Auto Body Shop Los Angeles, California 310-972-0233

Auto Body Repair Shops Los Angeles Consumers need to Avoid! How not to get Ripped Off by Auto Body Repairmen

2010-03-22T07:44:00.000-07:00

Auto body repairs performed by unlicensed and illegitimate, fly-by-night auto body repairmen are costing area residents hundreds or thousands of dollars. These gypsy auto body repairmen wander neighborhoods in search of cars with dents or other damage and entice owners with promises of cheap, quick, onsite repairs.

“He promised me the car would look as good as new. The price he quoted sounded incredible, so I gave hem the okay to do the work,” according to a recently victimized South Bay resident. The repairman arrived at her house to fix her car and asked for $800 cash upfront. He covered the damaged panel with body bondo and masking paper and promised he would return to finish the job. He never returned and his phone number was disconnected.

Given the convergent trends of consumer demand for convenience, the need and/or desire for cosmetic repairs, and the prevalence of gypsy repairmen, how can someone keep from being victimized?

First, be wary of someone who shows up at your house in an unmarked vehicle or without business cards. Ask to see a current business license and insurance binder. All automobile repair businesses in California should be registered with the California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR). Ensure that any company servicing your vehicle provides a written estimate prior to commencing work. The estimate should include the company’s BAR number. Look for contact information on the invoice provided after work is completed. Also be wary of any company that asks for cash upfront.

Joaquin Hernandez owns Collision on Wheels, a mobile auto body shop specializing in minor auto dent and scratch repair, abrasions, fenders, doors and bumpers. They provide quality, professional services without the inconvenience of leaving your vehicle at a body shop. CW is registered with the Bureau of Automotive Repair, BAR #AC250832; their technicians go through rigorous background checks and drug screening. CW services consumers and businesses in the Los Angeles California area.

One-day dent repair, scratch repair, auto paint repair, bumpers, fenders, doors, etc…We come to you! Los Angeles, Playa Vista, Playa Del Rey, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, El Segundo, Torrance, Gardena, Lawndale, Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Palos Verdes Estates, Palos Verdes, Signal Hill, Lomita, Long Beach, Hawthorne, Westchester, Harbor City and neighboring cities and communities.

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Auto Body Shop with New Car Buying Guide for Los Angeles Consumers

2010-02-09T10:33:00.000-08:00

Auto body shop technician offers great tips on choosing the right car for you:

There are many questions to ask yourself as you begin the process of choosing and buying a new car, including:

What do you use your car for?
Do you need a family car or a work van?
How long is your daily commute?
Do you prefer a manual or automatic transmission?
What safety features are you looking for?
How much do you want to spend?

Once you have an idea of the model you would like to own, do some research. Compare similar models that meet your criteria. There are several consumer buying guide sites for comparing vehicles. Study the market value, cost of ownership, including maintenance, depreciation rates, insurance cost and fuel efficiency. Shopping online rather than visiting dealerships allows you to save time and get more questions answered before facing the high-pressure sales person.

Now you know just what you are looking for. Contact several dealerships to see if they have the model that you are looking for, the right color, style, features, etc… Schedule a test drive.

The test-drive is very important and much more than a quick spin around the block. Do not allow yourself to be distracted by the salesperson; focus your attention on the car. Test-drive the car on the type of roads you will be using it for the most. Test it over bumps, around corners, in stop-and-go traffic and on the freeway. Pay attention to comfort. Is the car easy to get in and out of? How roomy is the interior; how is the back seat? How easy is it to operate controls like heat, radio, etc while driving? Look at other features like storage compartments in the door or console.

Test-drive a car from several dealerships; but, do this all in one day. Driving the cars one after another will allow you discover minor differences that may end up being an important factor in your new car choice.

Now it is time to start the buying process. You have a good idea of the model car you want and how much you can spend. Do you wish to lease or buy a car?

Leasing a car usually requires little or no money down with lower monthly payments; however, when the lease ends, you need to get another car. Buying a car can mean higher monthly payments, but when the loan is paid off, you own a car with no monthly payments. You can continue to drive it, sell it, or trade it in for a new car.

Whether you are leasing or buying, you will need to decide what do with the vehicle you currently drive. Will you be turning in a leased vehicle or trading in one that you own? In either case, you will come out ahead if your current vehicle is in great condition. If you have minor collision damage, dents or scratches, consider having a mobile auto body shop perform these repairs first.

Joaquin Hernandez owns Collision on Wheels, a mobile auto body shop specializing in minor auto dent repair, scratch repair and professionally matched auto paint repair. CW is the only mobile auto body repair business that is approved by a major insurance carrier to service their policyholders; they are fully insured and back their repairs with a money back guarantee. CW provides service to consumers and businesses including auto dealerships, limo companies and insurance agents in the Los Angeles area.

Dent repair, scratch repair, fiberglass repair, RV repair, collision repair, auto body repair, bumper repair, paint repair, fender repair, door repair, scrape repair, mobile dent repair, mobile auto body repair, mobile collision repair, green auto body repair, minor collision repair, auto body shops, auto painting, Los Angeles, Playa Vista, Playa Del Rey, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, El Segundo, Torrance, Gardena, Lawndale, Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Palos Verdes Estates, Palos Verdes, Signal Hill, Lomita, Long Beach, Hawthorne, Westchester, Harbor City and neighboring cities and communities.

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Dent Repair Expert has Advice for Palos Verdes, CA Drivers

2009-11-10T11:20:00.000-08:00

Dent repair was completed and the vehicle repainted. Now you want to maintain your new auto paint job to keep your car looking good. Washing your car often and waxing every few months will go a long way in preserving the quality of the paint surface.

You can keep your paint job shiny and protect it from the harsh environment by waxing your car every few months. Sun beating on the car causes the paint to fade. In colder climate areas, salt used on the roads will cause corrosion.

Wax provides a shield to protect the paint and cover minor scratches and other damages, making them less visible and preventing corrosion. Waxing your car provides a seal to prevent water from coming into contact with bare metal exposed by deep scratches.

Wash the car and allow it to dry completely and park it in a shady spot as most products work better when the surface is cool to the touch. Use a good quality wax with no abrasives and a soft sponge or clean cloth to apply the wax. Work in sections, spreading the product on evenly. Allow a couple minutes for the wax to haze then buff it with a soft towel using circular motions to restore the shine.

Be careful not to touch areas like rubber door seals and black window trim as the wax will leave white stains on them. If this happens, window spray works well for cleaning these areas.

Wax your car every three months to protect the paint and maintain the color and shine. Don’t be fooled by products that claim to be more durable; use a quality car wax and reapply every 3 months for best results.

Be sure to wash your car often; a clean car dries quicker because dirt and dust hold moisture and speed up the corrosion process.

Joaquin Hernandez owns Collision on Wheels, a mobile auto body shop that provides same day, on-site, dent repair, scratch repair, collision repair, auto painting, and more for consumers and businesses in Los Angeles, Playa Vista, Playa Del Rey, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, El Segundo, Torrance, Gardena, Lawndale, Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Palos Verdes Estates, Palos Verdes, Signal Hill, Lomita, Long Beach, Hawthorne, Westchester, Harbor City and neighboring cities and communities.

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Auto Dent and Scratch Repair made Easier on Drivers in Redondo Beach, CA

2009-11-10T11:14:00.000-08:00

Auto dent and scratch repair has been a troublesome service for drivers to have performed…until recently. New trends in auto dent and scratch repair have made it much easier to have cosmetic repairs done vehicles. Gone are the days of leaving the car at the auto body shop for days at a time while you arrange alternate transportation; a process that often requires one to miss a day or two of work.

Paintless Dent Repair

Paintless dent repair is one recent trend where small dings and dents up to 3 inches in diameter can be repaired within 15 minutes. Those who perform this service say it’s the least invasive way to repair a dent and it doesn’t require one to be without their car for as long as traditional auto body repairs.

Paintless dent repair is often used on cars with custom paint jobs to maintain the integrity of the original design. Collision repair shops can outsource these services to mobile auto dent repair companies or offer the additional service themselves.

Paintless Dent Repair has its Limitations

Paintless dent repair is not always the solution. One concern is the amount of metal that was stretched when the damage occurred. Applying pressure to overly stretched metal can cause further distortions and lead to problems with the paint. This is why paintless dent repair is less effective on dents larger than 2-3 inches in diameter.

The finished results of paintless dent repair are not always satisfactory. The process can cause paint to crack if it has reached a brittle stage. The techniques for repairing dents without repainting often leave visible damage or areas that will show damage after weathering.

In spite of its limitations, paintless dent repair is a popular solution for drivers who want to save time and money and are willing to accept the possibility of minor imperfections. Many auto body shops like to use paintless dent repair techniques to prepare the vehicle for a new paint job.

Mobile Auto Body Shop – Scratch and Dent Repair, Auto Painting

Now comes the ultimate solution for drivers; a mobile auto body shop that comes to your home or workplace to provide dent and scratch repair, bumper and fender repair, and auto painting.

Some mobile auto body shops use paintless dent repair; however, one national franchise, Collision on Wheels, paints every dent repaired, even those the size of a quarter or smaller.

There are many advantages to doing business with a mobile auto body shop; Collision on Wheels offers the following:

• Convenient, same-day service, at your home or workplace
• Affordable collision repair 20-50% less than a traditional auto body repair shop
• Any time dent repair in any weather conditions
• Professional customer service
• Exceptional warranty

Paintless dent repair (PDR) may be OK for very minor scratches and dents; however, it can result in visible damage later in the vehicle’s lifetime. Collision on Wheels does not use PDR, choosing instead to repair and paint all dents to avoid future problems and damage visibility.

Collision on Wheels specializes in minor auto scratch and dent repairs, offering the convenience of same-day repairs at your home or workplace. CW uses PPG finishes that are guaranteed to match your existing paint and they warranty their work for as long as you own your car. CW services auto dealerships, limo companies, RV dealerships and consumers in Los Angeles, Playa Vista, Playa Del Rey, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, El Segundo, Torrance, Gardena, Lawndale, Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Palos Verdes Estates, Palos Verdes, Signal Hill, Lomita, Long Beach, Hawthorne, Westchester, Harbor City and neighboring cities and communities.

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Auto Body Repair Shops and Waste Water

2009-10-12T11:28:00.000-07:00

Auto body repair shops are not often a great concern when we think about water pollution control in industrial businesses. Though auto body repair shops are not major violators, they are not waterless operations. Cars must be washed before and after auto body work is done. Water is also required for wet sanding. Auto body shops must follow rules and regulations when disposing of waste water.

Inspectors are most concerned with floor drains in auto body shops. The fact that they have a floor drain means something is being washed down it. If the drain does not lead to the city sewer system or a holding tank then the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) recommends that it be sealed.

The DEM monitors those auto body shops that choose to use floor drains that are not connected to the sewer system with regular sampling. This insures that wastewater discharged to an underground dry well or septic system will not pollute the soil and ground water.

By law, sanding/metallic dust or other auto body shop waste may not be washed down open floor drains; it must be disposed of in accordance with federal, state and local regulations.

Auto body shops should use a commercial car wash for washing the vehicles they work on. Commercial car washes typically have in-ground systems to catch and recycle waste water to prevent pollution, reduce waste water and conserve clean water usage.

Joaquin Hernandez owns and operates Collision on Wheels, a mobile auto body shop that provides collision repair, dent and scratch repair, and auto paint repair at the customer’s home or workplace. Collision on Wheels is an eco-friendly auto body shop that uses environmentally safe products for a healthier work environment and cleaner air. Joaquin serves consumers and businesses in Los Angeles, Playa Vista, Playa Del Rey, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, El Segundo, Torrance, Gardena, Lawndale, Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Palos Verdes Estates, Palos Verdes, Signal Hill, Lomita, Long Beach, Hawthorne, Westchester, Harbor City and neighboring cities and communities.

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How to Remove Auto Paint Contamination - Auto Body Paint Repair and Maintenance Advice

2009-10-12T11:26:00.000-07:00

As you wash and dry your car do you notice a rough texture on the surface? The tiny, gritty bumps that feel like bits of metal fragments are called auto paint contamination. Auto paint contamination cannot be removed by washing and waxing the car.

What is Auto Paint Contamination?

Auto paint contamination is caused by tiny metal shavings from brake dust, rail dust and industrial fallout which is a byproduct of the modern industrial age. Rail dust comes from railroad tracks and is produced by the friction of a train’s wheels against the tracks. Since most new cars are shipped to dealerships by train, the damage can begin before your vehicle reaches the dealership. Brake dust is produced from the friction of brake pads rubbing against the rotor and dispensed into the air on the highway where it comes into contact with other cars.

You cannot prevent paint contamination. Using rubbing compounds to remove the contamination can be abrasive; eventually it will remove the top clear coat finish from your car.

Removing Auto Paint Contamination with a Clay Bar

The most effective and the safest way to remove paint contamination is with a clay bar. This is a time consuming process so plan on spending about half a day on this job. It is very important that you use a lubricant that is designed for use with a clay bar. The clay bar slides on the lubricant as it pulls out the embedded particles; without the lubricant you could actually burn a hole in the finish.

Wash the car and allow it to dry thoroughly then apply a light mist of lubricant to a small area. Gently glide the clay bar across the area until the surface feels smooth. Wipe with a clean, dry rag and move on to another section. Do not try to work too large of an area at one time or the lubricant will dry before you can get to it with the clay bar.

As the clay bar becomes soiled, pull, stretch and refold to expose a new area. When it is completely soiled throw it out. A 2 oz clay bar should last through 5 to 7 treatments. Be careful not to drop the clay bar on the ground.

The clay bar only removes auto paint contamination; it will not remove scratches or restore the shine. After you complete this job, wash the car and apply a good coat of wax.

Joaquin Hernandez owns Collision on Wheels, a mobile auto body shop who comes to the consumer to provide dent and scratch repair, collision repair, and professional auto painting. Collision on Wheels vans are specially equipped for technicians to provide a quality auto paint job, perfectly matched. Advanced technology allows them to work under most weather conditions. Joaquin serves consumers and businesses in Los Angeles, Playa Vista, Playa Del Rey, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, El Segundo, Torrance, Gardena, Lawndale, Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Palos Verdes Estates, Palos Verdes, Signal Hill, Lomita, Long Beach, Hawthorne, Westchester, Harbor City and neighboring cities and communities.

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Body Shop Owner in Los Angeles Discusses Auto Collision Safety: Is Big Better?

2009-08-29T15:07:00.000-07:00

Many people feel safer in a bigger vehicle; they believe there will be less chance of severe injury if they are involved in an accident. In the event of a rear end crash, head restraints are important for proper head and neck support. Studies have shown that many larger vehicles, like SUVs, that were analyzed by an insurance industry group did not have proper seat back and head restraint combinations. Passengers in these vehicles are at a greater risk of suffering a whiplash injury.

Rear-end crashes are very common. Though fatalities are rare, whiplash injuries are a major problem that cost insurance companies millions in claims each year. Pain and lack of flexibility can disable victims for years.

Rear Crash Protection

Airbags are only designed to work in front-end crashes to provide front, side and rollover protection. Researchers are looking at the geometry of seats and head restraints as a way to protect people from injury in a rear end crash. They use mannequins in crash simulation labs to determine the possibility of injury based on geometric data.

Some auto makers are working on improving rear-crash safety with improved seat designs and head restraints. Head restraints are required in the front seats of passenger vehicles; however, their shape and size continues to vary. There are currently no requirements for the back seat.

Seats and head restraints work together to provide the support needed in rear-end crashes. The force of the crash pushes a passenger’s body forward while the head remains behind the torso, causing the neck to stretch and resulting in whiplash injuries. The degree of injury depends on many factors, including the person’s weight, position on impact, the shape of the seat and the position of the head restraint.

Head restraints are crucial for keeping the head and body aligned as much as possible in case of a rear-end crash. Studies have shown that the best head restraints are height and angle adjustable and the seatback is designed to work well with the head restraint. Finally, it is important for passengers to adjust their head restraint properly and wear their seat belts.

The Problem with Back Seats

Back seat passengers have little or no protection from whiplash injuries. Some vehicles have built-in head restraints that cannot be adjusted; they’re just bumps on top of the seat back.

Some vehicles have adjustable head restraints that don’t lock into place so the can drop down when pressure is put on them. Some head restraints block the driver’s view out the rear window. One good idea that has been implemented in some cars is the head restraints that can be folded down when not in use.

Car manufacturers have a ways to go in creating and designing good seat back and head restraint systems for protection in rear-end crashes. Most cars rate poor to fair in this category.

Joaquin Hernandez owns and operates Collision on Wheels, a mobile auto body repair shop. Like crash safety technology, auto body shops have also improved their methods to provide a safer atmosphere for their technicians and the environment. Collision on Wheels only uses PPG Envirobase products for a healthier work place and to reduce the VOCs released into the atmosphere.

Collision on Wheels provides on-site auto body repairs, dent repair, paint repair, bumper repair or replacement, auto painting and minor collision repairs for consumers and businesses in Jefferson and Shelby County, Birmingham, Trussville, Roebuck, Mountain Brook, Vestavia, Homewood, Bessemer, Pelham, Alabaster, Center Point, Chelsea and neighboring cities and communities

Auto Body Shop Tech Spills the Beans: What Body Repair Shops and Insurance Companies Don't Want You to Know!

2009-08-29T15:03:00.000-07:00

Minor accidents resulting in small fender-benders often cost more than your insurance deductible to have repaired at a traditional auto body shop. If the accident is your fault, then be prepared to pay the deductible.

Auto insurance companies contract with auto body shops for a pre-negotiated rate for repairs. Some practices include requiring low hourly labor rates or forcing the body shop to pay for a rental car if they do not complete repairs timely. These practices often tempt the auto body shop to cut corners, using lower quality materials or neglecting to complete certain steps required for proper repair.

When will the repair work be completed? Quite often, not when promised. Auto body shops like to blame this on a delay in parts delivery when the truth is they took on more business than they could handle. Check out the shop you are using to see if there have been multiple complaints about repairs being completed on time.

Car rentals can be costly; make sure your insurance company covers the type of rental car you need while yours in the shop. Your policy might limit you reimbursement on a small car when you need a minivan.

Some insurance companies prefer auto body shops that use generic or salvage replacement parts to save money. This is fine for some repairs, but original-equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts are always designed to match perfectly and in some cases may be safer. If you are in an accident and you are determined to be at fault then there could be wording in your insurance policy that requires you to use lower quality parts or pay the difference for OEM replacement parts. If you are not at fault, be sure to tell the shop to use only OEM parts.

Many foreign made cars require special equipment and a high degree of precision to perform repairs properly. If you drive a foreign car make sure the shop you choose is certified by the manufacturer to do the work. Your insurance company will not be likely to recommend these shops because they charge higher rates; however, they should be willing to pay to repair your vehicle to its original condition.

Does your insurance company provide a parts and service warranty? If so, it’s useless! The auto body shop’s guarantee is the one that is important to you; most body shops guarantee their work and the parts manufacturers guarantee the parts.

Insurance companies have negotiated so many discounts with auto body shops that in order for the shop to stay in business they do lower quality repair work. Check with the Better Business Bureau, Vehicle Information Services or other agencies that monitor the quality of work done by auto body shops to be sure you are getting good service.

Joaquin Hernandez owns Collision on Wheels, a mobile auto body shop in the Los Angeles area. He comes to you at your home or workplace to provide auto scratch and dent repair, auto painting, and collision repair. Work is done in one day or less and the charge is often less than your insurance deductible.

Joaquin serves consumers and business owners in Jefferson and Shelby County, Birmingham, Trussville, Roebuck, Mountain Brook, Vestavia, Homewood, Bessemer, Pelham, Alabaster, Center Point, Chelsea and neighboring cities and communities.

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Hazardous Waste Produced in Auto Body Shops: Tips from an Expert in Palos Verdes, CA on how to Protect your Business

2009-07-27T13:21:00.000-07:00

Auto body shops and those in the collision repair business are held responsible for the waste they generate even after it is removed from their property. The hazardous waste must be removed and treated by a licensed hazardous waste hauler.

The body shop owner or representative must complete a Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifist form. The form must be specific to the state in which the waste will be treated and can be obtained from the hazardous waste treatment company the body shop chooses.

The body shop must supply information about the waste product and send the original copy of the manifest to the Waste Management Department of their state. The form should include a Land Disposal Restriction form (Land-Ban) and state that the waste will be treated properly and that it will not be disposed of in a landfill.

The treatment, storage and disposal facility (TSDF) will return a copy of the manifest to the generator within 35 days. The auto body shop is responsible for following up on the status of their hazardous waste product if they do not receive this form.

Tracking Hazardous Waste

If the TSDF fails to handle the hazardous waste correctly, the auto body shop can be held liable. It is their responsibility to track what happens with the waste their facility produces.

One way for auto body shops to protect themselves is by recycling their own waste by-products. Hazardous paint solvent waste can be recycled into solvents that are suitable for spraying primer/sealer and spraygun cleaning. The waste left behind could possible by labeled as inert and non-hazardous; therefore it can be discarded without the need for a waste hauler.

Precautions

Here are some tips for auto body shops for creating and handling hazardous waste:

• Recycle – The less you make the lower you liability exposure will be
• Know the Law – The federal regulations are important to you; contact your state and local government to learn more
• Know your TSDF – Question them on their practices, tour their facility. Make sure they are compliant with all aspects of handling, treating and disposal.
• Know your Hauler – Waste must be handled by a licensed and approved hazardous waste company. Be aware that you can be held liable for waste spills and clean-up fees while it is being transported.
• Get proof of insurance and copies of permits, licenses and reports of past incidents from your waste handler
• Follow-up – Verify the waste is properly disposed of and that it is not sent to a landfill
• Policy and Procedure – Follow a strict plan of how you handle the waste generated in your body shop. Obey all regulations of handling hazardous waste.

How hazardous waste is handled is a major concern in the community. Auto body shops need to be especially concerned about how it is handled to avoid large fines and/or jail time. As consumers and car owner we also should be concerned when we choose the auto body shop who works on our vehicle.

Joaquin Hernandez owns Collision on Wheels, a mobile auto body shop who specializes in minor auto collision repairs, dent and scratch repair and auto paint repair. CW only uses products that are safe for the environment and they are the forefront for promoting green practices.

Joaquin serves consumers and business in Los Angeles, Playa Vista, Playa Del Rey, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, El Segundo, Torrance, Gardena, Lawndale, Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Palos Verdes Estates, Palos Verdes, Signal Hill, Lomita, Long Beach, Hawthorne, Westchester, Harbor City and neighboring cities and communities.

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Auto Body Shops: Hazardous Waste and the Environment by Collision Repair Expert in Redondo Beach, CA

2009-07-27T13:18:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been concerned about what happens to waste materials and hazardous by-products when they leave the auto body shop? Does it just vanish into the air and become a problem for nearby residents? The EPA oversees all auto body shops and holds them responsible for hazardous waste.

Body shop owners and companies in the collision repair industry face fines and/or jail time if they violate laws when disposing of hazardous waste materials. Hazardous material as defined by OSHA and the EPA is very extensive and it requires proper storage, treatment and disposal.

Storage of Hazardous Waste

Most paint and paint related materials are considered hazardous in the unfinished or “wet” form. The Materials Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) determines if a product is hazardous. Storage and disposal must be handled in accordance with EPA regulations. The EPA provides copies of the laws and regulations for hazardous products to auto body shops.

There are several methods of storage, the most common being drum containers which must be properly labeled as waste and should include the following information:

• The generator’s name and address
• EPA designated identification of the product
• DOT proper shipping name and identification number of the major hazard
• Quantity of the major hazard
• Identifying labels or placards such as the flammable diamond

The area where the storage containers are placed has to be marked as “hazardous waste storage.” EPA regulations direct how long a drum may accumulate waste and how long it can be stored, depending on how much waste the drum contains. Drums must be removed by a licensed hazardous waste hauler for proper treatment.

Removal of Hazardous Waste Product

When auto body shops generate hazardous waste they must complete a Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest specific to the state in which the waste will be treated. The generator must supply information about the waste, and the manifest should be sent to the Waste Management Department for their state. Also required is a Land Disposal Restriction form, called a Land-Ban, which states that the waste must be treated and cannot be disposed of in a landfill.

The hazardous waste treatment, storage and disposal facility (TSDF) will return a section of the manifest to the generator within 35 days; if not received timely, the generator should contact the TSDF to inquire the status of the waste.

Body Shop Responsibility

The auto body shop or generator of the hazardous waste is held responsible even after the waste containers are picked up. It is important for the shop owner to know as much as possible about the contracted waste hauler.

Waste Disposal Methods:

Each type of waste has specific methods of disposal that reduce the damage to our environment and our health. Some common waste disposal methods include:

Incineration: This is commonly used for solvents and chemicals with a high BTU value. Incineration does not always remove the hazard; many chemicals create hazardous by-products when burned such as cyanide, chloride and sulfides which can be even more dangerous than the original waste. The auto body shop should make it a point to know what is being done with the ashes. If the company is not properly disposing of by-products after incineration this could be a serious problem

Neutralization: This is a form of treatment that occurs with water-based wastes which have an acid or caustic nature. These wastes are corrosive and can destroy cells in living organisms. They are also destructive to vegetation and minerals.

Reactive wastes are difficult to deal with because they react with chemicals and become explosive or give off a toxic gas.

Auto body shops are responsible for protecting themselves, their technicians, the community and our environment by seeing to the proper handling of hazardous waste materials. They should take care to minimize the amount of waste generated and use proper methods of storage and disposal.

As a consumer you can also help by being selective when choosing a collision repair company. Ask them about the precautions they take to protect the environment.

Joaquin Hernandez owns Collision on Wheels, a mobile auto body shop that comes to your home or work place to repair dents and scratches and paint your car. Collision on Wheels uses environmentally safe products and they take all necessary precautions to protect their technicians and the community.

Joaquin serves consumers and businesses in Los Angeles, Playa Vista, Playa Del Rey, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, El Segundo, Torrance, Gardena, Lawndale, Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Palos Verdes Estates, Palos Verdes, Signal Hill, Lomita, Long Beach, Hawthorne, Westchester, Harbor City and neighboring cities and communities.

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Auto Body Maintenance Tips from Auto Paint Repair Expert in Los Angeles, CA

2009-07-23T09:13:00.000-07:00

Due to economic conditions people are keeping their car for and average of nine years. Overtime, cars become dented, scratched and dinged. Someone backs into your car in a parking lot or a runaway shopping cart slams into it. No matter what the cause the dents and abrasions look bad and reduce the resale value. Here are some tips for preserving the finish on your car.

Choose your Parking Spot Wisely

Careless drivers are one of the biggest threats to your vehicle, especially in parking lots. You are careful to park your car properly, centering it between the lines. You go into the store and some jerk parks their car incorrectly, leaving less than a full parking space between them and you. Then an even bigger jerk attempts to squeeze in and hits your car! Another scenario is the driver who is looking behind them as they back out and turn too sharp; the front end of their car hits yours, leaving a dent and scratches trailing along the entire side of your vehicle.

The best way to avoid damage to your vehicle in a parking lot is to choose a parking spot further away from the building and other people. Most people try to get the closest spot they can which means they won’t be parked near you. This will reduce the risk of your car being hit by other careless drivers or shopping carts that get away.

Other Maintenance Tips

Wash your car at least once a month to remove dirt, dust and things like bugs and bird droppings that leave permanent stains. When a car is clean moisture dries quickly; moisture accumulating in dirty areas causes corrosion. Pressure washing removes dirt from the difficult to reach areas like around moldings, inside wheel arches and under the bumpers. Do not hold the pressure wash jet too close or too long in the same area. Thoroughly clean the wiper blades to remove dirt that scratches the windshield.

Wax your car to keep it shiny, shield it from the harsh environment and protect it from fading. Though some products claim to last longer waxing is recommended every three to four months.

Park your car in the garage if you have one. If not, try to keep it in a shady place as the sun beating on the car can cause the color to fade.

As time goes by cars can become dented and dinged, even when receiving the very best of care. The good news is that you no longer need to endure the inconvenience of leaving your car at a body shop for days at a time to just to repair minor dents, scratches and dings. A new trend in auto body repair known as mobile auto body shop is an option. A mobile auto body shop can repair minor collision damages at your home or workplace.

Joaquin Hernandez is the owner of Collision on Wheels a mobile auto body shop providing minor auto dent repair, scratch repair and perfectly matched paint repair. CW is the only mobile auto body repair business that is approved by a major insurance carrier to service there policyholders; they are fully insured and back their repairs with a money back guarantee.

Joaquin services consumers and business, auto dealerships, limo companies and insurance agents in Los Angeles, Playa Vista, Playa Del Rey, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, El Segundo, Torrance, Gardena, Lawndale, Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Palos Verdes Estates, Palos Verdes, Signal Hill, Lomita, Long Beach, Hawthorne, Westchester, Harbor City and neighboring cities and communities.

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Los Angeles Expert Recommends Mobile Auto Body Shop for Minor Scratch and Dent Repairs

2009-07-23T09:10:00.000-07:00

The new trend in auto body repairs offers the convenience of same-day scratch and dent repairs. The concept of the mobile auto body shop, where the service is performed at your home or business, is convenient, time saving and less expensive.

Most people don’t have the time to take their vehicle to a body shop and leave it for a few days just to have scratches and small dents repaired. This is where the convenience of a mobile auto body shop comes in.

How a Mobile Auto Body Shop Works

Imagine the convenience of driving to work and having your vehicle repaired right in the parking lot while you work. When your ready to leave the office the repairs are complete and you can drive your car home. In many cases, your vehicle is ready by lunch time!

A mobile auto body shop is a van equipped with everything the service technician needs to repair minor scratches and dents right in your driveway or at your workplace. They can repair football-sized dents, scratches, scrapes and abrasions on vehicles while you go about your business. This is a great convenience because you don’t have to be without your vehicle for days at a time while it sits at the body shop. A mobile auto body shop is also a great money saver; no need to rent car while yours is in the body shop.

The mobile auto body shop is a unique service; very convenient and inexpensive. The service technician should be able to assess the damage, provide an estimate and do the work the same day. They do have their limitations; if the damage is extensive they will recommend taking the vehicle to a body shop.

Quality of Repair with a Mobile Auto Body Shop

You may be concerned with the quality of repair that can be done by a mobile auto body shop. A good service will be able to computer match the color of the paint on your vehicle for a perfect match. There is no reason to sacrifice quality for this convenience. Advanced technology enables a mobile auto shop to carry everything they need to be portable. They will also work under a tent so they are not disrupting others or damaging nearby property.

Convenience of a Mobile Auto Body Shop

A mobile auto body shop can complete some repairs in just a couple hours. These same repairs, done in a body shop, would require leaving your vehicle for a day or two. Body shops often focus on the bigger, more expensive jobs while the vehicles in need of minor repairs sit and wait.

Cost of Service by a Mobile Auto Body Shop

Since there is considerably less overhead with a mobile auto body shop they are able to pass the savings on to the customer. They don’t have to lease a building and expensive equipment, pay utility bills, property insurance or any other costs associated with a building. Everything they need is in their vehicle.

One of the main reasons a customer will use a mobile auto body shop is that most of the minor repairs that need to be done cost less than their insurance company’s deductible. Most people would rather pay for these small repairs without involving their insurance company for fear of an increase in premiums. They want to remain in good standing with their insurance company in case they need them for something more serious.

CW is a mobile auto body shop who specializes in auto dent and scratch repairs. Collision on Wheels uses the latest technology to professionally repair and paint all dents, scratches and abrasion on vehicles, bumpers and fenders, restoring the vehicle to like-new condition with a perfectly matched paint job.

Joaquin Hernandez is the owner of Collision on Wheels serving the South Bay California area, Los Angeles, Playa Vista, Playa Del Rey, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, El Segundo, Torrance, Gardena, Lawndale, Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Palos Verdes Estates, Palos Verdes, Signal Hill, Lomita, Long Beach, Hawthorne, Westchester, Harbor City and neighboring cities and communities.

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