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Expert Advice for Preserving Resale Value of Vehicles; Collision on Wheels Provides "Tips"


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WARREN, Mich., Aug. 9, 2007 -- Consumers who've turned in lease vehicles with small dents are well aware of the financial "ding" taken on the resale value of their vehicles. More consumers are taking care of minor collision problems to improve resale pricing before selling or turning in a lease vehicle, says Greg Longe, managing partner of Collision on Wheels (CW), We Come to You!, the largest chain of mobile collision repair specialists in the U.S.

Confirming this trend is a collision industry study conducted by the consulting firm, Frost & Sullivan. The study identified the growth area of the industry as "cosmetic repair" that falls into two categories -- Consumers who need quick repairs because they plan on selling their car and those who have been in a minor accident who prefer to pay out of pocket rather than file a claim due to the concern of insurance premium increases.

"CW's mobile approach caters to this growing trend of consumers," says Longe who with partner John Lynch began franchising the concept in October 2006.

Longe shares these "tips" to help consumers preserve the finish and resale value of their vehicles:

  -- Immediately wash your vehicle if bugs stick to the cars' paint finish.
     Bugs contain acid that can eat away clear coat within 24 hours.
  -- Keep a cover on your dash in the summertime to prevent cracking.
  -- No garage? Park in shady areas or keep your car covered with a
     protective covering.  Sun and acid rain damages the paint finish.
  -- Waxing every six months helps prevent clearcoat scratches.
  -- Take care of any damage larger than a credit card prior to lease turn
     in.
  -- Most dents and dings occur in parking lots when cars are parked too
     closely together. Avoiding car door "dings" by parking away from other
     cars will save approximately $250 per dent.

"Consumers who follow these guidelines," says Longe, "will save time, money and preserve their cars' resale value."

Collision on Wheels, We Come to You!, was founded in 1999 by Lou Mancina and John Maio in Warren, Michigan. CW is the largest chain of mobile paint and collision repair specialists in the U.S. with over 40 metro market CW locations servicing residential and commercial customers.

For more information call 866-402-3368, http://www.collisiononwheels.com/