Think all paint jobs are the same? Think again. Aside from being able to provide a perfect color match, your autobody shop of choice should be able to perform the paint repair impeccably. You may bring your car to a shop expecting perfect results, but there are many issues and inconsistencies that can occur from an unskilled hand conducting your paint job.

What are Fisheyes and What Causes Them?

One issue that may occur on a paint job is called “fisheye.” Fisheyes (also known as craters) are an unattractive occurrence that can happen when dirt, wax, oil, or silicone gets stuck under the paint on your car. This causes spots or bubbles in the paint job. The spots appear as little white dots with paint surrounding them. This can look like a “fisheye,” as the name implies. Fisheyes can be widespread or found just in a small area.

How to Avoid Fisheyes

The best way to avoid fisheyes is to make sure the job is performed properly from the start. The surface should be thoroughly cleaned before the paint job begins. A skilled technician from Breezy Point Auto Body, an autobody shop in Stratford, CT, will be able to make sure there are no leftover substances that can cause problems for your paint job.

Even your skin oil can contaminate your paint job. The technician can reduce the risk of contaminating your car’s paint job with skin oil by washing their hands or wearing latex gloves. Even the technician accidentally brushing up against the car’s paint with their arm can transfer enough skin oil to cause fisheyes to form when the next layer of paint is applied.

Oil and lubricants from sanders or other tools used between layers of paint can also cause fisheyes. The car should be cleaned thoroughly between coats of paint and power tools should be regularly maintained to ensure they do not leak fluids onto the fresh paint.

If fisheyes occur during the paint process, the technician should attempt to repair the issue during the paint process. With proper work ethics, the shop should be able to avoid fisheyes in the first place.

Repairing Fisheyes

If fisheyes have already occurred, don’t worry, there is still hope. Fisheyes can be difficult to repair, but a properly trained technician will be able to do the job. Unfortunately, the affected area will have to be removed and re-coated. Your technician will sand, clean, and repaint the area on your vehicle that has fisheyes. Usually, only the affected areas will need to be sanded.

Sandpaper will be used to remove the area where the “fisheyes” appear. Then a strong steam of water is used along with a suitable cleaning product will be used to make sure the area is properly cleaned. Finally, a sealing product will be used to make sure the problem doesn’t happen again.

This is another good reason to make sure you bring your car to a qualified auto body shop. The folks in the Stratford, CT area can rest assured that Breezy Point Auto Body knows the importance of a beautiful paint job. Our highly trained technicians can perform almost any auto body repair job. Contact us for an appointment or for more information. You can call (203) 378 4909 or use our convenient Contact form

No one wants to drive around with a beat-up looking car, but dents and dings are sometimes hard to avoid. Whether you backed up into a trashcan or got into a little fender bender that resulted in a few dents or scratches, it’s best to repair these problems in a timely manner. These minor issues might be easy to ignore for a while, but letting them fester can result in larger problems, ultimately resulting in a reduction in your car’s resale value. The good news is, paint loss, dents, and even rust can be repaired by an autobody shop like Breezy Point Autobody; assuming Stratford, Connecticut is within a reasonable distance from you.

Peeling and chipping paint can cause more problems than just making your car look old and worn. It can cause structural damage when it becomes rust and corrosion. The rust can become deep enough to corrode the metal beneath it, causing more trouble for your vehicle.

Most buyers will be well aware of the serious issues that rust can cause. A corroded car can be difficult if not impossible to repair. It’s important to catch and repair these issues at early so they don’t get worse.

A knowledgeable buyer will be wary of buying your vehicle because of these issues. Luckily, the talented autobody repair professionals at Breezy Point Autobody in Stratford, Connecticut can repair many of these problems.

If your car has scratches or missing paint, a professional paint repair experts at Breezy Point Autobody will be able to perfectly match the color of your car to fill in the missing paint. The shop should be able to mix the paint on site and get an exact match. There’s no need to repaint the entire car, they’ll just fill in the damaged area.

The same goes for dings and dents. Usually, these minor issues shouldn’t cause you much distress as they only affect the outside layer of the car. But if you’re planning to sell your car, the aesthetic value of the repair might be worth it. Just like with paint loss, any dents or dings will be taken into consideration by people looking to purchase your vehicle. Even if the buyer decides to purchase the vehicle, these issues can be reasons to negotiate a lower price. Luckily, with professional dent removal, a trained autobody technician will be able to work out any dents and get your car looking like new again.

Keeping your vehicle in pristine condition is the best way to preserve its resale value. Your car’s appearance is the first thing a buyer sees. Any paint loss or rust is considered an eyesore and can make a buyer disinterested in your vehicle. With professional autobody repairs, the end result should be unnoticeable, letting buyers see the true beauty of your vehicle!

For more auto advice, visit our website, or contact us with any questions via our convenient Contact form or call us at (203) 378 4909.

Damage from a collision doesn’t have to mean your vehicle is totaled. A talented auto collision shop should have the capabilities to repair your vehicle to its pre-collision state. Before you bring your car in, here are 5 things you should know before getting body collision repair.

You Can Pick Who Fixes Your Car

Many people believe that you have to go to the repair shop that your insurance dictates. This is a myth. You can feel free to go to the shop of your choice. Regardless of the shop you choose, your insurance company is still required to pay for the repairs. Despite what your insurer may tell you, you do have the legal right to pick your own shop. If your insurer refuses to pay because you are using a shop that they are not contracted with, they would be violating the law.

Not Every Body Shop is the Same

Collision repair affects the appearance, value, and safety of your vehicle. That’s why it is important to go to a competent auto body shop. Not every shop is the same. You can find shops that are certified to work on your specific vehicle make. Breezy Point Auto Body, an Auto Body in Stratford, CT is certified to work on Nissan vehicles. You should also try to find a shop that has certified mechanics such as the I-Car certified technicians at Breezy Point Auto Body.

You Don’t Need More Than One Estimate for Insurance

Do you have an auto body shop you love? Or maybe a great one your friends or family recommended? Then there is no reason to spend time going to others for an estimate. It is a better use of your time to get your vehicle started on the repairs at a trusted auto body shop.

Frame Damage Doesn’t Always Mean Totaled

If your collision managed to bend the frame of your car, this can seem like major damage. Don’t despair. Many auto body shops can repair this damage with special equipment.  Well trained mechanics can return your car as close to factory condition as possible with the help of specialized framing machines. These machines use hydraulics and powerful torque to put your frame back into shape. Depending on the original extent of damage to your vehicle, your mechanic should be able to straighten your damaged car frame.

It Might Not be Necessary to Repaint the Entire Car

A talented auto body repair shop like Breezy Point Auto Body has techniques and equipment that can save you money. With modern paint matching machines, the certified technicians at Breezy Point can find the exact color of your car to seamlessly repair any missing paint. This way, the entire car does not have to be repainted.

Now that you know these collision repair tips, you can feel confident in taking your car to your favorite auto body repair shop. If you need auto body repair in Stratford, CT, Breezy Point Auto Body can provide efficient, quality service. Give us a call today at (203) 378 4909.

Winter is no joke – Winterizing Your Vehicle for Ultimate Safety

Just like you need to make sure you have your coat, hat, scarf, and boots, you need to prepare your car for cold weather. Follow these tips to make sure your car is safe to drive through the worst of the winter weather. If you need help winterizing your car in Stratford, CT come to visit Breezy Point Auto Body.

Stock your car with winter-worthy gear

Secure your journey by making sure you have the right gear on hand at all times. A snow scraper is your first line of defense when it comes to a light snow. Make sure you remove as much snow as possible from your front and back windshields, the roof as well as all of the windows. This tool won’t do you much good if the snow gets heavy. In that case, you will want to keep a small shovel in your car if you live in an area that gets blizzards often. To fend off ice build up, an ice melting spray can easily be stored in the car.

Swap out wimpy wiper blades

A strong set of wiper blades can be a real lifesaver (literally) when it comes to driving in the snow. The build-up of winter precipitation and salt on your windshield can greatly reduce visibility. Working windshield wipers and a full supply of wiper fluid will ensure that you have a clear line of sight even in the nastiest snowstorm. Wiper blades are only good for one year, so replace old, weak wiper blades early in the season to help make your car more winter-friendly.

Check your battery

It’s often more difficult for a battery to operate in cold weather than it is for a battery to operate in warm weather. The chemical reactions required to generate power in a car battery slow down in extremely cold temperatures. As a result, a battery that’s merely weak during the summer could turn into a dead battery during the winter. You should get your battery checked by a mechanic to make sure it’s ready for the cold season.

Change Your Oil

In order for your engine to run, it needs proper lubrication from oil. Unfortunately, cold weather reduces the oil’s effectiveness. The colder it is outside, the thicker the oil gets, and thick oil doesn’t circulate through your engine as easily as thin oil. Consequently, your engine doesn’t get the lubrication it needs during start-up and you’re left with a car that won’t start.

To prevent this situation, change your oil to one that is thinner, to begin with. To find out the proper viscosity (that’s the thickness or thinness of a liquid) of oil you need in the winter, check the owner’s manual for your car. It usually has information on the proper viscosity levels for different climates.

Trick out your Tires

Driving in snow actually dulls the tread on your tires. If you live in a snowy place or plan to drive to the mountains, invest in snow tires or a set of chains to protect tires from slippage. Even if you won’t be driving in the snow this winter, pay extra attention to your tires. Cold weather naturally decreases the air pressure in your tires (and driving on low tires makes your engine work harder and uses more gas). So, make sure to check the pressure every two to four weeks.

Accidents happen.

No matter how careful you may be driving this winter, you may still be involved in a collision. Or conditions may just be tough on your vehicle and you have dings and paint damage from winter road debris. If any of these things happen to you, call Breezy Point Auto Body at (203) 378-4909 or stop by in our Stratford, CT shop for a free repair estimate.

 

Breezy Point Auto Body would like to wish you a safe winter. For more car tips, visit our blog.

Rust is the corrosion of metal that occurs under certain conditions. Typically rust occurs when the metal is exposed to iron, oxygen, or water. The most common cause of rust on cars is exposing the metal to water. Luckily, Breezy Point Auto Body, a certified Auto Body Shop in Stratford, CT can provide rust repair for this situation.

What Causes Rust?

To create rust, three factors must be present: an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte. An anode is a piece of metal that will readily release electrons under the right circumstances. Cathodes are metals that will accept electrons. Electrolytes are liquids that facilitate the movement of electrons.

Some substances make it easier for rust to form on your car. One of the most common is salt. While water can act as an electrolyte, it’s not very efficient at carrying electrons. Salt water is much more effective. An object that might rust slowly under normal conditions will rust quicker if it’s in contact with salt water.

If you live near the ocean, your vehicle could be susceptible to rust due to the high salt content of the ocean air. But even if you live hundreds of miles away from the sea, salt can still give you trouble. For example, many people use salt to get rid of ice and snow. As the ice melts, you’re left with an electrolyte capable of rusting your vehicle.

How Much Rust is Too Much?

Small rust spots can be common on pre-owned vehicles. These spots aren’t necessarily bad since they’re easy to address and inexpensive to repair. More serious problems can occur when rust gets beneath the car’s surface and within its underlying components.

Rust Prevention and Repair

The primer and paint used on cars provide some protection from rust. But if this coating is damaged from scratches or dents, moisture can make contact with the bare metal under the paint. Without the protection of the paint, your car will begin to rust.

This means you should examine and take care of your car’s paint job if you want to keep rust at bay. Not only will it keep your car looking nice, but it may also prevent rust from weakening the metal on your car.

One good way to protect your car’s paint job is to wash your car every two weeks and apply a wax coating once a month. Take this time to examine your car carefully. If you see any signs of scratches, bubbling or flaking, you have a problem. Bubbles can be a sign of rust forming underneath the paint and scratches or flaking can allow moisture to begin the oxidation process.

There are a few options to consider if your vehicle already has rust. You will need to bring your car to a professional repair shop like Breezy Point Auto Body, a certified Auto Body Shop in Stratford, CT to provide rust repair services.

Rust forms easily and can happen in any region or environment. Cars in harsher environments or near oceans may be more susceptible to rust than cars in dry regions but no vehicle is completely immune. Breezy Point Auto Body can provide professional rust and paint repair in Stratford, CT. Give us a call at (203) 378-4909 to schedule an appointment or use our convenient Contact Form.

A car accident is always an unfortunate event. It’s especially bad when your car ends up being undrivable. When a car’s damages are beyond repair, or the cost to fix the car exceeds the value of the car, it’s considered a total loss. In some cases, an Auto Body Shop in Stratford, CT like Breezy Point Auto Body can help you find a solution.

Repair or Replace

In most cases, the insurer determines whether a vehicle is considered a total loss. Comprehensive coverage and collision coverage help pay to replace a totaled vehicle. But, if your vehicle is totaled and you don’t have comprehensive or collision coverage, you may have to pay out of pocket to buy a replacement vehicle.

To determine your car’s worth (the “actual cash value” in insurance terms) at the time of the accident, insurers typically use a number of factors to figure your car’s actual cash value, including its age, condition, mileage and resale value, in addition to the selling price of similar vehicles in your area.

In the end, the choice to repair or replace a total loss vehicle will come down to how much value the vehicle has to you. The insurance company will give you the money to purchase a new vehicle and take ownership of your totaled vehicle. But, it’s still up to you whether you want to repair or replace the car.

In most cases, it’s a good idea to take the money and replace the car. You should go through with repairs if your insurance will cover it. You should also consider repairs if you have the means to cover them without it causing you any problems or hardships.

Resurrecting a Total Loss

Before you send your car to the junkyard, consider some options for repair. If sentimental value makes you want to keep the vehicle, a good auto body shop may be able to resurrect your car.

To keep it, the insurance company must first be convinced. Once an agreement is struck, you won’t receive a check for the car’s entire value. From the payout, the insurance company will subtract the deductible, along with deducting the estimated amount it would have received from a salvage yard. It may also deduct some other costs or fees. You can then use whatever is left to make the needed repairs, which are now your responsibility. It’s smart to know what the repairs will cost before launching efforts to keep the car.

Once a car is declared a total loss by your insurance company, its title receives a brand indicating a prior condition, such as “flood,” “salvage” or “reconstructed.” This is a red flag that might prevent you getting the car insured or create difficulty trading it in or reselling it.

Cosmetic Totals

If most of the damage is cosmetic, the car would probably be repairable and just as safe to drive as before the accident. In such a case, keeping it would be an option to consider.

Hidden damage discovered once repairs begin could run up costs well beyond the car’s value. Moreover, other damage, such as a cracked frame, might not be found at all but would still make the car unsafe to drive.

The first step is to contact a reputable auto body shop to get an accurate estimate. Breezy Point Auto Body, a certified Auto Body Shop in Stratford, CT, is a great place to start when trying to decide if you should repair your totaled vehicle. Give them a call for an accurate estimate by dialing (203) 378 4909 or use our convenient Contact form.

In a 1909 meeting, Henry Ford said, “Any customer can have a car painted any color that he wants so long as it is black.” In the century-plus since he said that, manufacturers—including Ford—have relaxed that requirement somewhat, offering vehicles painted in a rainbow of colors, up to and including actual rainbows.

When you look around while driving, though, it seems like only a few colors can actually be found on the road. That begs the question: “just what are the most popular colors for cars these days?” To get the answer we turn to the experts, in this case, Pittsburgh Plate Glass, better known as PPG. Although, as its name implies, PPG was first an auto glass company, it now is among the top producers of automotive paints.

According to Jane E. Harrington, PPG Manager, auto manufacturer’s attitudes have loosened a bit since Ford’s day. They have been forced to adjust their offerings to include the modern client’s demands. “Color and styling choices by original equipment manufacturers must be responsive to differences among potential buyers. They need to consider everyone from technology-focused millennials to family-focused baby boomers, monitoring sales data and style trends to try to predict two or three years in advance of a model year what colors and effects they will offer.”

Surprisingly, with all the choices available (PPG introduced 64 new shades to the industry for the 2018-19 model years), people still prefer tried-and-true, classic monochrome colors. According to the PPG website, the most popular color for automobiles across the planet in 2015 was (drum roll, please) …white, at 35 percent. Black came in a distant second (sorry Henry), with 17 percent, followed by silver, grey, natural, red, blue, green and “other.” Looking solely at North America, the order wasn’t much different, with white at 23 percent and black at 19 percent followed by grey, silver, red and blue.

For those with more adventurous tastes, new color options allow you to transform your car into a work of art. These new colors come with some interesting names, by the way, including “Hyper HD,” “IM Perfect,” “Knight’s Watch” and “Lucid Dreams.” These unique color options allow you to show off your personality-and your car’s.

If your vehicle needs a paint touch up or a complete paint job, contact our auto body shop in Stratford, CT. Breezy Point Auto Body uses environmentally-friendly waterborne paint and an infrared paint-drying process that allows us to return your vehicle more quickly than traditional auto paint techniques. Our skilled technicians can help you find the perfect color for your vehicle. Call us at (203) 378 4909 or use our convenient Contact Form to schedule your appointment for auto body repair, auto detailing, new tires, and more.

Repairing your car after an accident shouldn’t be confusing, but there are many misconceptions when it comes to the process. Along with finding the right auto body shop in Stratford, CT, you’ll have to know the facts about the repair process. Here are four collision repair myths that may not necessarily be true.

Myth #1 – You Must Use a Shop Your Insurance Company Chooses

Many people think that they have to go to one of the auto body repair shops suggested by the insurance company. But according to Connecticut State law, you have the right to have your vehicle repaired at the licensed repair shop of your choice. This is great news because it means you can choose a well-established collision repair shop like Breezy Point Auto Body. They provide professional auto body repair in Stratford, CT. They are I-Car Certified and have experience repairing all kinds of collision damage. Breezy Point Auto Body will even handle your insurance claim for you throughout the entire process, from calling in the claim to arraigning the final payment.

Myth #2 – Only a Dealer Can Repair Your Car Properly 

While dealerships can provide quality repairs, they can be quite costly if you are no longer under warranty. Independent auto body shops can provide the same quality of repairs and a much lower price. Independent shops also offer more personalized service and better customer care. It can be easier to build a personal relationship with independent garages since you speak directly with the mechanics. Many mechanics at independent collision repair shops have worked at dealerships before, and/or can have specialized training from the vehicle manufacturers. In addition, independent mechanics answer to you; they have no loyalty to the manufacturer, as dealerships must. Look for shops that are certified for your specific type of vehicle. Breezy Point Auto Body is OEM Certified for Honda, Acura, Nissan and Infiniti models, and recognized by Hyundai, Ford and FCA (Chrysler-Fiat).

Myth #3 – A Damaged Frame Can’t Be Repaired

Your car’s frame is its structural support system. When you’ve been in a heavy collision, the frame can get bent out of its original shape. While many people think a car with frame damage is a total loss, today’s technology allows mechanics to accomplish this difficult repair. A quality auto body collision repair shop should have the proper equipment to repair your vehicle’s frame. Breezy Point Auto Body uses computerized straightening to repair vehicle frames. Depending on the original extent of damage to your vehicle, your mechanic should be able to straighten your damaged car frame.

Myth #4 – Insurance Pays for All the Repairs

Collision coverage protects you against damage from an accident. Contrary to popular belief, your insurance company doesn’t always pay for all of your repair costs in a collision, especially if you are at fault, or the other driver didn’t have insurance. In that case, you will still have to pay your deductible. Your “deductible” is the amount of money that you must pay out of pocket when you file an insurance claim. If the other driver is at fault, other driver’s insurance company can repair your car damage and you won’t have to pay a deductible. If you caused the accident and don’t have collision coverage on your car, you’ll end up having to pay out of pocket.

 

Now that you know the truth about the collision repair process, you will be better prepared in the case of an accident. If you need auto body repair in Stratford, CT, Breezy Point Auto Body can provide efficient, quality service. Give us a call today at (203) 378 4909 or use our convenient Contact form.

Auto tinting involves fitting a darkened sheet of film to a vehicle’s glass to block visibility. This can include all four side windows and the front and rear windshield. Auto tinting should always be done by a professional, and Breezy Point Auto Body provides the best auto window tinting in Stratford, CT. There are many reasons you may want to tint your car windows including comfort, health concerns, safety and privacy, and preserving the condition of your car. Some people just like the sporty look that tinting gives their vehicle.

One of the most common reasons people get their car tinted is to reduce the temperature of your car’s interior on hot summer days. Tinting can block heat and UV radiation from the sun to reduce the temperature inside your car. By blocking the sun, tinting your vehicle’s glass can also help protect you and your family from the harmful UV rays that can cause skin cancer.

These harmful UV rays can be damaging to the interior of your car as well. Sun and heat can cause your car’s upholstery to fade, dry out, and crack. Leather upholstery is especially vulnerable to this sun damage. Minimizing damage and protecting the interior of your car can help preserve the resale value of your vehicle.

Tinting can make your car safer to drive because it reduces the glare from sun, snow, and other car headlights, which can impede your vision and hinder your driving. Tinting can also help protect you in an auto accident, as it can help hold shattered glass together, protecting the occupants of the car.

Besides making your car safer to drive, tinting can also help protect the occupants and items in the vehicle. The added privacy is why window tinting is used commonly in limousines. By blocking the view from the outside, no one can see if there are valuable items inside the vehicle, therefore deterring burglars.

Many new cars come with tinted windows as an option, but tinting is available as an after-market option as well. You should always get your tinting done by a professional to ensure quality results. If you’re looking for the best auto window tinting in Stratford, CT, a professional auto body shop like Breezy Point Auto Body can make sure that your tinting is properly fitted. A proper tint job should be perfectly smooth with no bubbles and no peeling.

Each state has their own rules about the allowed darkness for car tinting, especially if you are planning on tinting your front or back windshields. This is because if the tint is too dark, it can be dangerous when driving at night because it may reduce visible light transmission through vehicle windows.

Now that you know the benefits of auto window tinting, you can decide if tinting is right for you. There are many methods and types of auto tints, and a professional can help you choose the right one. For the best auto window tinting in Stratford, CT, contact Breezy Point Auto Body (203) 378-4909 or use our convenient Contact form.

You’ve been in a car accident…Now what? The process of having your vehicle repaired after a car accident or road traffic collision can vary greatly depending on the nature of the accident and the insurance companies and policies involved. Here are a few guidelines you can follow to help make the process go more smoothly.

Determine Fault

The first step is to determine who is at fault. Sometimes determining fault will be easy, such as with a rear-end collision, but other road traffic accidents may be trickier. If the other driver is at fault for the accident, his or her auto insurance is responsible for covering car repair costs. Generally, when you’re at fault for the accident your collision or comprehensive coverage can cover it, or you can opt to pay for car repairs yourself to avoid filing an accident claim with your auto insurance company.

Make a Claim

Now that fault has been determined, it’s time to make the insurance claim. You will have to get your vehicle inspected by a designated insurance inspector from the insurance company or the auto body shop. After that, an inspector will estimate the cost of the repair.

Collision Repair

Once the damages have been inspected, the repair estimates have been made, it’s time to get the vehicle repaired. Your insurance company may require you to go to one of their pre-chosen auto body shops. If not, you’ll need to make a choice on where to get your car repaired.

One important factor to look for is a shop’s certifications. Certifications indicate that the shop and technicians have the most up-to-date training and knowledge to repair your vehicle. Certified auto body shops like Breezy Point Auto Body have the skills and equipment to get your vehicle back to factory standards quickly.

Back To Factory Standards

So now that you know how to handle your collision repair, you’ll be able to make a better-informed decision on how to handle the situation. A certified auto body shop like Breezy Point Auto Body will be able to help you deal with your insurance claim as well as repair your vehicle to original condition. Call the Experts at Breezy Point today at (203) 378 4909 if you need help with your next collision repair.