TruTips for Vehicle Auto Body Repair
and Refinishing

Get some great tidbits of information about Trubilt, our services, and answers to some of our most frequently asked questions. Can't find your question? Contact us and ask!

#1 Older than dirt..in a good way!

We have been in Eau Claire longer than any other body shop in the Chippewa Valley. Founded in 1949, we take pride in providing first-class customer service and excellent workmanship to ensure your vehicle is returned to you better than new.

#2 Wax on, Wax off

Did you know that you aren't supposed to apply wax to your vehicle for at least 60 days after it has been painted? Well now you do! In order for the paint to properly cure, paint manufactures suggest not to apply additional products to the clear coat of your vehicle to protect your paint.

#3 Damage Appraisals 101

Getting into an accident is stressful enough! Getting all of those estimates that the insurance companies ask for is an even bigger hassle. The TRUTH is you only need one estimate from one company. We would be honored if you made Trubilt Collision Center that company.

#4 Longevity

Purchasing a vehicle is a large investments for consumers. So make it a priority to take care of them and get the most out of your investment! Acid rain and brake dust can create small specks on your vehicle that resemble rust. Our Detail Department can give your vehicle a “special bath” that will prevent those specks from turning into real rust spots.

#5 Green

Did you know that Trubilt Collision Center has been recognized as a Green Business by the Eau Claire Chamber of Commerce? In 2010 we became a proud member of the Chamber's Green Business Initiative. One of our many green practices is the we spray waterborne paint. It is our way of participating in a nationwide push towards a greener environment.

#6 OH, DEER!

Deer, deer everywhere! November is that time of year where the number of animal/vehicle related accidents is at its peak. Did you know that June is the second highest month for deer-related accidents? Some tips while driving;    
a. Keep your eyes on the road and pay attention to your surroundings; especially at night and in the early morning.
b. When you see a deer, slow down. Chances are there are others near by.
c. Consider weather conditions when encountering a deer.
d. Make sure your head lights are aimed.
e. Look for the safest way to avoid the deer. If avoiding isn’t an option, your best bet is to slow down as much as possible and hit the deer. Your vehicle can be fixed, so protect yourself and your passengers first.
f. If you do hit a deer, this is covered under your comprehensive insurance overage NOT your collision coverage. The benefit of this is typically your comprehensive deductible is much less than your collision deductible.

#8 Rust

Rust! Our vehicles’ worst nightmare! Unfortunately, repairing rust on vehicles will only buy you time. Rust work cannot be guaranteed because it inevitably will come back. The only way to rid your vehicle of it completely is to replace the panel(s) where the rust is. Trubilt Collision Center can repair rust on vehicles, but it will only be a temporary fix. While no one can guarantee rust work, Trubilt offers a lifetime warranty on all other work done at our facility.

#9 Winter Driving

Oh, the pleasant Wisconsin winters! The winter months sure can offer up some challenging driving conditions. Here are some tips to keep you safe on the road:

a. Make sure your tires have adequate tread.
b. Slow down!
c. Know if your vehicle has ABS (Antilock Braking System) or not. And understand how they work.
d. Drive with your low beams on when it is snowing. It is easier to see your surrounding area than with your high beams.
e. Your vehicle cannot do more than one thing at 100% at one time. (Ex. You cannot break at 100% and steer at 100% effectively. Decide which one first and then add the second.

#10 Accidents 101

If you’ve been in an accident, get all of the information possible! If you can take pictures of the damage, the other car and the surrounding areas, this will be very beneficial when you submit your claim to insurance. Suggestions of what information to obtain:
- Name, address, phone of other party
- Other parties’ insurance information
- Street location
- Time of day and date of accident

#11 An Estimate Is Just That

Our damage appraisers have a combined 50 years of experience so they know their stuff. However, the best way to write an accurate estimate is to leave your vehicle here so we can disassemble it. There may be hidden damage that we couldn’t see from just looking on the outside. And snafus like this can not only delay getting your vehicle back to you but it can mean additional costs later in the repair process.

We promise to take care of your baby as if she was our own while it’s in the shop!

#12 Negotiators

Let us do the work for you! The headache of an accident is enough! Drop off your vehicle and we will handle the process for you from start to finish. We’ll take care of dealing directly with your insurance company and keeping you up to date on the repair process! You decide how much or how little you want to be involved…either way; you’ll receive a perfect repair without the headaches.

#13 We Are Open for Business

Stop in anytime during our normal business hours (M-F, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.). If your vehicle is here being repaired, take a walk out in the shop with an employee to see where we are at in the process. Our skilled paint and body technicians would be happy to explain where they are in the process!

You don’t have your vehicle in the shop and you haven’t been here before? That is just fine! Stop in for a tour, a cup of coffee or to get information on Detail 4 Life®. Our doors are always open!

#14 Uniformity

Mentioned in TruTip # 3, you are only required to get one estimate for your insurance. But if you do shop around, know this. All estimating systems are essentially the same. If there are price discrepancies it would only be because the same work is not being performed, labor rates are different or the type of parts are different.

If you receive an estimate that differs substantially, bring it in and we will gladly go over it with you!

#15 Customers for Life!

We value our customers and appreciate that they have kept us in the Chippewa Valley for over 60 years! To give back to you, we have introduced Detail 4 Life® on all repair orders of $4,000 or more.

For as long as you own your vehicle we will clean your car 4 times a year!

#16 Guaranteed

Our repairs are guaranteed for as long as you own the vehicle. While we take pride in a job well done the first time, if there ever is an issue with your vehicle where we performed repairs, bring it in and we will take care of it!

(See TruTip # 8 for rust work)

#17 You spell Trubilt how?!?

I know, I know. It’s a bit…weird. But we want to keep you all on your toes! Actually, when Mike Kewan built the place in 1949, he picked the name. The first-class quality and customer service that he built the business on became synonymous with the name Trubilt, so it stuck!

Why change what’s not broken right?