Scratches on your car can range from being a nuisance to being downright damaging. Scratches on your car can be unsightly and costly, but there are a few things you can do to fix them. First, you'll want to decide if the scratches require just a touch-up or if they need to be completely repainted. This is because the vehicle's surface is composed of two layers: paint and a clear coat. Scratches only in the clear coat are easier to repair because they don't need to be repainted. However, scratches that go through the clear coat will require repainting to fix, so it's essential to visit your local auto repair shop that will repair the damage.

Here are some tips for repairing scratches on your car:

If the scratches are deep enough that the color of the metal is showing through, you will need to repaint.  If the scratches are not too deep and only affect the clear coat, it should be possible to repair them with touch-ups. In either case, you'll need a high quality scratch remover or visit your local auto repair shop that will remove all traces of damage from your vehicle.

A scratch repair kit will provide the polish and paste, touch up and buffers.  Clean the area using a microfiber cloth, next apply the paste and gently buff the scratch to fill it in.  Use the scratch removal polish with another buffer or microfiber cloth to gently buff the scratch again - without eroding the clear coating on the auto body.  Touch up the paint as need, and consider getting your car waxed to protect the paint.

Keep in mind that the paint may not be an exact match to the color and finish of your vehicle. If the scratch is large enough, a mismatched paint job will be just as noticeable as the scratch itself, so you may want to seek paint repair from a professional auto body shop near you. Professional auto body technicians have the tools and resources to repair the scratch efficiently and match your vehicle’s color and finish.

Scratches on your car can be unsightly and costly, but there are a few things you can do to fix them. You'll want to decide if the scratches require just a touch-up or if they need to be completely repainted. For deep scratches, you will need to repaint. For less deep scratches, it should be possible to repair them with touch-ups. In either case, you'll want to visit Ye Old Station to examine the damage.

​The new driving and safety aids that are precursors to autonomous programming are transforming the transportation industry and changing the vehicle repair industry.  Autonomous driving aids and connected safety protections are data-driven systems and require calibration techniques in the repair process.  Numerous sensors, radar detections, and readings analyze the environment while processing information through vehicle computer systems.  A critical part of these systems is the windshield.  This windshield contains features and operations, including assist lane-keeping, collision warning, emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.  The windshield is often integrated into the computer reading and requires a fully functional and chip-free glass.  A small chip or crack could disengage or misinterpret a reading, potentially risking an accident.  A windshield crack of the past could be repaired on the fly; however, these issues require immediate and calibrated repairs going forward. 

AAA Approved Auto Repair shops offer a one-of-a-kind, unrivaled experience provided by our friendly, approachable and highly-trained service staff. All of our technicians are ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certified, or factory trained, which means they have met the industry standard for excellence in automotive repair. Our facilities also undergo rigorous inspections by AAA.  Ye Old Station maintains AAA standards of approval. 

Once you've identified potential auto repair shops, it's time to do some research. How long have they been in business? This can be an indicator of how good the shop is. How do they handle consumer complaints? Check with the Better Business Bureau, state department of consumer affairs or Attorney General’s office. Online consumer sites and social networks are also great sources of information.

AAA Members enjoy benefits at AAA Approved Auto Repair Facilities:

• Fair pricing
• Quality of work guaranteed
• Priority service
• Discounted Labor (10%)
• Advocate on your behalf]

Ye Old Station provides factory training and certifications to its team of technicians, allowing for up-to-date repair techniques and industry repair and safety standards. Industry knowledge and production repair standards are keys to achieving quality results, service, and high customer satisfaction.

You can't predict when a car emergency will happen. But if it does, you'll need to be prepared. Check out this list of what you need for your car emergency kit to be prepared for anything:

Car Repair:

• An inflated spare tire, wheel wrench and car jack
• Jumper cables
• A portable gas can
• Tool kit or a multipurpose utility tool
• Antifreeze
• Windshield wiper fluid
• Duct tape
• Car battery tester
• Portable car battery charger

Safety:

• Reflective triangles to make your vehicle more visible
• A reflective vest for you to wear if you need to walk to help
• First aid kit
• Fire extinguisher
• Flashlights and batteries
• Car escape tool (to break car windows)
• Instant hot and cold packs (for injuries)
• Protective gloves for checking the engine when it’s overheated

Personal:

• High-energy, non-perishable food (some foods that are less likely to spoil in a car: trail mix, crackers and chips, or meat jerky)
• Drinking water (ideally 2-3 gallons)
• Cell phone charger for your car
• Pen and paper (to make any notes)

Other:

• Compass
• Road maps
• Weather related items, such as a rain poncho, umbrella, snow shovel, winter coat, gloves, car brush, cat litter or salt (for traction on ice), blanket

Even if you find yourself needing help after a car accident far from home, Yeoldstation.com is here for help.

How clean is your car? If you don’t wash it regularly, you could end up with costly maintenance and safety issues. You might occasionally run your vehicle through a car wash. But there are benefits to doing the job yourself — including preserving the paint and being able to get into every nook and cranny. Ready to get started? Follow these five tips to wash your car thoroughly and correctly. First, wait for the right weather. Instead of washing your car on a sunny day, wait for overcast skies or park in a shady area. Direct sunlight can dry the soap too quickly, leaving streaks and spots behind—work from top to bottom. Hose off your car first, and then use a soft sponge to apply auto shampoo. Starting at the top, wash and rinse your vehicle in sections such as the roof and windows, rear, sides, and front. When you get to the front, take a rag and wipe down your windshield wipers. Don’t forget the wheels and undercarriage. Dry with a microfiber or chamois cloth. Finish with wax.

What should you do after washing your car
Keep it clean. Dry-off with a microfiber or chamois cloth. Immediately wipe down all of your car’s exterior with appropriate car wipes or a fabric cleaner. For example, wax polish will give your paint a fresh look. Check for unexpected damage. Some car interior and body repairs are overlooked during the wash. Check under the hood, under the rear bumper and inside the wheel wells.

Wash your car regularly. And if you’re able to use an auto wash for your car, do so. It will help keep the paint as clean as possible.

The GM Collision Repair Network provides the tools and information to help collision repairs to do their job effectively. Promoting safe and proper repairs; the GM Collision Repair Network recognizes the highest standards to promote safe and proper repairs to GM vehicles - delivering a positive repair experience to GM vehicle owners.

The Importance of GM Certified Collision Repair Shops

For GM Certified Collision Repair Shops to qualify for the GM Collision Repair Network, you must have the ability to conduct the repairs that meet the requirements outlined in the technical manuals and OEM repair instructions. You must also maintain a Clean Safety Record (CSR) for the past three consecutive years or achieve it within six months. When the CSR is earned, you become a GM Collision Repair Network member.  GM Collision Repair Network members meet the technical repair requirements outlined in the GM Technical Manual (CMR 332).

What is the GM Collision Repair Network?

The program combines a technical knowledge exam, a tool kit of online tools and a technical certification program. You receive a technician-certification credential for passing the exam, which determines whether or not you can do the work and apply the skills needed to be a certified collision repair shop. This credential allows you to take part in the technical knowledge component of the GM Collision Repair Network and can give you the additional tools and resources to learn, grow and refine your craft.

You can choose to provide the physical space required for auto collision repair. In addition, the network offers the opportunity to display your certification badge on a banner that will be displayed in your shop. You also may display the badge on a sign or jersey.

Why Become an Approved Shop?

Becoming an Approved Shop is not a complex process, and the benefits are numerous. If you are interested in becoming a part of this program, we can help you with the process.

1. Reliable Car Services for Your GM-Certified Shop

The GM Collision Repair Network is the only program in the industry that verifies that your shop is GM Certified. It means that your shop has met GM’s performance, accountability, and standards for auto repair services. Additionally, your facility must comply with the NHTSA’s National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) requirements and be accredited by NASTCORP.

2. GM-Certified Services and Accessories

This program makes it easy to bring GM’s latest products and technology to your customers.

Benefits of Becoming an Approved Shop

Becoming a member of the GM Collision Repair Network means that you have access to a group of skilled auto technicians ready to help you provide a better customer experience.

GM Collision Repair Network: Public Advocacy

You’ll have the chance to share your experience with other collision repair facilities. These people in the repair industry will be able to provide your business with the support it needs to succeed.

We think this is a fantastic opportunity to reach an audience of people who are passionate about the future of the auto repair industry. Helping others in your industry is very satisfying.

Every day, your customers interact with other car owners in the garage.

Conclusion

​The GM Collision Repair Network is here to help you. Join now, and you’ll get exclusive tools and information to help you. No matter what role you play in the repair industry, you’re a repair shop leader, and you deserve to be recognized for your efforts in helping repair the vehicles that move America.