Autocraft Paint & Body Works Blog

Being involved in a car accident can be a stressful and disorienting experience, whether it's a minor fender bender or a more serious collision. In the moments following a crash, it's important to stay calm and focused so you can handle the situation safely and responsibly. Here are five steps to take immediately after a car accident. Check for Injuries/Ensure Safety Your first priority should be to check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 right away to request emergency medical assistance. If the vehicles are still operable and it’s safe to do so, move them out of traffic to a secure location. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers and prevent additional accidents. Remaining calm and aware of your surroundings can help keep everyone safe in the immediate aftermath of the collision. Call the Authorities Even in minor accidents, it's important to contact the police and report the incident. When officers arrive, provide accurate and factual information about what happened. The responding officer will document the scene and create an official accident report, which can be crucial if any disputes arise later. Exchange Information Once the scene is secure, exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. This includes names, phone numbers, addresses, driver's license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance details. If there are witnesses, try to get their contact information as well. Be polite and cooperative, but avoid discussing who was at fault or making accusations at the scene. Keeping the interaction respectful can make the entire process smoother for everyone involved. Document the Scene Use your phone to take photos of the vehicles, any visible damage, the surrounding area, skid marks, road signs, and anything else that could help illustrate what happened. If your vehicle sustained damage, photograph it from multiple angles. Also, jot down notes about the time, location, weather conditions, and how the accident occurred. These details can help strengthen your insurance claim and protect you if legal questions arise later on. Notify Your Insurance Company As soon as possible after the accident, contact your insurance provider to report the incident. Provide them with all relevant information. Your insurer will guide you through the claims process and explain your coverage options. Prompt communication helps ensure that your claim is processed efficiently. Collision Repair in Yakima, WA It’s also highly important to choose a trusted shop for the repairs. For expert collision repair in Yakima, WA and the surrounding area, contact Autocraft Paint & Body Works at (509) 404-0988. Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment!

Your car’s paint job does more than make a good impression—it protects the body of the vehicle from the elements. But even a minor scratch can mar its appearance and open the door to rust and long-term damage if left untreated. Fortunately, many scratches are avoidable with a little extra care and some smart habits. But if your car does get scratched, our team at Autocraft Paint & Body Works can expertly fix the damage. Here are four tips to help you prevent car scratches. Be Careful Where You Park Where you choose to park has a big impact on your car’s vulnerability to scratches. Tight spaces, crowded lots, and street parking next to bushes or low-hanging branches all increase the risk. It's best to find parking spots that provide plenty of room on either side and are away from high-traffic areas or shopping cart zones. If you can, opt for garage or carport parking, especially when storms or high winds are expected. Wash Your Car Properly Scratches often result from improper washing techniques. Using dirty rags or sponges can grind abrasive particles into your paint. To avoid this, always wash your car with clean, soft microfiber mitts and dry it with a gentle microfiber towel. Rinse thoroughly before washing to remove loose dirt, and use separate buckets for soapy water and rinsing to avoid reapplying grit. Regular cleaning with the right tools helps maintain a smooth, scratch-free surface. Keep Items Off the Car It might be convenient to set your bag, phone, or groceries on the hood or roof of your car while loading or unlocking it, but even seemingly harmless items can leave marks or drag dirt across the paint. A moment of convenience can lead to a lasting scratch. It’s best to get in the habit of placing items on the ground or another surface instead of your car’s exterior. Wax Your Car Regularly Waxing your car not only adds shine, it also provides a layer of protection against scratches. A good coat of wax creates a slick surface that can deflect minor abrasions from things like road debris and accidental contact. It also makes it easier to wash off contaminants like bird droppings or sap. Waxing your car every few months helps maintain the integrity of the paint and gives it a durable shield against everyday hazards. Car Scratch Repair in Yakima, WA Even if you’re careful, your vehicle might still get scratched, which should then be fixed ASAP. When you need auto body repair in Yakima and the surrounding area, contact Autocraft Paint & Body Works at (509) 404-0988. Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!

Summers in Yakima can bring more than just heat waves, they can also take a toll on your car’s windshield. While it might seem like a solid sheet of glass, your windshield is a carefully engineered part of your vehicle’s safety system, and extreme temperatures can affect it more than you think. When you need auto glass repair in Yakima, WA, or the surrounding areas, visit Autocraft Paint & Body Works . Cracks Can Spread Fast One of the most common problems during hot weather is crack expansion. If your windshield already has a small chip or hairline crack, intense heat can cause it to spread quickly. Glass expands when it gets hot, and if there’s any existing weakness, that pressure can turn a small blemish into a long crack running across your line of sight. Stress from Sudden Temperature Changes A major culprit behind windshield damage in summer is thermal stress. Imagine your car sitting in the hot sun all day, then you suddenly blast the AC. That rapid shift from scorching to cool can cause the glass to contract too quickly, leading to stress cracks. These cracks can form even if your windshield was previously in perfect condition. Damage to Seals and Adhesives Heat can also weaken the rubber seals and adhesives that hold your windshield in place. Over time, UV rays and high temperatures can dry out the materials, making them brittle and less effective. This can lead to leaks or even reduce the windshield’s ability to stay firmly attached in an accident. How to Protect Your Windshield To keep your windshield in good shape, try parking in the shade or using a sunshade. Avoid slamming cold air on a hot windshield, let the AC gradually cool the cabin instead. And if you notice a chip, get it repaired before it becomes a bigger issue. Windshield Repair in Yakima, WA If your auto glass has been damaged, whether it’s a small chip or something more serious, bring it to a reputable shop as soon as possible. At Autocraft Paint & Body Works , our Yakima collision repair shop will have you back on the road ASAP in a safe and pristine-looking vehicle. To learn more about our local auto body shop, which has been serving the Yakima Valley for more than 70 years, don’t hesitate to give us a call at (509) 404-0988 . We’d be more than happy to offer a free estimate for the cost of auto glass repair in Yakima or answer any questions you may have about the repair process.

That tiny chip or scratch in your car’s paint might not seem like a big deal. Maybe you brushed up against a bush or got nicked in a tight parking spot. No big deal, right? Ignoring minor paint damage can quietly lead to bigger and more expensive problems down the road. When you need paint repair in Yakima, WA, call Autocraft Paint & Body Works . It’s Not Just Cosmetic Your car’s paint isn’t just there to make it look pretty. It serves as the first line of defense between the metal body and the outside world. When that protective layer is compromised even slightly, your car becomes vulnerable to moisture, road salt, and debris. Over time, even a small scratch can invite rust to move in and start eating away at the metal underneath. Rust Doesn’t Rest In humid or rainy climates (and even dry ones with the occasional downpour), exposed metal can begin to oxidize quickly. Once rust starts forming, it doesn’t stop without intervention. It can spread under the paint, bubble it up, and eventually cause structural damage. What began as a small chip can turn into a rusted panel that costs a fortune to repair, or worse, replace. It Hurts Resale Value Whether you plan to trade in or sell your car one day, cosmetic issues matter. Buyers often associate small paint flaws with poor overall maintenance. Even if your vehicle runs perfectly, visible blemishes can give the impression it hasn’t been cared for properly, reducing its resale value. Professional Paint Repair Pays Off Getting a pro to fix those minor blemishes now can save you money later. At Autocraft Paint & Body Works, our technicians can restore the paint, seal it up, and keep corrosion at bay. Plus, they’ll color match it perfectly, so no one ever knows there was damage to begin with. Automotive Paint Repair in Yakima, WA At Autocraft Paint & Bodyworks, our shop offers custom auto painting and factory auto painting services. We also conduct computerized color-matched auto painting to blend repaired areas with those unaffected by an accident seamlessly. Our facility is equipped with one 57-foot downdraft paint booth, allowing us to paint large vehicles, as well as two 27-foot downdraft paint booths for smaller cars, vans, SUVs, and trucks. These modern additions to our shop allow for high-quality painting that ensures your vehicle’s finish turns out perfectly. To request an estimate for the cost of car painting in Yakima, please give our team a call at (509) 404-0988.

Often, dents and scratches aren't the only damage collisions cause. Structural components, frames, and panels can suffer serious harm, and that’s where welding becomes an essential part of the repair process. Skilled welders use various techniques to restore a car’s strength, safety, and appearance. When you need collision repair in Yakima, WA, call Autocraft Paint & Body Works . Frame and Structural Repairs In many collisions, the vehicle’s frame absorbs much of the impact. If the frame is bent or broken, welding helps restore its integrity. At Autocraft Paint & Body Works, our technicians use precision welding to reinforce weakened areas, ensuring the vehicle maintains its original structural strength. This is necessary for safety, as a compromised frame can affect handling and crash protection. Panel Replacement and Repair Welding allows for seamless repairs when doors, fenders, or quarter panels suffer damage. Instead of replacing an entire section, technicians can cut out the damaged area and weld in a new piece of metal. This method preserves more of the original vehicle while ensuring a durable and visually smooth repair. Suspension and Subframe Fixes Welding is also useful when fixing suspension components or the subframe. These parts are often welded directly to the chassis, and a strong repair is necessary to maintain proper alignment and drivability. Precision is key, poorly executed welding can weaken the structure rather than strengthen it. Aluminum and Specialized Welding Many modern vehicles use aluminum and other lightweight materials, which require specialized welding techniques. Aluminum welding demands a different process than traditional steel welding, as it heats up and cools down differently. Expert welders ensure that repairs meet manufacturer standards while maintaining strength and safety. Collision Repair in Yakima, WA At Autocraft Paint and Body Works, we’ve been welding parts, fixing dents, removing scratches, and restoring vehicles to their pre-accident condition for more than 70 years. To learn more about our local auto body shop, don’t hesitate to give us a call at (509) 404-0988 . We’d be more than happy to offer a free estimate for the cost of body repair in Yakima or answer any questions you may have about the repair process.

Not all vehicles are created equal when it comes to repairing body damage. While a typical car might require a few panel replacements and a fresh coat of paint, repairing an RV after a collision is a whole different ballgame. The sheer size, unique construction, and specialized features of RVs mean that collision repairs demand a more tailored approach than standard auto repairs. When your RV needs collision repair in Yakima, WA, call Autocraft Paint & Body Works . Size and Structural Complexity One of the biggest differences is the size of the vehicle. RVs are not only larger, but they often consist of multiple materials such as aluminum, fiberglass, and even composite panels. This combination creates a complex structure that requires specialized techniques to repair. In contrast, most cars are built with more uniform materials, making repairs relatively straightforward. The vast surface area and unique design elements of RVs mean collision repairs can be both time-consuming and labor-intensive. Specialized Components and Systems RVs come equipped with additional systems that you won't find in a typical car—think slide-outs, awnings, integrated plumbing, and electrical systems designed for extended living. When an RV collides with an object or suffers an impact, these specialized components can be damaged, requiring repairs that go far beyond replacing a dented fender. This complexity often calls for technicians with specific expertise in RV construction and repair. Repair Techniques and Equipment Due to their unique construction, RV repairs often involve custom fabrication and specialized equipment. For instance, repairing an aluminum roof panel or a fiberglass exterior demands different tools and techniques compared to the steel body panels of a car. RV repair shops typically invest in advanced machinery and skilled craftsmen who are trained to handle these materials, ensuring that the repairs restore functionality and maintain the vehicle’s overall integrity and appearance. Cost and Time Considerations Given the complexity and scale of RV repairs, the process can be significantly more expensive and time-consuming than standard auto repair. Insurance claims may also differ, as RVs are often classified separately due to their size and use. This means that while a simple car collision might be resolved in a day or two, an RV repair could take several days or even weeks, depending on the extent of the damage RV & Motorhome Collision Repair in Yakima, WA Fixing an RV or motorhome that has been involved in a wreck is no easy task. You need to trust the experts at our Yakima RV body shop to handle the job to ensure there are no flaws in the finished product. Your motorhome body will look good as new when it leaves our facility, no matter what type of damage it came to us with. We can conduct motorhome dent repair, RV paint repair, motorhome painting, and complete large motorhome windshield replacement. Call Autocraft Paint & Body Works at (509) 404-0988 to learn more.

A fresh paint job can transform your car, giving it a showroom shine and protecting it from the elements. But how long should you expect that vibrant finish to last? And what steps can you take to keep your car looking as good as new? We dive into the longevity of a quality paint job and some practical tips to extend its life. When it’s time to give your ride a new coat of paint in Yakima, WA, call Autocraft Paint & Body Works . Longevity of a New Paint Job On average, a professionally applied paint job can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years, depending on various factors. The quality of the paint, the skill of the application, and the conditions your car faces all play a part. In areas with harsh sunlight, frequent rainfall, or road salt, you might notice signs of wear sooner. However, with proper care, even a paint job nearing a decade old can continue to turn heads. How to Prolong Your Paint Job’s Life Regular Washing and Drying Keeping your car clean is one of the simplest ways to protect your paint. Dirt, dust, and grime can act like tiny abrasives that slowly wear down the finish. Regular washing removes these contaminants before they have a chance to cause damage. Be sure to dry your car thoroughly after washing to prevent water spots, which can lead to a dull appearance over time. Waxing for Extra Protection Waxing your car creates a protective layer between your paint and the environment. A good wax makes your car shine and helps guard against UV rays, bird droppings, and tree sap. Aim to wax your car every three to four months, or more frequently if you drive in harsh conditions. Avoid Harsh Chemicals When cleaning your car, steer clear of abrasive cleaners and harsh chemicals that can strip away your paint’s protective layers. Opt for products specifically formulated for automotive finishes to maintain that glossy look. Mindful Parking Whenever possible, park in shaded or covered areas. Extended exposure to the sun can fade your paint, while parking under trees might seem attractive but can expose your car to sap and resin that damage the finish over time. Prompt Repairs Small chips and scratches are inevitable, but addressing them quickly prevents moisture from seeping in and causing rust or further damage. Touch-up paints and professional repairs can help keep your car looking pristine. Automotive Paint Repair in Yakima, WA At Autocraft Paint & Bodyworks, our shop offers custom auto painting and factory auto painting services. We also conduct computerized color-matched auto painting to blend repaired areas with those unaffected by an accident seamlessly. Our facility is equipped with one 57-foot downdraft paint booth, allowing us to paint large vehicles, as well as two 27-foot downdraft paint booths for smaller cars, vans, SUVs, and trucks. These modern additions to our shop allow for high-quality painting that ensures your vehicle’s finish turns out perfectly. To request an estimate for the cost of car painting in Yakima, please give our team a call at (509) 404-0988.

A deer collision can leave your car worse for wear and your nerves a little frayed. If you’ve had a run-in with wildlife on Yakima’s roads, knowing how to handle the aftermath can make the repair process much smoother. When you need collision repair in Yakima, WA, or the surrounding areas, call Autocraft Paint & Body Works. Assess the Damage The first step is to carefully inspect your vehicle. Look for obvious issues, like a cracked windshield, dented panels, or a misaligned hood. However, some problems, like internal damage to the engine or suspension, aren’t as easy to spot. This is why it’s necessary to get a professional inspection after any collision. File an Insurance Claim Document the damage by taking clear photos of your car and the accident scene, if possible. Contact your insurance company and provide them with all the details. In Washington state, deer collisions are considered “comprehensive” claims, so your rates may not increase if you file under this coverage. Be sure to check your policy for specifics. Choose a Reliable Auto Body Shop Look for shops with strong reviews and experience handling insurance claims. A good repair shop will inspect your car for structural and mechanical issues in addition to visible dents and scratches. Autocraft Paint & Bodyworks's expert mechanics will have your vehicle looking as good as new after a deer collision. Address Hidden Problems A deer collision can impact more than just your car’s exterior. Issues like misaligned wheels, damaged radiators, or broken lights may not be obvious but can affect your vehicle’s safety and performance. Trust your repair professional to uncover and fix any hidden damage. Prevention for the Future While accidents happen, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of future collisions. Be cautious during dawn and dusk, use your high beams when possible, and always watch for movement along road shoulders. Collision Repair in Yakima, WA At Autocraft Paint and Body Works, we’ve been fixing dents, removing scratches, and restoring vehicles to their pre-accident condition for more than 70 years. To learn more about our local auto body shop, don’t hesitate to give us a call at (509) 404-0988 . We’d be more than happy to offer a free estimate for the cost of body repair in Yakima or answer any questions you may have about the repair process.

Winter in Yakima brings cold temperatures, icy roads, and the challenges of maintaining your vehicle’s exterior against the elements. These conditions can take a toll on your car, leading to common auto body issues that require timely repairs. Understanding these problems and how to prevent them can save you money and keep your car looking its best. When you need auto body repair in Yakima, WA this winter, call Autocraft Paint & Body Works. Common Winter Auto Body Issues Rust and Corrosion - Road salt is a leading cause of rust during winter. When it mixes with snow and moisture, it creates a corrosive environment that eats away at your car’s paint and metal components. Dents and Scratches - Sliding on icy roads, minor fender benders, and flying debris from winter storms can leave your vehicle with unsightly dents and scratches. These blemishes can worsen over time if not addressed. Paint Damage - Harsh winter conditions, including freezing temperatures and salt exposure, can cause paint to crack or peel, exposing the underlying metal to further damage. Broken Lights and Bumpers - Collisions with snowbanks or hidden obstacles often lead to cracked headlights, damaged bumpers, or chipped grilles. How to Prevent Damage Wash Regularly - Frequent washing removes salt and grime that can lead to rust. Don’t forget to clean the undercarriage, where buildup often occurs. Apply Wax or Protective Coatings - A good wax or ceramic coating acts as a barrier against moisture and salt, helping to preserve your car’s finish. Drive Cautiously - Slower, more attentive driving reduces the chances of accidents or encounters with road debris that cause dents and scratches. Inspect Frequently - Check your car for early signs of rust, scratches, or other damage. Addressing small issues promptly prevents larger, more expensive problems later. Collision Repair in Yakima, WA At Autocraft Paint and Body Works, we’ve been fixing dents, removing scratches, and restoring vehicles to their pre-accident condition for more than 70 years. To learn more about our local auto body shop, don’t hesitate to give us a call at (509) 404-0988 . We’d be more than happy to offer a free estimate for the cost of body repair in Yakima or answer any questions you may have about the repair process.