Newsletter - Spring 2005

From the Mechanical Shop

A/C isn’t just for summer anymore

If your air conditioning isn't blowing cold as usual it's most likely a symptom of a low refrigerant charge in the A/C system. Various components can wear out and seals begin to leak causing a loss of pressure and refrigerant. A leaking A/C system will cause your A/C to not cool properly and leak the refrigerant into the atmosphere. While a system that is slightly low on refrigerant may still cool effectively, when it is low on charge it does not properly lubricate the system and this can lead to premature compressor failure. Because a system that is low on charge may not exhibit any symptoms or provide any warning signs, maintenance of the A/C system is more critical on today's vehicles. Additionally, a properly lubricated and operating system will also be more efficient and require less horsepower to operate and this can result in better gas mileage which is an extremely good thing these days. Just like the rest of your vehicle, a well maintained A/C system will be more reliable and last longer.

The A/C compressor operates year-round on most of today's cars. The A/C system is also used to help dehumidify the air when the defroster is in use. This also eliminates the need to operate the A/C system periodically during the winter months to keep everything lubricated. Air conditioning is not just a summertime feature anymore.

Addison Auto Center has the latest in air conditioning diagnostic and service equipment. Ask your service advisor to schedule a checkup for your vehicle before it starts getting hot.

From the Body Shop

Does your insurance company have a right to tell you where to get your vehicle repaired?

According to Colorado law the answer is no. Direct repair relationships (DRP) between body shops and insurance companies have been around for a long time. Some of the advantages for the insurance company are more consistent service for their customers and more control over quality and costs. Some insurance companies are more concerned with quality and some are more concerned with costs.

In 2002 Allstate bought the Sterling chain of body shops and the issue of an insurance company requiring their customers to go to a specific shop took on much greater significance. When an insurance company has full control over the repair process, quality and safety can suffer as cost savings are overemphasized. Also choice will be limited, as the insurance company will seek to feed their own shop.

Automotive Service Association (ASA) opposes insurance companies having a controlling ownership interest in automotive repair facilities and views such ownership as being in direct conflict with the customer's right to choose.

In 2003 in Colorado House Bill 03-1253 was introduced which made it illegal for an insurance company to offer incentives or disincentives other than their guarantee to get a customer to go to a particular repair shop. In addition they are required to inform the customer they may freely choose any repair business and inform the customer if they have any ownership interest in a body shop they are recommending.

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Addison Auto Repair & Body Shop
2005 South Holly Street • Denver, CO 80222 • 303-691-9484

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Serving Virginia Village, Holly Hills, Southmoor, Cherry Hills Village, Greenwood Village, University Park, University Hills, Belcaro, Hilltop, Cherry Creek, Washington Park, Bonnie Brae, Southmoor Park and greater SE Denver area since l982.

We work (mechanical repair and auto body work and hail damage) on all makes of cars and trucks, including: Chevy, Dodge, Ford, Honda, Jeep, Kia, Lexus, Nissan, Plymouth, Saab, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota and Acura through Volvo.