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Two words. Polyester Primer! It is highly valued by professional auto body paint technicians for a few important reasons which we are about to share with you. First, we’d like to point out that it is only one material that is used in the body panel repair and refinishing process, but a very necessary one to ensure a quality job. So what’s so great about poly primer?

It offers HIGH BUILD.   As it is sprayed on a surface, the high building properties of polyester primer excel in filling minor pitting in metal and imperfections on body- work or metal.  While not as easy to apply as a conventional body filler, technicians who build up the surface is a more uniform way by spray and blocking poly primer will see better results in the end.  

It has HIGH SOLIDS.   Due to the high solid content in poly primer, there is very little shrinkage on panels.  This means it can be sprayed and blocked, primed and painted over without the primer shrinking, then causing imperfections in the surface of the paint when the job is complete. 

It provides a LASER STRAIGHT FINISH.   Spraying a final coat of polyester primer over the last round of body filler helps achieve a single uniform coat ready to block sand for a perfect panel.   This last step is key, as it can help achieve an award-winning look, as opposed to an average paint job.   

PRO TIP!   The most knowledgeable and experienced pros (including our team at Breezy Point Auto Body)  will block sand and apply poly primer several times and block the vehicle before sealing it up with a urethane primer or sealer.  So now you know the secret to an exceptional custom paint job. 

Paint and Refinishing Certified, our use of polyester primer in the auto repair and repainting process illustrates our commitment to quality at Breezy Point Auto Body.  From accurate estimates and insurance claims processing assistance to the performance of precision repairs from the framework, mechanical and electrical to the body and refinishing, excellent customer service during every step of the repair process is always our goal.  We believe that goes a long way in explaining why we’ve has been serving Fairfield & New Haven Counties since 1960! Do the math, and you’ll find that’s 60 years of unparalleled quality and service, which we look forward to providing you. 

For vehicle scanning, full-service collision repair, computerized straightening, and/or computerized paint mixing/matching using the most advanced state-of-the-art equipment click on https://breezypointautobody.com/contact/ to request an appointment or give us a call at (203} 378-4909.  If you’d like to stop by our shop, set your GPS to 75 Access Road, Stratford, CT 06615.  

Family-owned & operated your satisfaction isn’t merely a goal, it’s what drives us.  From the moment you enter our facility, until the day you pick up your repaired vehicle, we never quit working for you and always you’re your needs first. We even guarantee all our work with a written warranty. Every repair is done as if our own family will be in the vehicle when it leaves our facility. Not everyone can say that!

It’s the first question that pops into so many people’s heads following a car accident. That’s because drivers often fear that filing an auto-insurance claim (especially when no injuries are caused and/or the damage is minor) may result in an increase in their car insurance premium if they are “at fault.” While the notion of negotiating an out-of-pocket settlement to avoid higher insurance costs may sound like an attractive alternative, settling the accident with another driver without the help of your insurance company could be risky.

Chances are this person is someone you’ve just met, so you don’t know exactly who you are dealing with. If you agree to a set amount and pay for repairs, what’s to stop him or her from coming back months later demanding more? Plus, there really is no way to determine how far someone is willing to go. An additional request for additional cash could, at the very least, cause you stress or result in a lawsuit that will likely prove more costly, either in time, money or both.

No matter how minor an accident may seem, if you are at fault or not, it is always wise to swap insurance information with the other driver, call the police to file an accident report and contact your insurance company.
It is also important to have your vehicle inspected at a reputable collision center. While the damage may seem apparent, other issues may be hidden from sight with repairs more costly than you might realize. An accurate assessment by a trustworthy auto body expert, also skilled in filing insurance claims, is the best way to ensure your vehicle and/or the other driver’s vehicle is returned to pre-accident condition.
Bottom line, minor to major collisions involving other drivers should be reported to your insurance company and taken to a trusted collision repair center for an accurate assessment of damage, claims filing and precision repairs .

But what about single car wrecks? If you accidentally cause minor damage to your vehicle, such as backing it into your mailbox, it may not be worth it to contact your insurer. Check your auto insurance policy to do the math, because minor repair costs may likely be less than your collision deductible.
If you cause a lot of damage (to your car and/or anyone else’s property) you should probably contact your insurance company. There is the possibility your rates could go up at renewal time because of your claim, but when damage is major – better safe (to ensure accurate repairs) than sorry. You’ll have to weigh the pros and cons to decide. Don’t forget, if you have accident forgiveness, to check the parameters to see if this particular incident qualifies.
Want a professional point-of-view on the damage? Breezy Point Auto Body has been serving Fairfield & New Haven Counties since 1960, and we’d be happy to take a look at your vehicle, offer an assessment and answer any questions you have. Click on https://breezypointautobody.com/contact/ to request an appointment or give us a call at (203} 378-4909. If you’d like to stop by our shop, set your GPS to 75 Access Road, Stratford, CT 06615.  It will be our pleasure to return your car, truck, van or SUV to its “pre-accident” condition.

Congratulations, you’ve had your vehicle repainted. Enjoy the brilliant shine and renewed beauty, then take these simple tips “to heart”  to ensure the finish stays in the best condition.

#1 –Take cover by parking your vehicle in a garage or carport when it’s not in use. If that’s not possible, rely on an outdoor car cover to shield your vehicle from the elements. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun will oxidize and fade automobile paint over time, so it’s a great investment if you don’t already have one.  It should be 100% waterproof and made with breathable fabrics to avoid moisture buildup on the underside that could cause mold, mildew or rust. Available for coupes, sedans, convertibles, vans, trucks and SUV’s, make sure you choose the proper size for a snug fit and the best protection.  

#2 – Look up when parking, and try to avoid spots near trees and overhead power lines where birds like to gather.  Tree sap, nuts, branches and bird droppings can wreak havoc on a vehicle’s finish. Also avoid parking close to other cars, trucks or SUV’s  in public parking lots. It may take a few extra steps to get to your destination, but it will minimize the likelihood of dents or dings from hastily opened car doors, or a runaway shopping cart that could result in chipped or peeling paint.   As an added benefit, you’ll also decrease your chances for a “fender bender” when you park faraway from the crowd. 

#3 – Be meticulous, and remove any traces of bird “bombs,” sticky tree sap or any other substance that may harm the paint as soon as you notice it; and be sure to have your car, truck or SUV washed on a regular basis (at least a few times per season). Applying car wax also helps to prevent sun damage and stop pollution, grit and dirt from sticking to the finish, so don’t skip this critical car care step.   Whether done by yourself or as part of a professional detailing, waxing goes a long way to keep your vehicle’s paint job pristine. 

#4 – Wash, no matter the season.  When it’s cold outside, it’s easy to justify holding off on a car wash until spring.  But with today’s modern technology, there is no reason to do so. Featuring specialized equipment such as high-pressure sprayers, effective soaps, soaking agents and thorough drying methods, full-service car washes are proficient at whisking away dirt and grime without causing annoyances such as frozen locks or wiper blades stuck to the windshield. When the temperature rises above 32 degrees, an automatic car wash also serves as a fast and less costly option. Either way, it’s important to have your car washed in the winter. 

#5 – Be proactive to prevent corrosion. Road salt and de-icing chemicals used on slippery roads are the top two causes of paint damage as well as rust in the winter.  Wipe salt & de-icer residue off your vehicle with a damp cloth between routine car-washes. Remember to use a soft cloth or chamois, as rougher rags and towels can scratch the paint’s finish. If you notice any dents, dings, scratches or corrosion, turn to Breezy Point Auto Body to help you  prevent the damage from spreading. 

You may reach us by calling 203-378-4909 or use our convenient Contact Form. If you’d like to stop by our shop, set your GPS to 75 Access Road, Stratford, CT 06615.  At Breezy Point Auto Body, it is our pleasure to help you get “the most” out of your car, truck, van or SUV. 

Accidents are always unfortunate, but knowing what to do can help ease the situation. Being prepared for what happens before and after an accident can help you minimize your stress and reduce the negative consequences you may face.

Before the Accident Happens

There are a few things you can do to prepare for the worst. Defensive driving classes with help you gain the skills it takes to avoid accidents due to other people’s driving. With defensive driving classes, students learn to improve their driving skills by reducing their driving risks, anticipating situations, and making safe well-informed decisions.

Having an emergency kit in your car is a great way to be prepared for any road emergency. A flashlight, orange cones, first aid kit, paper and pens, a charged phone, and emergency tools should all be included in your kit.

What to Do After a Car Accident

If you do find yourself in an accident, there is a proper procedure to handle the situation. First, stop and evaluate the scene. Assess what has happened and the damage that has occurred. Don’t spend too much time on this if you are still in the middle of the road.

Move your car to a safer area if possible. At this point, you should contact the authorities. Mark the scene and document the damage. These photos will be helpful for your insurance claim.

Now you can call your insurance company and let them know about the accident.

It is recommended that you always go to the hospital after an accident. Even if you don’t feel pain the first day, or even if you think the whiplash will subside, you should still see a doctor. You should see a medical professional within three days, but the sooner the better.

What to Not Do After a Car Accident

The first rule of car accidents is to never admit fault. Let the insurance company and the proper authorities decide. Don’t lose your temper. This won’t help the situation. Don’t say “I am fine” or “I feel ok.” You should always see a doctor after a car accident.

Many people believe that you don’t need an attorney after an accident. However, the best thing you can do is call your accident attorney, even before you call your insurance provider. While you may have an obligation to cooperate with your own insurance company in certain circumstances, a lawyer can provide you with expert advice before you agree on any settlements, especially while you are still in shock after an accident.

Prepare for the Worst

If the car accident is serious, you may be dealing with a lawsuit. In that case, you will need the help of an accident attorney. You may be held responsible for the other parties medical bills and car repair.

Repairing Your Car

If you’ve been in an accident, you will probably have some damage to your vehicle. Most collision damage is repairable if you go to a skilled garage. Most auto body shops car repair dents, paint loss, and even structural damage.

Breezy Point Auto Body in Stratford, CT can handle all of your auto body repair needs. We specialize in collision repair and can get your car looking like new again. Contact us to learn more.

And just so you have it handy, you can reach us by calling 203-378-4909 or use our convenient Contact Form. If you’d like to stop by our shop, set your GPS to 75 Access Road, Stratford, CT 06615.

To perfectly restore dents, dings, and scratches on the body of your car, collision repair technicians will most likely need to apply a new coat of paint. It is vital to match your paint color perfectly. Without a matching shade, the work may look unprofessional and maybe even look worse than the actual scratch or ding ever would.

Vehicles with custom paint jobs can make it difficult for collision repair technicians to find matching colors to complete the job. Older, classic cars run into this problem frequently because the manufacturer has likely discontinued the paint. But with new technology, it’s possible to match almost any paint color.

To find a matching paint color for a damaged vehicle, collision repair technicians use a computerized paint-matching system to identify the exact shade of the vehicle’s current color. The system measures the amount of light and the exact hues on the car’s current paint finish. This data is then paired with the vehicle’s VIN to electronically find the paint formula on the vehicle’s existing finish. Through computerized paint matching systems, that paint color is then replicated and applied over the damaged area, leaving you with a car that looks brand new.

Before repainting

Whether you’re repairing a chip or repainting the whole car, prepping the paintwork is just as important as applying the paint, and plays a huge part in the quality of the end result. All dings and dents should be repaired before the painting process. The surface should be sanded, cleaned, and prepped before any painting can begin.

Paint drying

A professional paint shop usually covers the newly-finished car to protect and prevent it from gathering dust, possible overspray, and other contaminants. This is usually an automotive wrap that allows air between the film and your vehicle’s surface to protect it from the external environment.

While it’s tempting to get your car washed after picking it up from the shop, fresh paint requires proper curing and you shouldn’t soap a car down until after 30 days have passed.

If you must clean it, simply wash it down gently at home with cold water and a microfiber mitt in the shade. Be as gentle as possible to avoid scratches. Wipe dry immediately with a microfiber towel. This will help your car look great while avoiding scratches or disturbances on your freshly painted car.

It is not recommended to expose your new paintwork to harsh conditions before it’s fully cured. Let your car stay in the garage for at least two months. Only drive it when absolutely necessary and when the weather is fair.

You may think it’s harmless to wax your car and that it will protect your newly painted finish. Experts don’t recommend this, as the curing process involves the paint off-gassing itself. Applying wax will hinder it from doing so. Instead, wait for it to fully cure. 60 days after painting is the ideal time to wax your car and make sure to only use real carnauba wax. Now that you know a little more about the process, you can feel confident taking your car to an auto body shop for paint repair. When it’s time to repaint your car, you’ll need the help of a professional Auto Body Shop like Breezy Point Auto Body in Stratford, CT. Give us a call if you need more information, or to schedule an appointment.

Just so you have it handy, you can reach us by calling 203-378-4909 or use our convenient Contact Form. If you’d like to stop by our shop, set your GPS to 75 Access Road, Stratford, CT 06615.

Flux core welding is a specialized process that uses a hollow wire electrode fed through the welding gun and into the joint. One main benefit of this process is that flux core welding doesn’t require a shielding gas to protect the weld pool. Flux core welding is typically used when welding thicker metals. It is ideal for heavy-duty, industrial, or automotive applications since the finished bond is very secure. One of the main benefits of flux core welding is that it can be easily performed outside in a variety of conditions, quickly and effectively.

Before you begin, you must take your safety into consideration. Make sure to wear welding goggles, a welding mask, gloves, a leather apron, and work boots. Wear goggles under the mask to protect from hot slag and debris. Make sure to wear safety goggles at all times, even during cleanup. Always wear welding gloves, even during setup and cleanup to prevent cuts from metal edges. Additional safety garments can include a properly fitted welding jacket and proper work pants. Denim is recommended for ultimate comfort and safety.

The first step is to gather all your equipment. This includes your flux cored welder, ground clamps, slag chipping hammer, wire brush, and a spool of flux core wire.

To start, cut your steel to size. The steel must be free from any rust, paint or other contaminants. Clean it with a carbon steel wire brush to remove any debris. Next, load the wire into the machine by following the proper instructions that came with your machine.

Connect the grounding clamp to the workpiece. Clean the area the clamp contacts the workpiece with a wire brush. Clamp the workpieces together with C-clamps, locking pliers or magnetic squares.

Set the correct voltage, amperage and wire feed speed for your project. Tap the wire to the steel and quickly pull back, striking an arc. Keep squeezing the trigger as you move the gun along the steel. Move at the right speed for the steel, this will take some testing on your part.

Finally, Unplug the welder, but keep your safety equipment on. Using a slag chipping hammer, chip all of the slag off of the weld. A spring handled hammer is easy to grip even with gloves on and reduces shock for long periods of work. Brush the weld with a nylon wire brush to get the little bits of slag out. Flux core welding is something you can master only with experience. If you’re not yet a pro, practice on scrap or test projects before taking on tougher work. Flux core welding can take time to learn, so don’t jump into important projects right away. Make at least a few test welds first even if you’re already familiar with other types of welding. If you’re not ready to take on a welding project on your own, enlist the help of an auto body shop. Breezy Point Auto Body in Stratford, CT is available for all auto body repair needs, including welding. Contact us if you have any questions or would like to set up an appointment.

Just so you have it handy, you can reach us by calling 203-378-4909 or use our convenient Contact Form. If you’d like to stop by our shop, set your GPS to 75 Access Road, Stratford, CT 06615.

Ready to get those dents and dings out of your vehicle? Before you take your car into the shop, you should know a little bit about your options. There are a couple of different ways that an auto body shop can go about your repairs. PDR and bodywork are both great ways to repair your vehicle depending on the severity of the dent.

What is PDR?

PDR or Paintless Dent Repair refers to the process of fixing dents and other damage without compromising the original paint job of the car. Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) can be used to fix anything from minor hail damage and door dings to larger dents. As long as the damage isn’t extensive, and hasn’t already damaged the paint, PDR can be a great option.

To perform Paintless Dent Repair, the technician needs to create a pathway to the dent. In most cases, PDR requires access to the back side of the dent, which means some components of the vehicle will have to be removed. This can include the taillights, body panels, or even interior panels of the car. Special tools are then utilized to carefully massage the exterior back to its original position. Paintless Dent Repair requires no fillers and no sanding. This way no re-painting (and re-painting costs) are required.

Many consumers prefer this process because it is cost effective as well as more environmentally friendly since it requires little to no chemicals. PDR can’t be used for all repairs. If you have extensive damage, or your paint job has already been compromised, this may not be the best option.

What is Auto Body Work?

Auto body work refers to the repair of any of the exterior physical components of your vehicle. This can include paint repair, dent repair, glass repair, and frame straightening. Traditional auto body dent repair works by filling in auto body dents with paint or body filler, which is then matched to the rest of the vehicle’s exterior. While this process can make a vehicle appear as good as new, it doesn’t actually address the dent underneath. This makes it a less-sustainable option when it comes to repairing dents for the long-term. This style of repair can also negatively affect the resale value of your car.

The cost of traditional dent repair can quickly add up. If the paint job of your car has been damaged, an auto body technician will have to create a perfect match to repaint it. This can add time and cost to your dent repair.

While both methods will remove your dents, more and more consumers are finding PDR to be an effective and inexpensive alternative for minor damage removal. Paintless Dent Repair offers more for your money than traditional dent repair methods and is a great way to care for the condition of your vehicle’s exterior in an affordable way. Breezy Point Auto Body specializes in both PDR and traditional auto body work. If you are looking for an auto body shop in the Stratford, CT area, give us a call!

Just so you have it handy, you can reach us by calling 203-378-4909 or use our convenient Contact Form. If you’d like to stop by our shop, set your GPS to 75 Access Road, Stratford, CT 06615.

If the trim of your car has lost its luster, you might want to have it removed. Doing this can help clean up the look of your car and make washing, polishing, waxing, and detailing easier. The trim of your car is there to take some of the abuse that would otherwise damage the appearance and resale value of your vehicle. They can help you avoid dings, dents, and paint loss from hitting or scraping your car on objects like trees or other cars. Whether you just don’t like the look of your trim and want to go without it, or you want to replace them with fresh, new ones, here is a DIY way to remove them without your damaging your paint job or denting your car.

The first step is to warm up the adhesive from the double-sided tape used to attach the trim. If it’s a hot day, warm up your car in the sun to make the adhesive easier to remove. You’ll use a hairdryer to apply additional heat to the trim as you peel it off. 

Heat one end of the trim with the hair dryer until it is hot. Wear gloves and gently peel off the trim. You might need to use a plastic razor blade or non-marring trim tools to help you lift. These tools are designed to help you remove the trim without scratching your paint job.

Slowly pull the trim off the panel of the vehicle while sliding the plastic razor or tools under it. Pull steadily and evenly with one hand while continuing to apply heat with the hair dryer. Continue doing this slowly until it is completely removed. Be careful not to bend the trim into the car, you can create a dent.

The most difficult part of removing the trim pieces from your truck or car will be the removal of the leftover adhesive from the tape used to attach the trim. You have to keep in mind that the exterior trim is meant to remain in place for the life of your car or truck, so the adhesive is strong and won’t necessarily be easy to remove.

Remove any remaining adhesive with non-marring trim tools and an adhesive remover. You can use crepe masking tape to cover the area around the adhesive to avoid scraping it. Slowly and gently scrape off the adhesive with your tools. Use caution when scraping the adhesive from the body panel surface. You can damage your paint job even with specialized tools.

If there is rust and corrosion around or under your car’s trim, you must go through the process to have this removed. The corroded area can be sanded and repainted. Again, you have the option of removing it yourself or going to a professional auto body shop.

If you are able to do this correctly, it should not have an impact on your car’s resale value. If you’re not the handy type and you decide to find a professional to do this for you, Breezy Point Auto Body in Stratford, Connecticut can perform your trim removal.

Just so you have it handy, you can reach us by calling 203-378-4909 or use our convenient Contact Form. If you’d like to stop by our shop, set your GPS to 75 Access Road, Stratford, CT 06615.

In the Spring, you’re likely to notice more deer grazing along the road. While they may look sweet, these large animals can cause major damage if they collide with your car. Here are a few questions you may have if your vehicle comes face to face with a deer.

Does my insurance cover the damage?
The answer depends on which type of insurance you have. Damage from auto-deer crashes typically is covered under comprehensive insurance, not collision. Although the accident with the deer wasn’t your fault, you still will have to pay your comprehensive deductible amount. Typically, your mandated state car insurance does not include comprehensive coverage, so you’ll want to call your insurance company to make sure you are covered.

While you may think this damage should be covered by collision insurance, contact with animals is specifically listed as a loss covered by “other than collision,” which is also known as comprehensive coverage.

I swerved to miss a deer and I hit a tree, will I be covered?
If you swerve to miss a deer and then hit something else, it is generally listed as a collision in your auto policy. The reason it’s considered a collision is because you were behind the wheel when it happened. It may not have been another car that you hit, but you still collided with something. This is why most insurance policies will treat it as a collision and therefore the coverage that you have for collision will be used to help with the damage to your car, medical bills, as well as any damage that may have occurred to signage or anything else that you would be held responsible for.

Will the state pay for the damage or my deductible?
While states are responsible for the roadways, they cannot control whether an animal runs into the road. No states will pay for repairs to your vehicle, or even your deductible if you hit a deer.

Where do I take my car for repairs?
If you hit a deer, the first call should be to the police. While a police report is not required, it may be helpful to have some paperwork backing up your claim. After that, you will want to give your insurance company a call. Once that’s all taken care of, you’ll want to start thinking about how and where to repair your car. You don’t have to go to the auto body shop dictated by your insurance policy, so take the time to shop around or use a reference from family or friends.

Deer can cause major dents and even cracked or broken windshield glass. Luckily a full-service auto body shop like Breezy Point Auto Body can do all of the necessary repairs to get your car back to its original shape. They can work on glass repair, dent repair, and can even match your paint job so the repairs look seamless. In the unfortunate occasion that your car has hit a deer and you’re in the Stratford, CT area, contact Breezy Point Auto Body for efficient repairs.

Just so you have it handy, you can reach us by calling 203-378-4909 or use our convenient Contact Form. If you’d like to stop by our shop, set your GPS to 75 Access Road, Stratford, CT 06615.