Modern cars come with a full suite of safety technology which was unavailable twenty years ago. One such technology is automatic braking. While this addition certainly gives motorists peace of mind, we have to ask if it actually prevents auto collisions.

How Automatic Braking Works

Auto manufacturers introduced the first automatic braking systems in 2006. Most systems use sensors that detect when the vehicle is in dangerously close proximity to another car or object. If the driver fails to react, the brakes automatically engage. Other systems initiate an alarm that audibly warns you when you drive too close to another vehicle.

What the Study Shows

A three-year study from Virginia Tech revealed some eye-opening information regarding vehicle collisions. The findings show that 75% of collisions were due to driver error. Of those, 68% were due, in part, to driver distraction.

A separate study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety revealed that automatic full-braking systems curbed rear-end collisions by 40%. Vehicles equipped with audible attention warning systems had 23% fewer collisions. Researchers speculated that collisions nationwide would drop by about 13% if all vehicles had some automatic braking system in place.

The Verdict

Automatic braking has our approval, though they’re not a substitute for alert driving. Through years of customer interaction, we’ve learned that the collision claim process can be extremely stressful. This applies even for collisions only resulting in minor auto paint damage. In addition, warranties often don’t cover collisions where you were at fault, which braking systems are designed to prevent. This makes automatic brakes all the more relevant.

Avoid a Preventable Collision in Lynnwood

Absolute Auto Body recommends any technology that improves road safety. If you’re replacing an older vehicle, we suggest a newer model with this technology as standard equipment. Contact us for repairs if a collision occurs.

Automatic Braking Equipment Experts in Lynnwood

Two locations to serve you: Everett and Lynnwood

Posted on August 6, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

With school out, more teen drivers are naturally going to be on the road. Unfortunately, this also increases the possibility of collisions. Drivers under 20-years-old are the highest demographic at risk of distracted driving. How will you talk to your child about the dangers of distracted teen driving?

Set a Good Example

Can you effectively tell your teen to stay off the phone when you text & drive yourself? If you’re guilty of distracted driving, tell your child you’re in the process of improving safe driving practices. Let them know you want to practice safe driving together.

Practice Positive Reinforcement

Some negative feedback is certainly warranted. However, praise goes much further. If your teen maintains the speed limit or ignores an incoming call, then give praise where due.

Establish a Pre-Driving Checklist

Make sure your teen performs several pre-driving functions before turning the ignition. These include:

• Fastening seat belt
• Adjusting the AC/heater to the desired temperature
• Adjusting rear and side mirrors
• Setting GPS navigation
• Setting the radio to the desired station

Performing these actions before pulling out of the driveway reduces unnecessary distractions and keeps the driver focused on the road.

Practice in Heavier Traffic

Practice is the only way you get better at anything. Parents often only teach their children to drive when traffic is light. They usually don’t encounter peak traffic until they’re on their own. Be with your teen as they practice real-world traffic situations, such as merging onto a busy freeway. 

Stop Teen Distracted Driving This Summer

Aside from collision repairs, Absolute Auto Body also does auto painting touchup and other services. At times, motorists bring their car to us  with minor damage caused by an inexperienced young driver. Distracted teen driving is frequently a cause of collisions; talk to your child this summer about its dangers, and contact us today for all your auto needs.

Help with Distracted Teen Driving: Dependable Auto Collision & Dent Repair in Everett 

Quality Auto Body Collision Repairs in Everett & Lynnwood

Posted on July 8, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Bicyclists account for roughly 2% of traffic fatalities, according to a recent report. While not a huge number, auto collisions with cyclists are on the rise. As drivers, our minds aren’t trained to watch for moving bicycles. Learn how to minimize an accident with a biker in Everett.

Check Before Turning

Most drivers know to scan for pedestrians before making a right turn. Do the same for cyclists because they tend to stay in the bike lane on the right. If making a left turn, you can avoid a collision by scanning for on-coming cyclists who need to cross the intersection. 

Check Blind Spots

Drivers are taught not to rely solely on the rear and side mirrors. You also need to turn your head to see behind you. So many drivers forget this and just quickly check the mirrors before making a turn or lane change. While you might be able to see a car in the mirror, a cyclist could be just out of sight. To avoid a collision with a cyclist, always look over your shoulder.

Don’t Accelerate

Some drivers accelerate when they see a bicyclist in order to pass by quickly. A cyclist in your rear, after all, is less worrisome than one in the front. However, maintain a slow and steady pace in case the cyclist makes a sudden move.

Change How You View Cyclists

You might find cyclists to be a nuisance. However, keep in mind they’re far more vulnerable than you. In a collision, you risk a dent or chip to the auto paint; they risk grave bodily injury. Remember, they have just as much right to be on the road as you.

Auto Collisions with Cyclists Are Completely Preventable

Occasionally, drivers come to Absolute Auto Body for minor repairs and other services after a mishap with a bicyclist. A collision with a cyclist is avoidable if you strictly maintain your road awareness.

Helping You Avoid Auto Collisions With Cyclists in Everett

Two locations to serve you: Everett and Lynnwood

Posted on June 6, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Just as you should protect your skin from UV rays in Lynnwood, it’s important to do the same for your car. Auto paint oxidization is a common problem and leads to the dreaded faded appearance. Fortunately, faded car restoration is possible; you can also minimize car paint fading with a few simple precautions.

What Causes Auto Paint Fading in Lynnwood?

The primary cause of car paint fading is exposure to ultra-violet sunrays, which bleach the paint. During sunny days, the car metal becomes very hot, which is also not good for the paint. The roof is usually the first area to begin fading.

Another cause of fading is the use of abrasive cleaners. Don’t use scouring pads or regular dish soap. Use a microfiber cloth and a cleaning solution formulated for vehicles. 

Even a minor collision can lead to faded paint due to the impact’s chipping the paint and exposing the metal.

Prevention Measures

Keep a consistent washing schedule. Regular washing protects the outer coating from degrading. You should also regularly apply wax. Aside from giving the paint a nice shine, it also adds an additional protective layer. Wax in liquid and paste form work especially well for cars with faded paint. Finally, park indoors when possible or at least in a shaded spot.

How to Restore a Faded Car

You may try a clay bar after washing the car. This removes much of the surface impurities that contribute to the faded appearance. For more severe fading, though, you may have to bring the car to a collision center for auto paint restoration. A technician can evaluate the condition of the paint and make an assessment.

We’re Experts in Faded Car Restoration

Car paint naturally loses its gloss and shine with age. Bring your car to Absolute Auto Body for an auto paint restoration session. View our gallery to see old vehicles that now look like new after a faded car restoration. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Faded Car Restoration for all Car Makes and Models in Lynnwood

Two locations to serve you: Everett and Lynnwood

Posted on May 14, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Many car owners only bring their vehicle to a collision shop if they see obvious visual signs of damage. We advise a checkup from a technician even if you’ve been in a seemingly minor fender bender. The car may have incurred frame damage even if the surface appears unscathed.

Look out for these signs of non-visual frame damage.

Car Veers in One Direction

After a collision, pay attention to whether the car pulls to one side. If you need to turn the wheel to drive in a straight line, you have a problem. This is usually an alignment issue but can also be a sign of frame damage.

Car Does the Crab Walk

A damaged frame may result in your car’s doing the “crab walk” while in motion. This occurs when the rear tires go in a different direction than the front tires. To determine if your car is crab walking, drive your car over wet pavement. Examine the tire tracks. If the tracks appear kind of zig-zag instead of straight, you may have a compromised frame.

Uneven Tread Wear

Finally, check for uneven tire wear. A bent frame can affect the suspension, leading to disproportionate tread wear. Of course, uneven tire wear is often a sign of misalignment or imbalance. However, if the tires aren’t wearing evenly after a regular alignment, balancing, and rotation, you have a frame problem.

Aside from the tires, we also recommend checking the doors, windows, mounts, and bolts. These components may show signs of stress even if the frame appears okay.

We Detect and Correct Frame Damage in Lynnwood

Aside from restoring surface-level damage, such as auto paint, we also diagnose the car for a bent frame. Our warranty covers frame repairs and ensures full crumple zone restoration. Bring your car to Absolute Auto Body after a collision. Let us inspect for hidden frame damage and restore your vehicle.

Auto Frame Damage Diagnosis and Repair Experts in Lynnwood & Everett

Two locations to serve you: Everett and Lynnwood

Posted on April 8, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Here’s a little-known fact: roughly 13% of auto collisions occur in a parking lot. Granted, a parking lot collision is usually a lot less severe than those occurring on the highway; damages usually only result in a dent or scratched auto paint. Still, how can they be avoided?

How Collisions in Parking Lots Occur

The following are the most common collision scenarios drivers find themselves in:

• Two cars back into each other
• One car pulls out and into the lane of a passing car
• Two cars collide while competing for the same parking space
• A car rear-ends the car ahead at a stop sign

Who’s at Fault?

If the collision occurred while only one car is moving, the moving car is at fault. If both cars were in motion, the car that is backing out of a parking space is usually at fault. If both cars are pulling out, then both drivers share the liability.

How to Avoid a Parking Lot Collision

First, slow down. This sounds obvious, but you’ll be surprised how many drivers zip through a crowded parking lot. Ease up on the pedal and scan for cars that abruptly pull out. Keep the speed at no more than five mph. This speed helps you maintain a 360-degree perspective of your surroundings. You should also signal every time you plan to turn into a lane or into a parking spot. Finally, always turn your head to observe when backing out. Never rely solely on your mirrors. Blind spots abound, especially if you’re parked between two vehicles.

We Fix Dents from Parking Lot Fender Benders

Bring your vehicle to Absolute Auto Body if you’ve been in a collision of any kind. Our gallery showcases some of our work, which includes dent repairs and auto painting.  Contact us today to schedule an appointment .

Been in a Parking Lot Collision in Everett? Repairs for Minor to Major Auto Collisions

Two locations to serve you: Everett and Lynnwood

Posted on March 8, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

After work, you reach your car and see a nasty dent in the driver’s side door. No one is at the scene and there’s no note. You’re the victim of a hit-and-run. What exactly do you do in a hit-and-run collision in Lynnwood?

What Constitutes a Hit and Run?

An estimated 10% of all collisions are hit-and-runs. This type of collision usually involves two motorists, but one immediately flees the scene. However, if you flee the scene after hitting a stationary vehicle or other object, that also counts as hit-and-run.

What Do You Do After a Hit and Run Collision?

If you’re driving, pull over when safe to do so. Call 911 if anyone requires medical assistance. Next, you’ll need to extensively document the scene. Take photos of the damage of your car from multiple angles. Write down the date, location, and approximate time the collision took place.

Retain as much detail as you can about the other vehicle. Write down whatever you can remember–the make, the model, color, or any numbers/letters on the license plate. What about the driver? If you saw the driver, can you provide a description to the police?

Finally, collect the contact info of any people that may have witnessed the incident. Keep in mind some witnesses may not be willing to provide their contact information.

Call the Police

Once you think you have all the information you need, call local law enforcement. You need to file a report. Even if police never locate the hit-and-run driver, a report is important for official documentation and speeding the insurance process along.

We Will Restore Your Vehicle

Were you on the receiving end of a hit-and-run? Bring your car to Absolute Auto Body. We can restore crumple zones, the auto paint, and more. Our other services also include towing if your car is no longer serviceable. After a hit-and-run collision, stay calm and follow the above steps. Contact us today for all your autobody needs!

Hit and Run Collision Repair Experts in Lynnwood

Two locations to serve you: Everett and Lynnwood

Posted on February 10, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

What do you do if you’re in a collision with an uninsured driver? Will your insurance cover you? Here we cover a few of the basics.

What to Do When in a Collision With an Uninsured Driver

For the most part, you go through the same process anytime you have an accident. First, find a safe location to pull over; then make sure all parties involved are okay. Call 911 if anyone requires medical assistance.

Take photos of both vehicles from multiple angles. Also, be sure to take a photograph of the other driver’s license plate. Next, call your insurance company to report the incident. You should also ask to see the other driver’s license. Keep in mind that the driver may not cooperate because driving without insurance will incur a penalty.

Be ready to describe the incident to law enforcement and the insurance company exactly as you remember it.

What Happens Next?

So you’ve discovered the other driver doesn’t have insurance. What happens now? If you’re at fault, your insurance will cover the damage to the other vehicle. If the uninsured driver is at fault, one of two things may occur.

If your policy includes uninsured motorist coverage, the insurance company will foot the cost of collision repairs. Another scenario is that your insurance company will cover damages to your vehicle by suing the uninsured driver. If this happens, you may need to appear in court to give a testimony.

We Handle the Repairs 

Whatever the circumstances of the accident, bring your car to Absolute Auto Body for repairs and auto painting restoration. Our warranty covers all facets of our work. If you’re in a collision with an uninsured driver, stay calm and proceed as you would in any other auto incident, and contact us for help!

Uninsured Driver Collision Auto Body Repairs in Everett

Two Locations to Serve You: Everett and Lynnwood

Posted on January 15, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Auto paint blending is one car repair area where we never recommend DIY fixes. Blending paint is a complex process that requires professional work. We’ll explain the intricate process of paint blending used to restore a scratch or damaged panel.

Auto Paint Blending at a Glance

You can’t merely paint over a scratch using an identical paint color and expect a perfect restoration. You’ll still be able to distinguish between the new paint and the rest of the vehicle’s color. With a single glance you can tell that restoration work was done, because of the clear edges and lines.

Auto paint blending is a process that blends the restorative paint with the rest of the car.

The Auto Paint Blending Process

We may implement multiple processes depending on the extent of damage. Usually, we sand the damaged area, cover up the rest of the car, and apply paint using a spray gun. We may apply up to three coats for enamel paint and as many as eight coats for lacquer. Once dried (usually within 24 hours), we sand the area again, repeating the process until the paint matches perfectly with the rest of the vehicle.

With collision repairs, we may have to restore an entire panel. In this instance, we may paint over the damaged panel and lightly spray the adjacent panels to achieve a nice blend.

As you can see, the process is complex. The process may also differ depending on the nature of damage. This is why you’ll probably be disappointed with the results of a DIY fix.

We Achieve a Perfect Paint Blend

Bring your car to Absolute Auto Body for restoring cosmetic damages. All our collision and paint restorations are backed by a warranty. With professional paint blending, the damaged area will blend nicely with the adjacent panels. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Auto Paint Blending & Restoration in Everett & Lynnwood

Two locations to serve you: Everett and Lynnwood

Posted on December 10, 2021 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Cars with matte paint finishes have become quite trendy in recent years because of their sandy texture and non-reflective surface. This is the opposite of the once-sought-after glossy shine and bling of the cars of yesteryear. Matte finishes, though, come at a cost. We’ll explain the downsides of this type of auto paint.

Scratches Stand Out More on Cars with Matte Paint

Unfortunately, blemishes are far more noticeable on a cars with matte finish. Scratches are also more difficult to remove because restoration through polishing or wet sanding is ineffective. Furthermore, most owners are unable to find the exact color shade to fill in the scratch. This leaves only two options: leaving the scratch as is or repaint. 

Paint Care

You can’t polish matte paint because it will create a shine, thus defeating the whole appeal of a flat finish. You’ll have to use a cleaner specifically formulated for matte finishes. You’ll also need to use a matte paint sealer and matte protection film for the best surface preservation. All in all, matte paint is more expensive to maintain. This is why the finish is only found on high-end vehicles. Also, the paint is more vulnerable to the abrasive materials in a drive-through car wash. Only wash by hand.

The Warranty

Due to the higher risk of damage to the paint, most manufacturers don’t provide additional warranties for a repaint. This means maintaining the paint and sheen is entirely up to you.

We Repaint Matte-Painted Cars

Did your car incur a blemish from a collision, runaway shopping cart, or bird doo? Bring your car to Absolute Auto Body for a complete or partial auto repaint. Cars with matte paint especially require professional care in order to retain their flat appearance. Contact us today for more information.

Repaint for Cars with Matte Paint & All Auto Paint Types in Everett

Quality Auto Paint Jobs in Everett and Lynnwood

Posted on November 7, 2021 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business