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Driving in Wet Weather
by Nova Smash Repairs on Aug.25, 2016, under Safe Driving Tips
Driving in wet weather can be hazardous and rain can increase the likelihood of accidents. Following a few simple guidelines will help to prevent crashes from happening which may require professional car smash repairs.
Nova Smash Repairs offers comprehensive repairs for cars which have been damaged in wet-weather accidents. Our team are highly experienced and will have you safely back on the road as quickly as possible.
This is a guide to driving safely in wet conditions.
REPLACE FAULTY WINDSCREEN WIPERS
Faulty windscreen wipers which don’t clear water away properly are an important contributing factor to car crashes in wet conditions.
Make sure that cracked or snapped windscreen wipers are replaced as soon as possible. If wipers drag along the surface of the glass then it is a good idea to have them replaced with newer and more efficient wipers.
MAINTAIN CAR LIGHTS
Defective lights can make cars less visible during downpours, which increases the risk of accidents. Test lights regularly and replace broken ones. Sometimes a faulty light can slip under so radar, so always be vigilant.
MAINTAIN CAR TIRES
Worn or deflated tires are liable to make a car skid in wet conditions. Check tire pressure at least once a month and refill tires with air if necessary. Watch out for any nails or stones which may be stuck in the tread. Properly maintained tires will aid car performance in wet conditions.
AVOID CRUISE CONTROL
Most modern cars feature cruise control. Using cruise control can prevent a car from being able to slow down properly. Stopping distances increase in wet conditions, so it is best to turn off cruise control if the road is wet or if there is a downpour.
SLOW DOWN & LEAVE ROOM
Hydroplaning occurs when a layer of water on the road causes car tires to rise off the tarmac. This usually happens at high speed, so it is important to slow down and keep a safe distance between cars in front. If the car tires rise off the road, there is a higher chance that the car can lose control and swerve to cause an accident. Make sure to leave two or three car lengths in between other vehicles when the road is slick or it is raining.
CONTROL A SKID EFFECTIVELY
If skidding does occur, then it is important not to panic. Continue to look and steer in the direction the car was going before the skid. Avoid slamming on the brakes as this can and make it harder to control.
Follow these guidelines to help avoid road accidents in wet weather.
What Makes a Good Car Repair Shop?
by Nova Smash Repairs on Jun.28, 2016, under Smash Repair Tips
Minor car collisions happen to us all at some time in our lives, and while no one enjoys the experience, it is nice to know that there are professional people who can quickly repair the damage, allowing us to continue our daily lives without too much inconvenience.
A COMPLETE SERVICE
At Nova, we offer a full range of services that include a loan car facility, which is essential if the car will be off the road for a few days. We provide a delivery service for those who are too busy to come and collect the vehicle and can give you a very quick estimation, often at the scene of the accident, which speeds up the whole process. Our repair methods include paintless dent removal (PDR), which is a cost-effective way to remove dings. We also offer general body repair services, should it be required. With a wide range of tools and equipment, we provide a total car repair solution, by friendly, professional people who understand the customer’s needs.
QUALIFIED TECHNICIANS
The technicians at Nova are qualified and experienced, with a friendly disposition and a desire to please. When dealing with customers, we understand how important good communication is, so our customers are always fully briefed on the work. Technicians usually work under close supervision until they gain the necessary hands-on experience to work alone.
CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY
Modern technology offers innovative ways to repair vehicle bodywork, with PDR offering a quick and cost-effective way to remove unsightly bumps. This new technology allows for the removal of certain dents without compromising the vehicle’s paint job. A wide range of dents can be repaired using PDR processes, as long as the paint surface is intact. The automotive paints used on vehicles today are very hard and durable, which increases the chance that the repair can be completed without having to repaint.
NON-INSURANCE REPAIRS
It might not be practical to repair a car with a claim on your insurance policy. At Nova, we can advise you on other alternatives. A small claim can increase insurance premiums, so for minor damage, it may be cheaper to pay it yourself. The technician will advise you on the most cost-effective way to get your car back on the road.
CONVENIENT FOR OUR CLIENTS
Sometimes a customer delivers the vehicle, and they are unable to return to their office or home. Nova provides a courtesy car service to give our clients a convenient way to carry on their day.
EXISTING CUSTOMERS PREFER FAMILIARITY
Once a customer has had an experience with Nova, they prefer to use us whenever the need arises. Many of our clients will bring in their car before they put it up for sale. This allows our experts to make sure there are no tiny bumps or scratches, which could affect the sale. On the other hand, you may have just purchased a second-hand car and wish to enhance the bodywork. Either way, Nova Smash Repairs, your accident repair specialists, can complete the work quickly and efficiently.
What to do if you have a Car Accident
by Nova Smash Repairs on May.26, 2016, under Smash Repair Tips
A car accident can be shocking and upsetting, but luckily many of them are not serious. There are lots of modern safety features on newer cars to protect you from injury, so it’s often the case that the car comes out of it worse than you. However, being in an accident can be worrying, and you might not know what to do in the immediate aftermath. Here are some practical tips on what to do if you have an accident, and how to get your car back to top condition.
GET DETAILS
If you’ve been involved in a crash, firstly you should make sure that everyone is OK, and seek medical attention if necessary. If there are no injuries, then swapping details is the next step, so make sure you always have a pen and paper in your car. Make sure to get these details from the other driver:
- Name and address
- Phone number
- Name of insurer
- Registration numbers of all cars involved
If it’s safe to do so, take out your phone and take some photos of the crash site. Once you get home, you should also take photos of the damage to your car. If you need smash repairs such as the services of a panel beater and plan to claim on your insurance, then these photos will be essential for backing up your claim.
CHECK YOUR CAR
Modern cars usually hold up pretty well in minor collisions, so you may find it’s just cosmetic damage to your car. Drive away slowly, and test things such as the steering and brakes to see if your car is working OK. It may just be the case that you need dents repaired, but if your car isn’t performing normally, or there are any warning lights on, then you’ll also need to see a mechanic. It’s important to get your car looked over as soon as possible and to not drive around in an unsafe vehicle. If your car is particularly badly damaged, then consider having it picked up by the garage.
SEE A SMASH REPAIRS SPECIALIST
Once the mechanical faults have been rectified, you can get any cosmetic issues dealt with. You might simply need dent removal services, and many smaller dings can often be removed cheaply and easily, making your car like new again. If any paint has been scraped during the collision, then your smash repair specialists may recommend spray painting to get your vehicle looking like new again. Luckily, many of these things are covered by insurance, so it’s worth calling your insurance provider before you bring it in to see if you can claim.
Whether it’s a minor scrape or a full-on collision, crashing your car can certainly ruin your day and be an inconvenience. However, by coming to Nova Smash Repairs you can ensure it’s brought back to its former glory, and get yourself back on the road as soon as possible. Make sure you know what to do in case of an accident so that you aren’t caught out.
How is Paintless Dent Removal Different from Traditional Repair?
by Nova Smash Repairs on Apr.20, 2016, under Smash Repair Tips
A car dent is unsightly because it makes your car look banged up and old. These dents may also detract your vehicle’s resale value. You have a choice between a paintless or a traditional form of repair to get rid of dings.
PAINTLESS DENT REMOVAL VS. TRADITIONAL REPAIR
When you choose a traditional form of dent repair, it fills out auto body dents using a body filler or paint, which a service provider will then match with the rest of your car’s exterior. This method makes a vehicle look new, but it does not fix the dent in a long-term and sustainable way. It is also costly and time-consuming and may affect the resale value of your automobile.
Paintless dent removal is one of the cost-effective alternatives to body fillers. This method does not use a sanding nor a filler, and it is also an eco-friendly option. This restores the body of your vehicle to factory-like appearance in a shorter amount of time and at a lower cost compared to a traditional filling. This form of dent removal gets rid of unsightly dents, body creases and hail damage.
CAUSES OF DENTS AND DAMAGE
Certain behaviours on the road, accidents and other causes result in dents on your vehicle.
Distracted driving not only increases the possibility of a fatal car crash, but it may also bring those dents. You might hit a curb, overshoot the parking space or miscalculate the distance of an item or another car on the road, all of which may result in a bump.
Parking too close to another car increases the likelihood of a ding as well, as another driver may open his or her door abruptly, hitting your automobile in the process.
When you go through an automatic car wash, your vehicle may get scratches without you knowing about it.
Easily remove a dent caused by the above-mentioned situations with paintless dent removal.
SERVICES FROM NOVA SMASH REPAIRS
At Nova Smash Repairs, our team provides you with effective and affordable paintless dent removal and other services you may need to restore your vehicle and keep it in top condition.
We offer:
- Loan cars
- Car repairs
- Courtesy vehicle to city
- Mobile estimating
- Towing and others
Contact us to learn more about the services we offer.
Auto Detailing: Turning an Old Car Brand New
by Nova Smash Repairs on Apr.14, 2016, under Smash Repair Tips
A beaten up car doesn’t look good driving down the road, and for many, the simple solution to an ageing car is to simply sell it for scrap and get a new one. But if there’s sentimental value in the car, it can be difficult getting rid of it; not to mention that the new car you’re planning to get may not exactly have a reachable price.
There’s a difference between a car that looks drab and a car that’s completely rundown. More often than not, car owners tend to replace their car if they feel that it’s already too old to drive around. If your vehicle simply needs a little touch up to make it look presentable again, auto detailing is the way to go.
CAR DETAILING: HOW A LITTLE POLISHING GOES A LONG WAY
There’s a difference between car detailing and washing, and most car owners use the term interchangeably. While there is a bit of washing involved in car detailing, the entire process is actually more extensive.
When your car goes through car detailing, it undergoes very thorough cleaning both on its exterior and interior spaces. This includes retouching any chipped paint and dents, as well as replacing any foam and car seats if necessary.
A full reconditioning of your vehicle is also included. Our team at Nova Smash Repairs goes beyond simple aesthetics – our car detailing process includes the reconditioning of your car’s mechanical parts to ensure that it is at its top condition as soon as it hits the road.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
Since the car detailing process is a bit extensive and involves both the vehicle’s exterior and interior spaces, you can expect that your car will undergo several hours of detailing and reconditioning. This, of course, depends on the car detailing package that you chose and who is actually working on your vehicle.
Our car detailing and polishing service goes beyond aesthetics and also includes the reconditioning of your car’s important parts and features, so you might have to wait a bit longer to start driving your car. We assure you, though, that once our team is done reconditioning your vehicle, it won’t just look brand new, it will feel brand new, too.
At Nova Smash Repairs, our experienced team is ready to recondition any vehicle and make it look good and perform well driving down the road. Learn more about our car polishing and detailing services today!
Car Park Dings are more Common than you Think
by Nova Smash Repairs on Apr.13, 2016, under Safe Driving Tips
It is very common for cars to get dents while parked in shopping centres and, believe it or not, the driveway. Called ‘Car park dings’, the owners are almost always clueless as to who or what caused the damage.
SECOND LEADING TYPES OF COLLISIONS
According to the new data released in AAMI’s Crash Index, the rate of parked car dings has surpassed nose-to-tail collisions in SA and is now the second leading type of damage on the ACT (Australia’s Capital) and national roads.
On a national scale, nose-to-tail collisions accounted for 28.3% of collisions, while parked car dings made up for 21.4%. Cited among the common types of collisions are failing to give way (19.8%), collision with a stationary object (14.5%) and collision while reversing (10.8%).
AAMI spokesperson Reuben Aitchison says parked dings are most common in shopping centre parks and at the side of the road on tight shopping streets. Since people are leading busier lives, they pay less attention to their surroundings and tend to ‘let impatience get the better of them’.
AVOIDING PARKED CAR DINGS
There is no good time or place to get car park dings. Here are some tips to help you avoid this frustrating and tight situation:
- Always drive patiently and attentively, whether you are on a highway, a busy road or a cramped car park.
- Park strategically. Many accidents happen when backing out of a park. Find a park that lets you pull through easily.
- Consider having backing sensors installed. This can save you repair costs in the future.
- Always follow the marked lines of the parking bay.
If your car has been damaged by another person’s negligence, take your car to Nova Smash Repairs and let us have a look. If the dent is ‘clean’ and there is no paint damage, we may be able to restore it using paintless dent repair.
Get in touch with our technicians today to discuss your needs and get an estimate.
Safe Driving on Different Road Surfaces and Hazards in Australia
by Nova Smash Repairs on Apr.04, 2016, under Safe Driving Tips
A good driver knows how to drive properly and safely on different road surfaces and environments.
Road surface and performance can influence your driving and can even cause accidents and damages to your vehicle.
Most major roads and highways in Australia are safe, well-maintained and meet quality standards. But in outback locations, road surfaces may vary, and external factors can cause unexpected hazards. Find out different hazardous driving situations and how you can overcome them.
LOOSE SURFACES
Some locations in regional Australia, especially outback locations, may still have gravel or unpaved roads. Driving on gravel roads or loose surfaces requires much attention and control. If you are driving on these roads, always expect passing over loose materials. Shifting surfaces are also common in unpaved roads since several factors can affect the durability of the surface.
SURROUNDING HAZARDS
If it has recently rained, expect an unpaved road to be moist and permeable. Control of vehicle and braking may become difficult. To maintain control of the car and detect obstacles, drive slowly and pay attention to the road ahead. Always remember that country roads are surrounded by wilderness. You will most likely encounter animals crossing the road unexpectedly. Animals, such as kangaroos, emus, cattle and other native nocturnal animals, tend to stop in the middle of the road when your headlights hit their eyes.
OVERTAKING
Overtaking on loose surfaces and gravel roads is very different when overtaking on bitumen roads. Before you attempt to overtake on a country road, always check your mirrors before signalling and overtaking. Make sure that the lane is safe for overtaking. Also, turn your headlights on to increase your safety.
WET ROADS
Wet roads are just as dangerous as unpaved roads. In fact, driving on wet roads require more care, attention and control. When driving on a road during or after a downpour, slow down and pay full attention to your path. Driving slowly and mindfully will reduce your risk of hydroplaning. Make sure the road is visible so you can spot puddles. Before setting out to drive on a rainy day, check if your brakes and headlights are working properly.
It is highly possible to encounter such hazards when driving on country roads, especially at night. There’s also a chance that your car will break down unexpectedly and incur major damages as a result of driving on different road surfaces.
If this happens, it is important to have a trusted car repair company that can help you get back on the road quickly. Our team of experienced repair professionals have responded to many unpleasant road situations, from hail storm damage to major accidents. Contact us today for more information about our emergency repair services.
Imposing Stricter Rules for Using Company Cars
by Nova Smash Repairs on Jan.11, 2016, under Safe Driving Tips
Getting a car to use while on the job is always a reward for employees. Whether it is something that comes with seniority or just a basic perk that comes with the job, having a vehicle that, hopefully, comes with a gas budget is always worth looking forward to. You, as the employer or their immediate superior, are only right to expect them to take good care of the car. After all, it is company property.
You can never be sure that every employee will follow rules regarding company cars to the letter. Nevertheless, it is theirs for the time being and you should trust them to do well by the company and take good care of it. What you can do is to impose some ground rules to keep the car in top condition.
Nova Smash Repairs serves fleet and corporate customers, and we also provide additional services under these agreements to ensure that company cars stay in prime condition inside out:
A COUPLE OF SUGGESTIONS
While we are not experts in car maintenance, our experts still know some stuff about taking care of cars. Smoking, for one, is a big no-no inside the car. Your employees should find another location to light up, rather than inside the vehicle. It makes the car dirty, depreciates the value and makes the car and the driver vulnerable to certain dangers.
They should also have the car inspected twice a year. Whether with us or with another company, the important thing is to keep it in top shape. This also prevents future performance deficiency, which could lead to car failure.
The most important thing you should clear with employees is that when they get in trouble with the traffic authorities, they should pay the fees. They were using the vehicle at the time of the violation, thus making them responsible for the consequences. This may not fly for some individuals, but it is important that they understand.
Let us help you in sorting problems in your company cars. Whether it involves mechanical or exterior matters, you can trust us to deliver. Contact Nova Smash Repairs today.
Driver Habits that Increase the Likelihood of Damage
by Nova Smash Repairs on Jan.02, 2016, under Safe Driving Tips
The way you drive plays a significant role in your safety and in the condition of your vehicle. Reckless driving is the most obvious reason you get into an accident or damage your car. But, certain things you do regularly may also cause dings, scratches and bumps on your automobile.
DISTRACTED DRIVING
This habit comes in many forms, but the most common is mobile phone use. Answering or making a call, texting or playing games put you at risk because your attention is not on the road and the wheel. Eating or drinking while driving is a habit that you must also avoid to reduce the risk of damaging your car and endangering your life.
TAILGATING
Most drivers follow the car in front of them too close. This may cause an accident or damage your car when the vehicle makes a sudden stop or turns a corner. Whether you are tailgating or inching closer, you are increasing the risk of a bump. You do not want that scratch on your brand new car. That is why the ideal distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you is approximately two car lengths.
CHANGING LANES
Changing lanes is a routine task while driving, but it may also be one of the riskiest, especially if you lose concentration or if some of your car parts are not working properly. Moving in and out of lanes, failure to turn your blinker on and not checking blind spots may cause a collision, which may result in minor or severe car damage.
If you still do these things on the road, your car might get some dings and scratches. In such cases, you might need vehicle detailing to restore its appearance.
NOVA SMASH REPAIRS DETAILING SERVICES
We at Nova Smash Repairs provide our clients with first-rate polishing and detailing restore the appearance of their vehicles. Our team has the experience and expertise to make your automobile look as if it just came out of the showroom. We also offer paintless dent repair, private repairs and other services depending on your needs.
Contact us to learn more about the services we offer.
Instances of Road Accidents in Australia Involving the Youth
by Nova Smash Repairs on Dec.15, 2015, under Safe Driving Tips, Smash Repair Tips
Road accidents happen. It is either the fault of the driver or the other party, but one thing is for sure, both of them can suffer from the inconvenience of repairing the damages caused. This becomes even more challenging when the youth are involved.
THE YOUNG AUSTRALIAN DRIVERS
A report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) and the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) reveals that 45% of young Australian injury deaths and hospitalizations are a result of road traffic crashes. In fact, young drivers aged 17 to 25 years old represent 25% of all road deaths in the country.
Most of these are due to over speeding — intentionally or unintentionally — and men are at higher risk than women are in breaking road rules. Apart from that, other leading risk factors among youth are driver errors, alcohol, night driving, the presence of another passenger and low seat belt use.
This proves that newly licensed drivers like teenagers have the highest risk of getting involved in accidents. They are novices in learning complex skills and are bound to make mistakes. Of course, this does not mean that being a novice driver means fatality. Some get into accidents with their vehicles getting dents and scratches. This is where our services come in and help.
MOVING ON AFTER AN ACCIDENT
Drivers know too well that road accidents happen, so they get an insurance to make sure that they will not have problems when they need repairs. Experts say that this is beneficial for young drivers, as they are still in the adjusting stage. From dents to scratches, there is no need to worry because we have the expertise to keep your vehicle in the best condition possible.
Here at Nova Smash Repairs, we provide you with professional car repairs whenever and wherever you are in Perth. Contact our panel beaters today to get a quote, so we can start as soon as possible.