What to do
if you have an accident?
-
Turn on the
emergency flashers and move to the side of the road.
-
Before getting out
of the vehicle, assess the situation. Are you injured? If you
think you're injured, stay in your car and try to relax. Ask
someone to call for help and let a professional assess your
condition. Is is safe to leave the vehicle? Assess your
situation and that of the other vehicle. If emergency
assistance is needed, call 911 and ask for the
police.
-
Don't say the
accident was your fault, even if you believe that it was. Be
tactful and courteous.
-
Get the names,
Addresses and phone numbers of any
witnesses.
-
Be sure to exchange
the following information: names, addresses, driver license
numbers, license plate numbers, phone numbers, insurance
information.
-
Report the accident
to the police if you have not already done
so.
-
Call your insurance
representative to initiate a
claim.
-
Know where you want
to have your car repaired. Don't let your insurance agent specify
non-genuine parts. They may not meet the same quality standards as
original parts. Ask your repair facility for advice on the best
repair possible.
How to care for your cars
paint? (Borrowed directly from the PPG web
site.)
Here are
some general tips that we are sure you will find
valuable...
In the first 90 days after a new paint job -
It is recommended that you not wax or polish the
vehicle. This will allow the finish to completely dry and cure.
(When you are ready to wax, do not use silicone containing or super
polymer containing waxes or polishes) Today's finishes do not need
such extreme protection and if your vehicle were involved in an
accident, the removal of such waxes would be time consuming and
expensive.
In the first 30 days after a new paint job -
It is recommended that you not use a commercial car
wash. Stiff brushes or sponges could mar the finish and damage the
surface. Wash the vehicle by hand with cool clean water only. Be
sure to use a soft cloth or sponge.
Wash the
vehicle in the shade only - Never in the sun.
Do not dry
wipe the vehicle... always use clean cool water. Dry wiping can
cause scratches.
Extreme
heat or cold should be avoided. Keep the vehicle parked in the shade
whenever possible.
Do not
drive on gravel roads. Chipping the finish is easily done in the
first 30 days.
Do not
park under trees which are known to drop sap or near factories with
heavy smoke fallout. Sap and industrial fallout can mar or spot a
new finish.
Keep in
mind that trees attract birds. Bird droppings have a high acid
content and will damage a new freshly painted surface. If it
happens, wash the area off as quickly as possible
Do not
spill gasoline, oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid or windshield
solvent on the new finish. If you do...Rinse it off immediately with
water. Try not to wipe the area. If you must do so gently.
Do not
scrape ice or snow from the surface. Your snow scraper will act very
much like a paint scraper on a freshly painted surface.
Use common
sense... If you think some substance or action may be hard on the
paint, it probably will.
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