Red Bluff Daily News Special Publications
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/574375
How to Choose an Auto Body Shop Does your vehicle have dents and dings, scratches and bumps, or even more serious damage? Anyone who has experienced a car accident knows that it can be a ca- lamitous event. Once you have dealt with any resulting health issues, you will have to contend with damage to your automobile. Whether your car has experienced significant damage or simply a scratch, you will want to find an auto body shop that is trustworthy and dependable. A good auto body shop will ensure that your car, truck, SUV or minivan is repaired quickly, affordably and cor- rectly. The shop you choose should be able to complete all manner of work, from a minor touch-up to a full-body repair. Your friends, family and colleagues might have recommendations. After all, auto body shops are an unfortu- nate, but necessary, part of life for most people. Once you have a list of companies, research each shop on the Internet and read customer re- views. Testimonials, negative and positive, should be considered. But keep in mind that no business has a 100 percent satisfaction rate. Someone will always be displeased. Also, more people are likely to leave a negative rather than a positive comment. A good source for finding an auto body shop is your local newspaper. Local businesses advertise and many times you can find special deals to help save you money. Once you have created a list of shops, contact them on the phone and ask pertinent questions. How long have they been in business? What are their specialties? How soon can you bring your vehicle in for an inspection? Ask to set up an appointment for an inspection, which should be free, and further investigate the business. Look around their lobby. Is it clean? Do they have their license and any awards or certificates posted? Do they care enough about their customers to offer reading material, coffee or water? Consider their prices. Are they com- parable to other body shops? While you want to find that deal, remember, cheaper is not always better. Under- stand that you will often get what you pay for when it comes to auto body work. Low prices may be tempting, but they typically mean sub-par work, used parts and paint incorrectly applied. Feel free to ask the manager or own- er for references before they work on your car. You can also check their previous work. When you see a car with paint drips, panels that are misaligned or paints that don't match, look else- where. You will not save money if you need to have the improper work redone. The shop should inspect your vehicle for repairs that are not readily visible. Oftentimes, there are hidden damag- es that cannot be detected until repair work begins on the vehicle. Finding an auto body shop may not be the most pleasant business be- cause it usually means your vehicle has suffered some kind of damage. But finding the right shop will make the experience much more pleasant and you will be happy with the re- pairs. Especially if you find the right shop that knows how to repair your vehicle so it looks the same as before, or even better. 13540 Trinity Ave, Red Bluff (530) 527-8262 • (530) 528-8261 IF NO ANSWER CALL 529-7400 www.garysautobodyandtowing.com AUTO BODY REPAIR 24 HOUR TOWING WE BILL ALL MAJOR INSURANCE COMPANIES "GOOD SAM" MOTOR CLUB • ECO-FRIENDLY & DRUG FREE • COLLISION REPAIR APPROVED BY ALL MAJOR INSURANCE COMPANIES • LIFETIME WARRANTY • STATE-OF-THE-ART DOWN DRAFT SPRAY BOOTH • NATIONAL AWARD WINNING RESTORATION • AUTO & RV REPAIRS "GOOD SAM" MOTOR CLUB • ECO-FRIENDLY & DRUG FREE • FAST! COURTEOUS SERVICE • CLEAN AIR CONDITIONED TRUCKS • REASONABLE RATES • LOCAL & LONG DISTANCE • FORK LIFT SERVICE • ANTIQUE & LUXURY CAR TOWING • ON & OFF ROAD RECOVER • MOTOR HOMES & RV'S TOWED • AUTO & RV REPAIRS • INSURANCE WORK • 5TH WHEEL TOWING • AUTO BODY WORK Full Auto Detailing Available Free with collision repair GARY'S AUTO BODY & 24 HOUR TOWING, INC.