In October, scary stuff is big business. In fact, horror films earned more than $733 million in 2017. Apparently, people love a terror-induced rush. But when it comes to auto body repair, most people agree they prefer a smooth ride. Last year, we blogged about some auto-body-related tales of woe. Since that post was such a big hit, we figured we would follow up in 2018 with even scarier auto-body-related stuff
Scary Auto Stories
• Fired Up
After taking his car to a disreputable auto body shop, a car owner had to jump-started his battery every day to get his car to fire up. The mechanic who eventually opened the hood saw loose battery terminals and cables fastened withzip-ties. Happily, as soon as the zip-ties were replaced with the proper equipment, the car started without issue. Whew.
• Oil & Water Don’t Mix
A Southern California Honda Ridgeline owner unwittingly spread thick, dark oil across his windshield after someone at an auto body repair shop filled the water reservoir with motor oil. The driver not only had to replace the water tank, but all of the lines. That’s a bummer!
• VW Blues
Jalopnik reports that a car owner in North Carolina vacuumed the gas out of his VW. Thirty seconds into the process, the vehicle exploded. Under the mistaken impression that he could siphon the gas from his totaled vehicle for use in another car, the owner was shocked when the fumes combusted with the electric motor inside the vacuum. Don’t do that!
• New Truck Smell
A man purchased a new truck. As he pulled away from the dealer, he turned on the defroster. As soon as he did, a piece of glass shot out of an airduct, hitting him directly in the eye. Thankfully, he managed to pull over and call 911. The driver later discovered that the truck ‘s windshield had broken during delivery. And although the auto body staff vacuumed the seats, dash and carpeting, they had failed to remove the glass shards from the vehicle’s air ducts. We don’t do that!
• Blow Out
Standing on the roadside next to his disabled vehicle, he encountered a small-town repairman. The technician arrived on scene and told him the replacement tire cost $200. Eager to move on, the traveler paid the fee. He later discovered that the tire he purchased was widely available for $50. Admittedly, paying more than fair market value isn’t on a par with facing zombies, but if you live on a budget like most of us, it’s scary stuff.
• Weird Wiring
A man was driving on a European highway when the ammeter pegged negative and filled the cabin with billows of acrid burnt wire smoke. In a panic, he tried to keep the car from catching fire by reaching under the dash for the wires. He grabbed a handful and yanked. The ammeter centered, the smoke stopped, the car died, and his hand was severely burned. He reportedly picked melted plastic out of it for days. Since the vehicle was still under warranty, repairs were covered by his insurance. Unfortunately, the auto body shop that handled repairs mis-wired everything. For example, when he used the horn while the turn signals were active, the horn would repeatedly honk. He later discovered the horn had been wired through the flasher. Don’t get your wires crossed. Take your car to C&L Auto Body in Covina.
Happy Halloween from C&L Auto Body!
About C&L Auto Body
You have options when it comes to auto body repair needs which result from an accident. And it is illegal for your insurance company to demand you use one shop over another. The “go-to” partner for auto body repair in the San Gabriel Valley since 1970 is C&L Auto Body. We will even help you arrange for a rental car and work directly with your insurance company, so you won’t have to! C&L Auto Body is owned and operated by the Buonsanti family, who strives to treat clients like family. Come by the shop at 781 E San Bernardino Road in Covina, contact us via email today, call (626) 445-6630 or visit CandLAutoBody.com.