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Major Car Repair: Out-of-Pocket Payment or Insurance?

major car repair
juan-lara 2020-11-15

Auto insurance is specifically designed to help absorb the risk of driving, and to protect you from having to pay for everything out of pocket if a major car repair is necessary. In some cases, it’s more than obvious you’ll need to file an insurance claim. But when you make that decision, your monthly premium is going to be higher. If your car experiences major damage, you may be wondering if you should pay on your own for the car maintenance and repair or submit a claim.

There is no black and white answer to this question because, honestly, there are a lot of things you need to take into consideration before you make a final decision. In this article, we’ll do our best to help you with the choice by presenting the advantages and disadvantages of each option.

Things to Consider

When you’re involved in a car accident and your car is damaged, it’s best to consider some things before instantly filing an insurance claim. Why? Because every situation is different, and you don’t need to immediately decide whether to pay out of pocket or submit a claim.

When to File an Insurance Claim

If the car accident involves other vehicles or other people, it is always wise to file a claim. Even if there is minimal damage or everyone seems unhurt, it is best to notify your insurance. Here’s why… When an accident first occurs, you simply don’t have all the facts about the damage in that moment. So, while it may not look bad at first glance, there could be a hidden car problem that shows up over time. Or, maybe you feel fine because of the rush of adrenaline, but develop a stiff neck later.

When to Pay Out of Pocket

If you experience minor damage from a single-vehicle accident, it may be in your best interest to pay for car repairs out of pocket to avoid raising your monthly insurance premium. Of course, this won’t be the case if a major car repair is obviously going to be needed.

Need a Major Car Repair?

When your car is in a wreck, the biggest priority is certainly getting it repaired, but it’s not always easy to decide if you should pay out of pocket or file a claim with your insurance company. Lafayette German Car Repair Service, ASE-certified technicians can help you make that choice by accessing your car. Contact us today at (925) 284-3390, or request an appointment online 

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Alamo Audi Repair: How to Repair Your Audi Brakes

How to Repair Your Audi Brakes
juan-lara 2020-04-15

Audi is a company that continuously sees healthy sales margins, and for good reason. These vehicles are the epitome of engineering and craftsmanship, and you can get a lot of miles out of them when you take the time to care for their maintenance. But how do you repair Audi brakes?

This is one of the most necessary forms of Audi repair and maintenance, so to learn more, consider the points below.

Audi Repair Tips 

Tips to Care For Audi Brakes

When you follow these suggestions, your vehicle will stay in great condition, and you’ll also be safer behind the wheel:

Change the Brake Pads as Necessary

When it comes to Audi brake maintenance, look no further than the brake pads. These pads attach the rotor and are responsible for the friction that slows and stops your car. If the pads on your Audi are wearing down, you’ll need to change them out.

Change your Brake Fluid

Your brakes will continuously give you problems if you don’t take the time to check the fluid. This fluid provides your brakes with the lubrication needed to prevent unnecessary breakdowns. Your Audi will be better able to hit tight curves with the accurate braking that you need. 

Buy Nothing But the Finest OEM Brake Parts

When it is time to repair your brakes, make sure you take where parts originate from into consideration. This means looking into original equipment manufacturer brakes, bearings, rotors, and other parts. 

When you’ve found the help of a quality auto repair shop, you’ll be better able to get the right supplies for any job that you have. 

Get Regular Inspections For Your Audi

Finally, take the time to handle your Audi maintenance by starting with some quality inspections. By scheduling an inspection for your vehicle each year, it’ll be easier for you to pinpoint when brake repair is needed to ensure continued high performance. 

Seek the Highest Quality Audi Repairs 

Audi brakes are engineering at its finest. When you have the help of a quality brake repair professional, it will help you stay on top of maintaining the health of your Audi. This is also a matter of safety for you, so never hesitate when it comes to taking care of your brakes. 

Lafayette German Car Repair auto shop is ASE certified and has years of experience repairing Audis and other brands. Make a repair appointment with us so we can help with any of your vehicle’s needs. 

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The Impact of Computers in Car Repair

Impact of Computers in Car Repair
juan-lara 2020-03-15

Computers are playing an increasing role in the car repair industry. Learn more about what impact of computers in car repair industry.

Vehicles have changed a lot since they were invented, especially in just the last thirty years. Sophisticated car control systems were once available only in luxury models, but now computerized systems are entirely standard. That’s why, in order to best serve customers, car repair shops need to work with the latest technology.

Here’s a look at how tech is changing the auto repair industry

Computers in Car Repair 

While it may sound like these terms are interchangeable, there’s actually a difference between mechanics and technicians. Mainly, their area of expertise. In general, technicians are trained to use a car’s computer system to pinpoint and resolve issues. As the world around us becomes more digitized, their skills will only increase in demand.

However, mechanics are more likely to be hands-on. They know how to strip an engine, then put it back together again.

Your Car is Getting Smarter

First and foremost, all this new tech in the auto industry means that car repair and maintenance shops have immediate access to information. Digital inspections, alongside info from the OEM (original equipment manufacturer), helps technicians get to the bottom of things, and also improves customer communication.

Your vehicle is getting smarter, so your computers in car repair need to stay current with the latest tech trends and tools. The electronics in your vehicle, that system of wires and software, is referred to as the Controller Area Network, or CAN, for short. Prior to the Digital Age, cars just had electrical systems, but times have changed. Beneath the surface, our vehicles have become increasingly more complex.

Car Repair Perks

One of the key benefits of going digital is that it becomes possible to install updates to modify how a car operates. For example, maybe a manufacturer fixes a computer glitch or develops a better algorithm. In the past, this would have meant manually replacing parts, but now a technician can upload the latest software.

Manufacturers discourage it, but there are even people who hack or reprogram their own cars.

New technology comes with a learning curve, but it’s now the fastest way to accurately repair systems. To schedule an appointment, please contact our shop at (925) 284-3390.

The Lafayette German Car System is an all-in-one car computer system that will boost your car’s performance, safety, and comfort.

Endless possibilities

Choose from our wide selection of high-end car computer systems to get the perfect one for your vehicle’s make and model. We offer a variety of features to match your specific needs.

Customizable for any occasion

This innovative car computer system allows you to change settings on the device from your phone! This means you can have a different setting for work than for play.

In-house car mechanics

We have a fully equipped, state-of-the-art automobile car repair shop. Our in-house mechanics are experts in their field and have years of experience working on cars just like yours.

 

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3 Questions to Ask an Auto Body Repair Shop

auto body repair shop
juan-lara 2019-09-26

Lafayette German Car is a state-of-the-art, full service auto body repair shop. We’ve been in business for many years and have the experience and expertise to get it done right.

It’s stressful when your car needs collision repairs, but you’re not sure which business to trust. It’s also inconvenient to be without wheels. “How long will it take?” is the first thing we want to know, but as you search for a reputable auto body shop, keep these other questions in mind.

Lafayette German Car is a full service auto body repair shop walnut creek that specializes in repairs.

What credentials should a reputable auto body shop have?

Most reputable auto body shops will display certifications from associations in the industry, such as the Independent Auto Body Association (IABA), AAA, or the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS).

It requires considerable skill and knowledge to repair a vehicle. Not all technicians regularly work with classic models, or certain foreign cars. Some specialize. Consider how long they’ve been in business, and ask if they have experience with your vehicle, as well as the type of repairs that are needed.

Is there a warranty for repairs?

A reputable body shop will offer a written warranty that guarantees the repair work and parts used for a minimum of one year. Make sure to ask what their warranty policy is, and how long it’s valid for. This can tell you everything you need to know about a business. If they don’t trust in the lasting quality of their work, neither should you.

What will it cost?

Most shops will provide a free quote. Your insurance company may have standing agreements with certain businesses, but to find a reputable auto body shop, it’s a good idea to get a few estimates. This process of elimination prevents you from being overcharged, although the lowest quote is not necessarily ideal. We tend to get what we pay for in quality. A technician should explain your options in detail, and put the estimate in writing.

Upon completion of repairs, request an itemized bill. Compare the statement to the original quote you were offered, and question any discrepancies.

It’s worth taking the extra time to find a reputable walnut auto body shop. Asking the right questions will give you confidence in your decision. You can also check reviews online to find out if other customers are satisfied. Hopefully you never need their  car services again, but you’ll know where to send friends and family if they do.

We’re not just your average auto body repair shop. Our team has decades of experience in the industry, working with both domestic and imported vehicles. We are passionate about cars and we’ll be sure to take care of yours too!

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Mysterious Car Sounds What They Might Mean

mysterious car sounds
juan-lara 2019-05-22

Mysterious car sounds can be driving you nuts. It’s not always easy to get an accurate diagnosis, but we’ll help you work through the common possibilities.

A fully operational and working machine is expected to produce some noise. The soft twirl of the motors or a soft hum of the engine should be enough to guarantee that the equipment is working properly. However, when you start hearing something out of the ordinary, it’s time to pay attention. There could be a number of reasons behind noises, and sometimes finding the cause can be difficult.

Mysterious car sounds

What do you think would happen if your car made weird noises while driving? We give you the chance to find out in this very moment.

Following are some of the common vehicle noises that can spell trouble:

Whistling or Rumbling Exhaust Sounds

In most cars, the engine is located in the front but the exhaust of the engine travels the length of the car so noises can be created anywhere along that system through vibration or defect. The further back the sound is heard, the less serious the issue probably is. Apart from this, you might hear high-pitched or low-pitched whistling or rumbling sounds if it’s an exhaust issue. This could be caused by a crack or hole in the exhaust causing the exhaust to leak somewhere throughout the system.

Popping Engine Sounds

A popping sound coming from the tailpipe of your vehicle is a sign that there is something wrong with the engine. It could mean a clogged catalytic converter, a bad power circuit or accelerator pump in your carburetor, bad spark wires, worn or dirty spark plugs, water in your gasoline, a clogged fuel filter, an ignition problem, or a dirty air filter. Similarly, if there is a rattling noise when sitting at a stoplight or stop sign that sounds like a box of rocks shaking, then it could mean that your catalytic converter is bad. A popping sound that comes from the engine or under the hood could mean that a sensor might not be working properly or your car could benefit from a tune-up.

Braking Noises

You will usually hear squeaking, squealing, or screeching noises when you have brake issues. And if there’s a clunking noise, it could indicate a problem with a worn steering system; brake hardware is missing or damaged or the disc brake caliper is mounted improperly. A squealing noise when braking could be various things; brake pads that have overheated and are now glazed, brake pads and/or shoes that are worn, dirt on the brake, disc brake calipers that have come loose, and more.

Pinging or Knocking Sounds

You may hear knocking or pinging. Although rare, it happens, and this generally means a problem with your fuel or ignition system. It could simply mean that your engine needs a tune-up or the fuel in your gas tank could contain water.

Gurgling Noises

Gurgling noises are one of the stranger sounds when it comes to vehicles. Most of the time, you’ll hear this because your cooling system is not doing its job. Boiling coolant can be heard from the hoses as well as the coolant reservoir. In this case, let your engine cool and check the reservoir level to see if you need to add coolant.

 

Mysterious sounds are worth looking into. If your vehicle is doing anything alarming or suspicious, bring it into Lafayette German Car Repair. We’ll see to it you get back on the road safely.