Top Ten FAQ - Part Two

Last time we looked into several of Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair's most commonly asked questions as leadership in the automotive repair industry:

1.   Things you should do in the event of a vehicle accident
2.   Your Customer Rights
3.   How to pick a Automotive Body Shop
4.   Regarding the Repair Process
5.   All About Your Estimate

Now we will go on with these frequently asked questions in another installment to Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair's Top 10 FAQs:

6.   Information about Your Deductible
7.   What Constitutes a Quality Repair
8.   Warranty Information
9.   What to Do in Case of Storm Damage
10.   Car Care Tips

6. Information about Your Deductible

If your insured automobile sustains bodily damage due to a collision with some other automobile or fixed object in the Arnold, MO area or your vehicle sustains damage associated with some kind of protected comprehensive danger (fire, theft, malicious mischief, vandalism, windstorm, hail, etc) your automobile policy declaration pages will indicate the appropriate insurance deductible. It is always necessary to double-check the consistency of your insurance policy information together with your insurance company both before and after a loss. Your insurance deductible is due after you collect the car or truck after repairs are finished. Find a body shop that has financing for deductibles if you don’t choose to pay this out-of-pocket.

7. What Constitutes a Quality Repair

A superior quality auto body collision repair begins with a complete assessment to totally evaluate the damage and repairs necessary to the motor vehicle. A well designed repair procedure should be used to make sure the maintenance meets the motor vehicle manufacturer’s specifications. A thorough repair should always be performed by experts with I-CAR and ASA certifications, and training in the most up-to-date car materials and technologies and utilizes the highest quality components and products must certainly be used to restore your motor vehicle to pre-accident condition. Before the vehicle is given back to you, an extensive interior and exterior inspection, a test drive and an extensive detail must certainly be done to guarantee the repair satisfies your needs.

8. Warranty Information

Look at the fine print to understand if their warranty is offered across the country and the length of time your motor vehicle is going to be covered. If your motor vehicle is yet beneath a manufacturer’s warranty, it doesn’t mean it must be fixed at a car dealership. The majority of dealers do not possess their own individual crash repair facility and outsource their motor vehicles for repair. Your car's warranty is with your car's maker, not with the dealership. When choosing a crash repair facility, get a body shop which provides a countrywide warranty that'll be honored at any of their locations.

9. What to Do in the event of Storm Damage

In the event the automobile has been in a violent storm, call your insurance broker first off to report the damage. Take pictures of the car where it had been battered, including any branches, water damage, mud or other elements. If your car has been submersed in water, you shouldn't drive it as mechanical and electrical elements may have been damaged. Trust your ride just to a tried-and-true body shop business operating in Arnold, MO before the storm. Stay away from fly-by-night operators trying to make an easy buck off of the situation.

10. Car Care Tips

As soon as your car or truck has been fixed, there are numerous car care tips to observe to help keep your automobile looking its very best outside as well as in. Follow this link to see CAR CARE TIPS from Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair for people living in Arnold, Oakville, Imperial, and Jefferson County, MO.

Keep Your Sleigh Safe This Holiday Season

CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts Give Tips for Safe Driving During the Holidays 

Whether you’re on the road to grandma's home or perhaps just going to the shopping mall for some last minute shopping, it’s clever to take a few precautions to stop the holiday hassle of a crash.

Heavy traffic, vehicle operators sidetracked with holiday plans and cold weather produce the ideal storm for car owners throughout December.  In reality, it’s amongst the top months for traffic collisions in Arnold, Oakville, Imperial, or Jefferson County, MO.

Although with appropriate preparation, some preventive driving measures and an eye on the weather report, motorists can guard themselves and their cars throughout the christmas season.

The pros on holiday traveling auto accidents, CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts, repairs several thousand vehicles each year harmed in arctic, icy mishaps.  Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair in Arnold, MO provides drivers some useful information to make holiday driving more safe.

Keep In Mind:

•   Look at your path: check conditions of the road beforehand to realize if there will be any hold-ups
•   Stay in touch: Bring a cellular phone in case of issues
•   Turn down the Jingle Bells: lessen disruptions such as noisy music
•   Don’t invite theft: Presents inside the back seat are a lot more inviting than cookies and milk for Santa.  Secure them in the trunk in order to prevent break-ins
•   Have a break: When you're traveling a long distance, take breaks or even a quick nap at a rest stop to be alert
•   Shield yourself: Always have a seat belt
•   Do not Text and Drive: Messaging and driving can't only potentially harm yourself and your family but other car owners. Keep the phone stashed away for problems. When it's vital to dispatch a text message, smartly pull to the side first

Look At Your Visibility:

•   Refill your liquids: Add de-icer to your windshield wiper liquid
•   Update your wipers: Make sure your windshield wipers are freed from ice before heading out on the road – and check out updating with newer versatile windshield wipers before the snow strikes
•   Look at your visibility: Be certain all the mirrors are clear and effectively adjusted
•   Look at the lights: Wash hazed headlights and inspect light bulbs in all your automobile lights – back and front

Slow Down and Stay Back:

•   Look out for holiday revelers: Some drivers may very well have a few beverages before reaching the roadways. Remain alert and watch other people in case they start to swerve
•   Make it slow: When there's snow or ice on the land, decrease your speed 10 to 20 miles per hour beneath the limit for that particular road
•   Allow for some space: Facilitate at a minimum 2 to 3 vehicle lengths in between your automobile and the car in front of you
•   Cruise with cautiousness: Avoid using cruise control on icy highways
•   Stay alert to the surface: Use extreme caution on bridges, overpasses, and hardly ever traveled roads considering the fact that these may be slippery from ice and use extra caution when driving around on one-lane streets

Get ready for a Snow Day:

•   Weight it out: In the event the car has rear wheel drive, put bags of sand, litter or stones to keep your vehicle easier to control
•   Stock up on supplies: Pack a snow day kit in case you get stuck.  Really important items to incorporate are a blanket, gloves, hat, water, granola bars, flashlight and additional batteries, extra cell phone battery, flares, compass, scissors, rope, wooden patches in watertight container and first-aid kit.
•   Bring your tools: Create a tool kit for digging your car or truck out with foldaway shovel, 2x4 planks to place beneath tires, ice scraper and snow brush, reflective triangles, flares and exterior windshield cleaner

You can't ever be too careful when driving any vehicle in holiday traffic and in winter weather. Disasters can happen so fast on slippery, arctic freeways, so going slower and taking the additional precautions is exactly what Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair advises to totally make the difference.  A vehicle accident isn't simple to handle, but having any sort of accident during the holiday season may put a cramp in the holiday cheer.  A further measure of safety is always an ideal present throughout the Christmas season.

In the event that the unfortunate holiday collision does come about, we suggest having a crash plan set up so you aren’t stranded on the wayside waiting for assistance.  Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair gives high-quality, reliable repair service in the Arnold, Missouri area. Just call 1-800-CARSTAR when you have an accident and they will send the tow truck, speak to your insurance firm, plan for a rental motor vehicle and fix your ride.

Be In The Know When Driving On Ice And Snow

Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Gives Tricks For Safe Travel in the Winter Season 

Winter weather can create much of the toughest travel conditions of the year. And, months between October and February top the list for catastrophes, vehicle damages and injuries in the Arnold, MO area.

When the climate falls and the snowfall increases, it is critical for motorists to boost their focus on safety on the highway.  With the right planning, some protective driving procedures and a close look on the weather report, vehicle operators can shield themselves and their cars or trucks in the winter months.

The gurus on winter weather driving accidents at Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair in Arnold, Missouri repair lots of motor vehicles each and every year wrecked in cold, icy auto accidents.  They supply car owners some useful information to help with making the winter season driving much safer.

Inspect Your Visibility:

•   Add de-icer to your windshield wiper fluid
•   Make fully sure your windshield wipers are devoid of ice before you start venturing out on the road – and take a look at updating with new flexible windshield wipers before the snow hits
•   Be certain that all the mirrors are clear and appropriately tweaked for visibility
•   Clean your headlights and look at the light bulbs in each of your automobile lights – back and front

Go Slow and Stay Back:

•   When there's snow or ice on the surface in Arnold, Oakville, Imperial, or Jefferson County, MO, reduce your car's speed to a safe limit
•   Try to leave additional distance between your ride and the car ahead of you for more protection
•   Don't involve the use of cruise control on icy roadways
•   Use extreme care on bridgework, overpasses, and hardly ever traveled streets as these may well be slick as a result of ice
•   Use extreme caution when driving on one-lane highways

Skidding Safely

When your back tires slip...

•   Bring your foot off the accelerator pedal
•   Steer in the direction you need the front tires to go. If your back tires are sliding left, steer left. If they're slipping right, steer right
•   If your back wheels start sliding the other way whenever you recuperate, ease the steering wheel toward that side. You may have to steer left and right once or twice in order to get your car or truck entirely under control
•   Should you have standard brakes, pump them gently
•   If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), don't pump the braking system. Apply regular force to the brake system. You'll feel the brake system pulse — it's routine

Should the forward tires skid...

•   Bring your foot off the gas and change to neutral, but don't try to steer immediately.
•   As the wheels skid laterally, they will slow the motor vehicle and traction will come back. As it does, steer in the direction you wish to go. Then put the transmission in "drive" or release the clutch, and speed up gently
Prepare for a Snow Day:
•   If your ride has rear wheel drive, put bags of sand or kitty litter to keep your vehicle easier to control on Arnold, MO streets
•   Pack up a snow day kit in case you get stuck.  Crucial items to include are a blanket, gloves, hat, water, granola bars, flashlight and additional battery packs, extra cell phone battery, flares, wooden matches in waterproofed container, compass, scissors, rope and first-aid gear.
•   Make a toolbox for digging your vehicle out with collapsible spade, 2x4 planks to put under car tires, ice scraper and snow brush, reflective triangles, flares and outside windshield cleaner

You can never be too careful when driving in cold weather. Problems can take place easily on slippery, frozen streets, so driving slow and taking the extra safety measures can seriously make the difference.

If the regrettable winter accident does take place, we encourage having a wreck plan in place so you are not stuck on the wayside hoping for help.  Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair in Arnold, Missouri features top-notch, trustworthy repair service.  Just call 1-800-CARSTAR after you have an auto accident and they're going to send the tow truck, contact your insurance company, arrange for a car rental and fix your vehicle.

Top Ten FAQ - Part One

Maybe you have a question on your vehicles or the repair process? Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair of Arnold, MO has taken care of the common questions further down. In the event that you don’t notice the answer below, give us a call and we will make sure you get the information you need.

1.   What to Do in Case of an Accident

2.   Your Consumer Rights

3.   How to Choose a Body Shop

4.   About the Repair Process

5.   Understanding Your Estimate

1. What to Do in Case of an Accident

First, remain calm. If there're injuries, call 911 right away. You shouldn't relocate your vehicle, unless you are in immediate hazard and it will be safer to get your motor vehicle in some other venue. Get the name of the individual (s) driving the other motor vehicle (s) involved along with their contact number, driver's license, vehicle license and insurance coverage info. Aim to secure any witness' name and phone number (s). Pay attention to the place, time and day. Use your camera phone to take photographs of the incident, vehicle damage and witnesses.

2. Your Consumer Rights

If you have a major accident, you possess the right to find out where you would like the automobile towed and the place you want to have your vehicle fixed. A quality collision repair shop will arrange towing for you, perform high quality repairs and deal with your insurance provider. Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair comes with a limited five-year nationwide warranty as an extra benefit.

3. How to Choose a Body Shop

Make sure you pick an automobile body shop in Arnold, Oakville, Imperial, and Jefferson County, MO that offers a full written estimate, practices a well designed repair process for each automobile and features skilled, qualified repair experts. A national affiliation customarily shows better repair standards, as does a nationwide guarantee. Look for a body shop that utilizes the highest-quality parts and merchandise to revive your motor vehicle, who can help you stay informed throughout the repair process, provides great customer service, can deliver your motor vehicle in good time, and performs an extensive assessment of all repair works before putting you straight back on the highway.

4. About the Repair Process

The repair process begins with you taking your vehicle in for a quote with a skilled estimator. If you decide on that shop, they're going to work with your insurance broker to process the repair claim. An exceptional auto body shop like Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair will conduct a thorough disassembly of all harmed parts of the automobile to figure out any structural or mechanical harm. They will order the needed parts for your ride and then complete the repair. When the repair is complete, they'll conduct an in-depth check of the inside and exterior of your car to guarantee an outstanding repair.

5. Understanding Your Estimate

Your estimate should include a comprehensive evaluation of the work to be completed on your vehicle, a summary of the repair parts to get used, what stuff your insurance policies will and won't encapsulate and the forecasted amount of the repair. A primary reason quotes in Arnold could vary from another shop is thoroughness of the appraisal process. Some quotes might keep necessary repairs out of the primary estimate, causing the amount to be different from another facility. At Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair we are thorough to discover the procedures essential for a top quality and safe repair for the vehicle.

Ten Tips for Dealing with an Auto Accident

One time each and every 7 years, the ordinary car owner from Arnold, Missouri is taking part in an vechicle accident.  When that happens, it’s smart to know about what you have to do to safeguard yourself and your ride, and get yourself on the highway to a quick, top-quality repair.  Here's a few tricks to be mindful of and share with the road users in your family from your friends at Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair in Arnold, Missouri:

1.   Turn off your vehicle’s engine and leave it where it is at so long as you feel it’s safe. If you feel uncomfortable or your motor vehicle is in peril of getting injured by some other vehicle, at a low speed drive your car or truck to a less hazardous place, such as the curb of the road or a well lit parking lot.

2.   At all times keep calm.  Be tactful and respectful, even if you’re angry.

3.   Determine the extent of impact and determine whether you are injured. If you believe you’re wounded at all, be in your car or truck and make an attempt to take it easy. Tell the truth if somebody asks how you are. Ask a person to call for assistance, and let a professional examine your condition.

4.   Give out health-related tips to other people only if you happen to be educated to do this.

5.   Evaluate the damage to your motor vehicle. When checking out the vehicle accident scene, you must never go directly in between the two automobiles. If one is struck once more, you might become confined amidst the 2 vehicles.

6.   Simply call the police of Arnold, Oakville, Imperial, or Jefferson County, MO to document the vehicle accident. Dial 911 first, if that does not work, dial zero and request the cops.

7.   Never say the car accident was your error, even though you may believe that it was.

8.   Call 1-800-CARSTAR to have someone from Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair request a tow, arrange for a car rental, speak to a loved one and contact your insurance broker.

9.   Attain the names, addresses and telephone numbers of any witnesses.  In the event you can't really obtain their names, at least obtain their license plate numbers.

10.   Trade names, addresses, license numbers and insurance coverage details with any other people involved in the automobile accident.

It is intelligent to have an accident strategy ready to go before an automobile accident comes about.  Distinguish a credible auto body shop where to bring your family car ahead of time so that you are never obligated to generate a quick decision at the accident scene.  To discover the number one collision repair facility in your community, seek out the CARSTAR company logo.  All CARSTAR auto body repair shops like Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair are locally managed, and are focused on offering the highest-quality repair and getting you back on the highway speedily.

For more Arnold, Missouri car care tips, visit www.auto-body-arnold-mo.com.

Bucks Cost Bucks, Does Cost Dough

North America’s Collision Repair Experts Weigh in on the Hefty Costs of Hitting a Deer

It’s the yearly battle of the bumpers against the bucks, the does up against the doors.  Both sides lose whenever car and deer collide, but a measure of defensive driving can lessen the risks.

CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts in the St. Louis area say the regularity and severity of deer-related accidents are growing as fast as the deer population in certain markets. And, with the cold-weather months supplying peak season for deer-vehicle crashes, this risk is rising.

In point of fact, over forty percent of CARSTAR shop owners describe a twenty five percent boost in deer-related injuries, while some nearly twelve percent report a 50 percent increase and five percent have noticed a massive seventy-five percent increase in their areas. That deer-related accident can be pricey -- just about seventy percent of CARSTAR store owners gauge that the normal price of a deer-related collision repair is around $2,500 and $4,999, while some 5% of repairs are around $5,000 and $10,000.

A recently available survey by State Farm concurs with the pattern.  U.S. drivers are 3 percent more inclined to hit a deer in the following 12 months as opposed to this past year, specifically in October, November and December. The cost is rising, also, and is anticipated to be about fourteen percent greater than this past year.

A new trend is emerging, and one that does not bode well for motorist or deer – the serial deer crash motorist.  Once a driver has been around a deer-related incident, his or her probability of suffering from another one are going up.  Most of these car owners have a home in deer-filled areas, drive in early morning or early evening when deer are out, or simply just happen to be unlucky with bucks.

Greg Walter, a suburban Atlanta resident, is simply one example.  He’s experienced 17 deer-related accidents over the past decade!

“I’m not sure why they aim for my pickup, but they certainly do,” mentioned Walter.  “I’ve destroyed several company cars, and it’s gotten so bad that some of my co-workers put deer heads on my truck door just like a World War Two fighter pilot.  I’ve experimented with a variety of headlights, deer whistles, anything.  I think I just have to have a retainer at my local CARSTAR shop.”

Drive Defensively to Avoid Deer Dangers

This year, some 1.5 million drivers will hit deer, and November is the top month for deer-related incidents in Arnold, Oakville, and Imperial, Missouri.  However drivers can easily bypass an accident with a buck by simply following some smart driving tips this fall and winter.

Morning hours and sundown are the worst hours for deer problems, as visibleness is restricted and deer are frequently on the move. You will need to drive defensively and anticipate the prospect of deer in the roadway.

The car professionals at Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair, who fix thousands of automobiles every year from deer-related mishaps, offer the following tips to lessen the deer danger:
1.    Use extra caution at sunrise and dusk and around golf courses, fields and wooded areas.
2.    Don't forget that deer travel in packs – if you notice one, there is probably more behind it.
3.    Don't swerve to get around hitting a deer, because that enhances the risk of impacting another motor vehicle or losing control of the car or truck.
4.    When there's no opposing traffic, utilize high beams at nighttime to better illuminate deer.
5.    Don't rely on gear including deer whistles, which are connected to the outside of a car, to scare off deer with an ultrasonic or high frequency noise. They haven't been shown to lessen deer-vehicle collisions.
6.    If a deer keeps on the highway after you hit it, report the accident to the game commission or a nearby law enforcement department, for the reason that deer presents a danger to other road users. If the deer still is alive, you shouldn't get around it since a wild animal with sharp hooves may inflict injuries.
7.    If a car accident with a deer really does happen, it pays to be covered. Many motorists do not recognize that holding exclusively collision coverage isn't going to cover harm from a deer incident, leaving them with a wrecked vehicle and a sizeable repair expense.  To completely deal with any prospective problems, car owners must carry detailed insurance that covers such accidents. For the people driving an older automobile who think their motor vehicles are not worth the expense of the insurance coverage, it’s smart to maintain an “accident fund” for if anything does happen.

If a motorist ends up marooned with a wrecked automobile following a deer collision, they may always call 1-800-CARSTAR. Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair will dispatch the tow truck, contact their insurance company and help the automobile owner get back on the highway.

Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair in Arnold, MO offers top-quality, sound repair service at over 430 locations in 30 states and 10 Canadian provinces. Just call 1-800-CARSTAR if you need a vehicle repair, and they're going to send out the tow truck, speak to your insurance company, plan for a car rental and fix your motor vehicle. For more information and store locations, go to www.auto-body-arnold-mo.com.

5 Tips for Choosing the Right Auto Body Shop

With rocks, shopping carts along with other frequent hazards, it’s not extremely uncommon to identify a scratch in your motor vehicle, either in the paint or the windshield. Not dealt with, any scrape can cause significant problems, from rust and corrosion caused by a paint scratch exposing the metal to a small windshield scratch that stretches until a total windshield replacement is needed. To lessen this type of damage, it is vital that whenever your get a scratch to repair it straight away at a shop like Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair in Arnold, MO.

When you do get a paint scratch or windshield scratch in Arnold, Oakville, Imperial, and Jefferson County, MO, the best thing to do generally is use a professional repair company.

To fix a deep paint scratch that goes all through the paint to the metal, a paint and body repair center such as Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair will do the best job in entirely repairing the scratch. To fix this sort of scratch, the technician will need to strip the affected panel, prime it and paint it.

Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair in Arnold, MO has the ability to completely match the color of your motor vehicle. Depending on your insurance plan, you might get your glass scratch repaired without paying anything out of pocket. No matter if you get a paint scratch or a glass scratch, get it fixed promptly. The damage your car could sustain from not having a scratch fixed can be both serious and costly.

But how do you know what auto body shop to head to? It isn't uncommon for estimates from assorted body shops to differ wildly. One shop may give you an estimate for $500 while another wants $2,000 for the work. What's the difference? And when is it fine to select the cheaper shop?

Below are great tips from Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair in Arnold, MO for choosing the best shop in Arnold, Oakville, Imperial, and Jefferson County, MO to work on your vehicle — particularly when you're the one paying the bills.

1) Pay Attention to Word-of-Mouth
Any business can advertise, but you'll do better with a shop that friends, family or acquaintances endorse. It's a business that has confirmed it can satisfy customers. And it might not be the largest or best-known shop in the neighborhood. Occasionally, you may get a suggestion for a little shop where the owner works on the vehicles himself.

2) Consider the Operation's Location and Overhead
Labor hours is the deal-breaker for how much a repair will cost. Many shops charge $40 per hour for labor. However in the ritzy parts of West L. A., the per-hour labor charge is $60-$65. In wealthy Newport Beach, California, there's been up to $90-per-hour labor charges.

3) Get Several Estimates
Taking your car to a few auto body shops in the Arnold, MO area for repair quotes is the best way to avoid overcharges. And while you'll want to protect against being overcharged, you should not simply take the cheapest quote. You may get some type of midnight guy that will say he is able to do it really cheap. Stay away from those guys, since there is something they aren't doing. You might have major problems down the road.

4) Ask the Right Questions
When finding a body shop, don't go in with your pocketbook open. Ask some key questions. Does the shop offer a written warranty? And if that's the case, for how long? How much does the warranty cover?

Another key question is whether the shop carries fire and theft insurance. You need to be sure you're covered if your car is destroyed, stolen or burglarized. Don't forget to ask how long the shop has been in business. Make sure it has a business license.

You will also want to know about the types of materials the shop plans to use. Are new, used or aftermarket body parts likely to be used? New parts are obviously the best and used parts are fine, though they don't provide the savings people think. Dependent on the damage to your car or truck, aftermarket parts can avoid using too much money and may be every bit as good as the ones that come from the original manufacturer. If paint work is involved, ask how many coats of paint and clear coat the shop plans to use.

5) Follow Your Intuition
Ultimately, it is important to trust your intuition about the shop that you are thinking about. If a shop isn't really busy, maybe that's because customers in the Arnold, MO area are steering clear of it as a result of shoddy repairs. If the place is really dirty, cluttered or disorganized, this might reflect the kind of work you could expect the shop to do with your automobile. Is the shop owner or manager a grouch who seems to resent addressing the questions you have? You will be happier with a shop where the owner communicates well and is straightforward with customers.

When you're out looking for an estimate, why not check in with Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair ? They would love to give you a fair estimate supported by a lifetime warranty.

Auto Collision Tips

Keeping calm and on task after an auto collision can save lives and enable you to get back on the road quickly

An auto collision is an emotional and tedious experience. Many motorists drive defensively, take driver education training courses and get ready for stressful driving situations, however vehicle collisions still take place in Arnold, MO.

A driver is responsible for knowing what to do if they are involved in a wreck. Even the most prepared and competent motorists sometimes find themselves involved in a collision. It doesn't matter who's responsible, the most important thing to do first is make sure everybody is OK, then seek medical and law enforcement help and know what to do to protect yourself from legal or financial trouble down the road.

The best defense to prevent any trouble after a collision is to get ready. As outlined by AAA, "Keeping a pen and paper, disposable camera or cell phone camera, and copy of your insurance card readily available all the time will help keep you organized and lessen stress moments following a collision."

After stopping your automobile, Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair recommends all drivers involved in an automobile crash stick to these steps:

1. Help the seriously injured. Quickly talk with those involved in the collision to find out if there are any injuries. If medical assistance is needed, call 9-1-1. If medical attention isn't required, be certain that you're not in imminent danger at the roadside.

2. Control the Scene. Before you take time to exchange information, get to a safe place.  If there aren't any injuries and your vehicle is drivable, safely move to the right or left emergency lane.  Some state laws require drivable vehicles to be removed from the roadway to avoid traffic congestion. Turn on your hazard lights and set out warning flares or reflective triangles. Never leave the scene of the crash, but find a safe place to remain until emergency services arrive.

3. Notify the Police and Submit a Report. The law requires you tell the authorities. No matter what either party alleges, call law enforcement and file a report. If the authorities don't come to the scene to start an investigation, you can file a report by visiting a nearby police department or car insurance agency in the days after the accident. Having a report on file might help later if a liability claim is submitted.

4. Document the Scene and Exchange Information. It is very important exchange and gather information with all parties involved in the accident, including witnesses. Having this on file will help finish any future paperwork or address possible problems. Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair suggests that you document:

•   Names
•   Addresses/email address
•   Vehicle Information including makes, models and years for all cars involved
•   Vehicle identification/license plate numbers
•   Driver’s license numbers
•   Insurance carriers and policy numbers
•   Take pictures of the area, people involved and wrecked motor vehicles

5. Notify Your Insurance Carrier. Your insurance company will have to be notified after a crash to start the right claim filing. Many insurance companies have staff available around the clock and can assist immediately. Having proof of insurance in your car or truck is required by law and makes filing a claim easier if not at home.

6. Get Your Motor Vehicle Fixed. You have the right to get your vehicle fixed at the auto body shop of your choosing. Consider taking it to Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair in Arnold, MO, which also serves Arnold, Oakville, Imperial, and Jefferson County, MO.

7. Unattended Vehicle or Property. If you're tangled up in a crash that involves an unattended motor vehicle or property, take action to inform the owner. If you cannot find the owner, attach a written notice of the crash to the car or property, making certain to include your contact information and information in the list above.

Drivers and owners of motor vehicles must certainly be ready to assume legal and financial responsibility if involved in a crash, don't let your emotions and feelings get in the way of determining who is the culprit. Do not allow yourself to be pressured into admitting fault or giving an opinion about the cause of a crash. If you would like, you can consult with a lawyer before providing a statement.

For additional tips on proper auto body repair or what to do in case of an accident, get a hold of Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair in Arnold, MO today!

Kids And Hot Cars Are No Mix In Summer Heat

With the summer heat here, it is the best time to remember just how hazardous a automobile can be whenever kids and pets are left unattended.  Heat is one of the leading weather-related killers in the US.

At Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair in Arnold, MO, North America’s most reliable brand for auto body repair, the focus isn’t merely on repairing vehicles, it’s on protecting the well-being of the drivers and passengers in those automobiles any time they are driving.

We want to do everything we can to teach drivers about the safety of their motor vehicles in the summer sun.  Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair encourages motorists to plan their trips so you don't have to leave somebody – or any pet – in a automobile that isn’t running with the air condition turned on.  And, it’s important to bear in mind that even a few minutes in a hot automobile can have devastating effects.  You always want to take those extra steps to guarantee the safety of your kids.

According to the National Weather Service, a lot of kids and untold quantities of pets left in parked vehicles die from hyperthermia every year.  Hyperthermia is a severe condition that occurs whenever the body absorbs more heat than it can take care of.  Hyperthermia can occur even on a mild day. The effects can be more severe on youngsters because their bodies warm at a faster rate than adults.

Research has shown that the heat inside a parked motor vehicle can rapidly rise to a dangerous level for young children, pets and even adults.  Leaving the windows slightly open won't seriously decrease the heating rate.  On an 85-degree day, the temperature within a car or truck with the windows opened slightly can reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes.  After 30 minutes, the temperature will reach one hundred twenty degrees.

The non-profit safety group, KidsandCars.org states that many heat-related vehicle tragedies occur because a driver sometimes forgets a boy or girl is there.  Little ones can also get into unlocked cars without any adult knowing it just happened.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Association has some suggestions to help keep young people and pets safe throughout the heat of summer:

•   Never leave kids, disabled adults or pets alone in a hot car, even briefly

•   Always remember to check the front and back seats of the vehicle before you lock it and leave

•   See a kid alone in a hot car? Call 911 as soon as possible. Get them out as soon as possible if they're in distress

•   Put your purse, briefcase, or something else you need by the child car seat so you don’t forget to check

•   Always lock your vehicle when it’s empty so youngsters can’t get in without you knowing

The people at Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair in Arnold, MO also helping the people in Oakville, Imperial, and Jefferson County, MO are so happy that you are taking the time to read about the necessity of summer car or truck safety. If you want more superb advice, call us up at 636-464-6080

IS YOUR CAR’S BODY READY FOR SUMMER?

Summer has arrived, and even though people are looking at a vacation getaway and some time outdoors, you need to start making plans to maintain your vehicle and reduce damage from summer weather and often challenging driving conditions that you can find in Oakville, Imperial, and Jefferson County, MO.

We are all aware that too much sun can be bad for your skin.  It may be bad for your truck, causing oxidation and premature fading.  Salt air is harsh on paint surfaces, too. Inside the vehicle, plastic trim and the interior can also take a beating from heat and sun.  But with a proper maintenance routine and some T.L.C., you can easily keep your car looking fresh and new.

That's where your local Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body in Arnold, Missouri can help.  Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body 's automotive professionals can get rid of any damage you already possess, and  they can also put you on the road to prevention to reduce any future costs.

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE DETAILS

The first place to begin is with CARSTAR’s specialist detailing services. Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body can return your vehicle to like-new condition for a minimal investment.

•   A fresh cleaning can eliminate all of the road grime, tar, and other particles that you could have picked up on the way

•   A proper waxing will help protect your vehicle from the elements, restore faded paint, and bring back that showroom shine

•   Wiping out minor scratches and blemishes within the clear coat and paint now can keep rust from taking over later

•   A detailed interior cleaning can eliminate any damaging elements like sand or dirt that you might have brought into your car

•   A proper conditioning of leather, vinyl, and interior plastics can help safeguard against fading and cracking

•   Repairing torn upholstery now and replacing worn floor mats will help keep a slight problem from turning out to be a bigger, more pricey one later

•   Installing window film can prevent fading later on, and also reduce heat in the passenger area
While you experience the summer sun and outdoor activities, your car does not.  A good detailing and wax is like sunscreen for your vehicle. With good car care and some smart driving, you and your vehicle can sail through summer! Just give Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body in Arnold, Missouri a call at 636-464-6080 today or visit www.auto-body-arnold-mo.com

Save Money In 2014 - Find Every Discount For Your Insurance Policy

People in Arnold, MO start out each and every New Year with several meaningful changes or plans to make “this year” better than the last. Some plans will probably involve better diets, lifestyle changes, read more, exercise more, journal more, spend more time with our family, and greater focus on how to be more fiscally responsible.

It’s hard to argue with being more responsible with where you spend your hard earned dollars. Insurance costs to protect our vehicles can be a major expenditure for lots of people.  It is just common sense to complete a yearly review where and how these controllable dollars are spent.
Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair in Arnold, MO, also serving the folks of Oakville, Imperial, and Jefferson County, offers a couple of tips to help ensure your auto insurance premium dollars are spent in the most effective manner possible.

1.   When you have a clean driving record with no mishaps and no violations in the last three years you might qualify for a substantial “safe driver” discount. If you don’t see a discount of this type on the declarations page that comes with your renewal, ask your agent or insurance provider.

2.   Assuming you have good or very good credit you may qualify for additional discounts.  Ask your agent or insurance provider.

3.   When you have your auto and homeowner policies with the same insurance company you most likely qualify for another type of discount. Confer with your agent or insurance provider.

4.   If you have young drivers on your policy who are good students, generally a B average or higher, you may qualify for more discounts.  There's also discounts available for taking part in safe driving programs. Check with our agent or insurance provider for availability.

5.   If your vehicles have special accident avoidance systems you might qualify for further discounts.

6.   If you own vehicle(s) whose mix of age, miles and current physical condition has deteriorated to a point of lower value it might be time to consider self-insuring these vehicles. This means getting rid of collision and comprehensive coverage. This action necessitates careful consideration and should definitely include consultation with your agent or insurance provider.

7.   Changing the amount of your collision and/or comprehensive deductibles could be a choice to control your premium costs. Picking out a higher deductible for either coverage will lessen your premium. But it’s imperative that you understand this move will increase your financial exposure should a major accident occur.

8.   Many insurance companies are offering installed driving performance monitors that provide you a deep discount on your insurance for safe driving.  Consult your insurance agent on availability.

9.   If you've relocated, taken a new job or married or divorced during the past year, it may impact your car insurance.  Make sure you update your policies accordingly.

10.   One more tip to every insurance consumer would be to make sure you have a “what if I have an accident" pack in your glove box. This kit should contain a pencil, a pad of paper to write down accident details and witness contact details, your agent’s contact info, your current insurance card, a plastic camera, and emergency contact information with names and numbers of people identified as the people to call in case you’re injured.

Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair hopes to be sure that everyone traveling in Oakville, Imperial, and Jefferson County are ready for the road in each and every way possible. If you live in Arnold, MO or the surrounding area and would like to have your questions pertaining to auto body repair answered, call Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair at 636-464-6080 or visit our website: www.auto-body-arnold-mo.com.

Why Should You Consider CARSTAR?

Whenever your vehicle needs to be repaired, you need a repair facility that you can rely on to help you stay informed throughout the complete process, offer superb customer service, deliver your vehicle on time and get you back on the road with the best quality repair.

That’s why a lot more people Select Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair in Arnold, Missouri for their motor vehicle repair needs than any other body shop. Across Oakville, Imperial, Jefferson County, and Arnold, MO, we provide national scale, consistently high-quality vehicle repairs and the industry’s finest customer satisfaction ratings, and most repairs are backed by a limited five-year nationwide warranty and service guarantee.

When you Select  Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair for your car repair, you’re choosing to be a part of North America’s biggest network of auto body shop owners.  That means you get the national training, quality standards and resources of the network, in addition to the personal service and community involvement of our local Arnold, Missouri area.  We feel this unique combination provides you the highest quality vehicle repair possible and supports a vibrant locally owned and operated company in your community.

Certified technicians are trained to work on all makes and models and get involved in ongoing education programs on the newest vehicle technologies and materials. Working with Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair allows you the peace of mind in knowing your car or truck will be repaired right and with the utmost attention to your needs. It's just one of the many ways we help minimize the disruption to your life.

We use high-quality parts and products to restore your vehicle to pre-accident condition. And, we do a 50 point quality interior and exterior inspection, a whole test-drive and a complete detail, to assure our workmanship meets your high standards before we give your automobile back to you.

Whenever you need auto body repair, Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair in Arnold, Missouri is here to help. We offer helpful assistance twenty-four hours a day, 7 days a week, and will walk you through each step of the process.   We can call your insurance company, have your motor vehicle towed for repairs and get a hold of a friend or family member for you. Call us today at 636-464-6080 or visit www.auto-body-arnold-mo.com.

Prevent Pandemonium For Perfect Performance

Drivers have to cope with a lot more potential distractions nowadays than they had about ten years ago, and those attention-stealers are accountable for crashes that cost money and lives. Thankfully, people who observe in close proximity the destruction brought on by in-car diversions have put together some suggestions for handling and avoiding them.

Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair in Arnold, Missouri is in the industry of correcting mistakes many people make on the highway. It used to be that all a motorist had to distract himself was a single AM radio. Now, you'll find sufficient high-tech electronic gadgets built in to fly a space shuttle, and they can all diminish a driver’s concentration.

Following these tips can significantly lower the possibility of a crash and make a trip more enjoyable for those involved.

•   Choose a rigid no-text policy – According to figures from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the possibility of an accident is twenty-three times higher for those who are sending and receiving text messages when driving. A vehicle moving at fifty-five miles per hour will go over the length of a football field in the 4.6 seconds it takes to type or receive a message. Driving while texting is comparable to driving while inebriated. The appeal of a text message is that it'll be waiting for you whenever there's time for you pull over and read it.

•   Restrict or get rid of cell phone use while driving – A study by Australia’s Monash University Accident Research Centre discovered that the utilization of handheld devices like a cell phone enhances crash and injury possibilities by four hundred percent. If a passenger is on board, let that individual carry out the conversation whenever you drive.

•   Use a hands-free device, but strictly for essential calls – Carnegie Mellon used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to see brain activity of individuals answering a number of true/false questions whilst replicating driving your car on a computer screen. They uncovered a thirty-seven percent decline in the brain’s capability to judge spatial relationships (like between the automobile at speed and other things) when the “driver” focused on responding to questions. This information indicates that any conversation with someone not in the passenger compartment reduces the driver’s reflexes when driving.

•   Program GPS receivers before beginning a trip or errand – Portable and in-dash GPS devices are immensely helpful for getting us where we would like to go, particularly those that call out the step-by-step instructions. They're only useful, however, if the driver doesn't try to input information when in motion. Most GPS devices show a legal warning against this action before they are used.

•   Master a car’s devices and adjustments before you leave the driveway – Modern cars have a large number of buttons, switches and handles that may need activating when you're out, and a motorist ought to be familiar with them to avoid distraction. Adjusting the windshield wipers, headlights, radio settings, climate controls, seat height, steering wheel angle and emergency flashers can easily disturb the driver for enough time to trigger a major accident.

•   Save meals for the rest stop – Americans have perfected the art of eating and driving, which is the reason why cars created for the USA market frequently have more cup holders than seats. Based on the findings of the NHTSA, a driver’s morning cup of coffee and muffin are practically as distracting as a mobile phone conversation.

•   Keep children and pets in authorized seats or locations – Crash-test engineers have established the most secure placement for kids of various sizes and ages in vehicles. Following applicable federal and state laws also decreases a parent’s potential for distraction while driving because the child is less inclined to get injured or into trouble in a moving vehicle if restrained. Letting animals freely roam within a vehicle isn't just a terrible idea; it is illegal in many states as legislators crack down on distracted driving.

Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair in Arnold, Missouri, also repairing vehicles in Festus, Imperial, Oakville, and St. Louis, want you to realize that there are lots of ways to decrease the amount of dangerous distractions within a vehicle. These tips target just a few which are simple for people to fix. Anything a driver can do to concentrate on the highway will only increase the likelihood of a safe arrival.

For more tips on safe driving and collision repair, visit www.auto-body-arnold-mo.com. CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts offers high-quality, reliable repair service in thirty-two states and ten Canadian provinces. Just call 1-800-CARSTAR when you want to have a vehicle repair, and they will send a tow truck, get a hold of your insurance company, arrange for a rental car and fix your car.

There Isn't A Magic Wand For Everything...

At first sight, a scratch repair pen may seem like a wonderful idea. What’s not to want about making fast repairs to your car’s finish simply by drawing a line across the damage? It just so happens, the results aren't always like what you see on the TV commercials. Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair in Arnold, Missouri, also serving folks in Festus, Imperial, Oakville, and St. Louis, are pleased to offer these fascinating test results.

For instance, we discovered that they won't work on anything but small exterior scuff marks. And, they'll often make the damage look even worse.

Marketed as a simple way to avoid expensive auto body shop expenses, manufacturers claim that anybody can get professional results from the pens, which cost ten bucks or less. We sampled three to find out if the claims were true.

What We Tested

The Simoniz Fix it Pro ($10), DuPont Pro Fusion Color ($8), and Turtle Wax Scratch Repair Pen ($10) are available everywhere online or in auto parts stores. Advertised to work with any color paint, they have a durable clear coat similar to the protective outer layer applied to brand new vehicles straight out of the factory. But what their packaging does not make entirely clear is that these pens are purely for surface scratches inside the clear coat. If the harm gets into the paint below, you are out of luck.

We also discovered that the pens are difficult to use, and that it is quite difficult to achieve the thin, even line required to nicely fill scratches without overdoing it. With applicator tips which are as wide or wider than an average scratch, our sampled products make it extremely difficult to avoid applying too much filler, and leaving a visible residue that is more noticeable than the harm you are attempting to repair. And eliminating that residue may need sanding and buffing it out, and maybe even some touch-up paint.

Generally speaking, these items will not help on any scratch that is deep enough to feel with your fingernail, or if you are able to see primer or bare metal. For that sort of damage, you will need more than clear filler and a stable hand. The only method to fix damaged paint is by using more paint.

How We Tested

For our assessment, we took the same lab-grade black test panels we buy for car wax testing. These boards are painted and clear coated with automobile finishes. We used them on a couple of automobiles with light scrapes: a silver Toyota Sienna minivan and a dark blue Honda CR-V.

We established scratching for the test panels with a key and a bolt, and then used the products according to manufacturers' instructions on both of the panels and the pre-scratched vehicles. This included washing and drying the damaged area, shaking the pen thoroughly to mix the contents, dabbing the tip on paper towel to get the product flowing, and carefully drawing the pen across the surface of the scratch. After applying the products, we moved the trial samples to the roof of our building where they were allowed to weather for four straight weeks.

The Results

All three of these products loaded the scratches, and we saw no really big distinction between them in either convenience or effectiveness.

From some angles, the repairs looked every bit as good as marketed in the TV advertisements. But some angles revealed a ridge of extremely noticeable excess clear coat. The results had the appearance of an amateur job, at the very best, and generally the repair was much more obvious than the initial scratch. The Simoniz and DuPont products advise wiping off any surplus with a paper towel, but we discovered that this only made things appear worse, as it smeared the paint over the intact surface.

Our advice is that you save your cash and skip these quick fixes for minor damage or try some sort of cleaning polish instead.

For deeper scratching, a visit to Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair in Arnold, Missouri might be your best bet.

The Sky Is Falling: How To Handle The Danger Of Spring Hailstorms

Warmer weather is here, meaning hail storms are working their way across the nation, leaving dented, dinged and damaged vehicles in their path.

Is your car or truck ready to confront nature itself this spring?  Do you have the right insurance to recuperate from any problems?  And how can you make sure that your vehicle is restored to its pre-storm condition without making a huge dent in your pocketbook?

Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair sees large amounts of vehicles that have been damaged by hail storms every year. Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair in Arnold, Missouri offers these tips to help vehicle owners the damage left by any recent spring hail storms.

After getting hail damage, the first thing to do is speak to your insurance provider prior to consulting a repair center.  In many cases, if there's a very big storm, the insurance companies will call in what’s known as a Catastrophe Team.  If you are going around town and you are getting a lot of estimates, regrettably, it'll just be a lot of wasted time for you.  The insurance providers are going to want you to go and have their Catastrophe Team take a look at it, begin the claim process, and then you can bring it to Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair or any body shop, and they’ll work with the insurance company from there to make sure that all the dents get fixed on your car.

Even if you do not think your vehicle was battered too badly, it is essential that you get it looked at as quickly as possible. There can be a lot of damage that you cannot see when you are just visually looking at it.  Once you get it under some of the right kind of light, and you really take a good look at it, there are a lot of dents that you will not see until you possibly go to trade your vehicle in, and then you’ll be stuck with a lot of hail damage.  Your best chance is to get a claim processed, and get it into a qualified shop, and have them really look over the vehicle carefully.  Once you get it under  florescent lights, what you thought was only ten or fifteen dents ends up being fifty or one hundred dents.

Check Your Coverage

The time to take a look at auto insurance isn't whenever you hear the hail smashing brutally into your car.  Read your policy now so that you can understand what is covered and what isn't, what the deductibles are, if you have rental coverage and what to do whenever the storm hits.

Comprehensive coverage shields against most harm from natural disasters.  Two other choices to consider are gap coverage – which pays the difference between what you owe on your loan and what your car is worth -- and rental reimbursement.

One thing that you should be aware of – if you filed a previous damage claim and received a check from your insurance company, but did not have the vehicle repaired – the insurance company will deduct that amount from your estimate for the storm damage, and charge you a second deductible, too.

Protect Your Vehicle

When you know that a hail storm is on the way, get your vehicle to some higher ground or under cover.  If you don't personally have a garage at home, find a covered parking garage to protect your car.  If you have to park your car outdoors, park it on the highest ground possible away from trees and phone poles.

For hail storms, cover your car in an old blanket and a car cover that you can get from your local automotive retailer – before the storm hits.  This will give some protection for your hood, roof and rear deck-lid. If a storm comes up without warning, look for an awning at a service station, the drive-through at the bank or self-serve car wash to get under for immediate protection. On the highway, try to find cover under a bridge or viaduct.

Get Your Car Repaired without Despair

Dealing with the aftermath of a big hail storm can be traumatic, particularly if you have had damage to your home, too.  Getting your car up and running again shouldn’t add to your stress, if you are ready for the repairs.  To help with this process, Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair offers these tips:

•   Copy of your vehicle registration, title, insurance card and driver’s license and put those copies in a safe, dry place.
•   After the storm clears, record any damage with photos or video.
•   Know where you’d like to have your car fixed ahead of time so you do not have to make a sudden decision.

When you choose a body shop for repairs, don't forget:

•   Check out the shop, their track record, business or trade associations they are a part of and if their technicians are I-CAR educated.
•   All reputable repair facilities will provide a warranty of some sort for the work that they complete…also make sure that it is written down and well explained to you.
•   Only trust your vehicle to a well-established body shop business operating before the storm. Beware of fly-by-night operators trying to make a fast buck off of the storm.  If they are set up in a location that isn't permanent, don’t trust them with your vehicle.
Once your car arrives at the body shop for repairs, there are a few things you should keep in mind to get that top-quality repair:

•   Review the estimate in detail, but keep in mind that it is for the visible damage and what it will take to return the vehicle to its pre-accident state. If the estimate does not cover the whole extent of the damage, a Supplement will be created, submitted to your insurance company for approval.
•   Get a detailed assessment of the parts to be changed and whether they are OEM, new or refurbished, and in what condition the car will be in whenever it is returned to you.  Most insurance policies specify pre-accident status, so your seven-year old minivan may not come back looking brand new.
•   Get a timeline of when the work is to be done and when the job is going to be completed.
•    Detail the payment terms and methods, with down-payment, final payment and costs for any follow-up work.
•   Ask the store manager for regular updates on the progress of the work, and require approval for any work done outside the original estimate.
•   Do not allow yourself to be pressured to accept the completed repair if you don’t think it is repaired properly.  Get in contact with your insurance agent for guidance.

While your car is in the body shop, it’s a good time to have other dents repaired in addition to ones from the hail storm.  It is often more cost-effective and your car will benefit in the end.
For more tips on dealing with an accident or having your car repaired after a collision, visit www.auto-body-arnold-mo.com. Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair offers quality, reliable repair service.  Just call 636-464-6080 when you need a vehicle repair and they will send the tow truck, contact your insurance company, arrange for a rental car and repair your car.

Make Sure That Your Child's Safety Seat Is Installed Properly

If you find yourself bringing home a baby, shopping for a child safety seat for a child that has outgrown a previous one or finding a replacement child safety seat for one that has been damaged in a wreck, selecting the actual seat for your child is really just half the task.  The most confusing obstacle is still ahead – getting it mounted properly.

NHTSA, the National Safety Council and Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body in Arnold, Missouri offer these techniques to help moms and dads ensure that their child safety seat is put in as safely as is feasible.

•   Always ensure that the baby is rear-facing. While the view might seem boring to you, it ensures that the infant will be in the safest possible position if an accident occurs. The rear facing position decreases the probability of neck/spine trauma compared to that of a baby facing forward.  While some experts advocate keeping the child rear facing up until his or her 6 month mark and or twenty-two pounds, there is absolutely nothing wrong with waiting a bit longer.
•   Use the right seat for your kid's age, body weight and height. If your vehicle has leather seats, get a couple of non-slip rubber shelf liners or find yourself a "seat saver" to put under the car seat. It'll keep your vehicle seat clean and stop the car seat from sliding all about. Still, depending on your child safety seat, a seat saver may have the ability to interfere with the installation process, so hold on to the receipt.
•   Read the car and the child seat manuals with extreme care, and always adhere to the car seat manufacturer's advice. If you have questions for them, call them up and ask. Your local dealer might not be up to speed on your personal installation questions.
•   Rear-Facing, Infant-Only Seat — LATCH Install -- Many parents of newborns like the type of infant car seat that comes with a separating base component. The base stays installed in the car while the baby carrier itself can be taken out and snapped back in again at will.  Infant seat bases generally have flexible LATCH connectors — essentially belts with hooks at the ends.  Locate the lowest anchors in the second-row window seats. Be sure the child safety seat lays flat against the seat's bottom and back, in between the lower anchors.  Hook the LATCH attachment that is the farthest away from you onto the anchor. Then, if possible, climb on top of the seat, putting your knee on top of it. Using your weight to compress the vehicle seat to the greatest extent possible, hook the other attachment to the anchor and pull out any slack. If you cannot get on top of the seat, use all the strength that you have to push down on the seat while hooking on the second attachment.
•   Rear-Facing, Infant-Only Seat — Standard Shoulder and Lap Belt Install
What if your vehicle or the car seat in it is an older model and does not feature LATCH? Or what if the car's seat cushions or anchor placements make LATCH installation unlikely? You are able to still do a standard shoulder and lap belt installation that is very safe. First, thread the vehicle's lap and shoulder belt through the appropriate slots, called the "belt path." If you have a convertible car seat that goes from forward-facing to rear-facing, be careful to choose the proper path; it will be clearly marked.

Plug the latch plate into the buckle, then, employing your weight as above, tighten up the belt. Be sure that all of the slack is taken out of both the lap and the shoulder. Generally, using a locking clip will give you a more secure installation. A locking clip is an H-shaped bit of metal that comes with all new car seats or can be ordered from the manufacturer. To use one, plug in the seatbelt, make it as tight you can, then unplug it again while you also hold the belt tightly. Wind the locking clip around the belt very close to the latch plate, then plug it back in. You may have to jump down on the seat a couple of times to get it closed. This will not be easy, but it'll give you a rock-solid installation.

Keep in mind that a rear-facing infant car seat needs to sit at a 45-degree angle to prevent the baby from slouching and to keep their respiratory tract open. Check your instructions to see if your seat has an angle adjuster; if so, use that. If not, a small piece of a swimming pool "noodle" placed under the seat is the best way to get the same angle. Why a noodle? Well, you could use a tightly rolled towel, but towels seem to compress over time, whereas the material in pool noodles does not. If you do end up using a towel, check it from time to time to see that the angle has been kept.

The experts at Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body in Arnold, Missouri, who also serve the people of Oakville, Imperial, Jeffco, and Jefferson County, make every effort to give you a high-quality, reliable repair for every customer and want to extend that dedication to the youngest passengers in our customers’ cars. Anyone who's ever placed their bundle of joy in a car seat know what trust you place in that seat.  They want to help empower parents to protect their kids, whether during daily driving or after an accident.
For more information on the CARSTAR Child Safety Seat program, visit www.auto-body-arnold-mo.com.