1st rain & 1st snow creates dangerous conditions says Ballas Buick GMC

Posted on March 30, 2012 by BallasAdmin

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Ballas Buick GMC wants you to be extra careful during the first rain or first snowfall. That’s the most dangerous time to drive. We have prepared several blogs to help drivers be better prepared for the winter of tricky roads. If you do get into an accident, Ballas will be there for you in this stressful time. The Ballas Collision Center; located in Toledo,OH; is a quality, skilled group of highly trained professionals.

There are a number of reasons why it is dangerous to drive after rain or to drive in the rain. When you drive after rain, you should be aware that the surface of the road is covered in a thin film of water, oil, and grease which can reduce your traction and cause your car to skid. While driving in the rain, you also have to contend with poor visibility. By driving slowly and staying focused, you will prevent accidents which may cause damages, injuries, or loss of life. It is also very important to keep your tires well maintained for the best possible traction.

Rain makes for slippery roads, especially when it has not rained in a long time. This is because greasy substances like lubricants and oil drip from cars as people drive, and these substances accumulate on the surface of the road until they are washed away. The first rain can loosen these greasy materials, creating an oily slick on the surface of the road which can make driving very dangerous. If you drive after rain, you need to be aware that this slick can interfere with your ability to drive, especially at high speeds.

Accidents do happen. Stop by the Ballas Collsion Center anytime for a free estimate. Ballas offers a lifetime guarantee on our body work. We’ll create a written estimate of what’s recommended to complete the repair, and we will offer Genuine GM Parts. In addition, if there is other service work that is required to restore your vehicle to pre-accident condition, we have Certified Service technicians on hand. We will review this estimate with you and address any questions you may have. We are located at 5715 W. Central Ave in Toledo OH. You can also call us at 419.535.1000.

Auto versus Pothole: Pothole wins . . . until Ballas Buick GMC steps in

Posted on March 15, 2012 by BallasAdmin

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In the “auto versus pothole battle” the pothole usually wins. That is . . . until Ballas Buick GMC, located in Toledo, OH steps in. Ballas offers tires, alignments and body repair for the times the pothole momentarily won.

Roadways in Michigan & Ohio take a beating during the winter. They are mostly thawed out by now and revealing their scars and wheel busting craters. The use of road salt plays havoc on asphalt and our autos. But, to date, we haven’t found anything that works as well to make a snowy, icy road surface safe enough to drive on.

New tires | Alignment | Rust repair | A new car

Things to think about to ascertain if your car needs new tires, repairs or if you need a new car

Does your steering wheel shimmy?
Does your vehicle sway?
Does it dip down when braking?
Is it loudly hitting bumps hard?
Does your vehicle vibrate?
Does your vehicle pul to one side. Is the steering crooked?

Ballas can help you with :

Ballas offers a lifetime guarantee on our body work. We’ll create a written estimate of what’s recommended to complete the repair, and we will offer Genuine GM Parts. In addition, if there is other service work that is required to restore your vehicle to pre-accident condition, we have Certified Service technicians on hand. We will review this estimate with you and address any questions you may have. We are located at 5715 W. Central Ave in Toledo OH. You can also call us at 419.535.1000.

Ballas Buick GMC (Toledo, OH) warns consumers of their rights

Posted on March 3, 2012 by BallasAdmin

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Getting into a car accident can be one of the most stressful events in life, no matter how light the damage. Dealing with insurance companies, understanding consumer rights and selecting a body shop for collision repair can be overwhelming. The situation is even harder when insurance companies disguise the truth and even try to get customers to choose their preferred repair shops.

The Ballas Collision Center; located in Toledo,OH; is a quality, skilled group of highly trained professionals. We service all makes and all models. Our technicians and staff know your vehicle and all its technical systems. It’s that understanding, attention to detail and integrity that sets Ballas Collision Center apart from the others. This is why Ballas Buick GMC wants our customers to be aware of their rights.

Choice of Body Shop in Ohio
Under Ohio law, the owner of the car has the right to select the auto body shop of their choice to carry out any collision repair. The car is the legal possession of the owner, not the insurance company. No company or policy can decide where it will be repaired. Unfortunately, many insurance companies tell customers they must use a list of pre-approved or recommended body shops. A consumer who knows their rights is at an advantage and can select a body shop they know and trust.

Responsibility of Costs
No matter which auto body shop is selected, it is important to understand who is responsible for paying the bill. Of course the cost of repairs must be paid to the auto shop. The owner of the vehicle must pay the total cost of repairs. If the owner has insurance, the insurance provider must then repay the owner for the loss they have suffered. The amount paid to the vehicle owner takes into account the cost of repairs, minus any deductible on the policy and lost value.

What the Insurance Company Must Do
All insurance policies in the state of Ohio must conform to the law. This means every policy is required to restore a vehicle’s appearance, value, safety and function. In Ohio, when a vehicle is hit by someone with insurance, the car owner is entitled to payment for the loss of value. Many auto body shops can help a customer send documentation of diminished value to the insurance company, which is used to award compensation. No matter which body shop the owner chooses for collision repair, the insurance provider must restore the vehicle to its previous state.

False Insurance Company Claims
Many insurance companies use false claims to make customers select one of their preferred auto repair shops. One popular claim is that the customer is required to use a body shop from a pre-approved list. This is false and not what the law says. Some insurance providers tell customers they can have the vehicle repaired at a better price elsewhere. There is no financial benefit to the customer if the insurance company uses a cheaper auto body shop. Other insurance companies tell customers they can have the vehicle repaired faster at one of their preferred shops. However, quality work takes time and there is no way for the insurance provider to guarantee the speed of collision repair at their body shop.

It’s important for every consumer to know their rights when they are in an accident and need auto repair. According to Ohio law, only the owner of the vehicle can decide where the car will be repaired. No insurance provider or company can tell a consumer which auto body shop to select. While some insurance companies make false claims to save money, an educated consumer will choose their own trusted shop for collision repair.

Stop by our Collision Center anytime for a free estimate. Ballas offers a lifetime guarantee on our body work. We’ll create a written estimate of what’s recommended to complete the repair, and we will offer Genuine GM Parts. In addition, if there is other service work that is required to restore your vehicle to pre-accident condition, we have Certified Service technicians on hand. We will review this estimate with you and address any questions you may have. We are located at 5715 W. Central Ave. in Toledo OH 43615, 419.535.1000.

Ballas Buick GMC encourages emergency preparedness

Posted on February 28, 2012 by BallasAdmin

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A roadside emergency could happen at any time. Be prepared. The Ballas Collision Center; located in Toledo,OH; is a quality, skilled group of highly trained professionals who will be there for you if an emergency should occur. It’s that integrity that sets Ballas Collision Center apart from the others.

Don’t put your safety at risk. A basic roadside emergency kit can help you get back on the road.Here is a list of things that you want to keep in your vehicle at all times.

Cell phone – Make sure you have a car charger in the glove box.
First-aid kit
Fire extinguisher
Warning light, hazard triangle, or flares
Tire gauge
Jack and lug wrench
Foam tire sealant or a portable compressor and plug kit
Spare fuses
Jumper cables or a portable battery booster
Flashlight
Gloves, hand cleaner, and clean rags
Disposable flash camera – In case of an accident this lets you record the condition of your vehicle and other vehicles involved in the accident.
$20 in small bills and change
Pen and pad of paper
A copy of the Ballas Accident Assistance Guide

For long trips, Ballas Collision Center recommends adding these items to your basic list.

Basic tools
Coolant hose repair kit and tape
Extra clothes
Water and nonperishable emergency food
CB radio
GPS navigation system
A candle to produce heat and light. it can also be used to melt snow for water. Never eat snow!

The Ballas Collision Center is located in Toledo,OH. We service all makes and all models. Our technicians and staff know your vehicle and all its technical systems. It’s that understanding, attention to detail and integrity that sets Ballas Collision Center apart from the others. Our understanding to your needs is how we know you want to maintain the value of your vehicle.

Ballas Buick GMC offers Safety tips regarding snow plows

Posted on February 15, 2012 by BallasAdmin

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Ballas Buick GMC wants you to be safe. We have prepared several blogs to help drivers be better prepared for the winter driving. If you do get into an accident, Ballas will be there for you in this stressful time. The Ballas Collision Center; located in Toledo,OH; is a quality, skilled group of highly trained professionals.

We service all makes and all models. Our technicians and staff know your vehicle and all its technical systems. It’s that understanding, attention to detail and integrity that sets Ballas Collision Center apart from the others. In an interest to keep our customers safe, we are offering safety tips in regards to snow plows and snow removal.

Yield to plow and salt trucks. Give them plenty of room to operate. Often, you may see them, but they may not see you.
If there is a fire hydrant in your yard or on a public right-of-way near your home, mark it with some type of safe marker such as a wooden stake. It may be your home for which the fire department needs water.
Don’t allow children to play in the snow close to the road, especially the high piles of windrowed snow left by the plow truck. Trucks often make several trips through each street, and they may not see children in or near the road.

Stop by the Ballas Collsion Center anytime for a free estimate. Ballas offers a lifetime guarantee on our body work. We’ll create a written estimate of what’s recommended to complete the repair, and we will offer Genuine GM Parts. In addition, if there is other service work that is required to restore your vehicle to pre-accident condition, we have Certified Service technicians on hand. We will review this estimate with you and address any questions you may have. We are located at 5715 W. Central Ave in Toledo OH. You can also call us at 419.535.1000.

Ballas Buick GMC in Toledo OH Announces Air Bag Cocoon

Posted on February 14, 2012 by BallasAdmin

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Air Bags Cocoon Driver in GMC Acadia

New safety features are in store for GMC Acadia, sold at Ballas Buick GMC, located in Toledo, Ohio. It’s superior design, comfort and innovation are a mark of the General Motors product. General Motors has turned the “automotive safety cocoon” into a reality by rolling out a vehicle with the industry’s first front center air bag. The GMC Acadia is available for you to test drive and get great information from our Buick & GMC Product Specialists.

The new GMC Acadia will feature air bags on both sides of the driver — above and below the shoulder — as well is in the front. With the new setup, drivers will essentially be surrounded by cushioning, GM said. “This is significant,” Russ Rader, vice president of communications for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, told us. This setup “has real potential to save lives in side-impact crashes.”

Toledo auto dealer, Ballas Buick GMC has six (6) vehicle with the top honors from Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Ballas isn’t surprised to learn the GMC Acadia is on the list. In the large SUV category there were only 4 vehicles. Two of the four are available here at Ballas Buick GMC: the Buick Enclave and the GMC Acadia. The GMC Acadia is available for you to test drive and get great information from our Buick & GMC Product Specialists.

The new bag, which pops out of the right side of the driver’s seat, specifically targets opposite-side crashes. For a driver, the real value is realized when the vehicle is struck on the right side. (For a passenger, it’s when the vehicle is struck on the left side.)

In a side crash, the occupant’s upper body is forced toward the window, where it rebounds off the side curtain air bag. During that rebound, the upper body bounces back toward the center of the vehicle. That can cause a neck injury or, worse, cause the driver to bang heads with the front seat passenger, who is moving in the opposite direction. With a front center air bag, the occupant’s momentum toward the center of the vehicle is cushioned.

“Now, you’re not going to fall too far over, and you won’t hurt your neck,” said Susan Eckel, vehicle chief engineer for the GMC Acadia and Denali. “And if you have a passenger, you won’t hit heads.” The Acadia was a logical choice for the first center air bag, Eckel said. ”And the side of the seat has to house the bag, so you need the seams on the seat to be just right.”

——– GM is at the tip of a trend ———-

By introducing the center air bag, GM is at the tip of a trend that includes most of the industry. Many vehicles incorporate air bags for drivers, passengers, and rear seat occupants. Side curtain air bags are common, as are knee bags and front seat “outboard bags,” which provide lateral support for the lower half of the body. At the 2012 Chicago Auto Show — the site of GMC’s Acadia rollout — other automakers hinted that center air bags would be coming soon.

GM said the front center air bag will also be available on the 2013 editions of the Buick Enclave. The Insurance Institute said GM’s move to center air bags is a logical one.

About Ballas Buick GMC:
Ballas Buick-GMC has been a fixture in the Toledo business community since 1970. Ballas earned the coveted General Motor’s “Mark of Excellence” award in 2009 and 2010 (for business excellence). For more information, please call us at 419.535.1000 or stop by 5715 W. Central Ave 43615.

[Excerpts from DesignNews by Charles Murray, Senior Technical Editor, Electronics & Test]

Ballas Buick GMC Prepares A Snow Kit

Posted on February 3, 2012 by BallasAdmin

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Ballas Buick GMC wants you to be safe. We have prepared several blogs to help drivers be better prepared for the winter driving. If you do get into an accident, don’t fret. The Ballas Collision Center; located in Toledo,OH; is a quality, skilled group of highly trained professionals. If you do get into an accident, don’t fret. Stop by the Ballas Collision Center anytime for a free estimate.

One of the main points to remember is where you need a disaster kit. Although a lot of people keep a severe weather kit at home, many do not realize the importance of keeping another disaster kit in the car. Since most people spend a large portion of their time away from home or in their cars, it is vital to have secondary disaster kits in the event of an emergency.

You can purchase a pre-made car weather safety kit or build your own. Even if you decide to purchase a kit, be sure you are familiar with the contents! Learn to use all of the supplies in the kit! When you are freezing cold, and possibly wet, you will NOT want to look at the directions on a bottle.
Get blankets or sleeping bags such as a space blanket.
Flashlight with extra batteries.
A 1^st aid kit.
A knife and some high-calorie, non-perishable food.
A large empty can and plastic cover with tissues and paper towels for sanitary purposes plus a smaller can and water-proof matches to melt snow for drinking water. Never, ever eat snow to re-hydrate yourself.
Sack of sand (or cat litter) for tire traction and a shovel.
An auto emergency tool kit. Kits should include tow ropes, windshield scrapers, jumper (booster) cables, and a first-aid kit.
A compass and road maps.
Extra clothing (warmer clothing) to keep dry for all of the vehicle occupants.

Tips:

Keep your gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.
Try not to travel alone, especially in unfamiliar places.
Let someone know your timetable and primary and alternate routes.
Fully check and winterize your vehicle well before the winter season begins. Be sure the tread on your tires is good enough to last throughout the entire season. Contact Ballas service to get your car in shape for winter weather.
One final note about automobile safety kits…No kit can fully prepare you for a winter driving season and all of the contingencies that could arise as a result of a sudden change in weather patterns. Because preparation is the key, make sure that you think about the individuals you will be protecting in your car or truck. Each may have their own needs. It is a better idea to pack extra of the supplies needed than to be stranded without the proper equipment.

Ballas Buick GMC Discusses Snow Emergencies

Posted on January 31, 2012 by BallasAdmin

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Ballas Buick GMC wants you to be safe and know what the Snow emergency levels mean to Lucas County residents. We have prepared several blogs to help Toledoens be better prepared for the winter of driving. If you do get into an accident, Ballas will be there for you in this stressful time. The Ballas Collision Center; located in Toledo,OH; is a quality, skilled group of highly trained professionals.

We service all makes and all models. Our technicians and staff know your vehicle and all its technical systems. It’s that understanding, attention to detail and integrity that sets Ballas Collision Center apart from the others. In an interest to keep our customers safe, we are reminding our customers of the county’s Snow Emergency Levels.

Heavy snow, ice, and blizzard conditions can occur in our region. Deep, blowing or drifted snow makes traveling hazardous. Heavy snow and ice can damage utilities and some flat roof structures. People are injured when attempting to shovel heavy snow or slipping on ice.

Level I – Conditions are hazardous. Drive with caution.
Level II – Essential Travel Only.
Level III – Emergency Vehicles Only.
For details on Snow Emergencies see the Lucas County Sheriff’s webpage.

Driving in Snow & Ice Suggestions From Ballas Buick GMC, Toledo OH

Posted on January 18, 2012 by BallasAdmin

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Ballas Buick GMC wants you to be safe. We have prepared several blogs to help drivers be better prepared for the winter driving. If you do get into an accident, don’t fret. Stop by the Ballas Collision Center anytime for a free estimate. Ballas offers a lifetime guarantee on our body work. We’ll create a written estimate of what’s recommended to complete the repair, and we will offer Genuine GM Parts. In addition, if there is other service work that is required to restore your vehicle to pre-accident condition, we have Certified Service technicians on hand. We will review this estimate with you and address any questions you may have. We are located at 5715 W. Central Ave in Toledo OH. You can also call us at 419.535.1000.

Don’t go out until the snow plows and sanding trucks have had a chance to do their work, and allow yourself extra time to reach your destination.

If you must drive in snowy conditions, make sure your car is prepared and that you know how to handle road conditions.

It’s helpful to practice winter driving techniques in a snowy, open parking lot, so you’re familiar with how your car handles. Consult your owner’s manual for tips specific to your vehicle.

Driving safely on icy roads

Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.
Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.
Keep your lights and windshield clean.
Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills.
Don’t use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.
Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.
Don’t pass snow plows and sanding trucks. The drivers have limited visibility, and you’re likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind.
Don’t assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.

If your rear wheels skid…

Take your foot off the accelerator.
Steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go. If your rear wheels are sliding left, steer left. If they’re sliding right, steer right.
If your rear wheels start sliding the other way as you recover, ease the steering wheel toward that side. You might have to steer left and right a few times to get your vehicle completely under control.
If you have standard brakes, pump them gently.
If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), do not pump the brakes. Apply steady pressure to the brakes. You will feel the brakes pulse — this is normal.

If your front wheels skid…

Take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral, but don’t try to steer immediately.
As the wheels skid sideways, they will slow the vehicle and traction will return. As it does, steer in the direction you want to go. Then put the transmission in “drive” or release the clutch, and accelerate gently.

If you get stuck…

Do not spin your wheels. This will only dig you in deeper.
Turn your wheels from side to side a few times to push snow out of the way.
Use a light touch on the gas, to ease your car out.
Use a shovel to clear snow away from the wheels and the underside of the car.
Pour sand, kitty litter, gravel or salt in the path of the wheels, to help get traction.
Try rocking the vehicle. (Check your owner’s manual first — it can damage the transmission on some vehicles.) Shift from forward to reverse, and back again. Each time you’re in gear, give a light touch on the gas until the vehicle gets going.

Ballas Honors & Distinctions:

#1 volume Buick dealership in Ohio (2010)
GM Mark of Excellence- 2009 & 2010-
- Only awarded to the top 50 dealers defining them as the “finest dealers who have committed themselves to unsurpassed performance and customer satisfaction.”
- BBB Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics Winner- 2007
- UT College of Business & Innovation’s Business Pacemaker of the Year 2011
- 5/3 Bank Platinum Dealer Award
- Professional Parts Guild Dealership Award
- President of the Buick/GMC Local Marketing Group (Marianne Ballas)
- Elected to the Buick/GMC National Dealer Council (Marianne Ballas)
- Board of Toledo Area Chamber of Commerce (Marianne Ballas)
- University of Toledo Foundation Board member (Marianne Ballas)
- Board of Toledo Hospital (Marianne Ballas)

Sources: National Safety Council, New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Washington State Government Information & Services

Dent Repair at Ballas Buick GMC Body Shop- give your car a face lift

Posted on December 29, 2011 by BallasAdmin

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The Ballas Collision Center; located in Toledo,OH; is a quality, skilled group of highly trained professionals. We service all makes and all models. Our technicians and staff know your vehicle and all its technical systems. It’s that understanding, attention to detail and integrity that sets Ballas Collision Center apart from the others. Our understanding to your needs is how we know you want to maintain the value of your vehicle. Dent repair is an economical way to keep the value of your investment.

Parking lot dings | Thrown rocks | Hail

Repairing dents of any size is a quick and easy way to boost the value of a car. It’s like giving your vehicle a face lift. Most body shops can fix dents ranging in size from small to large and it is estimated that this repair increases the value of a car up to $1,000. While the mechanical functions of a car should be the priority, most people buy a used vehicle based on its appearance and assumed maintenance. A car should always have dents of any size repaired before selling. When it comes to buying a used vehicle, buyers often do judge a book by its cover.

How Repairing Dents Increases Value
It’s well known that small touches can help a car sell for more. Cleaning wheels and interior, fixing burnt out lights and waxing a car improve the appearance and the value for very little money. Dent repair is similar; it is a small investment that can yield a big return. A good body shop can use a technique known as paintless dent repair (PDR) to fix dings without the need to repaint. This is one of the best investments to make.

How the Technique Works
Paintless repair of dents is a technique that can repair depressions in the metal. A technician at a body shop uses special tools to manipulate the metal back into its original form from behind the dent, causing no damage to the paint. The panel is accessed by removing trim pieces or through inner panels. This technique can only be performed by a trained technician and requires experience. The dent is removed by working from the outside edges in, slowly decreasing the size until it becomes so small it blends in with the paint texture.

What Dent Repair Can Fix
Typically, dent repair by a professional can fix virtually any dent from very large to small. The paintless technique works best on 1990 and newer car models because of the type of paint and frame used. This technique is only recommended for dents if the paint is not cracked or broken as well. Lastly, the dent must not be near the edge of a panel and the area must not have any previous body repair work that has changed the integrity of the panel.

Advantages of Fixing Dents
There are many advantages to repairing dents in a vehicle. There is no repainting or filler needed, which removes the chance of paint overspray on other areas of the vehicle. It maintains the value of your vehicle. This also eliminates the need to match paint colors and allows the vehicle to retain its original paint. Vehicles with original paint have a better resale value or trade- in value than repainted vehicles. Repairing dents with the paintless technique is also much more affordable than traditional body work.

This technique is the number one way to increase or maintain a car’s value because it raises the value a great deal for a small investment. Dents of all sizes can be repaired with this technique and the cost is minimal. Although the process can’t remove all dents, it’s the best way to maintain the integrity and original color of a vehicle while making it as attractive as possible for resale.