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Frequently Asked Questions

Waterbury's Preferred Auto Body Shop

You have questions about your auto body service, and we have the answers. If you can't find the information you're looking for below, please don't hesitate to contact us!

  • What are your business hours?

    We are open Monday - Friday, 7:30 am - 4:00 pm and are closed on Saturday and Sunday.

  • What forms of payment do you accept?

    We accept major credit cards including American Express, Mastercard, Discover, and Visa, and cash. We are also proud to work with a long list of insurance carriers to help make your claim easier and get you back on the road without draining your wallet.

  • Why should I trust Ray's Automotive with my car?

    We are an experienced and trusted auto body shop with a long list of happy customers and an A+ rating the the BBB, but we also have our I-CAR's Platinum™ certification. Learn more about this distinction here.

  • Do you offer free estimates?

    Yes! We do charge for general estimates but will waive the fee when you choose our shop for auto body service.

  • Are you hiring?

    Yes, we're hiring! Head over to our careers page to learn more.

  • How do I value an auto repair business?

    When finding an auto repair business, do your research. Look for awards and accreditations, a positive history of reviews and testimonials, certifications, and a strong online presence. Also, be sure to ask the business owner questions about their experience, what services they offer, and what their rates are. After doing your research, you should have a good idea of how valued the business is.

  • Do bird droppings damage my car paint?

    Yes, bird droppings can damage your car paint. The acidic nature of the droppings can eat away at the paint, causing it to fade or chip. If you have bird droppings on your car, it's important to wash them off as soon as possible to prevent damage. If necessary, spray the stain with a warm water solution containing baking soda for approximately 5 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Do not scrub the area, as this will cause scratching in the clear coat. Some tips to prevent birds from flying near your car include placing fake predators near your parking space and hanging reflectors or windchimes nearby.

  • How do I prevent paint damage caused by tree sap?

    Tree sap may damage your paint if left untreated for long periods of time. Hot, sunny days can speed up how quickly the sap eats away at the clear top coat, leaving spots and stains.  If the sap hasn't sat too long, rubbing alcohol or tar remover can help remove it using microfiber towels and a quick polisher after it's removed.  Also, regularly waxing your car can slow down paint damage caused by sap.

  • Should I remove pollen before it damages my car paint?

    Yes! Pollen has small tentacles that make it stick to surfaces including vehicles. Pollen has acidic properties that can cause the paint to fade or discolor. If you have pollen on your car, it's important to wash it off as soon as possible. A rinse with water helps remove pollen, but wax can prevent pollen from sticking in the first place.

  • How do I remove snow on my vehicle without damaging the paint?

    Snow contains grime, dirt from roads, and sand. It's best to stay away from common brushes and gloves that scratch your car when clearing away snow. Opt for a foam brush instead which can be found at your local car parts store. Gently brush the snow off in a straight line motion. Combine this with a leaf blower to remove any excess. If you must use a scraper, make sure it's covered in a clean microfiber cloth to avoid scratches. Also, try not to leave snow on your car for long periods of time as this will cause the paint to fade.

  • Can I wrap a car with dents?

    Yes, you can wrap a car with dents. This is a popular option for people who want to cover up damage to their car. However, it's important to note that wrapping a car with dents will not fix the damage. The dents will still be there after the wrap is removed and neglecting the proper repair of a dent can lead to rust and further damage.

  • How can I get dents out of my car roof?

    There are a few ways to get dents out of your car roof. You can use a special suction cup sold at most part stores.  You may also use a hairdryer to heat up the metal to cause the metal to flex the dent out, but beware of damaging your paint job with too much heat. If these tips don't work, an experienced auto body shop can help.

  • Does hot water actually take dents out of cars?

    Yes, hot water can actually take dents out of cars. This is because the hot water will cause the metal to expand, which will make the dent pop out. However, you should only use hot water on small dents. If you use hot water on a large dent, it could damage the paint or body of your car.

  • How can I get dog scratches off of my car?

    There are a few ways to get dog scratches off of your car. If it's just “rub-off” from the dog’s paws, you can use a mild soap and water solution to wash the scratches. If the clear coat is scratched, you will need to purchase a special buffing kit from your local parts store to buff out the scratches.  If the scratches are deep, you might need to have a body shop assess the damage.

  • Can cat claws scratch car paint?

    Yes, cat claws can scratch car paint. Clearcoat hardness varies on vehicles, which determines how easily it will become scratched. Factory clearcoat is the hardest but can still be scratched. Some useful deterrents to keep cats away from vehicles include moth balls or cayenne pepper (used around vehicle).

  • How do I properly close my car hood without denting it?

    Most hoods are made to be dropped from approximately 12” inches allowing the weight of the hood to properly secure the latch to the catch. Other manufacturers have pistons on the hood, creating the need to push the hood down slightly as it is dropped from 12”. The bottom line is that you shouldn’t be driving the palm of your hand into the hood as it latches as this will create a palm dent in the hood.  If excessive pressure is necessary to properly secure the hood, your vehicle needs to be serviced as there is an issue with the hood latching mechanism.

  • Why is my interior frame door dented?

    It's likely caused by closing the door on your seat belt buckle. To prevent this from happening, make sure to fully retract your seatbelt before closing the door. This will keep the latch from getting caught and causing a dent. Another common cause is someone attempted to pry the door open. You should inspect your car for any other signs of tampering or unwanted entry.

  • Who is at fault in a sideswipe accident?

    It depends on the circumstances of the accident. If one car was in the wrong lane and hit the other car, then that driver would be at fault. However, if both cars were in the same lane and one car hit the other from behind, then that driver would be at fault. The officer who arrives at the scene determines who is at fault but if you don't agree, it's important to speak with an experienced auto accident attorney.

  • Should I plead not guilty to a fender bender?

    Every accident is different. An experienced auto accident attorney can advise you on the best plea. Things that will be considered include whether there was negligence, if anyone was injured, the amount of damage caused, insurance rates, driver's license points and more.

  • Can a fender bender cause frame damage?

    Yes, a fender bender can cause frame rail damage, which is more severe than damage to the body panels. Some fender benders even cause suspension issues that are not visible such as wheel misalignment and damage to steering components that can only be seen during a professional inspection. If you’ve been in a fender bender, it's important to get your car inspected by a qualified auto body shop.

  • What causes most rear-end accidents?

    Most rear-end accidents are caused by drivers following too closely. Rear-end accidents can also be caused by distracted driving, driving under the influence, speeding, and adverse weather conditions. Rear-end accidents are also the most common type of car accidents.

  • What is the most common collision between cars and motorcycles?

    The most common collision between cars and motorcycles is when a car turns in front of a motorcycle. This type of accident is often caused by drivers who fail to yield the right of way to motorcycles. It can also be caused by distracted driving or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Contact Us Today

For more information or to schedule service, call us at (203) 439-4259 or click the button below to contact us online.

Contact Us

Awarded & Trusted 

For more information or to schedule service, call us at (203) 439-4259 or visit our contact page.

WHY CHOOSE US

Connecticut vehicle owners trust Ray's Automotive and seek auto body repair from our professional technicians because:

OVER 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

CERTIFIED STAFF MEMBERS

HIGHLY RATED IN WATERBURY, CT

A+ RATED BY THE BBB

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY


For over three decades, Ray's Automotive has been seen as a reputable, professional auto body repair shop in Connecticut. We strive to provide comprehensive repair services and work to ensure customer satisfaction. To see what our past and present clients have to say about our work, take a look at the reviews they've left!

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"Ray and his team did such a nice job on repairing my car after my accident. They were all so professional and nice. The car looked brand new when I pick it up. It was clean inside and out. I highly recommend bringing your car to them."


- Jennifer C.

“I was very happy  with the repairs done on my vehicle. It was showroom quality. My thanks to Tony and Ray on a job well done.  They kept me informed daily on the progress of the repair and completed the job on time. I highly recommend them.”


- Philip S.

“On Sunday my friend Rita were on our way to Maine for vacation. Left New Jersey and on 84 in Waterbury had an accident. Ray came. Towed us off the highway. Also got us a rental car. Now he will be fixing the car. Thanks to him we made it to Maine..”


- Rita C.

“I Really take pride in my vehicle and when someone backed into my door panel i was so upset and furious. I couldn't believe how fast and professional Ray's auto body service is . They went an extra mile to make sure I was fully taken care of . Awesome auto body shop!!”


- Jeffery L.

ACCEPTED INSURANCE


The last thing we want our customers to feel is stress. After an accident, you have enough on your plate, and the last thing you want to deal with is an auto body repair shop that doesn’t accept your insurance. That is why we take a number of insurance carriers, including Geico, Progressive, Travelers, and more! We strive to make your life as stress-free as possible following your collision, and that is why we offer as many options as possible. We want to be able to help you, not make things harder for you! 

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WAITING FOR YOUR REPAIR?

WE'RE HIRING


Ray's Automotive employs experienced, professional, passionate technicians. If you are looking for a way to help your community and you love cars, a technician spot at Ray's Automotive might be the perfect career move! Fill out an application by clicking the button below to take advantage of this opportunity and kick the process into gear!

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