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