How Potholes Can Damage Your Car

Written by Formula 1 Collision on September 30, 2024. Posted in News & Updates.

If you’ve been a licensed driver for any amount of time, you’re probably familiar with the annoyances that come with those persistent bumps in the road we call potholes. Potholes are due to water seeping into cracks in the road. As water freezes in the colder months, it breaks the pavement until we’re left with holes. They grow larger and deeper as the weather and vehicles chip away at them.

The Formula 1 Collision Center technicians are experts at repairing pothole damage to cars. Give us a call when you need a reliable collision center in Tucson, AZ.

Tires

Tire punctures are the most common type of pothole damage to cars you might experience. Potholes have sharp edges, and if these forcefully hit the tires, they’re likely to burst or at least get a small puncture. You should always pull over after hitting a pothole to ensure the tire isn’t losing air.

Wheels

If potholes are deep enough, you’re likely to have wheel damage like a rim bending or cracking or hubcaps loosening. It could also loosen the bearings and eventually cause the wheel to fall off the car.

Steering and Suspension

Pothole damage to cars can go far beyond the tires and wheels. Hitting a pothole hard enough can damage the suspension, which will affect your ability to steer. If you feel your car pulling one way, you likely have suspension misalignment and need to visit a mechanic as soon as possible, as it could make driving dangerous.

Potholes can also cause shock absorber failure, causing you to have a bouncy ride. The kids may think it’s fun, but it will greatly hinder your ability to steer with ease.

Body

Poor road conditions may damage the outside of your vehicle if the potholes are large and deep enough. You may notice scratches on the side skirts and bumpers, and they may even detach. This is extremely dangerous to yourself and drivers around you, so do what you can to avoid the potholes that are more like craters.

Undercarriage

Pothole damage to cars can have a huge effect on everything underneath. It can cause axle strain, damage or detach mufflers, or break exhaust systems and catalytic converters. If the latter is damaged, you risk breathing in exhaust fumes inside the car.

Formula 1 Collison Center Repairs Pothole Damage to Cars

When you roll over a pothole, you need to do the following:

Look for warning lights on the dashboard.
Listen for unusual noises and feel for vibrations.
Pull over as soon as it’s safe to do so.
Look for tire and wheel damage that may affect your ability to drive safely.
If it’s unsafe for you to drive, call a roadside assistance company for help.
If it’s safe to drive, head to the nearest mechanic.

Formula 1 Collision Center in Tucson, AZ, can repair any pothole damage to cars you may encounter. We can repair damaged alloy wheels, mufflers, tires, and whatever else you may have damaged. Call us at (520) 369-4291 for an estimate, or head over and we’ll give you one on the spot.

What Is Ceramic Coating for Cars?

Written by Formula 1 Collision on July 30, 2024. Posted in News & Updates.

Car owners are always looking for ways to protect and preserve their car’s appearance. One potential option is ceramic coatings. Ceramic coatings are an affordable aftermarket modification that can preserve your car’s new auto body sheen and guard against typical hazards of the road. With that in mind, the team at Formula 1 Collision Center is here to answer the question: What is ceramic coating for cars?

What Are Ceramic Coatings?

Ceramic coatings are a type of paint protection coating for vehicles that consists of a special liquid polymer ceramic that is water-resistant and scratch-resistant. Ceramic coatings are a popular method for car owners to protect their vehicles from the typical wear and tear of the road and the environment. Ceramic coatings are similar to waxes and other sealants, except they are much longer-lasting. A ceramic coating creates a semi-permanent hydrophobic coating that can withstand minor mechanical damage and environmental weathering.

What Do Ceramic Coatings Protect Your Car From?

Ceramic coatings can help your car shrug off damage and corrosion from several common things it might encounter while on the road, including but not limited to:

Bird droppings
Gravel scratches
Acid rain
Tree sap
Road salt
Oxidation & rust
Small dings
UV fading
And more

Since ceramic coatings are significantly longer-lasting than other types of paint sealants and coatings, they create fewer waste products and are more environmentally friendly. You can apply ceramic coatings and not have to worry about minor damage from simply using your car.

Ceramic Coating: Pros and Cons

Like any kind of aftermarket modification, ceramic coatings have their advantages and disadvantages.

Pros

Protect your car from minor scratches and dings
Give your car an enhanced shine and polish
Reduce maintenance requirements
Protect underlying car paint
Increase resale value

Cons

Ceramic coatings wear off over time
High-quality ceramic coatings can be expensive
Needs to be cleaned with microfiber towels and brush-free washes
Ceramic can still scratch and chip

Ceramic Coating FAQs

Below are the answers to a number of questions similar to: “What is ceramic coating for cars?”

How Long Do Ceramic Coatings Last?

Ceramic coatings usually last between three and five years, depending on coating quality and your car maintenance and cleaning routine.

How Long Does It Take To Apply Ceramic Coatings?

A high-quality ceramic coating will take anywhere between one to three days to apply and cure. You should avoid getting your car wet for at least seven days after coating.

Can I Remove Ceramic Coatings?

Yes, you can remove ceramic coatings, but the process is difficult and takes skill to not damage the underlying paint.

Tucson’s Top-Rated Auto Body Shop

Read our blog to learn more about the differences between painting vs. wrapping your vehicle. If you have any more questions similar to: “What is ceramic coating for cars?”, contact Formula 1 Collision Center online or give us a call today at (520) 369-4291 to schedule an appointment!

What Is the Most Common Collision Between Cars and Motorcycles?

Written by Formula 1 Collision on June 30, 2024. Posted in News & Updates.

Are you wondering, “What Is the most common collision between cars and motorcycles?” Formula 1 Collision Center explores the topic of car-motorcycle accidents below.

If you’ve already had a wreck, contact the most reputable collision center in Tucson.

The Most Common of the Car-Motorcycle Accident Causes

Per vehicle collision statistics, there are thousands of car and motorcycle road accidents in the United States each year. In a car-motorcycle collision, motorcyclists are the ones who suffer the most injuries because they have very little protection from an impact.

Making left turns inattentively is one of the most common car motorcycle accident causes. Left-turn accidents happen at intersections because of speeding or when the motorcyclist approaches the car. They also happen after the approach, if the motorcyclist flies by.

Now that you know, “What is the most common collision between cars and motorcycles?” here are car motorcycle safety tips to follow.

Remember That Tech Doesn’t Get Rid of Blind Spots

Modern cars come with all kinds of gadgets. A technological system tells you how to back up. It warns you about bad road conditions. It lets you talk to people overseas while driving down a Tucson highway.

But modern vehicles still roll out of the factory with significant blind spots.

Therefore, adjust your mirrors before each drive because people walking by in a parking lot can bump them.

Double-checking your mirrors is necessary for lane changes. Motorcycles can move fast and cause a car driver to think they’re in the clear. For instance, a motorcyclist might switch lanes quickly, right after you do. You think you’re being safe, but it ends in a wreck because of their speed. Therefore, double-check your moves.

Keep Your Eyes on the Road

Set your phone to driving mode. Only keep it nearby if you use it as a medical device or need it in case of an emergency. If you do this, you are less likely to experience a collision.

Paying attention helps you see the mistakes that others are about to make.

Learn More About Motorcycles

If you’ve never ridden motorcycles, you may not realize how speedy they are. This can cause you to misjudge how much time you have to pull out in front of them. If you know someone who has one, ask them about this. You can also do some research online to get a better idea.

It’s Not Always the Car Driver’s Fault

Motorcyclists should understand motorcycle accident risks. They need to know about the common motorcycle crash types. The freedom a motorcycle brings doesn’t mean they’re exempt from following the laws of the road.

Everyone on the road needs to follow collision prevention strategies.

Contact Formula 1 Collision Center for Superior Car Repair Service

Now that you know the answer to “What is the most common collision between cars and motorcycles?”, you’re hopefully inspired to learn more about how to avoid car accidents. Formula 1 Collision Center uses cutting-edge technology to repair import and domestic cars and trucks. We guarantee honesty and expertise. Contact us at (520) 369-4291.

Do Auto Body Shops Report Damage to Insurance?

Written by Formula 1 Collision on April 30, 2024. Posted in News & Updates.

Collision insurance exists to help cover auto body damage during accidents. Keeping track of expenses is important for making insurance claims, so the question naturally arises: Do auto body shops report damage to insurance? Formula 1 Collision Center is here to discuss the ins and outs of auto body shop damage reporting to insurance companies.

Contact our collision center in Tucson to schedule auto body repair!

Auto Body Shop Process

Here is how going to the auto shop works. When you bring your car in, the ship will ask whether you are paying out of pocket or through insurance. Shops will give you an estimate before making your decision, but most car repairs do go through insurance. After giving you your estimate, they will perform a detailed inspection of your car to assess the damage. It’s fairly common for auto body shops to find additional problems during detailed inspections. They will then create a detailed list of repair costs.

Auto Body Shop Insurance Reporting

So, do auto body shops report damage to insurance? Yes, they do! Once they figure out the total damages, the auto body shop will call your insurance company and give them the details. After that, they just have to wait to get approval. The insurance company might request additional information before it approves the claim. Once they approve the claim, they will reimburse the auto body shop for the work.

Insurance claims reporting by auto body shops is heavily regulated, and any insurance fraud or misrepresentation can impose serious penalties. That is why it is crucial you work with a reputable auto body repair shop that has experience with auto body shop damage notification to insurance.

Do Auto Body Shops Report Damage If I Don’t Go Through Insurance?

If you, for whatever reasons, decide to pay out of pocket instead of going through your insurance, you will be responsible for any repair costs. In this case, the auto body shop will not report the damages to your insurance company because there is no reimbursement on their end.

However, most insurance companies will still require you to report any damages for safety purposes so they can adjust your policy rates. So, if you don’t have insurance or decide to pay without insurance, make sure you get a comprehensive breakdown of repair costs for your records.

Smoothly Navigate Insurance Reporting by Auto Body Shops

To keep the process streamlined, maintain detailed records of any work completed and maintain an open line of communication with your auto body shop. Depending on the type of scope of the damage, reporting auto body repairs to insurance can be complex.

Auto Body Repair in Tucson

Now that you know the answer to “Do auto body shops report damage to insurance?” read our blog to learn about the differences between comprehensive coverage and coverage for collision in auto insurance. Contact Formula 1 Collision Center online or call today at (520) 369-4291 to receive an estimate for auto body repair!

A Complete Guide to the Five Types of Towing Services

Written by Formula 1 Collision on September 30, 2023. Posted in News & Updates, Tips and Advice.

When you call for a tow truck, it may surprise you to find out that there are several different types of towing services available. Specialized tow trucks come in different classes, and each class can handle different types of towing jobs. Using the wrong class for towing could end up damaging the towed vehicle.

This post covers five types of towing services to help you better understand the type of tow vehicle you need the next time you contact towing companies.

If you were recently in a car accident and need to find a reliable repair shop, Formula 1 Collision Center is the best auto body shop in Tucson. Call our team at (520) 369-4291 to schedule a service.

1. Emergency Towing

If you own a vehicle, you are surely familiar with emergency towing services. If you have a dead battery, flat tire, or other small issue, an emergency tow truck can help. If you’re in a car accident and your car is not drivable, an emergency tow truck will handle removing your car from the accident site.

2. Vehicle Recovery Towing

For more serious situations, like an overturned car or a vehicle in a ditch, you need a vehicle recovery tow truck. This type of tow truck has the equipment to provide specialized recovery service if a vehicle is beyond repair, hard to reach, or has needs beyond what an emergency tow truck can provide.

3. Light Towing

Light towing can handle average-size cars like trucks, SUVs, and sedans. A light-duty tow truck is the type you most commonly see across highways and city streets. When your car breaks down, a light-duty tow truck can tow your car to a shop so a mechanic can assess the problem and provide maintenance.

4. Heavy-Duty Towing

Heavy-duty towing services can handle especially heavy vehicles like semi-trucks, construction vehicles, and even manufactured homes. Many refer to them as wreckers, and they use a hydraulic winch to tow large, heavy vehicles. If you’ve ever been stuck behind a truck with a “wide load” sign, chances are it was a heavy-duty tow truck.

5. Wheel Lift Towing

Wheel lift towing is one of the oldest types of towing services in the industry. The driver uses equipment to lift two of the wheels and roll the vehicle onto the truck on the other two wheels. It is highly versatile because it doesn’t require enough space near the vehicle for a flatbed tow truck.

Reliable Towing in Tucson

Whether you drive a pickup truck, a four-door sedan, or operate a construction vehicle, you’ll need a specific type of tow truck. Expert towing services will move your vehicle from one place to another without causing additional damage.

Now that you know the types of towing services available, you know how to request the right type of towing assistance to suit your needs. When the time comes, reach out to our team at Formula 1 Collision Center in Tucson, Arizona, by calling (520) 369-4291.

What to Look for in an Auto Body Shop When You Need Collision Repairs

Written by Formula 1 Collision on November 23, 2021. Posted in News & Updates.

If you need collision repairs, it stands to reason that you’d want to take your car to the best auto body shop in the area. We’re here to help you figure out what makes an auto body shop the best candidate for your collision repair. Here’s what you need to look for in a great auto body shop.

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Great Customer Service

If you call an auto body shop and you’re left on hold or the person you speak to is rude, it’s not a great sign. When you work with an auto body shop, you want to look for excellent communication and customer service. Does the shop call you back shortly after you leave them a message? Are the mechanics friendly and willing to explain your car’s needs to you? These are traits that you need to be paying attention to when you want to find the best auto body shops in your area. A great place to gauge these things is a shop’s review page on their website. If you find that their customers consistently praise their communication and customer service, you’re in good hands.

Technical Certifications

When you see technical certifications displayed on a shop’s walls or on their website, it’s a good sign. Technical certifications show that the mechanics at your chosen auto body shop have the appropriate experience and expertise to safely perform the repairs you need to be done on your vehicle. If you’re looking to have very specific repairs done, make sure you’re looking for certifications in that specialty. While technical certifications can’t tell you everything there is to know about the quality of a shop’s work, they can give you a good baseline to work with in your selection process.

Written Estimates

A reputable auto body shop will always give you a written estimate for their services. A written estimate should tell you a few things. First, it should detail what repairs you need performed. Second, it should list all of the required parts for the job. And finally, a great written estimate will tell you what the estimated labor costs for your repairs are. Before you decide to work with an auto body shop, make sure you get a written estimate so you can make the most informed decision possible about your vehicle’s repairs.

When there are almost 6 million car accidents every year in the U.S., it’s important to have the best auto body shop in your pocket for repairs. If you need collision repairs and need a great auto body shop, don’t hesitate to contact our team at Formula 1 Collision Center.