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Tips to Keep Your Car Cool in the Arizona Heat

Written by Formula 1 Collision on . Posted in Tips and Advice.

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!

What steps should be taken following a car accident?

Written by Formula 1 Collision on . Posted in Tips and Advice.

In the wake of an accident, the most important thing is that nobody has suffered any kind of serious injury. Then, after the dust has settled, you’ll need to find a collision center that you can trust to return your vehicle to pre-accident condition—and will do so at a reasonable rate. Here’s a look at five steps to take following an auto accident.

Check for Injuries

Immediately after the collision, the primary focus should be on checking on the well-being of all passengers. In some cases, the shock brought on by the accident can make it hard to identify injuries right away. Instead, the injuries may become apparent a bit later. So, if it feels like there is even a slight chance of an injury, it’s best to play it safe and seek out medical attention to have the matter checked out.

Call the Police

The police can play a central role in determining who was at fault. Also, the police report itself could end up serving as useful evidence.

Collect and Store Evidence

As long as your physical state allows, in the aftermath of the accident it’s a good idea to immediately take pictures of any damage, as well as driver’s licenses and any other documents that could be needed to help ensure proper payment at a later date.

Contact Insurance

Ideally, you’ll be in a position to do this while still at the scene of the accident, which will allow the insurance agent to make sure that you haven’t forgotten to document anything before leaving. Then, you’ll send it all over to the insurance company and they’ll use the documentation in making their determinations.

Bring Vehicle to a Reputable Auto Body Shop

You’re permitted to bring your vehicle wherever you’d like, and you don’t have to take your car to the shop suggested by your insurance. In making your choice, you’ll want to choose a shop that has a demonstrable track record of providing top-quality repairs and excellent customer service.

If you’re in need of collision repair, be sure to get in touch with a reputable body shop. For collision repair in Tucson, the experts to contact are at Formula 1 Collision Center at (520) 369-4291. Feel free to give Formula 1 a call today to schedule an appointment for any of your auto body needs!

4 Tips on How to Keep Your Car’s New Paint Job Looking Shiny

Written by Formula 1 Collision on . Posted in Auto Body Painting, Tips and Advice.

Once your car or truck has received its sparkling fresh coat of paint, you want to be sure that it continues to shine for as long as possible. While advances in paint technology will help with maintaining that shine, there are some measures you can take yourself to get the most out of your new paint job. Here’s a look at four tips on how to keep your vehicle’s new paint job looking great.

Find a Shady Parking Spot

This is particularly important during those scorchingly sunny summer days. Even if you can’t always find a shaded spot to park when you’re away from home, it’s still going to be best if you can consistently park in a garage or carport when you do get back to the house. And as an added bonus, this will make it feel a little less sweltering when you get in your car.

Park Away from Other Vehicles

While this might mean that you have to pass up on that prime-looking spot right at the front of the lot, you’ll reduce the chances of your new paint job getting a scratch or ding from someone carelessly swinging open their door.

Use Correct Washing Materials

Because of their abrasiveness, regular old dish soap and a washcloth can actually do some harm to your paint job. It’s a good idea to always use 100% cotton washing mitts with cleaning materials that are automotive-industry approved.

Waxing

Whenever you wash your vehicle, it’s a good idea to go ahead and wax it afterwards. As you go about waxing, it’s important that there isn’t any dirt or debris visible on the exterior because you could end up scratching the paint. Also, it’s best to wax your car in the shade and after it has cooled off from driving. Because different kinds of wax have different application guidelines, you’ll want to always read the product’s instructions before starting.

If you’re looking for a new paint job, be sure to get in touch with a reputable specialist. For auto painting and collision repair in Tucson, AZ, the experts to contact are at Formula 1 Collision Center at (520) 369-4291. Feel free to give Formula 1 Collision Center a call today to schedule an appointment for any of your auto body needs!

5 Must Know Steps to Take After an Auto Accident

Written by Formula 1 Collision on . Posted in Auto Body Painting, Collision Repair, Tips and Advice.

Being involved in an auto accident can be scary at any speed. Before it happens to you it is best to be prepared, as this event could occur at any time. While the circumstances surrounding your accident may differ the basic steps necessary to resolve any issues surrounding the incident will fall relatively along the same line. The first thing to do following an auto accident is ensure that you and any others involved are not in need of immediate medical attention.

Check for Injuries

Once the car comes to a stop and you’re able to regain your bearings it is important not to make any sudden movements. Carefully check yourself for injuries. This involves wiggling your fingers and toes, checking for cuts and scrapes or identifying any areas of pain. If you deem yourself OK be sure to check on your passengers and then on any occupants of other vehicles involved. If it is requested or obvious that an ambulance is needed call 911 right away.

Contact the Police

Regardless as to if there are any injuries or not it is always a good idea to contact the police and have them be present at the accident scene. Not only will this deter anyone from leaving the scene prematurely but it will also give you the opportunity to file a police report, which will serve as valuable evidence for your insurance company.

Collect Evidence

It is also a great idea to snap photos of the scene using your camera phone or another camera that you may have handy. Be sure to take close up photos of damage as well as far away pictures that show the whole scene. If possible ask for witness statements from anyone who may have seen the accident.

Contact your Insurance Company

Before leaving the accident scene, which may require the help of a tow truck, be sure to contact your insurance company to make sure that you have fulfilled their requirements for properly filing a claim. When you’re able to do so be sure to take your gathered evidence and police report to your insurance agent.

Find Expert Auto Body Repair

Lastly you will need to find a professional auto body repair shop to get your car back on the road. Remember, who you use is your choice, not your insurance company’s. When it comes to superior auto body repair in Tucson get in touch with the I-Car Certified team at FORMULA 1 Collision Center. Our full service Tucson collision repair shop uses modern equipment to ensure fast and accurate repairs. Give us a call at (520) 369-4291 to request an estimate today!