"We Care About You And Your Car"

Three-C Body Shop Summer Driving Tips from the Car Care Council

Excessive heat and overcharging are the two main reasons for shortened battery life. Heat causes battery fluid to evaporate, this damaging the internal structure of the battery. A malfunctioning component in the charging system, usually the voltage regulator, allows too high a charging rate. That's slow death for a battery.

True, there are more road service calls in cold weather for dead batteries that cause starting failure. That's when a battery's output is diminished because of sluggish electro-chemical action that gives the battery its power. Also, colder temperatures increase thickness of the engine oil, making the engine harder to turn over. These factors lead to harder starting.

"An average of one out of four vehicles gets a new battery every year," said Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council. "Sooner or later all batteries have to be replaced, but having to so prematurely can involve more than the cost of a road service call and a new battery, it can be inconvenient as well."

How did we ever get along without air conditioning in our cars? It's a feature we take for granted until, suddenly, it's blowing hot air.

In the past few years, many owners have discovered that fixing an inoperative air conditioner can cost a few hundred dollars or more, depending upon the make and model of vehicle. The reason is that the old standby R-12 refrigerant, trade named DuPont Freon, has been replaced by R-134a. Touted as being environmentally safer than its predecessor, R-134a has been standard since '94.

If your older vehicle needs major repairs to the air conditioning system you can expect to replace refrigerant and the oil in the compressor in addition to the old components. You also may need to install a retrofit conversion. Do not allow anyone to mix refrigerants. They're not inter-changeable. You cannot add R-134a to your older air conditioner without first flushing the system. Further, according to the Car Care Council, some substitutes are volatile mixtures of propane, butane and flammable hydrocarbons. Keep in mind the fact that if your vehicle is leaking refrigerant, you're damaging the ozone layer.

Have A Damaged Vehicle?

Announcing the THREE-C Body Shop Mobile Claims Service--we will come to you to take care of the entire claims process. Wherever you are--at your home or office--we will come to you and handle everything from the initial repair estimate to getting you in a rental vehicle. Convenient? You bet...it's just a part of providing "The Finest in Collision Repair". If you need us to come to you, click here.

At THREE-C we want to provide you with straight answers — information you need to make decisions about your vehicle's repairs. We have developed the Crunchzone as an easy way for you to talk with us. Pose a question, offer an opinion, relate an experience you've had--it's all fair game.

Our Repair Process

THREE-C follows a unique and tested process to make sure your vehicle is repaired the right way the first time. We are proud of our skilled technicians, the equipment they use and the OEM parts that go into your vehicle. Find out what goes into repairing your vehicle at THREE-C.

Remember--You Have Rights

• Your insurance company cannot force you to use a particular repair facility.

• You don't have to get three estimates for repairs - Ohio law requires only one estimate.

• You cannot be forced to have imitation parts used in your vehicle's repair.

• You have a right to receive diminished value after your vehicle has been damaged.

Find out about your rights for quality repairs. After all, you pay the premiums — shouldn't you get what you're paying for?