Buyer Beware

Warning: Do Not Buy Flood Damaged Car
Posted: Sep 07, 2011 12:28 PM CDT
Updated: Sep 07, 2011 12:28 PM CDT
posted by: Darrean Browning - email
AAA Oklahoma has issued a warning after Hurricane Irene flooded hundreds of cars.

After the recent storms AAA is worried those flooded cars could make their way to Oklahoma and be put up for sale.

"In addition to the obvious damage done to upholstery and carpeting, flood water is a corrosive and abrasive mixture of water and dirt that forces its way into every seam and crevice of an automobile," said Chuck Mai, spokesman for AAA Oklahoma. "Most vulnerable are the engine, transmission, steering and braking systems. Unless completely removed, dirt and other contaminants can cause premature wear of vital components and shorten the life of the vehicle."

AAA said The car's electrical system is also susceptible to the damaging effects of flood water and water-sensitive components may need to be replaced. Engine computers and other electronic devices can sometimes be salvaged, but corrosion and oxidation can occur even several weeks after the components have been cleaned.

Many parts of a car are difficult to clean and dry because they are virtually inaccessible. Door locks, window regulators, wiring harnesses, heating and air conditioning components and many small devices are tucked away in small, hidden spaces. These items may fail at a later date because of contamination by dirty water.

"Car buyers in Oklahoma should be aware that flood-damaged vehicles can be shipped anywhere for resale and could be in the marketplace for many months," said Mai. "Having a vehicle inspected by a qualified technician and checking its title history will help determine if it sustained water damage."

So how do you know if the vehicle has been flooded? There are signs such as dried mud under the hood. Also if there is a damp, musty odor in the trunk or interior. If it's an older vehicle and it has new carpet and upholstery that may be another indication of possible flood damage.

AAA recommends before purchasing a vehicle take it to a mechanic and have it checked out to determine possible flooding.
http://www.ktul.com/story/15411130/warning-do-not-buy-flood-damaged-car

Behind The Scenes At Pruitt's Auto Collision

Understanding The Collision Repair Process

If your vehicle has been damaged in a collision, you probably heard this common misconception: your vehicle will never be the same. Chances are, it wasn’t your insurance company representative or an employee of a collision repair business who said this. That’s because every day collision industry professionals return collision-damaged vehicles to their previous condition - both structurally and cosmetically.

So what does it take to repair your vehicle properly after an accident? Because of today’s complex vehicles and high-quality paint finishes, technicians need to be properly trained in the entire repair process to achieve complete and safe repairs.

The repair process begins when a detailed estimate is prepared, indicating all of the repairs needed to restore your vehicle to proper function and apperance. In some cases, this damage assessment requires removing damaged body panels or other parts. This results in the most accurate initial estimate possible. The parts listed on the estimate are then ordered. Pruitt's Auto Collision and your insurance company can explain whether the replacement parts are new parts ordered from the manufacturer of your vehicle, used parts ordered through an automotive recycler, or new parts manufactured by a company other than the manufacturer of your vehicle. Pruitt's Auto Collision and insurer can explain the pros and cons of using each of these types of parts.

If your vehicle was hit hard in the collision, Pruitt's will use a measuring system that checks specific points of your vehicle structure against dimensions provided by the vehicle or equipment manufacturer. Pruitt's will also need to measure your vehicle several times during the repair process to make sure it is within the recommended tolerances. In most cases, this tolerance is a strict as three millimeters – the thickness of three dimes. Some vehicles today require a tolerance no greater than one millimeter.

Whenever appropriate, original parts are repaired. Severely damaged parts need to be replaced. A properly trained technician can repair sheet metal and plastic so that it can be difficult, if not impossible, to find any indication of damage. In some cases, parts not included on the estimate may need to be ordered during the repair process if "hidden" damage is found.

After repairs are complete, the vehicle is ready to be painted. The areas to be painted are first prepared. Repaired areas are finely sanded, primer and corrosion protection products are applied and areas that won’t be painted are “masked off” and protected. The painter then uses a paint mixing system to mix the paint that will match your vehicle’s finish. A paint code on your vehicle provides the starting point, but generally requires a trained eye to match the paint to your vehicle. Often, paint will require "blending," a technique used to facilitate matching the color of your car. The paint is sprayed inside a spray booth designed to keep dust and other contaminants off the new finish.

Once the painting is complete, the vehicle is reassembled with all trim pieces, decals, and stripes. If any new glass is needed, it is usually installed at this point. The wheel alignment will also be checked if the collision damage was severe, if the vehicle spun, or if a tire, wheel, or suspension parts were damaged in the collision. This helps to catch any potential problems with the steering and suspension parts.

Finally, your vehicle is taken to the detailing area for a thorough interior and exterior cleaning. Any minor imperfections in the new paint surface will be removed by polishing and buffing. A final inspection checks that all work meets Pruitt's Auto Collision standards and the final paperwork is prepared for the vehicle owner and involved insurer.

Throughout this process, Pruitt's will be in contact with the insurance company handling the claim. The insurer may want to review the estimate and inspect the vehicle before or during the repair process. In some cases, the repair facility may need to obtain insurer and vehicle owner approval before completing additional necessary repairs not included on the initial estimate.

Remember it is important to you as a vehicle owner that your collision repair facility follow the above procedures... Insurers and collision repair business owners alike say the key is looking for evidence of properly trained technicians. At Pruitt's Auto Collision we have 75 years of combine experience. Our Owners and technicians are I-Car, ASE, Chief and PPG trained just to name a few. The knowledge and experience of the technicians is key to a high quality repair.

If you have question about this repair process call us at 918-274-4499 and we can explain more about the repair process.

What to do if you have been involved in an auto accident.

One in every eleven drivers will be involved in a motor vehicle crash this year, according to the National Safety Council. That may mean you! Are you prepared? Would you know what to do and what questions to ask? Since most people are reasonably upset after a crash. Pruitt's Auto Collision offers this list of easy steps to remember.

1. Stop immediately, but do not obstruct traffic.
2, Assist injured. Have someone call police and if necessary, emergency medical service.
3. Secure names, phone numbers and addresses of other drivers, witnesses and injured persons. 4. Secure make, model, license numbers of all cars involved.
5. Make a rough drawing of scene, showing position of cars and other details.
6. Ask to see the other driver's license and write down the number.
7. Exchange insurance company information. Never discuss "fault" or make statements about the crash to anyone but the police.
8. Don't hastily accept claim settlement at scene of accident.
9. Remain calm, courteous and consistent in your version of accident.
10. Notify Pruitt's Auto Collision as possible.

Liz Pruitt
Pruitt's Auto Collision
8231 N Owasso Expwy, Owasso OK 74055
918-274-4499
www.pruittsautocollision.com

Tips for driving on icy roads

Pruitt's Auto Collision recognizes the need for a reminder course on driving in winter weather. This happens to all of us. We get used to driving in normal conditions and then we are not ready (mostly mentally) when icy weather hits. If you happen to get into an accident, call Pruitt's Auto Collision for your Owasso collision repair needs. We are a full service collision repair shop. We are working hard to become the best auto repair shops in the Tulsa Metro Area. To try to avoid meeting us please follow these tips from www.weather.com:

1. Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
2. Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.
3. Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.
4. Keep your lights and windshield clean.
5. Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills.
6. Don't use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.
7. Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.
8. Don't pass snow plows and sanding trucks. The drivers have limited visibility, and you're likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind.
9. Don't assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.

If you are in need of our services which include: free estimates, high quality repairs and a guarantee on your repairs for as long as you own your car, then contact Pruitt's Auto Collision at (918) 274-4499 or on the internet www.pruittsautocollision.com . We can be your Owasso collision center. Our staff has been involved in the collision repair industry for decades and the owner is always onsite. We can help you get through any accident, work with your insurance company and help put you back to where you were before your life was changed by an unfortunate car accident.

Winter weather is here... are you ready to drive in it?

The winter season brings holidays, good cheer, a new year and a dramatic increase in car accidents. The first snow can deal a blow to anyone's life. You go to work the same way that you have for months but this time, it is different. There is snow on the ground and everyone has seemed to forget how to drive in it. Cars are in the ditch, long lines have developed at stop signs and everyone is moving very slow (whether they like it or not). Pruitt's Auto Collision is here for you. We are one of the premier auto repair shops in Owasso. We are capable of handling any type of collision repair to any type of vehicle. All repairs have a lifetime guarantee on the work performed. We also have 24 hour towing available with our friends at - Lenox Wrecker (918) 272-1785. They can pick up your vehicle and deliver it right to us. If we are not open, Lenox will store the vehicle until the next business day and then bring the vehicle to us so that the repair process can begin on your vehicle. If you have the unfortunate luck of getting into an accident this winter season call your Owasso collision repair experts at Pruitt's Auto Collision at (918) 274-4499 or visit us at the web www.pruittsautocollision.com

Did you Know?

You have the right to choose any collision repair facility to repair your vehicle. Select the shop you feel most comfortable with.

There is no need to obtain more than one estimate. Since you decide who will repair your vehicle, contact that shop for an estimate. There is no law requiring you to get estimates from multiple repair facilities.


Make sure the shop you select is able to manage the paperwork and negotiations with your insurance company. Pruitt's Auto Collision will handle everything on your behalf.


Never drive a vehicle that could be unsafe. Call Pruitt's Auto Collision during business hours for towing or call Lenox Wrecker (272-1785) after hours towing. On-site rental car pick-up and return are available so you don’t have to be without transportation.

Have your vehicle towed directly to the shop of your choice. Towing it to a storage lot can incur additional expense and leave your vehicle vulnerable to theft and vandalism. Pruitt's Auto Collision premises are secured to protect your vehicle from further damage.

You do not have to drive your vehicle to a claim center. Ask the insurance company to send the appraiser to Pruitt's Auto Collision to inspect your vehicle.

Choose a shop that is equipped to handle today’s high-tech vehicles. State-of-the-art systems, from frame straightening to paint mixing, as well as experienced technicians, come standard at Pruitt's Auto Collision.

Demand a lifetime guarantee.

Have a great day!
Liz Pruitt
Pruitt's Auto Collision
918-272-4499
www.pruittsautocollision.com

Purchasing a New or Used car!

Well I went out with my parents recently to look at "new" used cars with them. I am not real good at car shopping at all. I like to go get what I want and be done with it as fast as possible. Well as it turns out I am glad I went.

We went to 3 different dealerships in Tulsa, the first 2 we did not really see anything that was what they were looking for. We ended up at the 3rd dealership and they looked at several cars that were later models but still looked very nice. The only problem that I could see with buying an older used car is that they would not have ANY factory warranty because the warrant is only good for 36 months or 36K miles. Well that is not 36 months from when you buy it; it is 36 months from when it is originally sold to the first owner. The sales man kept telling us about this warranty but when I called him on it he said well you are right but they will get a 12 month 12K miles because it is a certified car. Well ok at least there is some sort of warranty.

After all that we find a car that we all really liked and it is a little newer and really did have some factory warranty left on it. Well as I walk around the car looking at it I notice the pretty chrome molding around the windows is dented on the driver’s side and it has several spots not just 1 or 2. (Now keep in mind I was not the one raised in the body shop, Randy was. I sell houses for a living. But after being married to him for 14 years and actually working side by side with him for the last 2 years I have started picking up a few things here and there.) So when we went inside to start dealing with the salesman I mentioned I thought it had some hail damage and he very quickly told me “no that is not what that is”. Well humm, I am not the expert we will take it to the expert and ask him what he thinks.

So we took the car on a solo test drive and brought it home to look at a little closer. Keep in mind this is a PRETTY CAR! I called Randy on the way and asked him to look at it and see what he thought, so he did. Ding, Ding, Ding... Not only does the car have a little hail damage on the window trim like I noticed but it had been BEAT with hail. I am not tall enough to see the top of the car but he was. Well come to find out that someone had attempted to fix the damage but did not do a good job. There were holes drilled here there and everywhere in the car that proved the work had been done. If the dents are repaired by a GOOD Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) person (we use Top Dog PDR 918-440-5856) you will never see the holes if he has to drill them and he only drills them if he has exhausted EVERY other option. Now the problem with a bad fix on hail damage is that you take a chance that in the future the paint will lift from the car and then where does that leave you. A leopard print car… that is great for home decor but not a cars paint job.

If that car had been fixed the right way it would NOT have been a problem at all but it is all in the way it was fixed and the fact that the salesperson did not know or did not want us to know it had had work done on it. Nevertheless, when it was all said and done they did not buy that car. They went back to the 1st dealership and found a car that was even better and got an even better deal.

Moral of the story... ALWAYS have a professional look at a car New or Used before you buy it and base your decision off that information. You cannot trust that a dealership is acting in your best interest; it is not like buying a house at all. It is illegal for the seller or Real Estate professional to hide or misrepresent the condition of a home to a buyer but not a car. A good, experienced auto estimator or body damage specialist will be able to tell you if the vehicle has evidence of previous damage (hail, wreck or whatever). I can't even begin to tell you how many times we have had a wrecked car in the shop and we uncover previous damage that was not fixed right and current owners never even knew about.

For most families a car is the second most expensive purchase you will ever make, don’t get suckered! Do some research on your own! Have a professional look at the vehicle before you buy!


Liz Pruitt
www.pruittsautocollision.com