Doug's Auto Collision Center

Polymer is a common substance found in modern vehicles. As a car gets older, polymer degradation sets in, causing the auto paint to become faded. Learn what you can do to keep polymer degradation damage to a minimum.

What Is Polymer?
Polymer is a specific chain of molecules that are found in natural materials like wood and rubber. The material is also derived synthetically and used in the production of items like nylon and disposable shopping bags.

In the auto industry, polymer makes up a large part of a car’s plastic and rubber components, from the dashboard to the bumper. The material is durable and inexpensive to produce. Collision repairs are also more affordable due to polymer keeping the cost of parts down.

Polymer in Paint
Auto paint also contains polymers. The material is sought after for its ability to produce a glossy shine. It also protects the paint against outer contaminants. One drawback of polymer, though, is that it fades with age, causing cracks in the paint to manifest.

How to Minimize Polymer Degradation
The best advice is to minimize direct sun exposure. If you normally park your car inside a garage, then this should be a non-issue. However, if you must park in the driveway or on the curb, then try parking in a shaded area when possible. We also recommend applying wax every three months. Dirt and other debris can cause polymer degradation damage over time.

Need Help With Polymer Degradation Damage Near Bellevue?
No matter how faded your car paint is, let us restore it to its original pristine shine. We can also remove dents and other visible blemishes. Make an appointment at Doug’s Auto Collision Center for an assessment. No need to let polymer degradation ruin your car’s visual charm.

Protect Your Car from Polymer Degradation Damage | Bellevue Keeping your car's finish in great shape is incredibly important. Learn how to protect your car from polymer degradation damage.

Auto manufacturers are turning away from conventional steel and more towards aluminum for the car frame. Aluminum provides higher durability and tensile strength at a fraction of the weight. The problem, though, is that not every auto repair shop has adapted its facility to handle aluminum car frame repair. Learn why restoring aluminum frames poses a challenge for many auto body companies.

Why the Move to Aluminum?
The automotive sector is transitioning to aluminum because it’s a lighter form of metal that makes a car more nimble and lightweight. It also lowers emissions and boosts fuel economy. Even more importantly, aluminum has a higher crash energy absorption ability than steel. Plus, aluminum is more recycle-friendly than steel, making the material easier for scrapyards to handle.

Can Repair Shops Handle Aluminum Restoration?
Steel remains the most widely-used material for car frames, though aluminum comes in a close second. Even so, the collision and dent repair industry has been slow in making the necessary adaptation. Most shops still lack the commercial equipment to handle aluminum restoration to industry standards.

Aluminum restoration requires heat treatment to soften the metal and reshape and frame to its original position. The process is very complex and requires the whole frame – not just the damaged area – to be treated. There’s a small margin for error, making it an exceptionally difficult process without the right equipment. Most shops just end up replacing the entire frame, translating to a higher cost for the customer.

Education Is Paramount
It’s not enough to just invest in the right equipment. Technicians at the auto repair shop must also be adequately trained to handle the repair process. Repairs must be done to the auto manufacturer’s exact specifications, and each manufacturer has a different requirement, dependent on the frame’s composition of aluminum and steel. Guidelines must also be followed regarding the use of welds, rivets, and adhesives.

Need an Auto Repair Shop for Aluminum Car Frame Repair Near Issaquah
We handle collision and dent restoration as well as auto painting for aluminum car frames. Make an appointment with Doug’s Auto Collision Center if your vehicle has incurred functional or aesthetic-level damage. We handle aluminum car frame repair and adhere to the most stringent protocols for getting the process right.

Does Your Auto Repair Shop Perform Aluminum Car Frame Repair? | Issaquah Does your car have an aluminum frame? Find out why you need the right auto repair shop for this specialized frame type.

Even the most minor fender bender can leave you with a dent in the body of your car. It may be tempting to skip fixing it, but that leaves the paint vulnerable to chipping and the body at greater risk of rusting. It also signals what kind of car owner you are, which may not be the kind of appearance you want to convey. Paintless dent repair can resolve the dent quickly and easily. Here’s why it’s such an in-demand service.

Affordability
When compared with the extensive work that goes into some dent repair services, the tools and techniques used are relatively low-tech. As a result, they require less labor and materials, too. Overall, the costs of this service are far lower, which removes a significant obstacle to repairs for some drivers concerned with their budget.

Fast
Paintless solutions to resolving your dents take only as long as needed to push or pull the affected areas back into place. Mixing and matching new paint or waiting for it to dry is unnecessary. As a result, you can get your car back on the road faster and minimize your downtime without a vehicle.

Flawless Fix
Skilled dent repair technicians ensure a smooth finish, and no one will ever be able to tell where the affected area was. As a result, the original paint remains perfectly intact, as does the original shape of the car’s body.

Are You a Bellevue Driver in Need of Paintless Dent Repair?
Doug’s Auto Collision Center is proud to be your first stop when you need collision repair work of any kind. From paintless dent repair to auto painting and collision work, you can trust our attention to detail and professionalism, no matter the make and model of your vehicle. We are a local business with decades of experience that’s distinguished by a lifetime guarantee on our work. Contact us today for your free estimate on paintless dent repair!

Painless Dent Repair: Learn How Drivers Benefit | Bellevue Paintless dent repair can resolve a dent on your car quickly and easily. Here's why it's such an in-demand service.

After an incident where your car is damaged, whether caused by a fender bender or a falling tree branch, you may hesitate to get your vehicle fixed immediately. Perhaps you have a busy schedule or are concerned about your budget. Regardless of the reason, prompt collision repair work is essential to getting your car back on the road. Read on to learn why.

Meet Insurance Company Deadlines
Often, insurance companies require that drivers adhere to strict deadlines when filing a claim for collision work. If you wait too long to bring your vehicle in for service, you may pay completely out-of-pocket for the service, costing you more.

Reduce The Time and Cost Required by More Extensive Damage
When you don’t get your car fixed quickly, those broken parts may continue to deteriorate and affect surrounding regions. You’re risking increased damage and more time required to fix it the longer you wait. Chipped paint quickly rusts, minor windshield dings expand into lengthy cracks and loose belts snap and dart around, for example.

Good Collision Shops are Busy
Collision repair shops that do good work are in high demand because drivers and insurance companies know they can count on outstanding results. If you contact your local collision specialist immediately, you can get your repairs on their schedule faster.

Do You Need Collision Repair Work Near Mercer Island?
Doug’s Auto Collision Center is proud to be your first stop when you need collision repair work of any kind. From paintless dent repair to auto painting and collision work, you can trust our attention to detail and professionalism, no matter the make and model of your vehicle. We are a local business with decades of experience that’s distinguished by a lifetime guarantee on our work. Contact us today for your free estimate!

Get Back on the Road Quickly and Safely with High Quality Collision Repair Work for Mercer Island Drivers

Speedy Collision Repair | Mercer Island Regardless of the reason for the damage, prompt collision repair work is essential to getting your car back on the road.