Gerber Collision & Glass Articles

Washing your car regularly can keep it looking new if it's done properly.

Falling prey to these common car wash myths can leave you with lackluster, scratched paint and a vehicle that looks old before its time.

MYTH: It's okay to use laundry or dishwashing liquid to wash the car. These types of cleaners often contain ingredients that can cause serious harm to auto finishes. These caustic substances can strip the outer coatings that protect the shiny paint underneath. When it's exposed to oxidation, the paint dries out prematurely. MYTH: It's safe to use leather protectant products on the dashboard. Products formulated to protect leather aren't designed for use with the synthetic materials used in...

Driving with a chipped windshield isn't safe any time of year, but it's especially risky in the winter when the days are shorter and the weather is unpredictable. It's difficult to see clearly when driving after dark in the winter. The heavy rains, hail, sleet and snow that make the roadways treacherous decrease visibility even further. To stay safe when you're on the road, it's best to repair a chipped windshield before winter arrives.

Winter Driving With a Chipped Windshield Is Dangerous

Chipped windshields can crack on impact, putting you and your passengers at greater risk of injury if an accident occurs while you're driving on winter roads.

Washing your vehicle regularly is essential, but if it's not done carefully, a simple wash could dent or scratch the finish.

Here are five car wash tips to prevent damage and keep your vehicle looking great:

Use proper cleaners and car wash methods at home. Never use household cleaners; only use those made especially for auto detailing. Park the car in a shady location to protect the clear coat. Don't use circular motions when scrubbing with a sponge or chamois. That can leave unsightly round scratches on the finish. Keep the undercarriage clean. The chloride-based chemicals used on icy...

Discovering a scratch on your car is an unpleasant and upsetting experience. Scratches on the finish aren't just unsightly, though. Depending on the severity of the damage, a scratch can expose the underlying metal to moisture and corrosion.

How to Prevent Scratches to Car Paint

There are smart ways to prevent scratches to car paint so you don't have to deal with the consequences.

Don't park where the car is vulnerable. Avoid pulling in next to a vehicle that's not lined up properly, and don't park where pedestrians have to pass close to your car. It's better to choose a spot in an empty area of a parking lot and walk a little farther than risk scratches from adjacent vehicle doors, shopping carts...

It's common knowledge that exposure to the ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun damages human skin, but these powerful rays also oxidize and fade automobile paint and make a car look old and worn out before its time. You can prevent sun damage to car paint by keeping your vehicle inside a garage, under covered parking or in a shaded area when it's not on the road. By not leaving it to bake in the sun, you'll also protect the headlights and rubberized trim from damage.

Proactive Care Tips to Keep Auto Paint Looking New

You can mitigate damage from the sun's UV rays, caustic bird dropping and dead bugs and help keep your car's exterior in...