What to do after an accident — and other car questions
Straight answers from our Santa Ana body shop and mechanics: accidents, insurance claims, brakes, engine noises, A/C and maintenance.
AccidentsInsuranceBody & PaintBrakesEngineA/C & ElectricalTransmissionMaintenance
Accidents
What to Do After a Car Accident in California: Step-by-Step
The minutes after a crash are stressful, and it's easy to forget something that matters later. Keep this checklist on your phone — it covers what Cali…
Read more →AccidentsHit and Run in California: What to Do and Who Pays
Coming back to a damaged car with no note, or being hit by a driver who speeds off, is infuriating. A few quick steps protect your claim.…
Read more →AccidentsCar Pulling to One Side After an Accident? Here's Why
Even a 'small' impact can knock your wheels out of line. If the steering wheel is off-center or the car drifts, don't ignore it.…
Read more →Insurance
How to File a Car Insurance Claim After an Accident (and Avoid Delays)
Filing a claim isn't hard, but small mistakes — missing photos, the wrong shop, no claim number — can add weeks. Here's how the process works and how …
Read more →InsuranceCan I Choose My Own Body Shop in California? Yes — Here's the Law
After an accident, many drivers are told to take the car to the insurance company's 'preferred' or 'direct repair' shop. That's a suggestion — not a r…
Read more →InsuranceWhat Is a Supplement in Auto Body Repair?
You got an estimate from the insurance company, and a few days later the shop says the repair will cost more. Here's why that happens — and why it's a…
Read more →InsuranceMy Car Was Declared a Total Loss. What Happens Next?
A total loss means the insurer decided repairing the car would cost more than it's worth (or close to it). It's frustrating, but you still have option…
Read more →InsuranceWhat Is a Car Insurance Deductible — and When Do You Pay It?
Your deductible is the part of a covered repair you pay yourself. Here's how it works in real life at the body shop.…
Read more →InsuranceOEM vs. Aftermarket Parts: What's the Difference?
Your estimate lists parts as OEM, A/M, LKQ or Reman. Here's what those letters mean for your car.…
Read more →Body & Paint
Paintless Dent Repair vs. Traditional Body Work
Not every dent needs filler and paint. Here's how to know which repair fits your damage.…
Read more →Body & PaintADAS Calibration After a Collision: Why Your Sensors Need It
Modern cars see the road with cameras and radar. After a repair, those 'eyes' can be off by a fraction of a degree — enough to matter.…
Read more →Brakes
Why Are My Brakes Squeaking? Causes and When to Worry
A little squeak on a damp morning is normal. A squeal that won't go away is your car asking for attention.…
Read more →BrakesGrinding Noise When Braking: What It Means
Grinding is one of the few car noises you shouldn't wait on. Here's why.…
Read more →BrakesWhy Does My Car Shake When I Brake?
If the steering wheel shimmies or the pedal pulses when you slow down from highway speed, the brakes are telling you something.…
Read more →Engine
Engine Knocking or Ticking Noise: Causes and What to Do
Engines hum. They shouldn't knock. A new noise from under the hood deserves a quick check before it becomes an expensive one.…
Read more →EngineCheck Engine Light On? What It Means and What to Do
The check engine light can mean anything from a loose gas cap to a misfire that's damaging your catalytic converter. Here's how to tell.…
Read more →EngineCar Overheating? What to Do Right Now (and Why It Happens)
An overheating engine can go from warning to major damage in minutes. Here's what to do.…
Read more →EngineSmoke Coming From Under the Hood: What the Color Means
Smoke always deserves attention. Its color and smell give a good first clue.…
Read more →A/C & Electrical
Car A/C Blowing Warm Air? Common Causes
In Southern California, a weak A/C isn't a small problem. Here's what usually causes it.…
Read more →A/C & ElectricalCar Won't Start and Just Clicks? Here's What It Means
You turn the key or press the button and hear clicking — but the engine doesn't crank. Usually it's one of three things.…
Read more →Transmission
Maintenance
How Often Should I Change My Oil?
The old '3,000 miles' rule is outdated for most cars. Here's how to know your real interval.…
Read more →MaintenanceCar Vibrates at Highway Speed? Common Causes
If the car is smooth around town but shakes on the freeway, the cause is usually in the wheels and tires.…
Read more →MaintenanceHow Extended Warranty Repairs Work (and How We Help)
An extended warranty (vehicle service contract) can save you a lot on a big repair — if the claim is handled correctly.…
Read more →MaintenanceRoad Trip Car Checklist: What to Check Before You Go
A 30-minute inspection before a long drive is the cheapest insurance you can buy.…
Read more →*Deductible assistance of up to $1,000 is available only on insurance claims where your insurance company has approved a repair amount of $8,000 or more and the repair is performed in accordance with that insurer-approved estimate (California Penal Code § 551(b)). We never increase a repair estimate to cover a deductible. Not available on customer-pay repairs. Ask us for details before your repair begins.
**Free computer diagnostic scan: we read and explain your vehicle's trouble codes at no charge, no purchase required. If the problem needs in-depth testing (labor), we give you a written estimate and get your approval before any paid work, as California law requires.
†Warranty: limited lifetime warranty on our collision, body and paint workmanship for as long as you own the vehicle; 24 months / 24,000 miles (whichever comes first) on mechanical repairs, parts and labor. Not covered: normal wear, new damage, abuse or neglect, rust or chips from road debris, and customer-supplied parts. Warranty terms are written on your invoice.
‡Accident towing: you pay nothing out of pocket when you have collision coverage or the other driver is at fault — we pay the tow and bill the insurance company. If no insurance covers the tow, we tell you the price before the truck is sent.