Automotive Collision Center Inc.

www.automotivecollisioninc.com 410-799-2000

If you have ever been involved in an accident, you may find the process of repairing your car and collecting insurance money to be a hassle. You maybe be asked to get auto repair estimates for your auto’s physical damage, use a rental car while your car damage is being repaired, and pay a deductible before your insurance company pays for damages. Knowing your car insurance policy and how it works will make life a little easier and allow you to seamlessly navigate your auto claim.

When the Other Driver Causes Your Car Damage

When you are involved in a car accident and the other driver is at fault, you can choose to go through your own insurance company to have your car damage repaired or you may go through the negligent driver’s insurance company. So what’s the difference? If you make a car accident claim with your own insurance company, you will likely incur a deductible. If you have rental car coverage on your policy, you will have access to a rental car while your car is in the shop, up to a daily or weekly limit set out in your policy.

When the claim is settled, your insurer will reimburse the money it paid for your claim by subrogating against the responsible party’s insurance company and get the money back. This may or may not include your deductible. If it does, you will eventually be reimbursed. If it doesn’t, you’ll be out the amount of your deductible (typically, $200-$500).

If, instead, you go through the other driver’s insurance, as long as liability is clear, they will pay for your car damage and a rental car and you will not be charged a deductible. If the damage to your car is small you may be asked to obtain one or two auto repair estimate. Some companies will advise you to use their preferred body shop. Most preferred shops streamline the process with the insurance company allowing them to straight bill them or write a check on the spot. Most will also guarantee the repairs as long as you own the car.

TIP: Most states now have laws that state that a person can choose to have their car repaired at any shop of their choice. While a preferred body shop may give you an easier process of getting reimbursed, the most important thing is getting the best repair!

Whatever your choice, a claims adjuster will likely question you about the accident and then arrange for photos to be taken of your vehicle at the body shop or separate location. These photos will be used by the claims adjuster in deciding how to pay out your claim, so be sure to accurately document the damage and repairs.

What if Fault is Unclear?

If you are partially at fault for the accident or it’s not clear who was at fault, it’s best to go through your own insurance company and then let the two insurance companies work out the details of paying the claim. Your insurance company may get some of their money back that they paid out for your car damage repair and you may get a percentage of your deductible back if the companies agree that you deserve to be reimbursed.

If you were injured and partially at fault, you will only collect a percentage of your damages. If it’s not clear who was responsible, it may have to be decided in court or by an arbitrator.

TIP: Anytime fault is unsettled or you disagree with your insurance company’s assessment, you should hire a personal injury lawyer who will advocate for your position and get you a larger percentage of your damages for your injury.

When Your Car is Totaled

If your car was a total loss, you will have to negotiate with the insurance carrier (yours or the other carrier) regarding the value of your vehicle.

Before you take action, review your own car’s value online at site’s like Kelly Blue Book. This will give you an accurate value for what you vehicle is worth. Make sure you account for all your vehicle’s features-navigation system, alloyed wheels, CD changer, MP3 player, etc—as all of this increases the value of the car. Likewise, record the vehicles mileage and what condition it was in when it was stolen. The insurance company will start at the low end of your car’s value, so be ready to negotiate. Once you come to an agreement on your value of your car, you will be asked to sign over the title of the vehicle in lieu of a check for the total loss amount.

Aftermarket parts are part made by manufacturers other than your car’s maker. They look, feel and work identical to the OEM part. The insurance company is required to return the car to its pre-wreck condition. They will argue that the aftermarket or generic parts will do that in a cost-effective manner. But this is a hotly contested issue. Laws on this issue vary from state to state. Some states require that insurance companies use OEM parts in certain vehicles. For example, insurance companies in New Hampshire must use OEM parts for damaged vehicles that are less than 2 years old or have less than 30,000 miles on the odometer, while West Virginia requires OEM parts in all cars under 3 years old. Because state law differs, you should always check your state’s laws with regard to the use of aftermarket or OEM parts.

TIP: Although the parts are similar is quality, using OEM parts may help you by reducing the car’s diminished value. If you are concerned about what your vehicle will be worth after the accident, check to see how the parts affect its value before getting your car repaired.

How to Repair Hail Damage on Your Car

Hail damage is covered under the comprehensive coverage of your policy. If you have a deductible for this coverage, it will pay for the damage caused by hail minus any deductible. Auto flood damage would also be covered under this same coverage. Contact your carrier as soon as you have knowledge of the damage. They may ask you to obtain an auto damage estimate or they may send an auto damage appraiser to look at your vehicle.

Fault vs. No-Fault state

The relationship between fault and who ultimately pays for damages and injuries determines the outcome in car insurance claims and car accident cases across most states. There are some states, however, that operate under no-fault laws. Essentially, under no-fault laws, it doesn’t matter who was at fault. Each person’s own insurance company pays for his or her expenses, depending on that state’s specific laws and rules. The no-fault rules do not always apply to property damage to your car. If you live in a no-fault state, make sure you know what damages your insurance company will cover before filing your claim. Consult a car insurance attorney with questions.

www.automotivecollisioninc 410-799-2000
Auto insurance is a preventative strategy that can save you a lot of money in auto repairs and medical payments in the unfortunate event of an accident. All states in the U.S. now require motorists to carry minimum liability car insurance for the privilege of driving on public roads. If you think an estimate is unfair, you can certainly ask your auto insurance provider for a second estimate of damages, but you will be obligated to pay the smaller amount. You see, auto insurance companies are not in the business of writing checks for inflated damage estimates. In addition, the repair shops want to keep the insurance companies happy, so they often take a cost-effective approach to preparing accident estimates. Just think, around 90 percent of all motor vehicle accident repairs are handled through insurance companies.

If you have a right to collect for any repairs that need to be done to your damaged vehicle (your auto insurance policy will outline your coverages, deductibles, etc.), the auto insurance company is required to do a visual evaluation of damages so they can begin the process of determining the cost of repairs. Again, a quick look at your insurance policy will tell you exactly what is covered. Based on the damages and what is covered under your policy, the adjuster will provide a reasonable car accident estimate. The auto insurance company is not legally obligated to accept a higher estimate.

The best thing you can do if you have been involved in a collision is to participate in the evaluation and fully cooperate. It is perfectly fine to accompany the claims adjuster while he inspects your vehicle. It is important to point out any damage that the claims adjuster might miss, but keep in mind that extensive damage to your vehicle may result in a “total loss.” A total loss is a loss of sufficient size such that there is nothing left of value. This term is also used to mean a loss requiring the maximum amount a policy will pay.

If your car is declared a total loss, the auto insurance company is under no obligation to repair the damages, no matter how much you love your vehicle. What they are obligated to do is, offer you a check for the fair market value of the vehicle. Fair market value is based on what the car would sell for under current market conditions, before the accident.

In the end, it might cost less money to pay the lower estimate now than to drag your feet and wind up in court. A judgment rendered against you can result in court costs in addition to damages and attachment of your wages and bank accounts. Not only can this hurt financially, it can harm your reputation with your bank and your employer.

Hanover businesswoman expands with new store offering significant savings on gowns and more.

By MELODY ASPER

For The Evening Sun

Posted: 12/16/2011 07:52:34 AM EST

Se Jolie owner Simone Hostetter, of Simone s Unlimited, is in her new dress shop at 947 Carlisle St., with her store manager, Megan Brillhart. The store specializes in wedding, prom and special-occasion dresses. (THE EVENING SUN SHANE DUNLAP)
Se’ Jolie’ – that’s “It’s pretty” in French.

That’s all the French language you need to know to appreciate everything pretty – and pretty inexpensive – at Se’ Jolie’, a new store where you can shop for brand new formal and bridal gowns and dresses at significant savings.

The store, at 947 Carlisle St., opened at the end of November and is owned by Simone Hostetter, who has owned and operated the renowned and well-respected Simone’s Unlimited Day Spa and Bridal Shop for more than 15 years.

“We have so much brand new inventory at Simone’s that we decided we needed an outlet where we could offer quality new merchandise at vastly reduced prices,” Hostetter said. “Because of the economy, many people are looking for bargains and this
A wide selection of prom dresses is at Se Jolie on Carlisle Street. The newly opened business specializes in new wedding, prom and special-occasion dresses. (THE EVENING SUN SHANE DUNLAP)
is the place to find them.”

Customers need to know that Se’ Jolie’ only sells new bridal and formal wear, Hostetter stressed, as the shop is in the same building which formerly housed a consignment store.

“These are all brand new, excellent quality, and current styles from high-end designers,” she said. “Each gown here is one-of-a kind, because designers only cut so many pieces of one style and then they change the style slightly.”

All of the bridal gowns, bridesmaids’ gowns and mother-of-the-bride dresses at Se’ Jolie’ are priced at savings of 50 to 70 percent off their original cost, Hostetter said.

A huge selection of gowns and dresses are available in many styles and colors. Bridal gown sizes range from 2 to 30 and
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mother-of-the-bride dresses have sizes 4 to 30.

All of the gowns and dresses are from well known “high-end” designers, such as Maggie Sottero, Demitrios, Mori Lee and Casablanca, she said, mentioning just a few of the manufacturers.

“These are not knock-offs,” Hostetter added. “These are the real thing at a fraction of the regular price.”

One-of-a-kind bridesmaids’ gowns in many sizes are also offered at huge savings, said Hostetter. All are samples ranging in price from $10 to $60.

“If it is to be a small wedding with one bridesmaid or maid of honor, or if the bride would like to have all one color wedding party with different dress styles, this is the place to shop at significant savings,” store manager Megan Brillhart said. “These are gowns that originally cost hundreds of dollars.”

Starting in January, Hostetter said, Se’ Jolie’ will also offer a line of bridesmaids dresses for under $100 each that can be ordered for budget conscious brides that want to have all of their bridesmaids gowns match exactly.

A large selection of flower girl, junior bridesmaid and infant baptism and christening dresses are also available at 50 percent or more less than regular retail.

Similar savings can be had for quality formal wear such as New Year’s gowns and cocktail dresses and prom gowns and homecoming dresses, said Brillhart.

The difference between a bridesmaid’s gown and a formal gown worn to a holiday party, prom or pageant is “bling,” said Hostetter.

“A bridesmaid’s gown is understated so as to not outshine the bride,” Brillhart explained. “A formal gown is flashy and dazzling, with beading, sequins or other special features. It’s fashion forward.”

Brillhart said the formal dresses and gowns are also from well-known designers, such as Jovani, Tony Bowls, Mori Lee, Tiffani and others.

The difference customers will appreciate at Se’ Jolie’ is the reduced price they will pay for the “bling,” Hostetter said.

“The price for the average prom or holiday gown at every shop anywhere is now $350 to $400,” she said. “Here at Se’ Jolie’ we have the same high quality designer gowns at $100 to $200. I’m selling them at the prices I pay for them.”

The formal gowns are available from size 0 up to size 24, said Brillhart.

“It’s a great place to save for people that want to go to formal events but are on a budget,” Brillhart said.

Customers will also appreciate the individual attention they will get at Se’ Jolie’, said Hostetter.

“Don’t let the word budget mislead you,” she said with a smile. “From the minute a customer walks in, our employees are dedicated to guiding them to find the perfect item that they are looking for.”

Se’ Jolie’ also offers an equally pretty budget-priced selection of formal fashion shoes, jewelry, handbags and slips, said Hostetter.

The shop is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is closed Sunday and Monday.

An on-line, “no frills” version of Simone’s is also available online, said Hostetter, at www.BridalPromPageant.com.

“That’s a new store for us as well,” she said. “Everything is brand new, first quality merchandise at low, low prices.”

For more information on Se’ Jolie’ call 634-2274 or go to the Facebook website and “like” the store to take advantage of special sales and coupons.

IF YOU GO

What: Se’ Jolie’

Where: 947 Carlisle St., Hanover

Hours: Tuesdays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is closed Sunday and Monday.

Call: 634-2274

Automotive Collision Center Inc. 410-799-2000

Insurance Help
Whether you choose to use Leading Edge Auto Body or another repair shop, don’t be manipulated by the insurance companies to your disadvantage.

The Un-Truths That You Should Know About

These are often heard phrases or word tracks from Insurance Companies when you want to bring your vehicle to Leading Edge Auto Body or any shop that is not on their “List”. Please read below these quotes to find out the truth.

They are not one of our network shops and they are not on our list. We can’t guarantee the repairs”
Whether or not we are a network shop, we warranty our work for you as do most shops in the industry. The insurance company is in the business of covering your loss, not fixing cars. Our work is the finest quality and you will be fully satisfied.

“If you use them, we can’t get an adjuster out for several days,
If you take it to our network shop we will have someone start on it right away”.This is just another ploy to steer you, we have heard insurance companies tell our customers how busy they are and they can’t get someone out for 7 or 8 days, when we know their staff appraisers have little to do. Most companies are required to appraise a vehicle within 72 hrs.

“If you use that shop you will have to pay for your rental out of pocket”
This is not true if you have rental car coverage or if the other person’s company is covering your loss. But some insurance companies will try to force you into a rental reimbursement, which means they will either try to get you to pay with a credit card and then reimburse you, or offer to send check for x amount of rental days (which you should promptly refuse to do) . Most companies have direct bill agreements with rental companies, but they do not always disclose that. Always remember as a claimant against a company, that you also have specific rights that a policyholder may not have.

“They charge more than the prevailing rate and you will have to pay the difference in repair cost”
There are very few cases where we have charged a customer the difference between what the actual cost were and what the insurance company was willing to pay. We will say that each customer collected the difference from the insurance company after a few phone calls. The laws state that the insurance company will pay the cost of repairs and case law has already determined that labor rate differences of $2-$4 an hour in a given market area are reasonable and competitive. Sometimes when there are discrepancies in the repair cost because a carrier is trying to force us to do something that is not in your best interest we can assist you in filing the complaint with the State Department of Insurance. It is a simple form that we will fill out for you and e-mail it.

“Claims take longer to settle if you use them”
Well, we do look after everything for you, including making rental car arrangements and dealing with the appraiser. The only thing that takes longer is they are sometimes slow to respond and they do not pay us as quickly as they pay their preferred providers.

These are just a few of the word tracks used to manipulate the customer into using a specific repair facility. Be careful. It’s your vehicle, your investment, and you have the right to make the choice on of who repairs your vehicle.
Did you know some insurance companies have ownership in some shops?

Don’t be steered from your best interests by your insurance company or the other parties insurance company.

These are just a few of the word tracks used to manipulate the customer into using a specific repair facility. Be careful. It’s your vehicle, your investment, and you have the right to make the choice on of who repairs your vehicle.
Did you know some insurance companies have ownership in some shops?

Don’t be steered from your best interests by your insurance company or the other parties insurance company.

Makes you wonder who the customer really is. Leading Edge Auto Body does not participate in many of the repair networks because of the concessions or stipulations in the contracts which generally leads to a lower cost/lower quality repair. We believe we have a responsibility to the vehicle owner who is ultimately our customer not the insurance company.
Some companies also have bonus programs for employees that steer claims to the networks, so don’t think that they have your best interest in mind.

The reason insurance companies use carefully crafted word tracks is that the state does not allow insurance companies to “direct”, “steer” or “refer” customers to a particular shop (or they are not supposed to), so they have come up with the preceding word tracks to intimidate the customer into thinking they have to do what the insurance company says, or they will not pay the claim. Most of these claims people have never seen a particular shop, nor have any knowledge of any of the staff, they are just directing claims to whoever their company has a “deal” with so that they hit a bonus quota.
After your accident

Now you have had an accident, maybe you have even already called your insurance company, but you are really not sure what to do. After all people just don’t have accidents every day and so they really don’t know what to do. Accidents can be a very traumatic experience because you might have a number of questions, but you just don’t know who to ask. You should take care in choosing a body shop after you have had an accident, because it can make a big difference. We want to try to answer all of the questions that you may have and our site is filled with a great deal of information to educate you. You can always just give us a call and we will be happy to answer any questions you might have and we would be happy to prepare you a written estimate on the damages to your vehicle.

We hope this information has helped you understand the insurance process. If you have any questions, please give us a call 410-799-2000

Automotive Collision Inc. 410-799-2000

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Automotive Collision Inc. 410-799-2000 www.mdaci.com

Bluetooth 4.0 became official recently, and now the first app to use this technology has made its way into the app store. The app, Find My Car Smart, is part of a Kickstarter project from FMC Smart. If funded, the company will make a Bluetooth 4.0 module that’ll sit in your car. When you park, the module will trigger the iPhone app, which, in turn, will mark your location. This information will help you find your way back to your car, even in a crowded parking lot.

Bluetooth 4.0 is the latest version of the wireless technology to hit devices. It’s meant for low-power, sensor-filled devices like the car dongle above. The specification was only recently finalized, and consumer products using it are expected to debut in 2012. Once these products hit the market, Apple owners will be ready and rearing to go as Bluetooth 4.0 is already supported by the iPhone 4S, the Mac mini and the MacBook Air.

www.automotivecollisioninc.com

talking cars steer from body shops The day when vehicles will electronically communicate to one another to avoid collision is closer than you think. For followers of my blog; you know this isn’t a new story for me – I’ve reported on it before. Sources are now saying though that this technology is just a mere five-years away. By that time, nine years would have passed from my first report to the first vehicle manufacturer integrated product offerings. Considering the historical trend of military technology taking up to a decade to carry out (from conception to in-action service), this projection seems right on target (Did you make the military connection? If you did, you clearly read one of the above links!).

While all this wiz-bang-techno will surely benefit everyone who motors around the world, my business largely services the auto body collision repair industry that this technology will surely steer around, so as impressed as I am with this gadgetry, I can’t stop wondering how this will affect body shop repair businesses.

There are three short stories linked in the passage above (each highlighted & underlined) – take a look at those first then consider the following:

Clients from “The Greatest Generation”, also called Traditionalists (born 1925-1945 | 75-Million) are disappearing.
Baby boomers (born 1946-1964 | 80-Million) are turning 65 this year – prime retiring age. As Traditionalist’s have done; it is likely that the Boomer’s will start to drive less and will hold onto their vehicles longer when they do retire; thus increasing total losses. Now living on a fixed-income, they will also have to make difficult repair/not-repair decisions when the inevitable accident does happen.
Insurance companies are overwhelmingly reporting 30% less auto accident claim volume.
Motoring clubs (like AAA) are reporting less vehicle accidents. They are also reporting that people are driving fewer miles for both business and leisure. To make the matter worse, as the price of fuel continues to increase – Americans will drive even less.
The U.S. economy is still in the tank, so for many people; this means using their collision claim reimbursement funds to pay personal debt and basic living expenses like utilities, fuel, and food instead of repairing their car.
More crash avoidance technology will be integrated into vehicles every year, so not only will cars be engineered to avoid accidents but they will literally be steering clear of your body shop business too.

One thing is for sure – this technology will certainly be a game-changer that will for many; mean fewer cars to their collision repair center. That said, there are two ways to view this inevitable and indelible change that’s heading our way – either as an opportunity or an obstacle. Personally, I see this as a significant opportunity – and suggest the following actions to pro-actively meet this quickly approaching challenge. In doing so, your business will not only survive this contest but thrive because of it!

MARKET locally
MARKET online (online strategy should include: Website, Blog, Social Media, Search Engine Optimization, + Goal of high search engine ranking)
MARKET generationally (Generation X – born 1965-1976 | 46-Million <> Generation Y – born 1977-1997 | 76-Million)
Build a marketing plan to DOMINATE your market and give it time to grow (the best time to plant a tree – yesterday | Chinese proverb)
Qualify customer expectations and at the very least – meet them 100%. Sounds simple – but it’s not, and from my experience – more businesses either fail at qualifying what their customers truly expect; or they try so hard to exceed-expectations that they ultimately miss the mark on what was truly important to the customer – even thought they did all that extra stuff the customer didn’t ask for or expect.
Increase productivity through greater process efficiencies, not just through pushing more cars through the shop. Running a body shop from “the estimate” only builds top-line-revenue, process efficiencies that translate into greater productivity(throughput) builds wealth. Making money is not the same as building wealth.
Reduce your fixed expenses

Focus on these key goals, and you will have a solid strategy to turn this seemingly business-braking challenge into a business-success story!

By: Chris Sheehy – Auto Body Consultant at Autobody Consulting Group LLC www.AutobodyConsultingGroup.com

Automotive Collision Center 410-799-2000 Jessup MD 20794  www.mdaci.com

Today, automobile and trucks are more dependable and trouble-free than ever, auto maintenance is easier for certified mechanic, thanks to technological advances and improved engineering. But to keep your vehicle trouble a routine auto maintenance is an absolute necessity. Such auto maintenance will keep your auto repair bills lower in the future, help your vehicle perform at its peak, and hold on to its value as the years pass.

Your vehicle’s manufacturer has given you complete auto maintenance guidelines that are found in your vehicle manual. Feel free to consult with your Convoy Auto Repair Service Specialist if you have any questions about these recommendations, or about services available.

Whatever maintenance factory recommend we can perform all of your auto maintenance factory required maintenance and repair without voiding the warranty.

Auto Maintenance:

• Fluid Flush
• Oil Change
• Filter Change
• Cabin Air Filter
• Wiper Blades Change
• Wind Shield Washer
• Check Engine Lights
• Check Power Steering Fluid
• Check Engine
• Spark Plugs
• Belts and Hoses
• Check Engine Lights, Tail Lights and Front Lights
• Check Oxygen Sensor
• Check Coolant, Heating
• Check Battery and Cables
• Tire Inflation and Condition
• Check Chassis Lubrication
• Check Exhaust System
• Check Brakes
• Check Suspension
• Cleaning and Polishing

Please call us today to schedule your auto maintenance at 410-799-2000 >>>

For the month of August we are offering a 5% discount on all automotive and mechanical repairs. Just print out the coupon below to receive your discount on the entire repair. To schedule your free estimate call us at 410-799-2000 or stop by our office at 8201 Washington Blvd. Jessup, MD 20794.

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Automotive Collision Center 410-799-2000 www.mdaci.com
by Keith Buglewicz
Keeping your car looking good isn’t just a matter of enhancing its resale value, although that’s important too, it’s also your car’s only line of defense between the sheet metal and the elements. You already know parking lot dings, gravel roads or an angry ex can ruin your car’s paint in the blink of an eye, but a lot of things out there can do just as much, if not more, harm to the exterior of your car.

We contacted Mothers for advice on how to deal with common paint-damaging situations. While their specific advice is below, time and time again, they recommended keeping a good coat of wax on your car. Not only does it keep it looking pretty, it helps prevent most paint damage, or at the very least, buys you some time to get your car professionally washed. Mothers also recommended keeping a bottle of quick-detail spray and a microfiber cloth in your trunk. As you’ll see, a lot of these common problems can be prevented with a quick wipe of this solution.

The Source: Wildfires

The Problem: When wet, ash forms an alkali that can ruin your car’s finish.
The Solution: Keep your car covered, use a car duster for white ash, wash thoroughly if it’s soot.

These days it seems like every state is burdened with wildfires. The ash gets everywhere, and your car’s finish is no exception. While your instinct may be to hit the windshield washers, or just hose down the whole car, water mixed with ash can create powerful alkalis, which will ruin your paint. White ash can be removed with a car duster, or just by driving away and letting it blow off. Black ash can scratch your paint, even when you use a duster, so you’ll need to wash it off using a car wash solution, and dry thoroughly. Once the fires are out, get your car professionally washed, and put on a new coat of wax.

The Source: Tree sap

The Problem: Ancient peoples used tree sap as glue for a good reason.
The Solution: Bug and tar remover, mineral spirits, clay bar treatment

Just wiping sap off when it’s still gooey only smears it around a larger area. Instead, get a bottle of bug and tar remover from your local car parts store, and use it as directed. If the sap dries, mineral spirits can dissolve it, and remaining residue will come off with a clay bar treatment. Just be sure to wax the car after you’re done.

The Source: The gas pump

The Problem: Spilled gasoline
The Solution: Don’t top off, and clean up accidental drips

Times are tough, but “topping off” your gas tank and accidentally letting it overflow is a surefire way to damage your car’s paint. If left alone, gasoline will leave a stain on your car’s finish that’s nearly impossible to get off. If you do happen to spill gas by accident, the best solution is to grab a bottle of instant detailer and a good, clean microfiber cloth and clean up the gasoline before it does any harm.

The Source: Fingertips and mischief

The Problem: Writing or rubbing on dirty paint causes permanent marks.
The Solution: Keep your car clean.

We’ve all seen “wash me” written on a car’s finish, but the well-intentioned tagger actually just made things worse. Dirt acts like sandpaper when it’s dragged across paint, and it can make the marks last long after the dirt is gone.

Get yourself a long-handled duster and wipe down your car every day to prevent accidental sanding. If it’s too late, most small scratches come out with a polish or scratch remover. Just always be sure to clean the car well before waxing or polishing.

The Source: Your morning coffee

The Problem: Coffee and sodas contain acids that can etch your clearcoat.
The Solution: Wash it off immediately

Driving off with your coffee cup or soda bottle on your roof isn’t just a day-ruiner, it can ruin your paint. Many beverages are acidic, and since any acid can hurt your car’s finish, you’ll want to get it washed off as soon as you can. Letting it sit will only give it more time to do damage, and letting it dry will only make it harder to get off later. If it’s a soda, or if you take a lot of sugar in your coffee, then you’re going to be dealing with a sticky residue in addition to corrosive chemicals. If you can’t hit a car wash, then break out your bottle of quick detailer and your microfiber cloth and wipe it up.

The Source: Dirt on your car-wash tools

The Problem: Unseen dirt can scratch
The Solution: Keep an extra mitt handy.

Washing your own car can be fun, but a common mistake can cause more damage than you think: dropping your sponge. Even the finest, most expensive microfiber wash mitt on the market can be ruined if it touches the ground. The bits of grit and sand it inevitably picks up can’t be entirely washed off, and you’ll have swirl marks and other scratches before you know it. The solution is to never drop anything. But if you’re like us, it’d be best to keep a spare washing mitt or two on hand to avoid the resulting expenses from car detailing or repainting.

The Source: Automatic sprinklers

The Problem: Water leaves hard-to-remove spots on your paint.
The Solution: Stay away from sprinklers whenever possible

That primo parking spot right next to the planter may look good, but if it has automatic sprinklers, you could be in for trouble. You wouldn’t think that plain water would be such a problem, but the minerals left behind bond to your car’s paint, making them very difficult to remove. Your best bet is to avoid parking where sprinklers can do their damage, but that’s not always possible. If you do get water spots, it’s best to take it to a professional detailer.

The Source: Avian digestion

The Problem: Bird poop is acidic
The Solution: Wash it off immediately

Bird poop isn’t just unsightly. It’s also acidic. Just look at the number of ruined marble statues in pigeon-infested cities and you’ll see what we mean. Not only that, but birds eat seeds and bits of gravel that can scratch your paint.

The solution is to wash bird droppings off as soon as you see them. Use a bottle of quick detail and a soft microfiber cloth to wipe it up. Be sure to use a lifting action, since you don’t want to grind any grit onto your paint.

The Source: Bugs

The Problem: Bug guts are acidic.
The Solution: Get to the car wash

You’re heading home from a road trip when suddenly the eighth plague of Egypt strikes, with thousands of bugs splattering your windshield. But just cleaning the windshield isn’t enough. Bugs are surprisingly acidic, and if you do hit a swarm, don’t let the bugs get the last laugh as their remains slowly etch your paint. Wash your car as soon as you can with a good car wash solution, and for the more stubborn guts, use a bug and tar remover.