Here are a few water cooler tidbits about used cars that might make you say "hmm."




1. Three out of four automotive transactions in the U.S. involve previously owned vehicles.

2. The average vehicle will likely have three owners in its lifetime.

3. Industry experts believe one of every 25 air bags that have been deployed have not been properly replaced. They’re also the most stolen item from a vehicle (having surpassed radios).

4. About half the cars that are flood damaged end up back on the road. As far as Hurricane Katrina is concerned, estimates are that about 200,000 vehicles were dried out and resold.

5. The most frequently searched price range for a used vehicle is under $5,000.

6. Consumers lose as much as $4 billion a year due to odometer fraud, with the average rollback being 15,000 miles.

7. There are more used Silverado pickup trucks for sale than any other model (nearly 120,000 throughout the U.S.)

Summer Time Driving Safety Tips

Driving safety tips are applicable all-year round, but in the summer there are some special safety issues that should be kept in mind.

         Watch out for children and pedestrians on the road. With summer and holidays, more children will be playing in the streets, and people will be out cycling, skating or walking.

          Pay attention to stress and fatigue. The additional heat in summer and traffic delays can make you feel more tired and less alert than usual. 

           Look out for road constructions and detours as most road constructions take place during the summer.

         Get your car tuned and serviced. All fluids, such as coolant, brakes, power steering, windshield…, should be checked and topped off.

           Change belts and hoses. Heat and humidity can deteriorate rubber.   

            Optimize tire pressure. Be sure to check your car manual for optimum pressure level. Use seasonal tires if possible.

           Keep drinks and health snacks in your car when going out on long drives or if you expect delays on the road.

           If you are going on long-trips, take regular rest stops or take a break when you stop for fuel.

          Keep a first-aid safety kit in your car. Make sure the contents of the box have fresh supplies.

Weather conditions in summer can pose special threats to driving safely. For example, overheating or sudden storms can create emergency situations.

Hot weather conditions can make you car overheat resulting in engine breakdowns. You should refer to your vehicle manual for proper cooling guidelines. Ideally the cooling system in your car should be completely flushed and refilled for maximum performance in the heat.

In case your car overheats and you need to refill the radiator do not open the radiator cap immediately after stopping the vehicle but wait until the engine has cooled down. The cap will be hot and pressurized steam might burst out from the radiator causing you injury. Also you must be take precautions to avoid contact with coolant. Additives in the coolant, such as anti-freeze, may contain chemicals that are injurious to health.

[Addendum] Cars are becoming increasingly complex. Modern cars have alternatives for adding coolant that does not require direct direct access to the radiator. Some have positive restraints and some cooling systems are sealed. In other words, if your vehicle overheats, it is generally advisable to call and wait for knowledgeable help.

Sudden storms in summer can create driving hazards that you might not have expected. Flash flooding, tornadoes and rain may require you to take immediate precautionary measures. If you come across water-crossings, get out of your car and check for the water depth before you attempt to cross it. Do not attempt to cross if the water is moving. Moving water is extremely dangerous and can easily sweep the car off the road.

If you sense bad weather approaching, turn on your radio and monitor the weather news. In case of tornadoes, seek shelter immediately. If the road is wet due to rain, reduce your car speed and drive carefully especially on curves.

What Costs Society $44,193 per minute?

We’ve repaired a lot of cars over the years at Holmes Body Shop and can agree with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s conclusion that going too fast is one of the biggest factors in whether you have to see us…or don’t. If you have an accident, we’re here to help. If you’d like to avoid our kind of help, consider the information in this article from the NHTSA…..
What costs society$44,193 a minute?

For the answer…check your speedometer as you drive home!

Exceeding the posted limit or driving too fast for conditions is one of the most prevalent factors contributing to traffic crashes. Speed is a factor in nearly one-third of all fatal crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speed-related crashes cost society more than $23 billion a year.

Too few drivers view speeding as an immediate risk to their personal safety or the safety of others. Yet, speeding reduces a driver's ability to steer safely around curves or objects in the roadway, and it extends the distance required to stop a vehicle in emergency situations.

Crash severity increases with the speed of the vehicle at impact. Inversely, the effectiveness of restraint devices like air bags and safety belts, and vehicular construction features such as crumple zones and side member beams decline as impact speed increases. The probability of death, disfigurement, or debilitating injury grows with higher speed at impact. Such consequences double for every 10 mph over 50 mph that a vehicle travels. Many drivers don't consider this. They slow their speed in residential areas, or when the weather turns bad. To them, a few miles an hour over the posted speed limit is an acceptable risk. Their
excuse -- other drivers do it. They believe the worst that can happen to them is to receive a speeding ticket. Drivers like this are wrong. Maybe even dead wrong, because driving too fast for conditions or exceeding the posted speed limit can kill you.

Consider These Speed-Related Facts
Rural roads account for over 60 percent of all speed related fatal crashes.
Sixty six percent of speed-related crashes involved a single vehicle.
Sixty percent of all speed- related fatal crashes occurred at night (6 pm to 6 am).
Drivers involved in speed-related fatal crashes are more likely to have a history of traffic violations.
On average, 1,000 Americans are killed every month in speed-related crashes.

Youth and Speeding
Of all drivers aged 15-24 years of age involved in fatal crashes, 32 percent were speeding.
Of drivers under age 21 involved in fatal crashes, 38 percent of the male and 24 percent of the female drivers were speeding.

Economic and Environmental Costs of $peeding
Fuel consumption increases steadily above 45 mph with passenger cars and light trucks using approximately 50 percent more fuel traveling at 75 mph than they do at 55 mph.

Have a Safe Day!

Happy Holidays From Holmes Body Shop!

Happy Holidays from Holmes Body Shop!

Changing lives with Recycled Rides-Our story of holiday giving.

We're a family-owned collision repair company that fixes damaged cars and motorcycles so taking part in the National Auto Body Council’s program called ‘Recycled Rides’ was right up our alley. We were able to make this a holiday season that one needy family the San Gabriel Valley will never forget.

The Williams family had no idea what they were in for, as they stepped into the headquarters of our Holmes Body Shop and Holmes Powersports business in Pasadena. They thought they were tagging along with a non-profit group called Door of Hope, picking up tickets for Pasadena's famed Rose Parade. Door of Hope is a faith based non-profit organization that helps homeless families rebuild their lives and get off the streets. The Williams’ are recent graduates from their program and are now in a home of their own.

But Jamar and Amber didn't know we were setting them up for something more. They weren't just tagging along; we actually were bringing them to Holmes Body Shop for an early Christmas. After entering the building from a side door, I steered them out the front door, and face-to-face with two dozen Holmes body shop technicians and staffers applauding them, and standing on either side of a fully refurbished 2009 Nissan Versa. The car, with a bright green bow on the windshield, was our gift to them.

“I couldn't wait to see the expressions on their faces,” said owner Tom Holmes “And how they'd react.” The Williams reacted with joy. Jamar ran around the crowd, giving and getting high fives from our body shop staff that volunteered their time and talents to repair the car, the vendors who donated materials and insurance company that donated the car that, otherwise, might have been towed to a junkyard.

This is our first year to take part in the 'Recycled Rides' program. We chose Door of Hope to find the right family. The organization's executive director, Tim Peters, said Jamar and Amber weren't looking for a free ride; they were trying hard to make a better life for themselves and their son, and needed a way to get to their jobs.

To Amber, the surprise of a car was like her “Thanksgiving, birthday and Christmas all rolled into one. It's an overflow of a blessing.” As a stocking stuffer, Holmes Body Shop and Holmes Powersports gave the Williams tickets to the Rose Parade. They can drive themselves, to get there.

This year we tried a new way to give, and got to surprise a family with the gift of a car, just for them, to drive themselves toward a more successful future.

If you would like to see the CBSLA and KCAL9 news story about the give-away please click on this link: http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/video/6478254-pasadena-car-shop-gives-away-car-to-those-in-need/

For information about Recycled Rides visit http://www.autobodycouncil.org

Pasadena Car Shop Gives Away Car To Those In Need « CBS Los Angeles

Pasadena Car Shop Gives Away Car To Those In Need « CBS Los Angeles

Motorcycle Safety Tips!

Compared to most of the U.S., Southern California is a lucky place for motorcyclists to ride: great mountain and canyon roads, legendary off-road trails, and asphalt ribbons that stretch 250 miles in a straight line: it's called the Golden State Freeway for a reason.

But more than that, we have mild weather, that's the envy of the nation. So as the calendar marches toward Autumn, and bikers from San Francisco, North, and Salt Lake City, East, start looking for corners in their garages and covers to stash their rides, we get to keep going.

The only real concern that year-round riding brings, is increased exposure to accidents. The math is simple: keep your bike on the road an extra six months annually, and you've doubled your risk.

The other morning,the CBS-TV station in Los Angeles featured a live report on its early-morning newscast about a ranking of safe -and not-so-safe--cities in terms of wrecks. The reporter cited an annual report by Allstate Insurance.

A quick check of Allstate's website reveals that --of some 200 U.S. cities surveyed-- Glendale, California, presents the greatest risk for drivers, with the probability of being involved in accidents every 5-1/2 years. The national average is nearly double that, with drivers involved in accidents every 10 years. But possibly more important to drivers and riders alike, is the site's list of tips for road safety. Some of the ideas are so simple, it's easy to overlook them... but important,not to:

• Be cautious when going through intersections. Almost one-third of motorcycle crashes happen here.
• Be visible when you ride. Avoid blind spots, wear bright-colored, protective clothing, activate turn signals early and always use your headlights.
• Flash your brake lights when slowing down. This helps others on the road know your intentions.
• Remember to give yourself space between you and the car in front of you. You'll have more time to react to other motorists' actions.
• Ride within your limits. If you're a new rider, consider taking a training course. Rush hour is not the time to learn how to maneuver your motorcycle. All riders should avoid extreme temperatures and inclement weather.

Every rider worth his/her leathers knows motorcyclists have to be be twice as careful as their counterparts sitting on top of four wheels, especially in the Southland; where the weather multiplies the risks as well as the rewards.

With equipment like the technologically state-of-the-art MotoJig frame straightener, it's easy enough to repair a bike that once would have been written off. The trick is avoiding mishaps in the first place; so bikers don't lose street time, because they're laid-up after a wreck, and can't take advantage of the road-trips, or even the commute after the morning news, that Southern California offers, year-round.

(For more information on the MotoJig frame repair system, go to holmespowersports.com)

Fuel Saving Tips From Holmes Body Shop

1. Slow down

One of the best ways to save gas is to simply reduce your speed. As speed increases, fuel economy decreases exponentially. If you one of the "ten-over on the freeway" set, try driving the speed limit for a few days. You'll save a lot of fuel and your journey won't take much longer. (Just be sure you keep to the right, so you won't impede the less-enlightened.)

2. Check your tire pressure

Under-inflated tires are one of the most commonly ignored causes of crummy MPG. Tires lose air due to time (about 1 psi per month) and temperature (1 psi for every 10 degree drop); under-inflated tires have more rolling resistance, which means you need to burn more gas to keep your car moving. Buy a reliable tire gauge and check your tires at least once a month. Be sure to check them when they are cold, since driving the car warms up the tires along with the air inside them, which increases pressure and gives a falsely high reading. Use the inflation pressures shown in the owner's manual or on the data plate in the driver's door jamb.

3. Check your air filter

A dirty air filter restricts the flow of air into the engine, which harms performance and economy. Air filters are easy to check and change; remove the filter and hold it up to the sun. If you can't see light coming through it, you need a new one. Consider a K&N or similar "permanent" filter which is cleaned rather than changed; they are much less restrictive than throw-away paper filters, plus they're better for the environment.

4. Accelerate with care

Jack-rabbit starts are an obvious fuel-waster -- but that doesn't mean you should crawl away from every light. If you drive an automatic, accelerate moderately so the transmission can shift up into the higher gears. Stick-shifters should shift early to keep the revs down, but don't lug the engine -- downshift if you need to accelerate. Keep an eye well down the road for potential slowdowns. If you accelerate to speed then have to brake right away, that's wasted fuel.

5. Hang with the trucks

Ever notice how, in bad traffic jams, cars seem to constantly speed up and slow down, while trucks tend to roll along at the same leisurely pace? A constant speed keeps shifting to a minimum -- important to those who have to wrangle with those ten-speed truck transmissions -- but it also aids economy, as it takes much more fuel to get a vehicle moving than it does to keep it moving. Rolling with the big rigs saves fuel (and aggravation).

6. Get back to nature

Consider shutting off the air conditioner, opening the windows and enjoying the breeze. It may be a tad warmer, but at lower speeds you'll save fuel. That said, at higher speeds the A/C may be more efficient than the wind resistance from open windows and sunroof. If I'm going someplace where arriving sweaty and smelly could be a problem, I bring an extra shirt and leave early so I'll have time for a quick change.

7. Back off the bling

New wheels and tires may look cool, and they can certainly improve handling. But if they are wider than the stock tires, chances are they'll create more rolling resistance and decrease fuel economy. If you upgrade your wheels and tires, keep the old ones. I have fancy sport rims and aggressive tires on my own car, but I keep the stock wheels with a good narrower-tread performance tire in the garage. For long road trips, the stock wheels give a smoother ride and better economy.

8. Clean out your car

If you're the type who takes a leisurely attitude towards car cleanliness -- and I definitely fall into that category -- periodically go through your car and see what can be tossed out or brought into the house. It doesn't take much to acquire an extra 40 or 50 lbs. of stuff, and the more weight your car has to lug around, the more fuel it burns.

9. Downsize

If you're shopping for a new car, it's time to re-evaluate how much car you really need. Smaller cars are inherently more fuel-efficient, and today's small cars are roomier than ever -- one of my favorite subcompacts, the Nissan Versa, has so much interior room that the EPA classifies it as a mid-size. Worried about crash protection? The automakers are designing their small cars to survive crashes with bigger vehicles, and safety features like side-curtain airbags and electronic stability control are becoming commonplace in smaller cars.

10. Don't drive

Not a popular thing to say on a car site, I know, but the fact is that if you can avoid driving, you'll save gas. Take the train, carpool, and consolidate your shopping trips. Walking or biking is good for your wallet and your health. And before you get in your car, always ask yourself: "Is this trip really necessary?"

Back to School Driving Safety Tips

The Holmes Body Shop mission statement is simple, "We're here to help". Since 1974 our job has been to repair a vehicle after it's been involved in an accident. Cars we can fix, the precious cargo on the inside is for ALL of us to look after. The National Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has an important campaign to keep little-ones safe in and around vehicles. It's called, Keeping our children safe: inside and out. The next couple of newsletters will be in support of the NHTSA's efforts to educate the public on vehicle safety as it relates to our kids. Please read below for important information on the dangers of a child left in a vehicle. With our temperatures just beginning to reach summertime levels, this information is timely.

Tips For Drivers

All passengers should wear a seat belt and/or an age- and size-appropriate car safety seat or booster seat. Do not text or talk on your cell phone while driving. Slow down and obey all traffic laws and speed limits. Be alert for school zones that have a reduced speed limit at designated times of the day. Watch for school buses. Red flashing lights and an extended stop arm indicate the school bus is stopping to load or unload children. State law requires you to stop. Keep an eye out for children walking in the street, especially where there are no sidewalks. Be alert for children playing and gathering near bus stops and for those who may dart into the street without looking for traffic. When backing out of a driveway or leaving a garage, watch for children walking or biking to school. When driving in neighborhoods or school zones, watch for young people who may be in a hurry to get to or away from school and may not be thinking about getting there safely. Tips for Parents Be a good role model. Always buckle up in the car, always wear a helmet when biking, and always follow pedestrian safety rules. Don't text or talk on your cell phone while driving. Supervise young children as they are walking or biking to school or as they wait at the school bus stop. Provide your children with bright clothing so motorists can easily see them. If your child is under four years old and weighs less than 40 pounds, make sure the child is properly buckled up in a weight-appropriate child safety seat in the back seat. Children, ages 4 to 8, weighing over 40 pounds and measuring four feet nine inches or less should ride in a booster seat. In addition, safety experts advise that all children under the age of 12 should ride in the back seat. Make sure that your teen driver understands and obeys all traffic laws. Discourage them from texting or talking on a cell phone while driving. Tips for Students Always buckle up when riding in a car. Be sure to remove your backpack before getting in the vehicle. Never buckle your safety belt with your backpack on. Always ride in the back seat. It's the safest place for young people. Always wear a helmet and follow traffic safety rules when riding your bike. If you ride a school bus, learn and practice the safety rules for waiting at the bus stop, getting on and off the bus, and riding the bus. Never wait for the school bus in the roadway. If you walk to school, learn and practice the safety rules for pedestrians. It's extremely important for you to use sidewalk when available, look left-right-left when crossing the road, and always walk facing traffic. Always cross at cross walks, obey all traffic signs, traffic lights and crossing guard instructions. Cross railroad tracks only at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings. Observe and obey all warning signs and signals. Do not walk, run or ride your bicycle down railroad tracks. It's illegal and dangerous. Teen drivers should avoid speeding and distractions while driving, such as texting, talking on cell phones, eating and adjusting the radio. Teens are also reminded never to overload their vehicle; everyone riding in a vehicle must use a safety belt. Be a good role model for your younger brothers, sisters and friends, and help them learn and follow vehicle safety rules.

The Holmes Body Shop mission statement is simple, "We're here to help". Since 1974 our job has been to repair a vehicle after it's been involved in an accident. Cars we can fix, the precious cargo on the inside is for ALL of us to look after. The National Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has an important campaign to keep little-ones safe in and around vehicles. It's called, Keeping our children safe: inside and out. The next couple of newsletters will be in support of the NHTSA's efforts to educate the public on vehicle safety as it relates to our kids. Please read below for important information on the dangers of a child left in a vehicle. With our temperatures just beginning to reach summertime levels, this information is timely.


You live by your daily routine and it helps you get things done. Be extra careful, though, if you have to change any part of that routine. This is more likely to happen when you, or caregiver who helps with your children, forgets that a child is in the back seat. This can and does happen when you break a well-established routine.

Disasters happen quickly
At other times, you are on your way home and realize you need to stop in at the store and pick up one or two things for dinner. So, you leave your child unattended, thinking, "I'll just run into the store for a minute." Even cool temperatures in the 60s can cause the temperature to rise well above 110° Fahrenheit inside your car. The inside temperature can rise almost 20 degrees within the first 10 minutes.

Some children die in hot cars after climbing into an unlocked vehicle without an adults' knowledge. Once in the vehicle, they may become confused by the door opening mechanism or trapped in the trunk, and unable to get out before heatstroke occurs.

Prevention Tips

• Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle.
• Do not let your children play in an unattended vehicle. Teach them that a vehicle is not a play area.
• Never leave infants or children in a parked vehicle, even if the windows are partially open.
• Make a habit of looking in the vehicle - front and back - before locking the door and walking away.
• If you are dropping your child off at childcare, and normally it's your spouse or partner who drops them off, have your spouse or partner call you to make sure the drop went according to plan.
• Ask your childcare provider to call you if your child does not show up for childcare.
• Do things to remind yourself that a child is in the vehicle, such as:
  • Writing yourself a note and putting the note where you will see it when you leave the vehicle;
  • Placing your purse, briefcase or something else you need in the back seat so that you will have to check the back seat when you leave the vehicle; or
  • Keeping an object in the car seat, such as a stuffed toy. When the child is buckled in, place the object where the driver will notice it when he or she is leaving the vehicle.
• Always lock vehicle doors and trunks and keep keys out of children's reach. If a child is missing, check the vehicle first, including the trunk.
• If you see a child alone in a hot vehicle, call the police. If they are in distress due to heat, get them out as quickly as possible. Cool the child rapidly. Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

What you need to know, now

• Vehicles heat up quickly - even with a window rolled down two inches, if the outside temperature is in the low 80s° Fahrenheit, the temperature inside a vehicle can reach deadly levels in only 10 minutes.
• Children's bodies overheat easily, and infants and children under four years of age are among those at greatest risk for heat-related illness.
• Children's bodies absorb more heat on a hot day than an adult. Also, children are less able to lower their body heat by sweating. When a body cannot sweat enough, the body temperature rises rapidly.
  • In fact, when left in a hot vehicle, a young child's body temperature may increase three to five times as fast an adult. High body temperatures can cause permanent injury or even death.

Dangers of extreme heat

• Symptoms of heatstroke: Warning signs vary but may include: red, hot, and moist or dry skin, no sweating, a strong rapid pulse or a slow weak pulse, a throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, being grouchy, or acting strangely.
• If you see a child alone in a hot vehicle, call the police. If they are in distress due to heat, get them out as quickly as possible. Cool the child rapidly. Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

Gas Saving Tips

Please enjoy the gas saving tips from Holmes Body Shop and Holmes Powersports below as you embark on your Summer Season Travels. Remember, we're here to help with any of your vehicle repair needs.

Save Gas without Driving Less

Driving Habits

How you accelerate can affect your gas mileage. Plan trips to avoid any construction or where there's a great deal of stop-and-go driving. Also, use cruise control on the highway to ensure a consistent speed.

Gas Flow (Combustion)

Making sure your flow of gas is not blocked is vital to getting the most gas for your money. Optimal use of your gasoline is helped through removal of deposits on your fuel injectors. Deposits have been found to start forming in as few as 1,500 miles. Studies have shown that deposits can decrease your fuel efficiency by as much as 11 percent. One great way to keep harmful deposits from accumulating in your fuel system is to use a product like STP® Gas Treatment, which contains Jet fuel, regularly when you fill up.

Tire Pressure

According to industry sources, under-inflated tires cut fuel economy by as much as two percent for each missing pound of pressure. If your tires are under-inflated, your engine will have to work harder to push your vehicle. Keep in mind that warm tires can give an inaccurate reading because heat build-up increases tire pressure. Make sure to check your tires' air pressure when they haven't been driven for more than a mile. Berke cautions to make sure your tires are inflated in accordance with your owner's manual; over-inflating will result in a harder ride.

Weight

Make sure the weight in you car is properly distributed. Don't carry a lot of weight on top of your car, and if you do, make sure to use a carrier so that the weight will be more evenly distributed. Also, carry only the basic emergency equipment and items you really need in your trunk.

Aerodynamics

The amount of resistance put on your car can have an effect on the fuel economy. The faster you drive, the more aerodynamic drag increases. Remove bike racks or carriers when they are not being used-they can add unnecessary resistance to your vehicle.

How to select the right Body Shop!

We're in the Los Angeles area, so that means a large majority of the general public drives an automobile. It's important to have certain resources on hand which relate to the car. Things such as insurance companies, auto dealers and automotive parts stores are all important businesses to have close by should an individual need their assistance. However, perhaps the most important business contact an individual should have is an auto body shop. As a good auto body shop is important for your car repairs and pocketbook there are a few ways an individual should go about selecting the best auto body shop in their area. Of course at Holmes Body Shop, We're here to help, but even if you don't choose us, we want you to find the right one for you. Here are some tips for choosing the place that will repair your vehicle:
Consider RecommendationsSince many individuals use auto body shops, it is highly likely that you will know someone else who has also used a local auto body shop. As a result, asking for recommendations from friends and family members is a great way to select the perfect auto body shop. There are a few different reasons why considering recommendations is a good step to take prior to settling on a particular body shop. First, friends and family members will be able to state whether they have had a favorable experience with a particular auto body shop or not. Not only will they be able to comment on the overall cost of services but how the staff handled their automobile situation as well. This is a great point of reference when you are trying to find a shop that does good body work while charging a fair price. Another reason to consider asking for recommendations from friends and family members with regard to choosing an auto body shop is to make sure that the company you are considering dealing with will treat the customer in an honest and fair manner. As any individual who has to put their car in the shop wants it to go as smoothly as possible, asking for recommendations with regard to auto body shops will help because you will be able to find a good shop with reasonable prices.Have an Auto Body Shop Picked Out Before it is Necessary to Use OneBecause an inoperative car, due to an accident or otherwise, is already a stressful situation, one does not want to face any additional stress by having to find an auto body shop to fix their car at the last minute. For this reason, it is a good idea to have an auto body shop picked out before you even need one. This is also beneficial as the you can check out the shop beforehand and ask questions of the staff, such as do they offer towing to their facility, for example, and receive answers to other important questions. Here is a guide to keep handy to be prepared BEFORE an ACCIDENT.WarrantiesAnother factor to consider when wondering how to choose an auto body shop is whether or not the auto body shop offers warranty on any of its parts or services. Since warranties are frequently offered in auto body shops, if one shop doesn't offer many warranties or any warranties at all, then you may very well wish to keep looking for an auto body shop that does offer warranties on its parts and/or services. When a shop offers warranties you can see the shop is confident in their work and will do a good job. At Holmes Body Shop, when the repair is over, We're still here to help! Here is a link to our lifetime warranty .Payment AcceptedAnother factor which may be a determining one when choosing an auto body shop is what types of payment the shop accepts for auto body repair. If the auto body shop only accepts cash and checks in limited instances which must be paid up front, then perhaps considering another auto body shop which accepts many different forms of payment, such as a variety of credit cards, may be the best bet. In addition, auto body shops, like Holmes Body Shop may sometimes offer Payment Plans which can work out well for those who are on a strict budget yet need to have their automobile repaired as soon as possible. Choosing the right auto body shop is a very important decision to make. By considering the previously mentioned tips when choosing an auto body shop, it may just help you choose the best possible one.

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What to do in case of an accident

The average driver is involved in some kind of accident once every 7 to 10 years. If you have never experienced it, being involved in an accident can be a very educational event. A little study time in advance can be very helpful in getting through it. Please read this guide and be prepared. If you're ever involved in an accident, you'll be armed with valuble information.

Action Plan to Deal with Accidents:
1. Keep an Emergency Kit in Your Glove Compartment. Drivers should carry a cell phone, as well as pen and paper for taking notes, a disposable camera to take photos of the vehicles at the scene, and a card with information about medical allergies or conditions that may require special attention if there are serious injuries. Also, keep a list of contact numbers for law enforcement agencies handy. Drivers can keep this free fill-in-the-blanks accident information form in their glove compartment. You should have in your vehicle a kit that includes a flashlight, reusable camera and accident documentation instructions. A set of cones, warning triangles or emergency flares should be kept in the trunk.
2. Keep Safety First. Drivers involved in minor accidents with no serious injuries should move cars to the side of the road and out of the way of oncoming traffic. Leaving cars parked in the middle of the road or busy intersection can result in additional accidents and injuries. If a car cannot be moved, drivers and passengers should remain in the cars with seatbelts fastened for everyone's safety until help arrives. Make sure to turn on hazard lights and set out cones, flares or warning triangles if possible.
3. Exchange Information. After the accident, exchange the following information: name, address, phone number, insurance company, policy number, driver license number and license plate number for the driver and the owner of each vehicle. If the driver's name is different from the name of the insured, establish what the relationship is and take down the name and address for each individual. Also make a written description of each car, including year, make, model and color — and the exact location of the collision and how it happened. Finally, be polite but don't tell the other drivers or the police that the accident was your fault, even if you think it was.
4. Photograph and Document the Accident. Use your camera to document the damage to all the vehicles. Keep in mind that you want your photos to show the overall context of the accident so that you can make your case to a claims adjuster. If there were witnesses, try to get their contact information; they may be able to help you if the other drivers dispute your version of what happened.
5. File An Accident Report. Although law enforcement officers in many locations may not respond to accidents unless there are injuries, drivers should file a state vehicle accident report, which is available at police stations and often on the Department of Motor Vehicles Web site as a downloadable file. A police report often helps insurance companies speed up the claims process.
6. Know What Your Insurance Covers. The whole insurance process will be easier following your accident if you know the details of your coverage. For example, don't wait until after an accident to find out that your policy doesn't automatically cover costs for towing or a replacement rental car. Generally, for only a dollar or two extra each month, you can add coverage for rental car reimbursement, which provides a rental car for little or no money while your car is in the repair shop or if it is stolen. Check your policy for specifics.
The final question in dealing with an accident is usually who will pay for the damages? If the accident was minor, you and the other drivers may decide to handle the damages yourselves without the involvement of an insurance company. But this isn't always the best idea, for several reasons.
While the other driver may agree to pay for the damage to your car on the day of the accident, he may see the repair bills and decide it's too high. At this point, time has passed and your insurance company will have more difficulty piecing together the evidence if you file a claim.
Also, keep in mind that you have no way of knowing whether another driver will change his mind and report the accident to his insurance company. He may even claim injuries that weren't apparent at the scene of the accident. This means that your insurance company may end up paying him a hefty settlement, or worse yet, you could be dragged into a lawsuit. So make sure that your company has your version of what happened and check your policy — if the damages paid out by your insurance company are below a certain amount, the accident may not be considered chargeable. And you will avoid the penalty of a premium hike.
Auto accidents take a tremendous toll on everyone involved, both financially and emotionally. If you're one of the lucky ones who have thus far avoided a serious accident, hopefully the tips on prevention will help keep it that way. The chances are high, though, that at some point you will be involved in a minor accident. Just keep your head and make safety your primary concern. You'll have plenty of time to deal with the consequences later.

Holmes Powersports Open House

Holmes Body Shop also repairs motorcycles that have been in an accident. What was once considered a total loss can now be repaired. With our special frame measuring and straightening equipment, motorcycle repair is a whole new thing. We'd love you you to come take a look, have a little food and drink, and enjoy an evening with us. It's FREE. We just need and RSVP by noon on Thursday, 1.20.2011. Check out the invite below for information about the event. Hope you can join us!

Safe Driving on Icy Roads

Usually we don't need to think about driving on icy roads in Southern California. But with the crazy weather we have been having, it might be helpful to get a primmer on Driving Safely on Icy Roads. If you get into an accident, we're here to help, but maybe these tips will help keep your vehicle out of the body shop this season.

Driving safely on icy roads
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.
Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.
Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.
Keep your lights and windshield clean.
Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills.
Don't use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.
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.
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.
Don't assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.
If your rear wheels skid...
Take your foot off the accelerator.
Steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go. If your rear wheels are sliding left, steer left. If they're sliding right, steer right.
If your rear wheels start sliding the other way as you recover, ease the steering wheel toward that side. You might have to steer left and right a few times to get your vehicle completely under control.
If you have standard brakes, pump them gently.
If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), do not pump the brakes. Apply steady pressure to the brakes. You will feel the brakes pulse — this is normal.
If your front wheels skid...
Take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral, but don't try to steer immediately.
As the wheels skid sideways, they will slow the vehicle and traction will return. As it does, steer in the direction you want to go. Then put the transmission in "drive" or release the clutch, and accelerate gently.
If you get stuck...
Do not spin your wheels. This will only dig you in deeper.
Turn your wheels from side to side a few times to push snow out of the way.
Use a light touch on the gas, to ease your car out.
Use a shovel to clear snow away from the wheels and the underside of the car.
Pour sand, kitty litter, gravel or salt in the path of the wheels, to help get traction.
Try rocking the vehicle. (Check your owner's manual first — it can damage the transmission on some vehicles.) Shift from forward to reverse, and back again. Each time you're in gear, give a light touch on the gas until the vehicle gets going.
More Tips

Save money without compromising your safety or your car’s well-being

Food on the table or new tires for the family jalopy? An easy answer for most people. But driving on worn tires poses a safety risk. So, too, can a mechanical breakdown that leaves a car and its passengers stranded on the freeway.
Tough times can mean tough choices for folks struggling to make ends meet. Auto Club data suggest that Southern Californians are skimping on car maintenance, leading to a variety of mechanical failures and breakdowns. During the first half of this year, roadside assistance calls increased by 7 percent, an unusually high number.
Moreover, Southern Californians are keeping their cars longer. In just one year, the average age of the nation’s cars has risen from 10 years to 11 years, an extraordinary increase, says John Nielsen, AAA national director of auto repair.
Unfortunately, older cars require a higher level of maintenance to keep them running. The upshot? More motorists are experiencing firsthand the finite life of automotive parts.
Now or Later
Skimping on basic maintenance is false economizing, because if you keep up with low-cost minor adjustments to your car, you likely won’t have to pay for high-cost major repairs later. Or, as the mechanic in an old TV commercial for oil filters said, “You can pay me now, or pay me later.” For instance, if you replace a car’s dirty fuel filter for $50, you could avoid the $500 bill you’d have to pay for replacing a ruined fuel pump. Spending several hundred dollars to change an engine’s timing belt is far less costly than spending thousands for an engine rebuild. And the list goes on.
If you find penny-pinching to be a necessity these days, be assured there are ways to pinch those pennies while still being car smart. Based on feedback from the Auto Club’s Roadside Assistance and Approved Auto Repair programs, as well as test data from the Auto Club’s Automotive Research Center, here are 12 suggestions that can save you money by helping to prevent common breakdowns.
1. Open the good book.
Buried in your car’s glove box is the owner’s manual, which outlines the appropriate maintenance procedures and intervals to keep your car in top condition. Becoming familiar with the factory-recommended maintenance schedules in the manual is the first, and perhaps most important, step to cost-effective car care. If you can’t find the manual, buy one from your car dealer or download it from the automaker’s website.
2. Stay on schedule.
Automakers typically offer owners a choice of “normal” or “severe duty” service schedules, the latter requiring more frequent oil and fluid changes. Carefully consider how you use your car, and decide for yourself what’s best. But remember that given all the stop-and-go driving in Southern California, many cars fall into the severe-duty cycle, says Dave Skaien, program development manager of the Approved Auto Repair program.
3. Stay informed.
You may still be holding on to some outdated notions about car repair. For example, the traditional three-month/3,000-mile oil change has generally gone by the wayside, even for some severe-duty schedules. Follow the automaker’s maintenance schedule.
4. Dip the stick monthly.
Auto-maker-recommended service intervals of 5,000, 7,500, or even more miles don’t excuse you from checking your car’s oil level between changes. Approved Auto Repair shops are seeing more cars coming in for oil changes that are several quarts low, a recipe for catastrophic engine failure. But it’s normal for a car to use more oil as it ages—up to a quart per 1,000 miles.
5. Keep it cool.
When you check the engine’s oil level, note whether there’s enough coolant in the cooling system’s reservoir. The owner’s manual will show you where the reservoir is. Look for any signs of seepage around the radiator and for cracks or strange bulges in the radiator hoses that could be a tip-off to imminent failure.
6. Keep on chargin’.
Typically, a car’s battery life is three to five years, says Steve Mazor, manager of the Auto Club’s Automotive Research Center. Your battery may have a charge-indicator “eye.” If it’s charged, the eye should be green—although the eyes are notoriously inaccurate. Most batteries are sealed but not entirely maintenance-free. If the terminals look as if they’ve grown moss, gently scrub them with an old toothbrush and a 50-50 mix of water and baking soda. Be sure the cables are tight. And look for any cracks or fraying on belts that drive the alternator and other engine components.
7. Look down.
Your car holds a half-dozen or more fluids of one sort or another, and all of them should remain in your car, not on the driveway. An occasional drop of engine oil or a trickle of condensed water from the air conditioner is no cause for alarm. But puddles of fluids—especially those that are yellow, green, red, or pink—signal potentially serious issues with components, such as the brakes, transmission, or cooling system.
8. Avoid additives.
Be wary of any gas-saving claims for automotive devices or oil and gas additives, warns the Federal Trade Commission. Even for the few gas-saving products that have been found to work, the savings have been small. Much the same goes for other engine elixirs, Mazor says. Any benefit they might provide probably isn’t worth their cost.
9. Change filters.
Recent Roadside Assistance tow data show a spike in fuel pump failures. Mazor speculates that the cause may be the additional ethanol in gasoline or cash-strapped motorists running too low on fuel before refilling. Avoid running on empty, and be sure to follow prescribed fuel filter changes. By comparison, engine air filter changes aren’t as critical; the research center’s tests show that if anything, a slightly dirty filter may increase fuel economy, contrary to popular wisdom.
10. Buy a gauge.
Keeping your car’s tires at their proper pressure (as listed in the owner’s manual or on a plaque in the car, not on the tire’s sidewall) prevents premature tire wear and preserves your car’s handling and braking capabilities. Don’t rely on the beat-up gauge on the air hose at the gas station. You can buy one at an auto parts store for less than $5.
If your car doesn’t have a tire-pressure monitoring system, consider replacing the valve stem caps with caps that warn when tire pressures are dangerously low (less than $20 a set).
11. Keep shining.
Frequent washes and twice-yearly waxes enhance the resale value of your car. And you’ll also feel better about driving your older but spiffy-looking car. Touch-up paint from a new-car dealer will hide little chips and parking-lot “rash.” And if an errant rock dings your windshield, have the crack filled immediately by a windshield repair specialist before it spreads and makes a costly windshield replacement necessary.
12. Build a relationship.
Repair shops may charge differing labor rates—even the shops of new-car dealers for the same make in the same area. But once you find a shop that you believe to be fair, stick with it. The service personnel will come to know you and your car. When your budget is limited, they’ll help you prioritize maintenance and repair tasks, allowing you to safely put off less pressing ones.

Why Rotate Your Tires

Rotation means you are changing where the individual tires are mounted
on the vehicle. Let's assume you have a front-drive car with all four
tires the same size. Each tire will carry a different load and be faced
with different situations. The front tires will carry over 60 percent
of the car's weight. They are also responsible for putting the power of
the engine to the road, and for all the steering. Finally, they are
responsible for about 80 percent of the braking.


It stands to reason, then, that the front tires will wear much more
quickly than the rears. Not only that, but the right front tire might
tend to wear out more quickly than the left front because the nature of
American traffic means that left-hand turns (which load the right-front
tire) tend to be taken at higher speeds, and under higher loads, than
right-hand turns (which load the left-front tire). And, right-side
tires are more likely to be faced with road hazards and hitting curbs.
The result of all this is tires wearing out at different rates.

Rotation Schedule
To make the entire set wear at the same rate, that is, to equalize tire
wear and thus maximize tire life, you can rotate them. With some
vehicles, the owner's manual will have a recommended tire rotation
schedule and a diagram of the rotation. A typical schedule may call for
rotation every 5,000 miles with a pattern that's sometimes called
"cross-rotation." For example, the front tires will be moved to the
opposite sides of the rear, right-front to left-rear and left-front to
right-rear, and the rears moved straight forward. If you follow this
through, you will see that, eventually, every tire will have been to
every spot on the car, and then it starts all over again.

Keeping Your Teenager Safe

Car crashes are the leading cause of death among 16- to 20-year-olds. In fact, one of five teen drivers will be in a crash during the first year of driving. The Auto Club is working to improve teen driver safety by raising awareness of the problem.
At Holmes Body Shop collision repair is a family affair. We've been around for over 36 years, so we're seeing the next generation (and the one after that) of drivers (and accidents) come into our shops. No one wants to be in an accident, but it's especially hard when your teen driver experiences one. If it happens, We're here to help! Auto Club has some sound advice to start your teen's driving career off right.


The Auto Club urges parents of teen drivers to learn and follow California’s graduated driver license law and help improve their teen’s safety by following:
AAA’s list of 10 Things Parents Can Do to Keep Their Teen Driver Safe.
1. Know and understand your teen
Not all teens are mature and responsible enough to drive at age 16.
2. Be a positive and responsible role model
AAA research shows that teen drivers with collisions and citations often have parents with similar driving records. Familiarize yourself and your teen driver with all of the state driving laws and rules of the road, with the California Driver’s Handbook.
3. Locate a quality driving school
Driving schools with significant amounts of interaction and highly trained instructors are best. Parents should select a driving school that encourages parental involvement and progress reports.
4. Create a parent-teen driving agreement
Agreeing to rules, conditions, restrictions and consequences of teens’ driving behavior written down in advance establishes driving as a privilege and not a right.
5. Make a smart vehicle and insurance choice for teens
As the family member most likely to crash, a teen should drive the safest vehicle the family owns. Make sure your teen is properly insured and ask if your teen is eligible for the new driver and/or good student auto insurance discounts.
6. Practice might not make perfect but it can make for a better teen driver
Supervised practice with parents obtaining a license provides teens with opportunities to reinforce proper driving skills and receive feedback from those who care the most about their safety.
7. Set a time each week to discuss safe driving
Parental communication is critical in the prevention of teen-related crashes, injuries and fatalities. Teens who might be tempted to race can find a safe and fun outlet through the NHRA Street Legal Program oval tracks.
8. Keep teen drivers free of passengers and off the road at night
AAA research shows that a teen driver’s chances of crashing increase two-fold with additional passengers. Research also shows teen crash rates spike at night and that most crashes occur between 9 p.m. and midnight.
9. Encourage teens to get enough sleep
Teens need about nine hours of sleep every night. Drowsy driving can be as risky as drunk driving and impacts perception, judgment and reflexes.
10. Eliminate distractions
Cell phones and text messaging are hazardous distractions while driving, and are illegal for teen drivers to use.

Preparing for a road trip

Preparing for a road trip

It's Summer, and gas prices seem to be cooperating. Let's hit the road! Safely, of course. At Holmes Body Shop we're all about being safe on the road. If an accident happens, we're here to help. But here are some steps you can take to avoid automotive avoid on your Summer road trip:

Check the fluids in your car. Checking the oil, coolant and brake fluid levels may help you avoid an accident or an unnecessary breakdown.

Check your air pressure. These should be printed in the owners manual or a sticker on the body where the drivers door shuts. The pressure marked on the side of the tire is the max which must not be exceeded. Also, don't forget to check your spare tire pressure. Often neglected, not doing so will turn a bad time into a worse one if unusable.

Get your oil changed. If your car is getting close to due for an oil change get it changed right away. A long trip can put additional stress on your motor.

Check your tire wear by using a penny or tread gauge. Tires heat up on long trips which can cause blowouts on worn out tires.

Check your car's air filter.A plentiful supply of clean air to your engine improves it performance.

Wash your car. At the minimum, clean the windows of your car for the best visibility.

Check to be certain that all lights and signals are functional on your car. You will need the help of another person for this. Sit in the car, turn on each light or signal and ask your friend to tell you if it is working or not. Replace bulbs as necessary. Note: occasionally, lights may not work because a fuse needs replacing.

Ensure that you have all emergency equipment inside your car, and that everything works properly. Emergency equipment includes, an up-to-date map, cell phone, spare tires and emergency tools. Though usually absent; flares, flashlights, medical kits and fire extinguishers may come in handy in worse-case scenarios.

Recommended : Clear out trash or unnecessary "junk" from your car. Nothing spoils a road trip like the smell of stale french fries (fries if you're lucky) that fell under the seat.

Happy Travels from Holmes Body Shop!

Accident Avoidance

Of course Holmes Body Shop is interested in repairing vehicles that have been involved in an accident. That's what we do. We also care about accident avoidance, and keeping drivers and passengers safe. With the recent focus on Toyota's problems with unintended acceleration, we thought it would be a good idea to talk about what to do should this happen to you while driving. What follows is an excerpt of an article in Westways Magazine:

Dealing With Unintended Acceleration
In the unlikely event that your car accelerates unexpectedly, do the following:

• Stay calm, but act quickly. Keep your eyes on the road so you can maintain control of your car.
• Be sure your foot is off the accelerator. Apply the brakes firmly, with strong, steady pressure. Don’t pump the brakes.
• Shift into neutral. On a car with a standard transmission, depress the clutch.
• Steer the car to the side of the road, come to a full stop, and turn off the engine. Don’t turn off the engine until the car has slowed down or is stopped; otherwise, you’ll lose the power steering and power brakes, and the steering may lock. (If you have a push-button start/stop mechanism, you need to know the proper procedure to turn off the car while it’s moving. In Toyotas, for example, you must hold the button in for three seconds.) Check your owner’s manual to find out the proper procedure for your car.
• Turn on your emergency flashers. Call the Auto Club or your dealer to pick up the vehicle. Don’t restart the car.

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Vehicle Maitenance

If you have an accident, We're here to help. But we'd like to help you avoid one on the first place. One simple way is to keep your vehicle in good condition, from the ground up. Let's start with your tires. Are they in good shape?

Look at the tread pattern. All tires have what are called "tread wear bars". These are small bridges that form between your treads. Look at the tread pattern and you will see the beginnings of these bars start to form between the treads, or running across the tires. As the tires wear, these bars will become flush with the tire's tread. At this point it is time to replace the tires.

• Check the tread by using the "penny test." Take a penny, and place it upside down with Lincoln facing you in the center of the tread (at the thickest part of the tire).
  
  • If you can see the very top of Lincoln's head or the copper above it, replace the tires immediately.
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  • If Lincoln's hair on the top of his head is partially visible, it is time to go shopping for tires.
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  • If you cannot see the hair on the top of his head (if the coin is inserted enough that the tire tread is at least as deep as Lincoln's forehead), your tires do not need replacing yet