects your vehicle’s frame.

Understanding why the frame is so essential to your auto body repair can help you decide on the best way to repair your car.

What is The Frame, And How Does It Function?

The frame is the foundation of your vehicle and plays a vital role in its structure and safety. That’s why it’s essential to ensure you get adequate repairs after an accident.

If you damage your frame, it can cause several problems with your car. The most obvious problem is that it can make your car look bad. But beyond that, it can also affect how your vehicle drives and handles.

Here are a few specific ways that frame damage can impact your car.

It Ensures Your Car Drives Well

Your car’s frame is responsible for making sure it drives and handles the way it should. If you bend or damage your frame, it can cause your vehicle to pull to one side while driving.

Also, damaged frames can make it difficult to steer your car and cause your vehicle to vibrate. These problems can make driving your vehicle very dangerous.

Can Help Find Other Issues in Car

Repairing your frame after an accident can also help you identify other issues with your car.

During the collision repair process, technicians at the repair shop will closely inspect the frame for any damage. If they find any damage, they can then look for other problems that might need a look with other repair services.

This check is crucial because it can help you avoid more severe problems down the road. For example, if you damage your frame, it might be hiding other damage to your suspension system.

Helps Protect from Future Accidents

Another reason why the frame is so essential to your auto body repair is that it helps protect you in another accident.

An adequately repaired frame will help keep your car’s structure intact in a collision. This fix can help prevent you from suffering a serious injury in an accident.

It’s important to note that not all accidents will damage your frame. But if you’re in a severe accident, you will likely damage your frame.

Contact Desoto Collision Center Today!

As you can see, the frame plays a vital role in your car. If damaged, it can cause several problems with your vehicle.

That’s why it’s essential to get repairs on your frame after an accident. A good auto body shop like Desoto Collision Center will be able to improve your frame and help get your car back to its pre-accident condition.

Desoto Collision has several locations in Mississippi and Tennessee and specializes in various types of car repairs.

We have a highly skilled team of technicians experienced in repairing frames. They will be able to inspect your structure and determine the best way to fix it.

If you’ve been in an accident, contact Desoto Collision Center online today to schedule an auto body repair, or call your nearest DCC location.

When you take your new car on the road, the last thing you want to think about is getting into an accident. But, accidents happen – and when they do, it’s essential to know where to take your car for proper repairs.

Many people don’t realize that not all auto body repair shops are created equal. Some shops may do more harm than good to your car. That’s why it’s crucial to find a reputable, qualified shop that you can trust for all your collision repair needs.

Here are four reasons you should use the same auto body repair shop for all your collision repairs.

They’ll Have Your Vehicle Records

If you use the same shop for all your repairs, they’ll have a complete record of the repair work done on your car. This record can be helpful if you ever have to file a claim or sell your vehicle down the road.

The repair shop will also be familiar with your car and its history, which can be helpful if you have an issue pop up down the road related to previous repairs.

You’ll Work with Professionals Who Know You and Your Car

When you use the same shop for all your repairs, you’ll develop a relationship with the staff. They’ll get to know you and your car and your insurance company, and you’ll be able to trust that they have your best interests in mind.

This familiarity contrasts with taking your car to a new shop for each repair, where you’ll be starting from scratch each time and won’t have that same level of trust.

A mechanic is less likely to cut corners or do a shoddy job if they know you’ll be back the next time you need repairs.

They’ll Use High-Quality Parts and Materials

A reputable shop will only use high-quality parts and materials for its repair process. This step is vital because it will ensure that your car is safe to drive and that the repairs will last.

Some less-than-reputable shops may use inferior parts to save money, putting your safety at risk.

You Might Get a Better Price

If you develop a good relationship with a shop, they may be more likely to give you a reasonable price on your repairs. This method is especially true if you need to have multiple repairs done over time.

Some shops offer customer service promotions like loyalty programs or discounts for returning customers, so it’s worth asking about this before you agree to have the work done.

When it comes to collision repairs, it’s crucial to find a shop that you can trust. By using the same shop for all your repairs, you can be sure that you’re getting the best possible service for your car.

Desoto Collision Center is a qualified, reputable auto body repair shop that can handle all your collision repair needs. We use high-quality parts and materials, and our certified technicians are experienced and trustworthy.

We have several locations in Tennessee and Mississippi, so we’re convenient no matter where you are. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or ask any questions you may have about our collision repairs or other repair services.

When thinking about sun protection, your vehicle may not be the first thing to mind. However, intense ultraviolet rays are incredibly detrimental to a car left in the sun for too long. Here are some helpful tips to protect your vehicle from sun damage.

Exterior

Sitting in the hot sun will roast your car’s exterior, especially if the paint is a dark color. The most important way to protect your vehicle from sun damage is to park it in a shaded area if you can’t access an enclosed space. Consider incorporating these tips into your car maintenance routine to prevent damage to your cars.

Paint

A car’s paint will crack and peel under the scorching UV rays. Washing your car regularly will keep debris from worsening the sun damage.

Paint protection film and waxing are also great ways to protect your vehicle from sun damage. The film creates a barrier between the sun and your car.

Interior

Through the car windows, UV light penetrates your car’s interior and may slowly degrade the vehicle’s furnishings. However, protecting your car’s internal area is simple with some consideration.

Seats

Signs of sunlight overexposure include a seat’s feeling hot to the touch or causing your legs to stick to the material. Using a seat protector is an excellent way to protect yourself from the sun. In addition, a leather conditioner is ideal for cleaning and creating a barrier between your car and the ultraviolet rays.

Steering Wheel

If grasping the steering wheel feels like a burn test, it has probably sustained UV damage. A steering wheel cover is a helpful tool for sun protection.

Dashboard

Regular maintenance of the dashboard helps protect your car from sun damage. Dust and debris that lingers will crack in the heat.

Use a microfiber cloth and an interior car cleaner or leather conditioner if you have a leather dashboard. Clean your car with these tools at least once a month.

For additional dashboard protection, consider using a windshield sunshade. This cover will protect your dashboard and the seats, steering wheel, floor, and all interior parts of the car.

Tires

Check your tire pressure regularly to ensure there is no shrinkage. Hot pavement shrivels the rubber on your tires and can lead to a flat tire or blowout.

To protect your vehicle from sun damage, use caution when driving in the heat and follow our tips. Contact Desoto Collision Center of Memphis, TN, for more information about auto body repair. Call our friendly team today at 901-207-4263.

Rear-end accidents occur when a car runs into the rear of the vehicle in front of it. When this accident happens, your vehicle will need to go to an auto shop for repair. Unfortunately, damage to the vehicle is not always obvious and may reveal itself only after leaving the shop.

Always schedule a professional car inspection to assess your vehicle’s damage after rear-end collisions.

What Is a Car Inspection?

A car inspection is a service that checks a vehicle to ensure everything is functioning smoothly. Taking your car in for inspection is an excellent way for a professional to assess any vehicular damage.

A car inspection agency or body shop will generally conduct a multi-point inspection after an accident. This process involves checking the functionality of your car’s driving features and other aspects.

Issues Commonly Associated with Rear-End Collisions

Alignment

The car’s alignment deals with the suspension and its relationship to the movement of tires and steering. If your alignment is not correct, your steering wheel might not be as responsive as it should. Additionally, your tires may face too much inward or outward, which an inspection will diagnose.

Trunk Damage

Trunk damage may seem like a cosmetic issue; however, it can pose severe threats if not treated quickly. Injury sustained by the trunk will affect your vehicle’s resale value and its longevity. In worst-case scenarios, hinge and attachment issues could cause the trunk door to pop open while driving.

Transmission

It is not uncommon for a transmission involved in a rear-end collision to absorb impact and sustain damage. Consequently, the plates inside the transmission, known as the clutch plates, do not work correctly. Specifically, they cannot communicate function to the engine or exhaust system.

As a result, loss of function interacts with brake and shift timing, affecting your control over driving.

Turn Signals and Brake Lights

A vehicle’s signal lighting is usually involved in any type of car accident, especially rear-end collisions. Malfunctioning signal lights cannot tell drivers if they are stopping or turning, leading to confusing or dangerous situations. Therefore, car inspection agencies regularly check for lighting issues and identify signal lighting damage when collisions occur.

Brakes

Brake discs, shoes, and pads located behind the inner portion of the tires seldom emerge from rear-end collisions unscathed. Because of the brake system’s intricacies, it is not uncommon for a body shop to miss at least one damaged element of the brakes. In addition, a compromised brake system will continue to worsen with each drive, making a quick diagnosis essential.

Body shops are generally good at catching all issues. However, getting a car inspection after crashes occur leaves little room for error. Besides inspections after rear-end collisions, you should get a car inspection once a year or every five thousand miles, whichever comes first.

If you or someone you know experienced a rear-end collision, contact Desoto Collision Center of Memphis, TN. Call us today for more information at (901) 552-4395.

As a licensed driver, you may wonder why body shop prices differ when you need an unexpected repair. It can also be difficult deciding which body shop is right for you when there are many nearby, and you need someone to attend to your vehicle immediately and at a reasonable price.

Why Do Body Shop Prices Differ?

Multiple factors can contribute to why body shop prices differ. A customer should know that not all body shops operate the same, and they will receive different services.

Materials, Parts, and Tools Can Cause Estimates to Vary

Every auto body shop does things their way and with a team of workers with varying experiences. OEM parts or replacement parts used for collision repair and other situations can cost more for the shop.

Not all materials and tools are of the same quality. That is why a shop may cost more for higher quality products. In addition, shops can cost more because they often use more advanced technology solutions.

Costs Change Based on the Body Shop’s Zip Code or Area

A body shop in a state’s most populated city with a lot of business is more likely to cost more and can comfortably do so. Conversely, auto shops in rural areas may charge less for customers or are more likely to serve you sooner since business can be slow.

Some Shops Have a Better Reputation

It makes sense that auto body repair shops with more experience gain a reputation. Local clients learn what to expect from them and continue to utilize their services. Less experienced or reputable body shops need the business more and often charge lower prices just to get the business.

Shops Determine Estimate Prices from Many Moving Parts

Some established body shops base their pricing on insurance company regulations, while others do so on photographs or their shop’s advanced equipment. A driver should know that there is no standard across the board for pricing. You should ask your local shop what factors into theirs.

Choose the Right Shop for You

The best way to choose the right auto repair shop is to obtain multiple repair estimates and compare the details of more than one shop. You should do your research extensively and see what shops in the area have positive reputations and put customers first. It is also good to look beyond your immediate town of residence, such as a few towns over, so you have more potential options.

Receive Quality Auto Repair from Desoto Collision Center!

Understanding why body shop prices differ can be complex, but you will love Desoto Collision Center prices. We have experienced mechanics with experience working on many different cars and models. We can assess your vehicle for hidden damage that other auto shops miss and handle your repairs at an affordable cost.

Check out our locations and contact us today for the best auto repair services!

Nobody wants to get into a car accident, and generally speaking, nobody enjoys waiting around to get the vehicle towed. But is it worth the risk of further injury to yourself or your vehicle? Should you have your car towed, or drive it?

Check Yourself

After an accident, the most important thing is to check yourself for any injuries. Do not think about the damage to your car before thinking about the damage to yourself. Only after you are entirely sure that you are unharmed should you take the following steps.

Start the Car

Once you know you and the other victims are safe, you can start to think about the car. Locate your keys, and start the ignition. If you are in the way, put on your warning lights and attempt to pull over to the side of the road.

If you cannot start your car, you may need to restart, or jump, the car battery. If you do not have jumper cables, call a tow truck.

At this point, you should check to see if any of your warning lights are on. These include:

●  Check engine light

●  Battery warning light

●  Immobilizer indicator warning light

●  Oil pressure warning light

●  Anti-lock brake system warning light

Look for Visible Signs of Damage

If you can start the car and none of the warning lights turn on, it’s time to check the vehicle for visible damage. Walk around the perimeter of your car and look closely for any damage. If you see any of the following, you should not drive your car:

●  Flat tires

●  Smoke

●  Significant denting (spanning the entire side or sides of the vehicle)

●  Broken windshield or windows

Have you located damage and are still wondering, “Should you have your car towed, or drive it?” Call a tow truck company for further help.

Listen for Noises

If you hear any noises while the car is not moving, you should not drive it. Noises indicate an internal problem and will only worsen if you start the vehicle.

If you start driving the car and notice an unusual noise, pull over. Do not drive the vehicle if you hear any sharp squeaking or shrieking.

If You Feel Unsure

Lastly, if you do not feel safe driving the car, don’t. There is no reason to further jeopardize your safety and peace of mind after a car accident. Instead, listen to your gut, and call a tow truck company.

After the tow truck company arrives, they will give you a price and tell you where they are towing your car. At this time, call a friend, family member, or car service to drive you to the towing location. Your auto insurance may pay for the towing expenses depending on your policy type.

Should you have your car towed, or drive it? Contact Desoto Collision Center of Memphis, TN, for this answer and all your other auto-related questions. Call our team today at (901) 207-4263.