As part of Center City Collision’s commitment to serving our community, we help several organizations with regular support. We are thankful for the opportunity to do so, and thankful that you as a customer help make that possible. When you allow us to expertly unwreck your car, you’re also helping make a difference in people’s lives. One way that happens is through our sponsorship of Norwood Rugby.

Joshua Hanauer loves the game of rugby. He also loves helping youth grow up to become respectful, confident adults. Both are reasons why he founded Norwood Rugby.

According to the official USA Rugby website, youth rugby has become one of the fastest growing sports in the country. The game is being played in summer leagues, gym classes, and after school programs all over the country.

Though started in Europe (most believe the game as it’s now played began in 1823), colleges in the US have fielded rugby teams since 1874. Now, nearly 140 years later, youth in Norwood are experiencing this great game.

Norwood Rugby began in 2011 at the Norwood Middle School and now includes youth from 3^rd to 8^th grades. By the end of this season, which runs from March to June, over 1,000 kids will have been involved. That’s a large number of youth who are receiving positive influence through the investment of adults who care about their lives and their futures.

Sports can teach youth many important lessons, but as Joshua points out, most team games focus on individual performance or the standout player. In rugby, every one of a team’s fifteen players is critical to the team’s success, and good sportsmanship is built into the rules of the game. Rugby’s emphasis on teamwork also helps youth learn that character counts and see the benefits of respecting others. As Joshua says, it’s not a gentle game, but it is a gentleman’s game. 

With the helping hands (and feet) of the Cincinnati Kelts Rugby Football Club, Joshua’s dream of teaching the game and its life lessons to Norwood’s youth is being fulfilled. Currently, youth that take part can play competitively with other age-appropriate rugby teams. As time goes on, Norwood Rugby will field their own team to scrum and scrabble with other local clubs.

Whether you’re in Norwood, Walnut Hills, West Chester, or Westwood, we’re here to serve you! If you have any questions about fixing your auto body repair, call Nate or Jason at 513-631-2406 or email cccollision@gmail.com.

We’ve had a mild winter so far in Cincinnati, but trust the Auto Body Guru when he says it’s not over yet. Despite the unseasonably warm weather and the evidence of little green shoots popping up ahead of time, the cold and snow haven’t finished their round this season. And when it does return, your car or truck will once again be assaulted by road salt.

This unwelcome hitchhiker, while preventing accidents by making slick and icy roads safer, will attack your vehicle from top to bottom (especially the bottom). Rust and corrosion show up as part of a natural chemical process…one that can damage your vehicle’s paint and in some cases create mechanical problems as well.

Your car is an investment worth protecting, and when it comes to road salt and its insidious effects, there are ways you can fight back. The simplest way? Car washing.

As Neil Young once said, rust never sleeps. It is, however, a process that takes time, which gives you time to get those road chemicals, salt, and grime off your vehicle. The sooner you can wash it away, the quicker you stay on top of the battle of corrosion.

Here are some car washing tips to help keep your ride shining and safe from the ravages of salt and road chemicals.

Wash your car two to four times a month during the winter months. There are many local car wash establishments, one is sure to be near you.

After washing, be sure areas that hold moisture are dry. Open and close doors and the trunk, where water will sit after a wash.

Rain is not an effective car wash. The dirt and pollutants from the air (acid rain) can damage your car’s finish.

Get your undercarriage cleaned when you get a wash. That’s where rust will do its dirty work hidden from view, and potentially damage exhaust systems and other undercar components.

Whether you’re in Mt.Adams, Walnut Hills, Hyde Park, or Finneytown, we’re ready to serve you with free estimates, answers to questions about auto body repair, or anything we can do for you or your car. Give Nate or Jason a call at 513-631-2406 or email us at cccollision@gmail.com.

Some of you may remember the ad that said, “Baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and Chevrolet.” Well, while baseball, hot dogs, and apple pie have their own significance, this year marks a historic milestone for Chevrolet. 2012 is the 100-year anniversary of the American automobile icon. To celebrate that, the Auto Body Guru takes a brief look at automobile history.

While 100 years is an impressive accomplishment for any business, there are others in the auto industry with even longer tenures. Ford hit the 100-year milestone a few years ago; they started making autos in 1903. Earlier, there were other companies which had already beat Ford and Chevy off the starting line…and one of those manufactured the first hybrid vehicle.

In 1898, Jacob Lohner and Company in Vienna, Austria began producing electric cars. And with the help Dr. Ferdinand Porsche (yes, that one), the company also produced the first vehicle to use a combination of gasoline and electric motors…the first gas/electric hybrid.

Like Chevrolet, we are proud of our history, too. Center City Collision began in the backyard of my childhood home of Cincinnati’s North Fairmount neighborhood, where my dad was a weekend mechanic in his two-car garage. When a car dealer took a chance and gave him a car to repair, he fixed, painted, and returned it the same day. Upon repairing a few more cars, the dealer hired him full time. After gaining experience managing that dealer’s service department, Dad started his own body shop…and he taught his son well.

We’re honored to build upon and grow his legacy. Our full-service shop has recently expanded, and we now generate over $1 million in business each year…thanks to many satisfied customers. We were also the first collision repair shop in the area to use water based, eco-friendly paint. Our service to you is enhanced by state of the art technology and a level of caring customer service you’ll find in few other places. 

So whether you drive a Chevy, Ford, a new hybrid, or even a Porsche, when you’ve had an accident, you can be confident we’ll do our history proud, and ‘unwreck’ your car right…the way Dad taught us.

Whether you’re in Norwood, Evendale, Indian Hill, or Madisonville, we’re  ready to help you. Connect with us for a free repair estimate or to answer questions about your auto body repair needs. Email cccollision@gmail.com or call 513-631-2406. And if you like us, please“Like” us on Facebook.

If you drive, you’ve likely had an accident. At the least, you’ve come close enough to feel the rush of adrenaline as your car comes way-too-near a utility pole, or guard rail, or the rear end of the vehicle in front of you. And while that heart-pumping moment is great when you’re flying through the air on an amusement park ride, when it’s fear of an impending crash making you sweat, it’s no fun at all.

There are ways to prevent and avoid these near-misses and close shaves. It takes a little foresight, and a bit of foreknowledge, to maximize your safety. Today the Auto Body Guru is here with both.

Over 2 million rear end collisions are reported each year. It’s easily the most common type of accident. According to a study by engineers at Georgia Tech, drivers typically have a difficult time determining when a car in front of them is going slower if the speed difference is less than ten miles an hour. See, even your depth perception can work against you.

Fortunately, you’re ahead of the curve if you know actions to help you avoid these run-ins with rear ends, whether you’re the one in front or behind. Avoidance of these wrecks on your end (yes, pun intended) is, more than anything else, about paying attention. Here are a few tips you may already know, but maybe don’t practice as much as you could.

Leave your tailgating skills in the stadium parking lot. Hopefully, those skills are more about grill technique than following other vehicles too closely. If you can’t see ahead of the other car (a particular challenge with a large SUV in front of you), you might be too close. And remember that cars will take at least 10 feet per mile-per-hour to stop…often more than that.

Ditch your distractions. Texting while driving is not only dangerous, it’s illegal in many states. Even talking on your cellphone is a distraction, no matter how well you drive one-handed. And do you really need to fiddle with that stereo right now? If not, leave it alone, and leave yourself alert and better protected.

No Blind Faith. Be careful to avoid another driver’s blind spot. If that driver needs to swerve into your lane, you’ll likely brake hard because of the surprise visitor in your space, thus exposing you to a potential rear-end wreck.

If you have any questions about repairing your collision damage, how we work with insurance companies, the auto parts we would recommend, or if there’s anything we can do for you or your car, give Kevin or Jason a call at Center City Collision at 513-631-2406, or email us at cccollision@gmail.com.

Cincinnati is a city of rivalries. East Side versus West Side. Xavier University versus the University of Cincinnati. Bath tissue rolled over the top versus rolled from the bottom. Okay, maybe only those first two qualify as legitimate rivalries (though there are times the Guru wonders about that third one…). But look a little closer within the city, and especially within the mouths of its residents. There are plenty of rivalries within Cincinnati’s seven hills, particularly within its culinary repertoire. Here are two such in-city contests that spark debate whenever they’re mentioned.

Skyline vs. Gold Star

The chili debate is hotter than a jalapeno-laden five-way (spaghetti, chili, cheese, onion, and beans, for those non-Cincinnati natives), and it’s been going on for decades.

Skyline Chili and Gold Star Chili share a heritage from Greece, and each founder migrated to America bringing recipes that now help define Cincinnati’s culinary inheritance. Skyline has that hint of cinnamon, Gold Star may taste similar, but it’s definitely different. Devotees of one will never eat the other. For a taste test, you may have to travel out of the tri-state area to find one who’s uninitiated. And don’t forget that there are many other chili parlors (yes, we still call them parlors) around town which serve their own versions of Cincy-style chili. Among others, there’s Empress Chili, Camp Washington Chili, Price Hill Chili, and even in Northern Kentucky, there’s Dixie Chili. All Cincy-style, all worth a taste. If you prefer Skyline or Gold Star, just keep an open mouth. 

Graeter’s vs. Aglamesis Brothers

This debate has spilled onto the airwaves, via the Food Network’s Food Feuds. “Iron Chef” Michael Symon pits food versus food, and in a “Sweet Feud” the winner was…well, you’ll just have to watch it. No spoilers here.

Meanwhile, people are tasting deliciousness and taking sides here in town. Both companies have been around more than 100 years, and both still use original methods…including chocolate chips as big as your head. Okay, not that big, but man, those are fat chunks ‘o chip in those ice creams.

Aglamesis Brothers opened their first ice cream shop in 1908 and their present location on Oakley’s Erie Avenue in 1913, which is still serving at the original soda fountain, surrounded by Tiffany lamps and imported brass fixtures. Graeter’s uses a ‘french-pot’ method and their original century-old recipes, and was founded in 1870. Each has branched out into other items, and are now famous for baked goods and candies in addition to the amazing ice creams. 

So which delectable delights are preferred by the Auto Body Guru? Can’t say, but I might be able to if you stop by the body shop with lunch (and ice cream for dessert). My honest gastronomical opinion will follow. Now hand me that fork and spoon…

Whether you’re on the East side, the West side, north of Sharonville or south of Covington, we’re close by and ready to serve you with free estimates, answers to questions about auto body repair, or anything we can do for you or your car. Give Nate or Jason a call at 513-631-2406 or email us at cccollision@gmail.com.

Here in the body shop, we see it almost daily. Accidents which have damaged vehicles beyond reasonable repair. This is typically defined by your insurance company as “repair costs exceed the value of the car.” When that happens, another thing happens: You need to shop for a new ride.

But when you do, what do you consider? How it looks? How smooth it feels rolling down the road? Maybe you’ll think about how well your now-deceased SUV or minivan protected you during the incident that caused its demise. If that’s the case, you have some research to do…some of which our Auto Body Guru has done for you here.

One good source on auto safety is the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which rates vehicles by how well you’re protected in a crash. Their tried-and-true testing methods include rollovers, evaluations of seat belt and restraint systems, and crash tests. To be included in their list ranging from mini-cars and small SUVs to minivans, luxury behemoths and pickups, the tested vehicle must pass all testing with good ratings.  

Another place to find a wealth of info about vehicle safety is Consumer Reports. Famous for testing claims on almost every imaginable product, they offer a list of ten “safety checks” to apply to your choice of vehicle before you buy. Airbags, electronic stability control (a must for SUVs), and a vehicle’s ability to avoid an accident are just a few items on the list.

While the Guru hopes this has helped you remain safe behind your steering wheel and avoid accidental vehicle meetups, if the unavoidable crash happens, we’ll be happy to help restore your ride to its former glory…with all safety features intact and ready to roll.

Whether you’re in Park Hills, Villa Hills, Hyde Park, or Terrace Park, we’re not far away and ready to help with your collision repair needs! For questions about your auto body repair, fixing a door ding, or you just need to tell someone how good your local college team is this year, give Nate or Jason a call at 513-631-2406, or email us at cccollision@gmail.com.

Oh sure, it was 50 degrees during the first week of January…nice weather if you can get it here in Cincinnati. Trouble is, that nice weather is gone away for a while. Winter has shown up whether we’re ready for it or not.

Every winter, we get busier here at the body shop. While we appreciate the increase in business, we’d also like to help you and your vehicle stay safe on the wet, icy winter roads. So the Auto Body Guru has put together a few tips for thriving while driving in winter.

Keep your patience handy. Everything slows down in the snow, and it should. The thousands of pounds of moving steel known as your vehicle needs your full attention, and your best ability not to hurry. Rolling along without rushing also gives you time to maneuver when cars and conditions around you require action to avoid a wreck.

The number one piece of advice for safely navigating up a snowy, icy hill is “Don’t stop!” Few things are more difficult in a car, truck, or SUV than trying to get moving up an icy road once you’ve the vehicle has stopped. Keep those wheels a’rollin’ while accelerating slowly (if you spin, back off slightly), and your momentum can get you to the top of that treacherous incline.

In Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, you can’t avoid the hills. You can, however, know how to keep yourself safe if one of those hills wins the wintry battle with your car. There are plenty of places where, despite our best efforts, our vehicles can become stuck in the snow.

Stuck in the snow, your car is your only shelter. Especially in a severe storm, it’s easy to lose sight of your car in the midst of blowing snow. Stay with it, and make an easy distress signa by tying a brightly colored cloth to an antenna or rolling it up in a window. Staying there also makes it easier for rescue to find you. To help stay warm, insulate yourself with anything you can find, from floor mats to maps. Run the engine and heater sparingly, just long enough to remove your chill. And before you leave, let someone know where you’re going and when you’re expected there. If you don’t show, then someone knows you may be in wintry danger.

Whether you’re in Anderson, Covington, Erlanger or Oakley, we’re not far and ready to help! If you have any questions about auto body repair, need a free estimate, or if there’s anything we can do for you or your car, give Nate or Jason a call at Center City Collision at 513-631-2406, or email us at cccollision@gmail.com.

Help. Everybody needs it sometimes. And in a caring community such as ours, there are ample ways to receive it.

Did you know there are over 7,600 nonprofits listed in the Cincinnati area? Some are schools and churches, others are services for seniors, youth, the homeless, the displaced, and the poor. Whatever your needs, whatever your circumstances, there is sure to be a place offering the help you need.

That’s important to us at Center City Collision. After all, when we say we provide “expert auto repair by people who care,” we mean it. We believe in and care about the importance and impact of giving in order to help others. By investing time, talent, or treasure, we are building into the people, companies, and organizations that make our neighborhoods, cities, and even lives, better in so many ways.

Here are two local organizations doing great work, which we support on an ongoing basis.

The Norwood Service League is a community social service agency helping people during temporary times of need or to supplement current assistance. In partnership with businesses, civic organizations, schools, churches, and others, the League helps meet basic needs and promote self-sufficiency. We’re grateful for the help they provide to those less fortunate, especially in this current economy.

We sponsor Norwood Rugby, which is still finding great community support in its second year. Norwood Rugby expects to reach out to hundreds more Norwood youth. Our partnership will help the children involved learn the value of teamwork, physical activity, and other positive benefits that comes from playing this popular worldwide sport.

We’re thankful to be a part of such a growing and diverse community, and thankful for opportunities to give back. We’re also thankful that you are more than a customer in need of auto body repair…your business also helping change lives. Thank you for that! 

Want to make a personal difference? Volunteermatch.org has 577 local nonprofits seeking your help. Check it out and change some lives this year.

Whether you’re in Mt. Adams, Mt. Washington, or Mt. Lookout, we’re not far and ready to help you! For questions about door dings, what it takes to pop out that little dent, or how an insurance company decides to ‘total’ a car, call Nate or Jason at 513-631-2406, or email us at cccollision@gmail.com.

While those of us who live here typically know of the treasures and rewards our city provides, the rest of the world is now taking notice.

In their recent article, the editors of Lonelyplanet.com have listed their Top 10 US travel destinations for 2012, Cincinnati ranks third…behind the US Virgin Islands and New York’s Hudson River Valley, but ahead of other travel spots like Puerto Rico and California Gold Country. One thing they say in the Queen City’s favor is that the city has “quietly transformed itself in the last decade into a worthy weekend getaway.” But of course we knew that.

Here are a few reasons we think Cincy made the list.

Museums: Our city is home to world-recognized institutions such as the Cincinnati Art Museum (now free!) and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. For something more himsical, pop culture history comes alive at the American Sign Museum. All are outstanding repositories of education and information.

History: Did you know Cincinnati has one the largest stock of Italianate architecture in the United States? Much of it is centered in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, an area experiencing a tremendous renaissance of unique shops, restaurants, and art galleries. And of course, Findley Market…a nationally-known source of fresh, local food for more than 100 years.

Parks: The Hamilton County Park system is a treasure trove of scenery, river views, overlooks, and impressive green space. Eden Park’s Conservatory is a year-round delight of botanical beauty, and the parks along the riverbank are a great place to play and picnic while watching the mighty Ohio River roll by.

Whether you’re in Mt.Adams, Walnut Hills, Hyde Park, or Finneytown, we’re ready to serve you with free estimates, answers to questions about auto body repair, or anything we can do for you or your car. Give Nate or Jason a call at 513-631-2406 or email us at cccollision@gmail.com.

Did you get what you wanted for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or whatever holidays you and yours celebrated this month? No? Oh no! Welcome to the world of post-holiday returns.

Actually, with a little knowledge, which your Guru is willing and able to provide here, your journey into the land of the customer service desk doesn’t have to be an “Oh no!”

ConsumerWorld.org says this year, 83% of retailers are maintaining their current return policies, and 13% are tightening them. “If shoppers follow the rules, they should have many happy returns,” said Edgar Dworsky, founder of Consumer World®.

And those rules do vary. In fact, online return policies are likely to be very different than the same store’s brick-and-mortar location. Be sure that you’re looking at the return policies where you purchased the item, whether in-store or on the web.

There’s a lot to keep up with here, though fortunately most of us aren’t going to need to return several items to several vendors. However, be aware of the policies that will affect you and your post-holiday return journeys. Some stores are dropping restocking fees, and others are changing policies on items like electronics from 90 to 45-day returns only. Most stores will have different rules for different products, such as cameras and computers. Amazon has more than 30 different return policies…wow.

Here are a few more tips to help your returns be happy, whether or not they happen to be many.

Wait a week, or at least a few days. Of course, don’t wait too long, but if you’re out there right after Christmas, you’re in the company of millions doing the same thing.

If you are returning a defective item, some states (Massachusetts is one) requires the store to give consumers either repair, refund, or replacement, regardless of store policy.

Have a problem with a return? While some managers may practice the anti-friendly eyeroll, most are actually concerned about customer satisfaction and will work with you to resolve your issue. If that fails, and you still feel the need for some form of justice, a call can be made to a corporate headquarters or a complaint filed with your state’s Attorney General’s office.

Whether you’re in Mt. Lookout, Hyde Park, Avondale, or Finneytown, we’re close by and ready to serve you with free estimates, answers to questions about auto body repair, or anything we can do for you or your car. Give Nate or Jason a call at 513-631-2406 or email us at cccollision@gmail.com.