When traveling, different road conditions and circumstances can cause damage to your car. For example, you hit a large animal, rocks fell from a nearby cliff, or hail cracked your windshield. If you assume you don’t have the money for repairs, you may feel tempted to let it ride.

Now, you may wonder, can you drive with a cracked windshield? Our team at the best auto body shop in Tucson, AZ, says the answer varies. Driving with a cracked windshield could lead to problems, but the results may not be immediate.

If you need reliable care repair service, call us at 520-369-4291.

The Answer Depends on the Crack

Generally, small chips in your windshield will not prevent you from driving on the road in relative safety. After all, a slight disturbance in the shield doesn’t prevent reasonable visibility. You shouldn’t leave it alone for too long, but you can safely drive to a repair specialist.

Trustworthy sources like J.D. Power suggest addressing a windshield chip quickly before it escalates into a crack. If the crack spreads too far, the windshield could break.

The Dangers of a Cracked Windshield

While searching “Can you drive with a cracked windshield?” you should understand why it’s sometimes not a good idea. A cracked or broken windshield can be detrimental to your ability to drive and your vehicle as a whole:

• Vision obstructions: Cracks and chips can affect your ability to drive by cutting through your sight. They can also reflect sunlight, causing bright spots that can blind you. Cracked windshields also become more susceptible to fog and humidity changes.
• Weakened protection: Manufacturers make windshields with two layers of glass that they laminate together so the first time it cracks, the glass won’t spray everywhere. The structure weakens after the first crack or chip, meaning it could shatter completely with additional impact.
• Structural integrity: The cabin relies on the windshield for up to 45% of its structural integrity in front-end collisions. This amount increases to around 60% in rollovers. A cracked or broken windshield will give way and could cause the roof to crush you or your passengers.
• Legal issues: Under Arizona law, you cannot legally drive a vehicle with a cracked windshield if it obstructs your vision. Cracks and chips wider than one-fourth of an inch become legally significant in such cases.

Why You Should Address Cracks Quickly

If you have a windshield chip or crack, we suggest fixing it quickly. While they may seem small at first, they can quickly get out of hand if you aren’t careful.

Windshield cracks can spread easily with outside stimuli, like bumps in the road, dirt, or temperature changes. As the glass continues to crack, it provides less protection and becomes an increasing health hazard to you and your passengers.

Get Professional Help with Windshield Cracks

Can you drive with a cracked windshield? We don’t advise it, so we help resolve them. At Formula 1 Collision Center, we can quickly identify and repair different kinds of windshield rock chips, hail damage, and more. 

Call 520-369-4291 for expert windshield and vehicle body repairs in Tucson, AZ, and surrounding areas.

Being at the front of your car, your bumper is susceptible to damage. If you have ever had a low-speed collision, you will probably have experienced a damaged bumper. You may wonder if you can still drive on a broken bumper. Today, the crew at Formula 1 Collision Center is here to answer the question, “can you drive with a broken bumper?”.

For more information about auto body repairs, contact Tucson’s best auto body shop today!

Can You Drive with a Broken Bumper?

The short answer is “yes.” Technically, you can still drive with a broken bumper. However, it can be dangerous driving with a broken bumper. Driving with a broken bumper can cause damage to other parts of your car. A broken bumper will also make your car ride less comfortable and more difficult to handle. 

What Does a Car’s Bumper Do?

Your car’s bumper exists to protect the front of your car from collisions and absorb forces that can damage your car’s body and engine. The shape and location of the bumper means that it can absorb the brunt of the impact if you get into a collision, instead of your car’s tires, hood, or body. 

A Damaged Bumper Makes Your Car Less Safe

Smaller dings or dents in your bumper are not a huge deal, but if you are in a low-speed collision and your bumper has large dents or cracks in it, you should get a bumper replacement as soon as possible. 

A damaged bumper makes you less safe because it won’t be as effective at absorbing the next impact. If you have a damaged bumper and get into another accident, the damage might be significantly more than it would be if your bumper wasn’t broken. For instance, a collision with a lamp post with a broken bumper can completely total your car by smashing the hood and the engine block. 

Broken bumpers can also pose a safety hazard to other drivers. Vibration and shock from driving can cause the broken bumper to fall off your car, which can hit other drivers behind you. Lastly, a damaged bumper cannot absorb shock as well, so injuries during car accidents are more likely. 

Repair or Replace My Bumper

Whether or not you need bumper repairs or bumper replacements depends on the scope of the damage. You can repair small cracks and dings on the front or rear bumpers, but large cracks that go up the entire bumper height will require replacement. Your auto body technician should be able to identify whether replacement or repair is the optimal solution. 

Auto Collision Repair

So can you drive with a broken bumper? Even though you can drive with a broken bumper, you shouldn’t. Call an expert for repairs. Formula 1 Collision Center has over 40 years of experience providing bumper replacement and auto body repairs. We pride ourselves on our quality workmanship and dedication to customer service. We treat every vehicle as if it were our own!

Contact us online or call us today at (520) 369-4291 to schedule a bumper repair in Tucson, AZ!

Do you know how to avoid a head-on collision with another vehicle at night, during inclement weather, or if another driver loses control? No driver wants to see an oncoming vehicle veering across the median or feel their car skid into oncoming traffic. Formula 1 Collision Center, your source for reliable collision repair in Tucson, AZ, wants every driver to develop the defensive-driving skills and practical habits that keep them safe on the road. 

Tip #1: Drive Responsibly in Inclement Weather

One cause of catastrophic accidents is motorists being overconfident when driving in inclement weather. Fog, heavy rain, snow, ice, and other adverse weather conditions can affect your response time and change how your vehicle handles and stops. Be willing to drive below the posted speed limit in dangerous weather so you can brake when you need to without losing control.

Tip #2: Watch for Obstacles and Accidents

Often accidents happen when drivers do not see obstacles until they are moments from impact. One driver leaves their lane abruptly, only to end up in the path of an oncoming vehicle.

Scan ahead so that if a stationary object blocks the roadway ahead, you have time to change lanes safely. Be aware of anything on the road that might cause someone to change lanes.

Tip #3: Avoid Distracted Driving

Knowing how to avoid head-on collisions will not keep you safe if you do not notice an oncoming vehicle until it is too late. Leave your phone off while you are driving, avoid arguing, and keep your mind on the road. Play it safe and pull over if anything is keeping you from paying full attention to the road. 

Tip #4: Do Not Drive While Impaired

Drunk driving or driving while fatigued, under the influence of medications, or suffering from a health condition could lead to a head-on crash.

Tip #5: Move Right to Avoid Oncoming Vehicles

If you find yourself facing oncoming traffic on the left side of the roadway, avoid the temptation to continue moving left to avoid a collision. The other driver might try to avoid you by steering right (to your left) and then crash into you. The best way to avoid a collision is for both you and the other drivers to move right.

Tip #6: Maintain Your Vehicle Properly

If you experience any problems with braking, steering, or maintaining control of your vehicle’s speed, take it to a qualified mechanic for repair immediately. Do not drive without working headlights, and ensure your seat belt and airbags are working.

Tip #7: Obey Road Signs 

Be attentive to DO NOT ENTER and WRONG WAY signs, particularly in low-visibility conditions and when driving on a one-way street.

When You Can’t Avoid Collision Risks, Turn to Formula 1 Collision Center 

Even if you know how to avoid head-on collisions, accidents can happen. Call the Formula 1 Collision Center at 520 369-4291 if your car sustains damage in an accident. No matter what causes collision damage, we will do everything we can to get your vehicle back on the road safely.

When bird droppings or dust gather on your car, your first instinct may be to go to a car wash. However, be attentive if you have paint protection film (PPF) on your vehicle. PPF protects your car from physical debris and resists chemicals, but washing it incorrectly can damage the protection.

Our team at Formula 1 Collision Center, the best auto body shop in Tucson, often receives car wash questions. For example, can you go through a car wash with paint protection on? We answer this with additional details so you can make positive vehicular care choices.

The Answer: We Don’t Recommend It

If you have PPF on your car, we don’t recommend going through automatic car washes. The brushes in automatic versions can leave micro scratches on your vehicle because of the abrasiveness. These brushes also pick up scratch-prone contaminants from other cars or previous wash cycles.

Automatic car washes can leave water spots from mineral deposits or fail to clean your vehicle. Some can even damage your car, ripping off antennas and side-view mirrors.

So, the answer to “can you go through a car wash with paint protection” is generally no. However, we won’t leave you hanging!

We recommend hand washing when possible. If you can’t, try hiring a car washer, going through a touchless wash, or getting help from family and friends.

Cleaning a Car with PPF

Avoiding rough brushes helps protect your PPF and protect your vehicle. However, you can do more to clean your car without damage.

#1. Finish the Curing Process First

Let your car rest if you recently received PPF, ceramic coatings, or other protective paint applications. Avoid washing your vehicle for about 48 hours to let the film and coatings bond to your car’s surface. Temperature and humidity can alter how long this process takes.

#2. Avoid Harsh Chemicals While Washing

Automatic and touchless car washes often use harsh, industrial-grade chemicals to clean vehicles. However, these chemicals can strip the protective film and expose the paint to the elements. Down the line, your car’s paint can buckle and flake and leave your car to rust.

Instead, use gentle soaps and washes appropriate for your vehicle to extend the lifespan of your protective coverings. They can remove the chemicals from bird droppings and other caustic substances that endanger your car’s paint. 

#3. Use the Right PSI for Your Water

Touchless washes, while somewhat beneficial, can use water filled with mineral deposits or too high of a PSI. High-pressure washes can strip paint and protective films when too rough. 

Instead, try handwashing with a pressure nozzle between 1200 and 1900 at a safe distance. Use this principle for compressed air as well.

Where to Get Your PPF

Can you go through a car wash with paint protection? While we don’t advise it, that shouldn’t motivate you to lose out on the benefits PPF can give your car. 

Formula 1 Collision Center professionals complete high-quality auto restorations daily in Tucson, covering everything from a paint job to new parts. To learn more about our auto body services or schedule an appointment, call (520) 369-4291 today!

Whether you’re at the receiving end of a collision or were found at fault for one, you might wonder what causes collisions. As Tucson’s collision repair professionals, we advise you to contact us at (520) 369-4291 for a free estimate on collision repairs. Next, you can continue reading to learn more about what causes collisions. 

Some collisions occur due to bad weather or unforeseen mechanical mishaps. But the main reason has to do with the person in the driver’s seat. 

Reason #1: Drunk Drivers

When someone drives under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they can cause disastrous consequences for anyone involved. An impaired driver can’t gauge their surroundings properly. They also can’t react to things as quickly as they would sober. 

This can cause serious rear-end accidents and other types of collisions. An impaired driver won’t stop as quickly. They may also not register your car’s appearance at all at night.

Reason #2: Aggressive Drivers

You can’t answer the question, “What causes collisions?” without mentioning aggressive drivers.

You may have noticed that road rage has been all the rage within the past couple of years. While traffic commonly causes a short temper in many people, the anger has amplified recently.  If a rear driver thinks you drive too slow for their taste, they can follow behind too closely or distract themselves with angry gestures. 

Sometimes, aggressive drivers will speed up and tailgate your vehicle. If you have to stop short for any reason, the rear vehicle will collide with your car. In such cases, you may need an accident lawyer to ensure you get full compensation for their bad attitude. 

Reason #3: Distracted Drivers

Many things can distract drivers. Sometimes, they pay too much attention to their phone screens. Other times, they rubberneck to look at something in the distance.

In either case, they often fail to register the circumstances in front of them, leading to accidents.

If you stop at a traffic light or stop sign, the distracted driver could run into your vehicle.  If their vehicle hits hard enough, the rear-end collisions can cause airbags to deploy. After ensuring everyone is safe, you need to get information about the other driver’s insurance company in this situation.

Reason #4: Sleepy Drivers

Most people are familiar with long shifts or a lack of sleep. However, they usually avoid driving when they can’t keep their eyes open.

Sometimes, a driver falls asleep at the wheel. When they fall asleep, they lose complete control of their vehicle.

Several scenarios may follow. For example, they could T-bone other drivers, drive into a ditch, or even hit a person on the side of the road. While you can probably relate to sleepy drivers, they can be as deadly as drunk drivers. 

Discover the Perfect Formula for Seamless Collision Repairs

Altogether, an irresponsible driver is what causes collisions. If you had a brush with such a driver, our reliable collision repair process gets you driving again quickly. Call us at (520) 369-4291 to schedule your free estimate today.

Car owners opt for car repair insurance for several reasons. For example, it helps cover your vehicle in the event of unexpected repairs. However, you still may be left wondering how car repair insurance works or what it may cover in the event of an accident.

Keep reading for more information on car repair insurance to consider how it may help with repairs. Then, call Tucson’s best auto body shop, Formula 1 Collision Center, at 520-369-4291 in case of needed car repairs. 

What Is Car Repair Insurance?

Car repair insurance is an add-on from your insurance company that covers mechanical and electrical repairs on your car. 

Typical car insurance policies protect drivers and their cars during accidents. However, the extent of insurance coverage depends on if you have bumper-to-bumper coverage or more comprehensive coverage.

Car repair insurance is different than general insurance. It’s an additional service that helps you pay for general and manufacturer repairs that cars experience from time to time.

For example, if your car engine requires attention, not due to an accident, you can file a claim with your repair insurance. Then, an agent will inform you if the defect is eligible for coverage. If so, you get help paying for the specific claim.

Your Original Warranty vs. Repair Insurance

You may wonder what the difference is between a car warranty and repair insurance. 

An original warranty comes with the purchase of a vehicle. This warranty covers mechanical problems, manufacturer problems with the transmission, electrical parts, and various defects. You should note this warranty ends once you exceed a certain number of miles.

If you opt for an extended warranty, it increases the lifespan of your current warranty for however long you decide with your dealer.

A major difference is that car dealerships handle warranties, and insurance companies handle car repair insurance. 

Neither covers the total cost of repairs when you get into an accident. However, warranties are better for manufacturer problems, while repair coverage is better for monthly expenses and coverage once the contract ends.

Rely on Professional Collision Repair Services

Unfortunately, accidents happen whether you have car insurance and warranties or not. Since warranties don’t cover collisions, many are left with expensive repairs and bills even after insurance.

When these accidents occur, you must let professionals take care of any damages to your vehicle; there are plenty of reasons why you should never diy auto body repair. Some of these reasons include risking adding more mechanical problems, damaging the body further, and creating hazardous conditions while driving. 

So, if you’ve recently been in an accident requiring repairs on your vehicle, trust our local Tucson, AZ, repair shop, which has extensive experience restoring cars. We strive to provide expert-level repairs for the ultimate peace of mind.

You can trust that our team has the entire repair process down from start to finish. Contact us at Formula 1 Collision Center by calling 520-369-4291 today to get the best car repair services regardless of if you have car repair insurance!

The best auto body shops have experience, knowledge, and expertise in the industry. But when is it time to take your vehicle to an auto body shop you trust? Let’s look into three situations where sending your car to an auto body shop is in your best interest.

Your Vehicle Has Damaged Paint

Your vehicle’s paint can be damaged in a number of scenarios. A shopping cart, a tree branch, or even a child’s toy can do damage to your car’s paint job. The good news is that the best body shops offer auto body paint refinishing services. With paintless dent removal (PDR) becoming a more popular option in this situation since it is cost-effective and quick, look for an auto body shop that offers PDR services. This way, your vehicle can look good as new in a matter of hours.

There’s an Issue With a Window

Auto body shops also do window repairs and replacements. So, if you notice a chip or a mark that could turn into something more complex, take it to a trusted auto body shop that can get the repair done efficiently. It’s important to get your cracked or shattered window fixed as soon as possible, as it can be unsafe to drive a vehicle with windows that can break on you at any moment. If glass were to fly while you were driving, it could cause another series of accidents you want to avoid.

You Were Recently In a Car Accident

Did you know that 72% of car crashes result in property damage? If you and your vehicle recently suffered a car accident, it’s best to take your car to a reliable auto body shop that offers collision repair services. Even if you don’t think your car is damaged from the accident, it’s best to have a professional thoroughly inspect your vehicle for damage you can’t see yourself. They may be able to spot auto body damage that can easily be repaired in due time, which is definitely in your best interest if the spotted problem could have turned into a bigger issue.

Your vehicle is one of your biggest investments, so do yourself a favor and take it to one of the top auto body shops in your area in any of the three situations outlined above. An auto body issue may seem small at first, but it can worsen if time goes by and the problem is not addressed. To learn more, contact Formula 1 Collision Center today.

5 Tips To Properly Disinfect Your Vehicle During The Coronavirus Pandemic

As COVID-19 moves across the country, we all know that is is contagious. Washing our hands and disinfecting surfaces are the best way to defend against the coronavirus, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). With everyone donning masks and gloves each time we go out in public, are we making sure our cars are clean and disinfected as well?

If you are using your car during this time, it is a good idea to give it an initial cleanup and periodically go over your car’s interior to make sure there are no germs lingering around. Hopefully, this article will help you understand how important cleaning and disinfecting your car’s interior is without damaging it in the process.

Here are a few tips:

1. Use cleaners that disinfect – It isn’t enough to just make your car smell clean; it has to be disinfected in order to kill the coronavirus germs. Most of the same household cleaners that kill coronaviruses on hard surfaces at home can also clean a car’s interior surfaces without damaging its interior. Chances are, you may already have some of these products at home. According to the CDC, alcohol solutions that contain at least 70 percent alcohol are effective against coronavirus. For the most part, nearly every interior surface of a vehicle can be cleaned with isopropyl alcohol without any damage to it. You can even use disinfecting wipes to wipe down the interior of your car and any other area that could be considered a high-touch area.
2. Don’t use bleach or hydrogen peroxide – While they both kill coronaviruses on surfaces, they will most likely damage your car’s upholstery. They can cause damage to the vinyl and plastics used in most modern vehicles today. Don’t use ammonia-based cleaners on car touch screens either. These cleaners can damage the anti-glare and anti-fingerprint coatings.
3. Protect your leather – Most car leathers and imitation leathers have a urethane coating protecting it, which is safe to clean with alcohol. But over time, cleaning leather with alcohol can leave it prone to damage and discoloration. You should use a good leather cleaner, then a good leather conditioner afterward.
4. Clean all surfaces touched by hands – steering wheel, door handles, shift lever, any buttons or touch screens, wiper knob, turn signal stalk, passenger and driver door armrests, grab handles and seat adjusters.
5. Keep a sanitizing kit in your car – Keeping supplies inside your car is a good idea. You can make a kit of hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes and spray, masks, and gloves to keep you going. Make sure you remove your gloves before you open your car door and get inside. You don’t want to cross-contaminate your vehicle when you get inside with your gloves and masks. You can clean your door handle and steering wheel all day long, but if you have dirty hands, you put that dirt back on when you touch it.

It’s virtually impossible to turn on the television, radio, or computer without hearing about the coronavirus (COVID-19). Don’t panic, just be as prepared as you can. Nothing can guarantee you will avoid catching the bug, but these tips can help to minimize the risk. We hope you can use this information to help keep your vehicle as clean as possible while reducing the spread of the virus.

Other Tips & Advice – If you are looking for Tips To Keep Your Car Cool in the Arizona Heat, visit our blog. Stay safe out there!

Tips to Keep Your Car Cool in the Arizona Heat

The Tucson summer temperatures are already here and heating us up! Although we love the long sun-filled days and great weather that Arizona offers, our cars need special attention throughout the long hot day’s. Sky-high temperatures can send us all running for the AC, but using these tips can keep you and your passengers riding in cool comfort all season long!

• Keep your interior cool– When you get in your car after it has been sitting out in the sun, the heat can take your breath away. Cool down your interior more quickly by immediately rolling your windows down and driving with them down and the air on full blast. This forces the hot air out and allows the cool air to circulate. Within a minute or so of driving, the air inside the car will be tolerable enough and you will be ready to roll up the windows.

• Keep it fresh – Hot weather can really bake in a stench into your car’s interior, especially if you are the team mom or dad, and transporting sweaty, stinky athletes is on your summertime agenda. Make it a point to wipe down your seats on a regular schedule. If you have a leather interior, the store shelves are full of fresh-scented leather cleaners and wipes. Check under your seats to make sure no passengers have left anything that might season your car in the heat and throw a box of opened dryer sheets under one of the back seats to always keep your car smelling it’s best.

• Steering wheel melting? – Turn your steering wheel 180 degrees before getting out of the car. This way, the area of the steering wheel that you actually use will be shaded and you won’t blister your hands while you are driving.

• Don’t blow out your tires – Under-inflated tires are riskier because the lack of air pressure puts the tire under increased strain. On the flip side, over-inflated ones are more likely to hydroplane in a monsoon downpour. Keep a tire pressure gauge inside your glove box so that you can check your tire’s air pressure periodically throughout the summer months.

• Keep your engine cool – Keep an eye on your coolant level on a weekly basis. Hot temperatures combined with low coolant levels can increase the chance of your engine overheating. This can also cause your AC to work overtime. If you’re driving and your temperature gauge is rising, your warning lights start to flash or steam begins pouring out from the hood, this is signs of an overheated engine. Pull your car over to a safe place, turn off the engine, and wait at least a half-hour for it to cool down completely before opening the hood. If your coolant levels are low, topping off the tank could solve the problem. If it doesn’t, contact a tow truck and your mechanic.

These tips can help you keep your car cruising cool all summer long! If you are ever in need of collision repair or auto body refinishing, give Formula 1 Collision Center a call at 520.369.4291. STAY COOL!