Carreras Auto Body rebuilds and restores all types of damaged vehicles at its Healdsburg facility. The family-owned and operated company handles every aspect of auto body repair, including painting, glass replacement, detailing and welding, and its technicians have formal training in frame straightening, paintless dent repair, color matching, electronic and airbag systems, and more.
Owners Dan and Joe Vassallo have more than 45 years of experience in the auto body industry. The Vassallo brothers worked for Carreras Auto Body for 15 years before taking over operations in 1998, and they say they’re proud to continue the shop’s long-standing reputation for delivering excellent repairs and customer service to its community. “Everyone who works here is local,” says Dan Vassallo. “We have deep roots in Sonoma County.”
Carreras Auto Body utilizes a variety of state-of-the-art equipment to return customers’ cars to their pre-accident conditions, including two laser frame measuring systems and a high-tech spray booth for precise painting. The company also offers complimentary late-model loaner cars and can arrange for pick-ups and deliveries.
“We're devoted to providing top-of-the-line customer service and workmanship for each of our customers. False promises aren't part of our business model–we always take care of our customers and let them know their automotive investments are in good hands. We strive to return our clients to the road as quickly and safely as possible, and we guarantee our work for as long as they own their vehicles.”
Taking proper care of your vehicle’s body will both increase its aesthetic value and prevent future problems. It’s just as important to maintain your car’s hard-to-find body features—such as the wheel wells, frame and engine compartment—as it is to maintain more immediately recognizable components like the windows and paint. Consider the following tips for keeping the entirety of your car’s exterior as flawless as possible:
Steam clean your car’s engine and underside at least once a year. When you remove all the accumulated dirt and oil, you can easily inspect for rust, broken brake lines or cables, faulty electrical wires and other problems. Make sure to grease the front suspension components after steam cleaning. You can also use a water-soluble degreaser when cleaning the engine, but be careful not to get too much water in the alternator.
Pay close attention to the wheel wells. The undercoating can peel away and stones and dirt thrown up by the tires can cause the paint to chip or flake, which in turn can invite rust. If you notice any rust spots, clean them down to the bare metal and apply a rust preventative paint.
Wash your car’s body once a week.
Before you start washing, thoroughly wet the vehicle to loosen dirt, and then proceed with a soft sponge and soapy water. If you’re not careful about washing off surface dirt, you risk prematurely wearing down the car’s paint. Remove asphalt and tar spots with a soft cloth soaked in solvent.
Never skip drying.
Drying your vehicle after washing it is necessary to prevent water spots. Auto detailing professionals advise using a 100 percent cotton detailing cloth or sheepskin chamois to dry your car—polyester and microfiber can scratch the paint surface. If you want to get more high-tech, many car care product lines offer “paint safe” drying towels that are super absorbent and claim to be lint- and scratch-free.
Clean vinyl trim as often as you clean the rest of the vehicle.
There’s no need to use detergents, heavy-duty soap or petroleum-based cleaners on vinyl trim—regular soap and water will work fine. Use a soft brush to remove tough dirt. Apply a coat of rubber and vinyl protectant to keep the vinyl looking like new. It’s also a good idea to apply the protectant to radiator hoses and tires to prevent dry rot.
Don’t apply too much wax.
It can be tempting to use a thick layer of wax, but too much will become hard to remove and leave a residue that can damage the finish. Use a damp sponge to apply a thin, even coat of wax. Use a cotton or microfiber cloth to carefully remove the wax once it’s dry.
Auto body repair companies are always looking for ways to discern themselves from their competition, and those that have earned the prestigious Diamond Certified award are already several steps ahead. For Carreras Auto Body, standing out in a crowded industry is all about maintaining relationships with customers and understanding the specific needs of its community. "Everyone who works here is local to Sonoma County," explains Dan Vassallo, who owns the company with his brother, Joe. "We were all raised here and have deep roots in the area, which allows us to relate to our customers on a personal level."
Carreras Auto Body has been rebuilding and restoring all types of damaged vehicles at its Healdsburg facility since 1981. Mr. Vassallo says the company's singular location makes a big difference to customers who are looking for personalized, high-quality auto body service. "Having one location eliminates a lot of problems regarding service and workmanship. My brother and I are on hand to oversee each job, and we both inspect every car before it leaves the shop. If something isn't aligned or the color isn't quite right, we catch it before it's too late."
Unlike larger auto body repair companies that emphasize workload volume over customer service, Carreras Auto Body strives to provide extra services that make the repair process as convenient as possible for its clients. "We pick up and deliver cars, provide loaner vehicles and even offer mobile estimating," says Mr. Vassallo. "We'll come to a customer's workplace or residence to inspect their car and offer a repair estimate. They don't even have to step foot in our shop if they don't want to."
Another distinctive characteristic of Carreras Auto Body is its use of state-of-the-art repair equipment, including two laser frame measuring systems and a high-tech spray booth that allows for precise painting. "Our employees are trained and certified to effectively operate all our equipment," says Mr. Vassallo. "Their ongoing training ensures they provide quality service for each of our customers."
