F.A.Q - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
For more information about your vehicle click the appropriate category.
MOST COMMON BATTERY SERVICE QUESTIONS
Q : Why does my battery in my car keep dying?
A: Having a dead car battery is always frustrating. Having a series of dead batteries, though, is a clear sign that there’s a deeper issue. Some possible reasons for dead car batteries include a faulty charging system (alternator) or extremes in hot and cold temperatures. Taking your car for frequent short drives can also cause the battery life to diminish considerably.
Q : What can drain a battery when it’s off?
A: There are a number of things that can drain your vehicle battery life, even when the car is turned off. Some of the major ones to consider include bad charging, due to a faulty alternator; a defective alternator diode; or a battery that’s simply very old and no longer able to hold much of a charge. Any of these can cause the battery to die, even when you’re not running the vehicle.
Q : Is it a dead battery or alternator?
A: Sometimes it’s hard to tell whether you have a bad battery or a bad alternator. Certainly, if you have a series of failed batteries all in a row, that points to the alternator. Additionally, try jumping your car. If the battery dies while the car is still running, that means the alternator isn’t doing its job properly, and needs to be repaired or replaced.
Q : Can a car battery recharge itself?
A: While car batteries don’t recharge themselves, your car does have a part called the alternator, which exists to help your battery maintain its charge. If you have multiple battery failures, it could be that the real problem is with the alternator. Reach out to King County Collision & Repair to schedule a service appointment and get your alternator diagnosed and repaired as it’s needed.
Q : How can you tell if a battery is good or not?
A: There are a number of clear indicators that your car battery is bad, or is about to go bad. These include an engine that cranks but doesn’t start; a car that won’t crank or start at all; or a car that starts fine one day but has trouble the next. Additionally, if you’ve had to jump your car a lot, or find that cold cranking is hard work, that points to a potential battery issue.
Q : What is the average life of a car battery?
A: On average, a vehicle battery will last you anywhere from four to six years. There are several factors that can impact your battery’s lifespan, including the type of vehicle, the weather conditions, and your own driving habits. If your battery goes bad or starts giving you trouble, make an appointment with King County Collision & Repair to have it replaced.
Q : Is my battery dead if the lights turn on?
A: If your lights are turning on, then your car battery probably isn’t dead—but it may be on its way out. If those lights are dimmer than usual, that’s a telltale sign of pending battery failure. And of course, difficulty getting the vehicle to crank or to start points to a looming battery failure, regardless of whether or not the lights still come on.
Q : What does it mean when you turn your car on and it clicks?
A: If you turn on your engine and you hear a series of rapid clicks, that typically means that the battery is either dead or close to it. If you hear one loud click, that’s more likely the cause of a bad starter. In either case, it’s wise to make a service appointment with King County Collision & Repair to have the problem diagnosed and corrected.
MOST COMMON BRAKE SERVICE QUESTIONS
Q: What causes brake noise?
A: Brake squeals are caused by the brake pads vibrating, spring clips losing tension or poor brake pad fit on the caliper. If you hear a grinding noise when you brake, you’re likely hearing the metal backing of your brake pad contacting your rotor because the brake pad material has completely worn away.
Q: I hear a grinding noise when I step on the brakes. Should I be concerned?
A: Whether it’s a squeal or a grind, brake noise means the brake system needs some attention. Bring your vehicle to any of our stores, and we’ll be happy to take a look.
Q: My brake pedal feels spongy. Why?
A: If you have to press the brake pedal farther or harder than usual to stop, there could be a hydraulic or mechanical brake problem. Bring your car in for a check as soon as you can.
Q: How often should I change my brake fluid?
A: The most accurate answer is as often as your owner’s manual suggests. Some manufacturers recommend new brake fluid as often as every two years. You also need to change your brake fluid if it contains too much copper. Copper is measured in parts per million, and the industry-accepted limit is 200 ppm. Any more than that and the fluid no longer meets design specifications and should be replaced. We check to make sure your brake fluid is in good shape during our Courtesy Check. There is no charge, but it does take a bit more time.
Q: The car pulls to the right or left when I step on the brakes. Why?
A: You may have a hydraulic brake problem, a mechanical problem, or a steering or chassis issue. A thorough inspection will tell us for sure.
Q: Do I have to change my brake fluid?
A: You don’t have to change your brake fluid, but consider this: When the brake fluid shows signs of high levels of copper content, the additives in the brake fluid are breaking down. This increases acid levels, and causes erosion of parts and possible damage to Anti-Lock Brake System components. Today’s anti-lock brake systems are expensive – some parts cost thousands of dollars, not including labor. Changing your brake fluid protects this investment.
Q: My car shakes when I hit the brakes. What's going on?
A: It’s possibly a sign that your rotors need attention, but we’ll know for sure once we take a look.
Q: I only have 10,000 miles on my car and my brakes are squeaking. Do I need new brakes already?
A: Probably not, but whether it’s a squeal or a grind, brake noise means the brake system needs some attention. Bring your vehicle to any of our stores, and we’ll be happy to take a look.
Q: How long do brake pads and rotors last?
A: All brake pads and rotors wear down. The rate at which this happens depends on your driving style. Cars that drive in town with lots of stop-and-gos will consume brake friction material much faster than cars that drive primarily on highways. Vehicle loads are the other factor. The heavier your car is, the more braking power it requires to stop.
Q : What are brake pads?
A: Brake pads work with the brake caliper to stop the spinning motion of your wheels. The caliper squeezes the pads together, creating friction between the pads and the brake rotors. The pads and rotors then work together to stop your car’s wheels. When you apply pressure to your brakes and hear a squeak, it’s most likely your brake pads warning you they may need to be replaced.
Q : What’s a rotor?
A: Brake rotors, also called brake discs, are a key part of your car’s braking system, As the brake pads clamp down on them, the applied pressure will stop the spinning of your wheels.
Q : How should brake pedals feel?
A: When you apply your brakes, they should feel firm throughout the process, and the harder you push, the firmer your brakes should feel. If your brakes feel spongy when pressure is applied, then you should have them evaluated by a professional mechanic. Spongy brakes could be a sign of a problem in the hydraulic system, such as failing calipers or a weak flex line.
Q : What is a brake system flush?
A: A brake system flush is when existing brake fluid is removed and new fluid is added to the hydraulic system. This ensures proper performance and increased life span of your brakes.
MOST COMMON COLLISION & REPAIR QUESTIONS
Q : What are my collision repair rights ?
A: You have certain rights when it comes to collision repair:*
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You have the right to insist on new OEM parts. -
When you get a repair estimate, you have the right to know which parts will be replaced and which type of parts the shop will use to replace them. -
If you don’t understand your estimate, you have the right to ask questions. -
Q : What do I ask my insurance provider
A: Review your policy and ask your provider:
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Does my current policy include new OEM parts coverage? -
Can I add an OEM parts rider to my current policy? -
Do you have another policy that covers OEM parts in case of a collision? -
Will the parts used to repair my vehicle be new OEM parts?
Q: Will my insurance company work with Kings County Collision & Repair
A: Kings County Collision & Repair has great relationships with national insurers and we’ll stay in contact with your insurance company throughout the repair process. We are a preferred vendor for many insurance companies, which means we meet your insurer’s standards for quality, price and service.
Q : Do you provide towing service?
A: Towing service is available 24/7 with Kings County Collision & Repair, And because we’re conveniently located in Brooklyn, New York, we can get to the site of your wreck faster than most repair shops, so you won’t be left waiting.
Q : What are after-market parts?
A: After-market parts are new parts made by companies other than the original manufacturer of your vehicle. These parts are often significantly cheaper. Depending on the vehicle's age, insurance companies may opt for these parts in lieu OEM for cost-efficiency.
Q: Do I have a choice of what parts are used for the repair on my vehicle?
A: Yes, you absolutely have a choice. Here at Kings County Collision & Repair, we prefer to use OEM parts. They are superior in terms of fit and quality. However, if an insurance company paid for alternative parts instead of OEM parts there are still other avenues.
Q: About the Repair Process
A: The process begins by bringing your vehicle in for an estimate. After, we'll work with your insurance agent to process the repair claim. Kings County Collision & Repair will conduct a thorough disassembly of all damaged areas of the vehicle to determine any structural or mechanical damage.
Q: Understanding Your Estimate
A : Your estimate should include a thorough inspection of the work to be done on your vehicle, a description of the repair parts to be used, what items your insurance will and will not cover and the expected amount of the repair. One of the reasons estimates may differ from another shop is thoroughness of the appraisal process. Some estimates may leave necessary repairs out of the initial estimate, causing the amount to be different.
MOST COMMON DENT REMOVAL QUESTIONS
Q: Are Dent Repair and Dent Removal the same thing?
A: The short answer is no, but the process is the same. Essentially, the different between paintless dent repair and paintless dent removal is simply how effective we were at completely removing the dent. There are few occasions where we can greatly improve the surface, but due to the location of the damage and how bad the impact is, it may be simply noted as a dent repair versus a dent removal.
Q: What is Paintless Dent Repair or Dent Removal?
A: Paintless Dent Repair or Dent Removal, is the process of repairing or removing dents, dings, creases, and hail damage on vehicles without the inconvenience of expense of traditional auto repair methods. PDR does not use dry ice, electricity, or anything else that might be harmful to the existing paint for factory finish. For specific questions or more dent removal information, please feel free to call us to drop an email.
Q: How does PDR work?
A: With the experience of qualified technicians, dents are accessed from the backside of the damaged panels using specially designed tools to slowly massage the damage back to its original shape and form.
Q: What dents can be replaced or removed
A: Most non-collision dents can be successfully repaired or removed with the paintless dent repair process. However, there are factors which do exist that may limit the restoration of some dents. These factors include the sharpness of the impact point which caused the dent, the location of the dent as compared to the reinforcement structure of the damaged panel, and the depth of the dent. To be completely sure that the damage does not fall into any of these limiting categories, it should be seen by a qualified PDR repair or appraisal technician.
Q: Why should I choose PDR for repairs rather than body shop methods?
A: With PDR there is no need for the use of body putty or paint. Therefore the vehicle retains its original factory finish which helps to retain the value of the vehicle. The process is environmentally safe, much quicker, and less expensive than traditional body shop methods. The repair or removal should always be guaranteed against future defects, reappearance, or any other damage caused by the repair.
Q: How long do repairs or removals take?
A: Minor door dings or parking lot damage can be repaired in as little as 30 minutes. Many complete hail damaged vehicles can be repaired in as little as 1 to 2 days. Repair times vary depending on the severity of the damage but the repair time will always be significantly less than traditional body shop methods.
MOST COMMON MUFFLER & EXHAUST QUESTIONS
Q : Why does my battery in my car keep dying?
A: Having a dead car battery is always frustrating. Having a series of dead batteries, though, is a clear sign that there’s a deeper issue. Some possible reasons for dead car batteries include a faulty charging system (alternator) or extremes in hot and cold temperatures. Taking your car for frequent short drives can also cause the battery life to diminish considerably.
Q : What can drain a battery when it’s off?
A: There are a number of things that can drain your vehicle battery life, even when the car is turned off. Some of the major ones to consider include bad charging, due to a faulty alternator; a defective alternator diode; or a battery that’s simply very old and no longer able to hold much of a charge. Any of these can cause the battery to die, even when you’re not running the vehicle.
Q : Is it a dead battery or alternator?
A: Sometimes it’s hard to tell whether you have a bad battery or a bad alternator. Certainly, if you have a series of failed batteries all in a row, that points to the alternator. Additionally, try jumping your car. If the battery dies while the car is still running, that means the alternator isn’t doing its job properly, and needs to be repaired or replaced.
Q : Can a car battery recharge itself?
A: While car batteries don’t recharge themselves, your car does have a part called the alternator, which exists to help your battery maintain its charge. If you have multiple battery failures, it could be that the real problem is with the alternator. Reach out to King County Collision & Repair to schedule a service appointment and get your alternator diagnosed and repaired as it’s needed.
Q : How can you tell if a battery is good or not?
A: There are a number of clear indicators that your car battery is bad, or is about to go bad. These include an engine that cranks but doesn’t start; a car that won’t crank or start at all; or a car that starts fine one day but has trouble the next. Additionally, if you’ve had to jump your car a lot, or find that cold cranking is hard work, that points to a potential battery issue.
Q : What is the average life of a car battery?
A: On average, a vehicle battery will last you anywhere from four to six years. There are several factors that can impact your battery’s lifespan, including the type of vehicle, the weather conditions, and your own driving habits. If your battery goes bad or starts giving you trouble, make an appointment with King County Collision & Repair to have it replaced.
Q : Is my battery dead if the lights turn on?
A: If your lights are turning on, then your car battery probably isn’t dead—but it may be on its way out. If those lights are dimmer than usual, that’s a telltale sign of pending battery failure. And of course, difficulty getting the vehicle to crank or to start points to a looming battery failure, regardless of whether or not the lights still come on.
Q : What does it mean when you turn your car on and it clicks?
A: If you turn on your engine and you hear a series of rapid clicks, that typically means that the battery is either dead or close to it. If you hear one loud click, that’s more likely the cause of a bad starter. In either case, it’s wise to make a service appointment with King County Collision & Repair to have the problem diagnosed and corrected.
MOST COMMON OIL CHANGE QUESTIONS
Q: Engine Oil
A: Most cars on the road today use multi-grade oil — one that can work efficiently in cold and hot weather. A multi-grade oil is rated by two numbers, such as 5W-30.
Q: About The Oil Classification System
A: Each engine oil comes with a classification indicating its viscosity, which is its friction or resistance to flow. In a multi-grade oil, the first number indicates how the oil will flow when it is cold. The lower the number, the lighter the oil and the better it will perform at lower temperatures. The second number indicates the thickness of that same oil at high temperatures. For example, a 5W-30 oil will flow as a 5-weight oil at zero degrees Fahrenheit and as a 30-weight oil at 210 degrees Fahrenheit
Q: Why viscosity is a concern.
A: During cold starting, only a small amount of oil is present in the upper parts of engines. To lessen the friction when upper engine parts, such as the valve train, pistons, overhead cam and cam bearings, scrub against each other, a lower viscosity allows the oil to reach the components more quickly.
Q: Why 5W-30 and 5w-20 oils are so popular.
A: Many vehicles today leave the factory with 5W-30 or 5w-20 engine oil. Vehicle manufacturers recommend them because they are lighter oils that perform well in a range of temperatures and help improve gas mileage.
Q: Synthetic Oils
-
Higher viscosity stability over a wider temperature range -
Reduced oil thickening -
Reduced wear and increased load-carrying ability.
Q: I don't drive a lot. Do I still need an oil change?
A: Your owner’s manual should give you a recommended mileage interval and a recommended time interval for an oil change – for example, it might say “every 5,000 miles or every six months.” To help keep your car in tip-top shape, follow whichever oil change interval comes first – in your case, probably the time interval.
Q: Should I use the same brand of oil in my car, or is it OK to change it up?
A: It’s okay to change the brand, but not necessarily the type (conventional, high-mileage, synthetic oil). Our service technicians can help you find the right oil for your make and model.
Q: What does oil viscosity grade mean? Which one should I use?
“Viscosity” is the fancy word for the motor oil’s thickness. Our service technician can help you determine the right viscosity for your make and model.
Q: Will my check engine light come on if I need an oil change?
A: No. If your “Check Engine” light comes on, it’s an indicator that something’s up, but don’t worry. It may be something small. Bring your vehicle in to Kings County Collision & Repair at your earliest convenience so we can take a look.
Q: Why is it bad for my car if I don't change the oil regularly?
A: Oil lubricates the moving parts of your engine and keeps them cool by lowering friction and carrying heat away. It also keeps any grit or tiny particles from scratching tightly-fitted parts. Heat breaks down oil and can make the oil gummy or watery (or both), so that it doesn’t lubricate properly. And the longer it’s in the engine, the more contaminated it gets.
Q: Should I consider using synthetic oil?
A: Synthetic oil lubricates better than traditional motor oil, and it stands up to high heat better without turning into gel or getting watery. Some blends of synthetic oil are designed to keep high-mileage vehicles rolling longer. Others are meant for high-performance engines. Still others can help to improve your car’s fuel mileage. Interested in switching? Speak with our service technician to find the right one for you.
MOST COMMON ESTIMATE QUESTIONS
Estimate F.A.Q's
Q: Engine Oil
A: Most cars on the road today use multi-grade oil — one that can work efficiently in cold and hot weather. A multi-grade oil is rated by two numbers, such as 5W-30.
Q: About The Oil Classification System
A: Each engine oil comes with a classification indicating its viscosity, which is its friction or resistance to flow. In a multi-grade oil, the first number indicates how the oil will flow when it is cold. The lower the number, the lighter the oil and the better it will perform at lower temperatures. The second number indicates the thickness of that same oil at high temperatures. For example, a 5W-30 oil will flow as a 5-weight oil at zero degrees Fahrenheit and as a 30-weight oil at 210 degrees Fahrenheit
Q: Why viscosity is a concern.
A: During cold starting, only a small amount of oil is present in the upper parts of engines. To lessen the friction when upper engine parts, such as the valve train, pistons, overhead cam and cam bearings, scrub against each other, a lower viscosity allows the oil to reach the components more quickly.
Q: Why 5W-30 and 5w-20 oils are so popular.
A: Many vehicles today leave the factory with 5W-30 or 5w-20 engine oil. Vehicle manufacturers recommend them because they are lighter oils that perform well in a range of temperatures and help improve gas mileage.
Q: Synthetic Oils
-
Higher viscosity stability over a wider temperature range -
Reduced oil thickening -
Reduced wear and increased load-carrying ability.
Q: I don't drive a lot. Do I still need an oil change?
A: Your owner’s manual should give you a recommended mileage interval and a recommended time interval for an oil change – for example, it might say “every 5,000 miles or every six months.” To help keep your car in tip-top shape, follow whichever oil change interval comes first – in your case, probably the time interval.
Q: Should I use the same brand of oil in my car, or is it OK to change it up?
A: It’s okay to change the brand, but not necessarily the type (conventional, high-mileage, synthetic oil). Our service technicians can help you find the right oil for your make and model.
Q: What does oil viscosity grade mean? Which one should I use?
“Viscosity” is the fancy word for the motor oil’s thickness. Our service technician can help you determine the right viscosity for your make and model.
Q: Will my check engine light come on if I need an oil change?
A: No. If your “Check Engine” light comes on, it’s an indicator that something’s up, but don’t worry. It may be something small. Bring your vehicle in to Kings County Collision & Repair at your earliest convenience so we can take a look.
Q: Why is it bad for my car if I don't change the oil regularly?
A: Oil lubricates the moving parts of your engine and keeps them cool by lowering friction and carrying heat away. It also keeps any grit or tiny particles from scratching tightly-fitted parts. Heat breaks down oil and can make the oil gummy or watery (or both), so that it doesn’t lubricate properly. And the longer it’s in the engine, the more contaminated it gets.
Q: Should I consider using synthetic oil?
A: Synthetic oil lubricates better than traditional motor oil, and it stands up to high heat better without turning into gel or getting watery. Some blends of synthetic oil are designed to keep high-mileage vehicles rolling longer. Others are meant for high-performance engines. Still others can help to improve your car’s fuel mileage. Interested in switching? Speak with our service technician to find the right one for you.
MOST COMMON PRICING QUESTIONS
Pricing F.A.Q's
Q: Do I need to use the insurance company recommended repair shop?
A: Take the pain and worry out of auto accident repairs. Call 718-638-1888 to get the help you need, when you need it.
Q: Is your work guaranteed?
A: All parts are covered by the manufacturer’s warranty and all work is guaranteed to be professionaly installed on the vehicle under the current owner. Enjoy complete peace of mind with a car that is restored to pre-collision condition.
Q: Do you pick up and deliver cars?
A: Yes, Tow service is ready when you need it, we will gladly deliver your vehicle in our service area when work is completed.
Q: What should I do when my lease is ending?
A: Let us help you find out what problems need correction to avoid costly lease end penalties, and what you can leave alone. Our thorough inspection process and understanding of lease clauses can get you the best deal possible.