Walker's Automotive Collision Repair: 2016

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

What’s The Real Deal If You Skip Car Maintenance?

Vehicle owners on tight budgets sometimes find it hard to stick consistently to a regular car maintenance service. To some, skipping maintenance or delaying auto repair appointments is often a temporarily ideal option. It may save you a certain amount of money at the moment, but the long-term cost of not having it checked regularly can cause you greater troubles.

Auto repair services are required for a reason. Poorly maintained cars spell thousands of accidents each year. In fact, putting off regular maintenance will likely diminish the lifespan of your vehicle. Hefty collision repair bills and accident costs due to skipped auto maintenance hit $2 billion annually, a study by Car Care Council in 2004 infers.

So what is the real deal when you choose to disregard the importance of regular car maintenance?

1. Regular oil changes

A clean, well-lubricated engine is brought about by consistent oil changes. By changing your oil frequently, you can help cut down the friction that can erode engine parts. So how often should you perform oil changes? To stay on the safe shore, you must follow your car’s manual. Reading owner’s guide should not be undervalued because your car’s engine will bear the burden. After all, potential engine failure down the road costs more money than getting regular oil changes.

2. Tire rotations and alignment, air pressure check-ups

To make sure that your front and rear tires wear equally, tire rotation should be done as per the manufacturer’s recommendations. Getting your tire’s alignment checked annually while making sure that tires are properly inflated can help prolong tire life. All these check-ups require relatively little upfront cost compared to the distress caused by an excessive tire wear and poor gas mileage.

3. Annual brake check-ups

Wearing down is a part of the natural lifecycle of your car’s brake pads and shoes. By checking your braking system yearly, you can foresee when it is time to replace them. Failing to maintain regular brake work can cause more expensive rotor and drum replacements in the future. Annual brake check-ups also help your technician catch other problems that you never knew existed such as brake fluid problems.

4. PCV Valve maintenance

The positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) functions as the regulator of engine fumes. It keeps the engine from getting worn down and cracked that might lead to an oil leak. PCV valves and hoses are ideally replaced at regular intervals. Typically, the cost of replacement is just a few dollars, plus a minimal cost of labor. Skipping this maintenance service can lead to leaking head gasket and failed emission test which cost a lot to repair.

Walkers Collision Repair, Gold Class Certified & ASE Certified, is a premier auto repair facility in Knoxville, TN. We are located in Seymour, and an additional facility also has been opened in West Knoxville off Lovell Road! Give us a call now at 865-577-6083 or check us out online at www.walkersautocollision.com. AUTO ACCIDENT HELP 24/7 - Hot Line - 877-499-2553 FREE

Visit our site here www.walkersautocollision.com

What’s The Real Deal If You Skip Car Maintenance?

Friday, April 8, 2016

Weather Conditions Raises Possibility of Car Crashes

As an auto collision repair shop in Knoxville, it is important for us to know the common reasons of your coming to the shop. A recent report from Property Casualty 360 concluded that the strong El Niño could bring in cooler yet wetter conditions in Southern states, and above-average temperatures in the North.

This type of weather could contribute to an increase in car crashes since roads and tires succumb to unruly weather conditions.

There are advances in auto collision technology, helping vehicle owners to prevent car crashes. We hope these help reduce low speed accidents that usually happen during dense traffic.

Keep your vehicle safe and in check by bringing it to your nearest auto collision repair shop in Knoxville. By taking precaution, you may as well be saving yourself from an auto collision.

Weather Conditions Raises Possibility of Car Crashes

Monday, March 14, 2016

A Collision Worth Insuring

Read the Full Article Here

Walkers Collision Repair is Tennessee’s premier collision repair which now has two auto repair facilities - Knoxville and Seymour. With more than 25 years of experience in quality service, Walkers Collision Repair is focused on providing the best customer service, technology, and technicians available to the industry. How did it all start?

Common Ground

Paul Walker, president at Walkers Collision Repair, was born and raised in the collision industry, growing up painting cars in his family’s garage. 27 years on, he now has 2 shops with a lot more space and filled with the latest technology.

Wayne Griffin, director of operations at Walkers Collision Repair in our Knoxville branch, has worked for Geico and Safeco for 30 years, training estimators on how to properly write and document repairs.

With one handling the collision part and the other managing the insurance part, the one major attribute these men had in common was their passion for customer experience. Griffin has drastically improved DRP relations by selling the shop’s customer service, setting up the collision repair shop for further growth.

The Collision Expert

At a young age, Walker trained himself on painting and auto repairs to start his business in his grandfather’s barn. As his business expanded, he opened his first 1,200-square-foot shop in 1989, and eventually established his first DRP relationship 15 years later in his 5,000-square-foot facility.

“I started realizing the insurance companies worked for me.”

Walker explains how he talked to local agents and it brought in a variety of customers, bringing in a lot of momentum for his collision repair business.

Walker has since replaced his locations with bigger facilities and he owes his gratitude to a dozen new DRP relationships.

The Insurance Expert

Walker quickly realized that aside from his technical expertise, adding more DRP relationships as the main focus for shop growth could do wonders for his auto repair shop. This is where Griffin comes in.

Griffin also grew up in the industry, being trained to be an estimator. However, he decided to take his customer service skills towards the insurance aspect. He worked with Walker for years and with more business visions coming into play, the two decided to team up and take the collision repair business to the next level.

“I think the most important thing for both sides to do first is realize that nobody is against each other. We have a common cause, which is the customer”

The Partnership

Griffin explains that insurance companies are also customers at Walkers Collision Repair. With this in mind, we have to sell to them as well. Here are 5 ways how we do just that:

1. Policies and Procedures

They key is to properly document policies and procedures aimed at excellent customer service, and also to advertise the ability to execute these.

“A lot of the policies and procedures I’ve put in place are very insurance friendly. The insurance companies all love it” Griffin says.

2. Damage Reports

When Griffin sells the shop’s capabilities and gives a tour, he starts off at the front counter. Why? Before the initial call to the customer, the front counter staff is expected to investigate and prepare a damage report. This helps the repair process become more efficient and convenient in the long run for everyone.

3. The Initial Meeting

After gathering necessary information, we then cater to the client’s schedule and make the initial meeting as convenient as possible by providing them with all the details they may need.

“We try to start off by asking the customer what they need. When you approach them from that direction, you start a rapport from the front end, letting them know you care about them.”

Walker Collision Repair uses the information gathered to guide the customer through the potential timeline. “A major detriment to CSI scores is not laying out the repair process properly, and not following up afterwards. We make sure we’re covering both ends.

4. The Estimate

Through his experience in the past, Griffin has been able to shape the ideal list of policies and procedures that cater to insurance companies during the estimating process.

“Don’t leave facts out…There’s lots of information that needs to be shared.” Griffin explains how most experienced estimators know how to write an estimate because they are aware of what needs repair. However, what some don’t realize is there are many people form insurance companies that are not as experienced and have not seen the actual car itself. This is why documentation and photos are needed to answer any potential questions the insurance company may have.

5. CSI Scores

Walkers Collision Repair conducts customer service surveys and reports its CSI numbers to insurance companies.

“We have to follow-up calls with customer after they pick up the car. Insurance companies want to see those surveys”

Side note: The CSI scores we’ve been reporting for both shops have an average of around 97%.

What’s Next?

The goal has always been to be an “insurance-friendly institution”. Together, Walker and Griffin aim to continue building relationships and shaping Walkers Collision Repair into the shop insurance companies look for.

Read the Full Article Here

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

A Dream At 18, His Reality Today: Walker's Collision Repair Opens A Second Branch

It’s normal for young boys to dream of driving fast cars and fixing up customized rides. A less common, yet fairly similar, goal is to get into the auto repair industry. For a young Paul Walker, however, he was determined to follow his passion and started out in auto repair as early as 18 years old by painting cars in his grandfather’s barn.

“Growing up on a farm, I loved taking things apart, whether it was a tractor or another piece of equipment, and putting them back together.”

Paul grew up from a simple family but he never let that pose as a limitation. He worked hard and accepted help from people who loved him. This all paid off in 1990 when Walker’s Collision Repair opened its first facility in Seymour. Paul’s success continues till this day as he opened a second Walker’s Collision Repair facility in West Knoxville just last December 2015.

“I hope to be an example to inspire others to go after their dreams and to know that the American dream does still exist today.”

The team behind Walker’s Collision Repair understands and fully takes to heart their mission to never compromise on quality or service. Anyone who has experienced bringing in his or her vehicle can see it in the detailed auto repair from start to finish, with utmost attention given each time. Every interaction with a client is also evaluated and inputted in their systems to ensure unparalleled service and ease for the client throughout the entire auto repair process.

Walker’s Collision Repair ensures their attention to detail, updated facilities and equipment to carry out the highest quality service possible. They even have an aluminum clean room which is a quarantined area dedicated only for aluminum work such as welding, bonding, sanding, and other procedures on aluminum.

Walker’s Collision Repair promises to deliver a lifetime guarantee with every repair. They surpass most auto repair facilities in the nation for certifications, skill, and training of their team.

Certifications & Designations

I-Car Gold Class (The highest training achievement recognized by the collision repair industry. It is estimated that only 10% of auto repair shops currently meet the standards)
National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence Certified
AAA Approved
ZERO complaints and A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau
PPG Certified Collision Center (Advanced in-house repainting equipment and in-depth knowledge of the latest types of coating and repair technology)
Approved and Certified for Collision Repair and Refinish by direct manufacturers of most motor companies.

Walker’s Collision Repair offers the following services:

Full collision repair
Unibody correction
Frame repair and replacement
Suspension alignment
Tire mounting and balancing
Welding by I-Car Certified welders
Glass repair and replacement
Paintlesss dent repair
Airbag installation

Paul Walker has indeed come very far from his days painting at the barn. Despite his success and the growth of his company, he never forgets his journey and the people that helped along the way.

“I want to thank my wife, Stephanie, for being a part of my journey and for the wonderful support in the operations, as well to our three children. I also want to thank Dwight Disney. His support and partnership in helping us build and grow our dream has been instrumental to our success. I am a man of gratitude and integrity and we stand behind every vehicle repair at Walker’s”

Saturday, February 6, 2016

3 Tips for Choosing The Right Auto Repair Shop

Your vehicle may be one of the most valuable investments you will make in a lifetime. It is not only costly to purchase and maintain but it also gives comfort and safety to your loved ones. Making sure your car maintenance and auto repair shop can be trusted is something you should take seriously. Here are 3 tips to help you choose the right shop for your vehicle.

1. Word-of-mouth

Chances are other people who have sent their car to an auto repair shop has given recommendations and/or warnings. Ask around and listen where others were satisfied with services and give it a shot!

2. Research on prices

Don’t make your decision based only on price. An affordable rate is possible without having to sacrifice the quality of work, just as it is possible to not get the best service for the most expensive fee.

Research on how the shop lays out their fees and what services they cover. Gather multiple estimates and compare with other auto repair shops.

3. Ask questions

When going into an auto repair shop, you shouldn’t just check their services, prices and get convinced right away – even if it was recommended by a friend. Ask questions that you may need to know later on. Do they provide warranty? If so, how long and what does it cover?

Don’t be shy to ask how long they have been in business and make small talk on their past experiences with fixing cars. You’ll also want to know what kind of materials and technology they use to care for your vehicle.

As any car owner should do, be prepared and shop around for the basics in case of emergency. Finding yourself in need of an auto repair shop may cloud your judgment but having handy tools or a go-to mechanic can go a long way.

Tips for Choosing the Right Auto Repair Shop

Visit our site here www.walkersautocollision.com

Pages

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

What’s The Real Deal If You Skip Car Maintenance?

Friday, April 8, 2016

Weather Conditions Raises Possibility of Car Crashes

Monday, March 14, 2016

A Collision Worth Insuring

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

A Dream At 18, His Reality Today: Walker's Collision Repair Opens A Second Branch

Saturday, February 6, 2016

3 Tips for Choosing The Right Auto Repair Shop