Davis Body Shop

About Davis Body Shop

This author has yet to write their bio.
Meanwhile lets just say that we are proud Davis Body Shop contributed a whooping 66 entries.

Entries by Davis Body Shop

June 20, 2017 in , , , , , , by

Prolong your Car Battery Life with these Tips [INFOGRAPHIC]

December is one of the busiest travel months of the year. Nothing puts a damper on a road trip faster than having your car break down with a dead car battery. Prolong your car battery life and make sure you’re not stuck broken down on the side of the road this holiday season with the car battery tips listed below:

If you do run into any problems with your car battery, there’s no need to stress! Davis Body Shop has over 50 years in the automotive repair business. Our professionals will get your car running (and looking) like new in no time. We put our customers first, and are here to help you. Contact us to learn more.

June 13, 2017 in , , , , , , by

Beat the Heat: Tips to Keep Your Car Cool this Summer

As summer approaches and those 90-degree days become more common, keeping your car cool becomes more of a concern. There’s nothing worse than stepping into a stuffy car and cringing at the feeling of your skin hitting the hot interior. There are many simple steps you can take to make sure you keep your car cool in these hot spring and summer months.
Get your car checked.
Now is the perfect time to give your car a checkup, whether you do it yourself or bring it into your local mechanic. Check the air conditioning to make sure the vents are clear and working properly. Also check all coolants, making sure they are fresh and at the correct level, to help prevent your car from overheating. Finally, make sure your car’s engine is well lubricated and running smoothly to avoid any permanent heat-related damage.
Plan ahead.
If you know your car has been sitting in the sun and is going to be hot, leave yourself some extra time to air it out before getting in. Open all the doors to the vehicle to let the seats and interior cool before beginning your drive. This is especially important if you’re traveling with small children, who may be more sensitive to the heat. Be cautious (and warn others) of hot spots on the car like the metal on seat belts.
Make smart decisions when parking.
Try to keep your car parked in a garage or shaded area. If this isn’t possible, park so your car is facing away from the sun. Make sure to store any electronics like your phone, mp3 player, etc. in the glove box or other shaded area to prevent any heat-related damage. If you’re parked in a warmer spot, keep the windows slightly cracked to allow a cross breeze in the car. Make sure you only open windows a small amount to avoid any security risks.
Cover up your vehicle as much as possible.
Spreading sheets or blankets over car seats can help assure they don’t get too hot. This is especially helpful if you have leather interior, which can get very hot. You can also invest in a sunshade to lie across the dash to cover windows and reduce the amount of sun getting into the car. Similarly, you can invest in a steering wheel cover, or simply cover the steering wheel with a sheet to prevent it from getting too hot.
These simple steps can make a huge difference to making sure your car is safe to drive in the hotter weather, and also cool and comfortable from the moment you first get in. Keeping your car cool will make any summer drive, from a quick jaunt along the coast to a vacation road trip, that much more enjoyable.

June 6, 2017 0 Commentsin , , , , , , by

Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving – Stay Safe this Summer!

Summer is a busy time of year, especially out on the roads. It is important to remember the dangers of drinking and driving.
Designated drivers have probably saved nearly 50,000 lives and spared many more thousands of people from suffering injury from drunk driving. The proportion of people using or being the designated driver has increased dramatically over time. Each year over 73,000,000 Americans either serve as a designated driver or are driven home by one. For many years, it seemed that people were doing their part to put a stop to this completely preventable epidemic. Alcohol-related traffic fatalities reached a low point in the late 1990s.

May 30, 2017 0 Commentsin , , by

Safety Tips for a Successful Road Trip

Your bags are packed, your tank is full and you’re ready to hit the road! Summer is the perfect time to get out and enjoy the warm weather and scenic views with a road trip. Here are some safety tips for your next adventure.
Vehicle: Regardless of what type of vehicle you’ll be taking, there are some checks you should make before you hit the road. Make sure that the tires are inflated, brakes are fitted and fuel is properly filled. Also keep all the papers ready required.
Planning the route: Take a look at the route maps to find the best path for travel. Choose paved roads for travel and make more adventurous filled. Know where road exists and where the roads are non-paved.
Prep properly: Defensive driving starts before you pull out of the garage. Go through a pre-trip checklist prior to leaving.  Important tasks include locking the car doors, adjusting the mirrors and buckling your seat belt.
Luggage and attire: Prefer to wear comfortable clothes that do not disturb your normal movements during the road trip. Pay attention to the climatic conditions and make sure proper dresses, shoes are taken to comply with the temperature.
Emergencies:  A travel may not be 100% perfect .  So plan in all possibilities
Stay alert: Your mind may be on your destination, but it’s important to stay “in the moment” when driving.  Ensure your focus is on the road by choosing not to drive when you’re drowsy, emotional or impaired.
Be proactive: Look down the road, and try to spot the hazards.  Does a driver need to change lanes? Attempt to move over. Is it starting to rain? Ease up your speed. Does the driver ahead keep slamming on the brakes? Maintain at least a three- to four-second gap between your two vehicles.
Avoid distractions:  Besides your cell phone, there’s another gadget guilty of taking eyes off the road: a GPS. “Program the GPS before you leave the driveway.
Follow Rules: abide by the traffic rules and regulations during the road trip. Use necessary hand signals and indicators at required points.
Slow down: Follow the speed limit, and reduce your speed according to road conditions. This safety precaution also gives passengers time to enjoy the scenery. And if you enjoy looking out the window, consider driving in shifts.

 
 
 
 
 
Remember: Even the safest drivers can get drowsy. Plan to break up your trip by rotating drivers periodically. That way, the person behind the wheel is fresh and alert, and the one in the passenger seat can help the driver stay focused.
It’s important to keep safety in mind and observe them to make the road trip happy. Follow these tips and make your journey memorable.
 

May 23, 2017 in by

Customer Reviews: Atascadero

We recently shared with you some reviews from customers who visited our Paso Robles location. Today, we wanted to share some reviews of customers who visited our Atascadero location and were in need of vehicle repairs. Here’s what Suzy A. of Atascadero had to say about her experience at Davis Body Shop.
For over 50 years, we’ve been turning the clock back for our customers’ cars and trucks with state of the art equipment and a highly trained, professional team. Our repair technicians have a broad and continuing education and are experienced in a diverse array of repair work. And, our experienced staff will guide you through each step of the process; from the moment your car arrives for inspection until we’ve presented it back to you. Here’s what Lynn C. had to say about her recent visit to Davis Body Shop.
Today, Davis Body Shop remains the largest auto body collision specialists in the area. Thanks to over 50 years of loyal, local patronage at both locations, Davis has been rated in the top one percent in the nation for sales and volume. We continue to modernize, staying on the cutting edge of our industry… Not resting too long on past success.
We want to encourage you to pick up the phone and call today to schedule a free, 30-minute, no-obligation estimate: (805) 466-2446 in Atascadero and (805) 239-8752 in Paso Robles. Our friendly customer care staff is available to discuss repairs for your vehicle, answer your questions and talk about how we can help you.

May 16, 2017 in by

Customer Reviews: Paso Robles

At Davis Body Shop, we always put the customer first. It is our goal to provide excellent service, with our experts keeping you informed of the status of your vehicle every step of the way. Here is a review from Rich T., who recently brought his vehicle to our Paso Robles location.
Shari K. also brought her vehicle in for repairs to our Paso Robles location. Here is what she has to say about her experience with our experts at Davis Body Shop.
 
Does your car need repairs? Whether it’s minor detailing or major repairs, our experts are ready to help get your car looking like new today. Call us today to schedule your free, 30-minute, no-obligation estimate: (805) 466-2446 in Atascadero and (805) 239-8752 in Paso Robles. Our friendly customer care staff are available to discuss repairs for your vehicle, answer your questions and talk about how we can help you.

May 9, 2017 0 Commentsin , , by

Getting Your Car Ready for Spring

As we head into spring and summer, it’s road trip time! And, though we are an auto body shop, we care about your total car readiness and safety.
We are all flooded with articles and tips about preparing our car for winter, but it’s time to address Spring (and Summer)-time prepardness and car safety. By doing so, not only will you save money, you’ll ultimately save time and aggravation. These tips are for you to consider but they aren’t all-encompassing and thus, you should feel free to expand on them and check anything that you sense needs attention.
Though the Central Coast has temperate weather, you may have traveled to colder states over the winter, and experienced snow, ice and salt. Even our chilly nights put significant stress on your car.
Here are our recommendations:

EXTERIOR/INTERIOR – Naturally, we care about the condition of your car’s body and couldn’t stress further how important it is to thoroughly wash and inspect your car’s exterior for signs of rust or corrosion and don’t neglect to clean the underbody. We then further recommend that you clean your car’s interior just as carefully because you may have brought into the car the same corrosive elements (salt, grime, etc.). Waxing your car now would be timely because it would allow the upcoming rain to simply roll right off and make your next car wash a breeze.

TIRES – With the change in temperature, it’s critical to check tire pressure. Tire pressure changes approximately one pound per square inch for every 10 degrees of Fahrenheit change in outside temperature. Verify recommended pressure for your tires and never exceed that and the maximum inflation listed on the tire is not the correct tire pressure!  Check your owner’s manual for the tire pressure number. Over-inflation generally results in improved fuel economy and steering response but it’s a less comfortable (stiffer) ride, wearing out the tread at the center of the tire. Conversely, under-inflation often results in a smoother ride, but causes the tires to wear out at the sides. Finally, don’t forget to check your spare tire.

ALIGNMENT – With the occasional imprecision in tire inflation and less-than-optimum winter driving conditions, it’s likely your vehicle is out of alignment. Now would be a terrific time to check your alignment and if need be, have it adjusted.

OIL / FLUIDS – Typically, drivers change their oil every three or four months and that corresponds perfectly with the change in seasons. The cold weather you’ve just experienced may have taken a toll on your hoses, belts and fluids and a thorough inspection would be wise, topping off any low fluids. Winter weather can deplete some fluids — especially windshield wiper fluid — more quickly, so top them off yourself if they’re too low.

WIPERS – With spring comes increased rain and it would be wise to check the rubber on your wipers. Replacing them might be a great idea at this time.

RADIATOR – Consider flushing your radiator and changing the radiator cap at this time in preparation for warmer weather and better efficiency for your cooling system and air conditioning.

We certainly hope that these tips assist you and your family to enjoy your vehicle and remain safe on the road through every season.

At Davis Body Shop, we are ready to discuss any car-related topic with you! Drop by or simply ring us…. Our numbers are: Atascadero (805) 466-2446 or Paso Robles (805) 239-8752.   Happy Spring!
 

May 2, 2017 in , , , , , by

Spring Car Cleaning Pt. 2: Cleaning a Car’s Exterior

In part 1 of our Spring Car Cleaning series, we talked in-depth about how to clean the interior of your car to get it looking like new. Today, we’ll be giving some tips to get the outside of your car looking just as good without spending money at a carwash. With summer just around the corner, now is the perfect time to get your car looking it’s best for those drives up the coast and family vacations.
1. Hand wash your car using a carwash solution.
The best way to get all the dirt and grime off your car is with a thorough hand wash. Be sure to use a carwash solution, as other household soaps like dishwashing detergent can strip the protective wax off the surface of your car. A carwash solution will get your vehicle clean and still preserve the car’s finish.
2. Immediately dry your car once washing is complete.
Water can leave mineral deposits and stains behind when it evaporates, so it’s important to hand dry your car immediately after washing to wipe away any build-up or spots that may occur from evaporating water. A rubber-blade squeegee is most commonly used by the pros for quick and easy drying, but a clean cloth will also do the trick.
3. Clean the paint with paint cleaner and paint-cleaning clay.
Though the surface of your car may appear clean after the first wash, contaminants like bird droppings can saturate through the protective wax coating of your car and settle onto the paint. A good way to tell if you have contaminants causing damage to the wax coating is to run your hand over the surface of your car. If you feel any rough spots, there is damage to the wax coating that needs to be addressed.
To fix this, first use a car paint cleaner on the damaged surfaces. These liquids remove the wax and also any contaminants on the surface of your car. Paint cleaners can also help clean any small scratch marks made to the protective coating. The safest way to apply paint cleaner to your car is with a small block of paint-cleaning clay that has been lubricated with the paint cleaner.
4. Wax your car to protect the paint.
Now that the car has been cleaned, it’s smart to wax your car to protect the paint from any damage. Waxing your car should be done on a regular basis, as wax wears off after 3-4 months and leaves your vehicle susceptible to damage. There are both paste and liquid waxes you can use on your car. Both get the job done well, it’s really just a matter of personal preference. It’s smart to do two coats of wax to cover any spots you may have missed on your first coat. However, any more than two coats of wax is not necessary, as they will just be removed with buffing.
5. Clean tires with non-acid-based solution.
Though professionals often used special acid-based solutions to strip residue from tires, it’s smart to use a non-acid-based solution when cleaning your car’s tires. Using the wrong acid-based solution can damage wheels that are painted with color or clear coatings, and can also cause bare allow wheels to oxidize and pit. Using a degreaser on wheels as best, as other detergents can cause damage if they splash up onto the car’s paint.
6. Avoid ammonia-based cleaners when washing glass.
Your vehicles’ windows should always be washed last, since the exterior washing and waxing can often leave water spots on the glass. Be sure to use a glass cleaner that does not have ammonia in it, as ammonia can be very bad for any vinyl or upholstery in the interior of your car. Also, it smells bad and can leave that bad smell inside your vehicle.
Microfiber cloths work best when cleaning the glass on your vehicle. These cloths not only do a great job of getting rid of water and grime, but also any oils from your skin. Clean the interior and exterior of all windows for best results.
Washing your car may seem like a tedious process, but it’s well worth the end result of a brand-new looking vehicle. Regularly washing and waxing your vehicle every few months is a great habit to get into. This will not only make washing go by faster since your car will not have as much dirt and grime on it, but it will also help assure no long-term damage is done to the exterior of your car by contaminants that can cause lasting damage to the paint.
This is part 2 in our Spring Car Cleaning series. For tips on cleaning the interior of your car, you can read part 1 HERE.
 

April 25, 2017 in , , , by

Spring Car Cleaning Pt. 1: Cleaning a Car’s Interior

Time for a good Spring Cleaning! As we head into March, there’s no better time to give your vehicle a mini makeover and have it looking as good as new. Our three-part spring-cleaning series will give you DIY tips for deep-cleaning your vehicle from the inside out. We’ll start with the often-overlooked interior of a car.
Cleaning a car’s interior and upholstery can be a dreaded task. Many go the route of leaving it to the professionals, which can be very costly. Instead, there are some simple home remedies you can try to have your car’s interior looking as good as new, and some preventative measures that will make sure it stays that way.
Get rid of the clutter.
Those bags of clothes you’ve been meaning to donate still sitting in your trunk? Kids toys still stuck under the passengers seat? The first step to cleaning your car’s interior is to get ride of all the clutter, so you can properly assess any damage or staining there may be to your car’s upholstery and interior. Slide seats all the way forward to access those hard-to-reach spots that often get neglected. Check all cup holders, glove boxes and other storage places for forgotten items and clutter. And don’t forget about the trunk!
Vacuum the interior.
Once everything is out of the car, you can assess how dirty the interior actually is. Use a vacuum cleaner to pick up crumbs, dust and other debris left on carpet and upholstery. Remove all the floor mats and vacuum these as well as the carpet underneath them. Use a vacuum cleaner’s brush attachment to remove dust and crumbs from the dashboard and door panels. Be sure to double check cup holders and storage pockets for any larger, hard to spot items before vacuuming these areas. A brush attachment is also great for crumbs that may be embedded in in seat cracks or carpet.
Deep clean the carpet and cloth upholstery.
Stains and odd smells are unlikely to be removed by simply vacuuming a car’s interior. Use a carpet-cleaning machine to remove dirt and stains from the carpet. This machine works well on cloth upholstery too. If you do not own a carpet-cleaning machine, you can rent one, or use a spray on cleaner and water to scrub interior manually. Carpet cleaners and cleaning solutions can be found at your local hardware or automotive stores.
Condition and clean the leather and vinyl upholstery.
A carpet cleaner will not work on leather or vinyl upholstery and should not be used on these materials. Instead, you’ll need a specialized cleaner specific to the type on interior you have. Your local automotive store can help assist with finding which cleaner will be best for your car’s upholstery. Let seats dry for at least an hour after cleaning. A conditioner can then be applied to help protect the upholstery from further staining and damage.
Brush out the air vents.
A car’s air vents are often overlooked when cleaning. It would be a shame to finish meticulously cleaning the interior, only to turn on the vents and blow more dust into the car. Using a long bristled artists brush and furniture polish is an easy way to get into the vents and remove any dust that has settled in these cracks.
Wash window interiors
Sure, the window exteriors get cleaned with any standard car wash, but the window interior is often forgotten. Use a glass cleaner to remove any dust or streaks from window interiors. Pay extra close attention to the thin top ledge of windows, where grime often settles.
Don’t forget the details!
As a final step, you can remove grime and crumbs from small details, like the buttons on the dash, with a flat screwdriver and rag. If grime is hard to remove, any standard car cleaner can be used to help loosen grime and crumbs.
 
It may seem like a daunting task, but when done right, deep cleaning a car’s interior will not have to be done too often. Plus, rolling down the windows, blasting the music and enjoying the warm spring weather is that much more enjoyable in a clean car.

April 18, 2017 0 Commentsin , , , by

The Dangers of Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a major cause of auto accidents across all ages and demographics.  The statistics on distracted driving continue to pile up, and they’re not good.  Below are key studies, facts and tips that are well worth the read and may save your life.

3,092 people were killed in crashes involving a distracted driver in 2011, and an additional 416,000 were injured.1
49 percent of drivers 35 and younger who have cell phones send or read text messages while driving.2
77 percent of young adult drivers are “very to somewhat confident” that they can safely drive and text.3

If you are a distracted driver—or you know someone who is—help break the habit with these tips.
Get the facts.

The total number of text messages sent or received in the United States was more than 196 billion in June 2011 alone. That’s up approximately 50 percent from June 2009.4
Drivers who use cell phones while driving are four times more likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves.5
The National Safety Council estimates that text messaging could increase the crash risk level by 8 to 23 times over that of non-texting drivers.6

Know your distractions. Your cell phone is the biggest distraction, but it’s not the only attention-hogging activity you can do behind the wheel. Eating, grooming, fiddling with the radio, reading a map or GPS and anything else that takes your attention from the road are distractions—and activities that can wait until you’re safely parked in a legal parking space.

Resist the temptation to talk and text. Out of sight, out of mind. As soon as you get in the driver’s seat, turn your phone’s volume and vibrate function off and put your phone where you can’t reach it. Find more prevention tips at stoptextsstopwrecks.org.
Commit to being an alert driver. At distraction.gov, you can take a pledge to drive phone-free. Make a commitment to eliminate distractions when you drive and encourage your family and friends to do the same.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For more facts and statistics about distracted driving, visit distraction.gov or sr22insurance.net/distracted-driving/.
1 distraction.gov 
2 2011 Harris Interactive 
3 2011 Ad Council 
4 CTIA—The Wireless Association 
5  McEvoy, S.P.; Stevenson, M.R.; McCartt, A.T.; Woodward, M.; Haworth, C.; Palamara, P.; and Cercarelli, R. 2005. Role of mobile phones in motor vehicle crashes resulting in hospital attendance: a case-crossover study. British Medical Journal 331(7514):428
6 Annual Estimate of Cell Phone Crashes
The information in this article was obtained from various sources. While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. These suggestions are not a complete list of every loss control measure. The information is not intended to replace manuals or instructions provided by the manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional. Nor is it intended to effect coverage under any policy. State Farm makes no guarantees of results from use of this information. We assume no liability in connection with the information nor the suggestions made.

 

Atascadero
Paso Robles