Auto Body Repair Blog & Expert Advice | Five Star Auto Body Vancouver WA, Longview WA & Chehalis WA * { margin: 0; padding: 0; box-sizing: border-box; } body { font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, sans-serif; line-height: 1.6; color: #374151; } .container { max-width: 1200px; margin: 0 auto; padding: 0 20px; } /* Navigation */ .navbar { position: fixed; top: 0; left: 0; right: 0; background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.95); border-bottom: 1px solid #f97316; z-index: 1000; padding: 0.25rem 0; backdrop-filter: blur(10px); } .nav-container { display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: center; max-width: 1200px; margin: 0 auto; padding: 0 20px; } .nav-logo { display: flex; align-items: center; text-decoration: none; } .nav-logo img { height: 80px; width: auto; transition: transform 0.3s ease; } .nav-logo:hover img { transform: scale(1.05); } .nav-menu { display: flex; list-style: none; gap: 2rem; margin: 0; position: relative; } .nav-item { position: relative; } .dropdown { position: relative; } .dropdown-content { position: absolute; top: 100%; left: 0; background: white; min-width: 280px; box-shadow: 0 10px 40px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15); border-radius: 12px; opacity: 0; visibility: hidden; transform: translateY(-10px); transition: all 0.3s cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1); z-index: 1001; margin-top: 0.5rem; border: 1px solid rgba(249, 115, 22, 0.1); } .dropdown:hover .dropdown-content { opacity: 1; visibility: visible; transform: translateY(0); } .dropdown-content a { display: block; padding: 1rem 1.5rem; color: #374151; text-decoration: none; font-size: 0.95rem; font-weight: 500; transition: all 0.3s ease; border-radius: 8px; margin: 0.3rem; } .dropdown-content a:hover { background: linear-gradient(45deg, #f97316, #ea580c); color: white; transform: translateX(5px); } .nav-link { color: #374151; text-decoration: none; font-weight: 500; padding: 0.5rem 0; transition: color 0.3s ease; } .nav-link:hover { color: #f97316; } .nav-cta { background: #f97316; color: white; padding: 0.5rem 1rem; border-radius: 25px; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; transition: all 0.3s ease; } .nav-cta:hover { background: #ea580c; transform: translateY(-2px); } .mobile-menu-btn { display: none; background: none; border: none; font-size: 1.5rem; cursor: pointer; color: #374151; padding: 0.5rem; } .dropdown-toggle::after { content: ' ▼'; font-size: 0.8rem; margin-left: 0.5rem; transition: transform 0.3s ease; } .dropdown-toggle.active::after { transform: rotate(180deg); } /* Hero Section */ .hero { background: linear-gradient(135deg, #f97316 0%, #ea580c 30%, #2563eb 70%, #1d4ed8 100%); color: white; min-height: 100vh; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; text-align: center; position: relative; overflow: hidden; padding: 120px 20px 40px; } .hero::before { content: ''; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; right: 0; bottom: 0; background: url('data:image/svg+xml,'); opacity: 0.4; } .hero .container { position: relative; z-index: 2; max-width: 1000px; } .hero h1 { font-size: 3.5rem; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; line-height: 1.1; text-shadow: 2px 2px 4px rgba(0,0,0,0.3); } .hero-subtitle { font-size: 1.4rem; margin-bottom: 2.5rem; opacity: 0.95; line-height: 1.5; max-width: 800px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; } .hero-stats { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr); gap: 2rem; margin-bottom: 3rem; max-width: 600px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; } .hero-stat { background: rgba(255,255,255,0.15); padding: 1.5rem; border-radius: 20px; backdrop-filter: blur(20px); border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.2); transition: all 0.3s ease; } .hero-stat:hover { transform: translateY(-5px); background: rgba(255,255,255,0.2); } .hero-stat-number { font-size: 2.2rem; font-weight: bold; color: #fed7aa; margin-bottom: 0.5rem; line-height: 1; } .hero-stat-label { font-size: 1rem; opacity: 0.9; line-height: 1.2; } .hero-cta { display: inline-block; background: rgba(255,255,255,0.9); color: #2563eb; padding: 1.2rem 2.5rem; text-decoration: none; border-radius: 50px; font-weight: 600; font-size: 1.1rem; transition: all 0.4s cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1); box-shadow: 0 10px 30px rgba(0,0,0,0.2); } .hero-cta:hover { background: white; color: #1d4ed8; transform: translateY(-3px) scale(1.05); box-shadow: 0 15px 40px rgba(0,0,0,0.3); } /* Sections */ .section { padding: 80px 0; } .section-title { text-align: center; font-size: 2.5rem; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1rem; color: #2563eb; } .section-subtitle { text-align: center; font-size: 1.1rem; color: #6b7280; margin-bottom: 3rem; max-width: 600px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; } /* Featured Articles Section */ .featured-articles { background: white; } .articles-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr); gap: 2.5rem; } .article-card { background: linear-gradient(145deg, #ffffff, #f8fafc); border-radius: 25px; overflow: hidden; box-shadow: 0 20px 60px rgba(0,0,0,0.08); border: 1px solid rgba(249, 115, 22, 0.1); transition: all 0.4s cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1); position: relative; min-height: 400px; display: flex; flex-direction: column; } .article-card::before { content: ''; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; right: 0; height: 5px; background: linear-gradient(90deg, #f97316, #2563eb, #f97316); transform: translateX(-100%); transition: transform 0.6s ease; } .article-card:hover::before { transform: translateX(0); } .article-card:hover { transform: translateY(-15px) scale(1.02); box-shadow: 0 30px 80px rgba(0,0,0,0.15); border-color: rgba(249, 115, 22, 0.3); } .article-header { background: linear-gradient(135deg, #f97316, #2563eb); color: white; padding: 1.5rem; text-align: center; } .article-category { font-size: 0.85rem; opacity: 0.9; margin-bottom: 0.5rem; font-weight: 500; } .article-title { font-size: 1.3rem; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.3; margin-bottom: 0; } .article-content { padding: 2rem; flex-grow: 1; display: flex; flex-direction: column; } .article-excerpt { color: #6b7280; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; font-size: 0.95rem; flex-grow: 1; } .article-cta { background: linear-gradient(45deg, #f97316, #ea580c); color: white; padding: 0.8rem 1.5rem; border-radius: 25px; text-decoration: none; font-weight: 600; font-size: 0.9rem; text-align: center; transition: all 0.3s ease; margin-top: auto; } .article-cta:hover { transform: translateY(-2px); box-shadow: 0 8px 20px rgba(249, 115, 22, 0.3); } /* Blog Topics Section */ .blog-topics { background: linear-gradient(135deg, #f8fafc 0%, #e2e8f0 100%); } .topics-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr); gap: 2.5rem; max-width: 900px; margin: 0 auto; } .topic-card { background: white; padding: 2.5rem; border-radius: 25px; box-shadow: 0 20px 60px rgba(0,0,0,0.08); border: 1px solid rgba(249, 115, 22, 0.1); transition: all 0.4s cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1); position: relative; overflow: hidden; min-height: 240px; display: flex; flex-direction: column; justify-content: space-between; } .topic-card::before { content: ''; position: absolute; top: 0; left: -100%; width: 100%; height: 100%; background: linear-gradient(90deg, transparent, rgba(249, 115, 22, 0.05), transparent); transition: left 0.8s ease; } .topic-card:hover::before { left: 100%; } .topic-card:hover { transform: translateY(-10px) scale(1.02); box-shadow: 0 30px 80px rgba(0,0,0,0.15); border-color: rgba(249, 115, 22, 0.3); } .topic-card h3 { font-size: 1.4rem; color: #2563eb; margin-bottom: 1.2rem; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.3; } .topic-card p { color: #6b7280; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; font-size: 1rem; flex-grow: 1; } .topic-link { color: #f97316; text-decoration: none; font-weight: 600; font-size: 1rem; transition: all 0.3s ease; display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 0.5rem; margin-top: auto; } .topic-link:hover { color: #2563eb; transform: translateX(5px); } /* Latest Articles Section */ .latest-articles { background: white; } .latest-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(4, 1fr); gap: 2rem; } .latest-card { background: linear-gradient(145deg, #f8fafc, #e2e8f0); padding: 2rem; border-radius: 20px; border-left: 5px solid #f97316; transition: all 0.4s cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1); position: relative; overflow: hidden; min-height: 280px; display: flex; flex-direction: column; justify-content: space-between; } .latest-card::before { content: ''; position: absolute; top: 0; left: -100%; width: 100%; height: 100%; background: linear-gradient(90deg, transparent, rgba(249, 115, 22, 0.05), transparent); transition: left 0.8s ease; } .latest-card:hover::before { left: 100%; } .latest-card:hover { transform: translateY(-8px); box-shadow: 0 20px 50px rgba(0,0,0,0.1); border-left-color: #2563eb; } .latest-date { font-size: 0.85rem; color: #f97316; font-weight: 600; margin-bottom: 0.8rem; } .latest-card h3 { font-size: 1.2rem; color: #2563eb; margin-bottom: 1rem; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.3; } .latest-card p { color: #6b7280; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; font-size: 0.95rem; flex-grow: 1; } .latest-link { color: #f97316; text-decoration: none; font-weight: 600; font-size: 0.95rem; transition: all 0.3s ease; display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 0.5rem; margin-top: auto; } .latest-link:hover { color: #2563eb; transform: translateX(5px); } /* Expert Tips Section */ .expert-tips { background: linear-gradient(135deg, #2563eb 0%, #1d4ed8 100%); color: white; } .expert-tips .section-title { color: #ffffff; } .expert-tips .section-subtitle { color: #e0e7ff; } .tips-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr); gap: 2.5rem; } .tip-card { background: rgba(255,255,255,0.1); padding: 2.5rem; border-radius: 25px; backdrop-filter: blur(20px); border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.2); transition: all 0.4s cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1); position: relative; overflow: hidden; min-height: 300px; display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; text-align: center; } .tip-card:hover { transform: translateY(-10px) scale(1.02); background: rgba(255,255,255,0.15); box-shadow: 0 25px 60px rgba(0,0,0,0.2); } .tip-number { width: 60px; height: 60px; background: rgba(255,255,255,0.2); border-radius: 50%; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; font-size: 1.5rem; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; border: 2px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.3); } .tip-card h3 { font-size: 1.3rem; margin-bottom: 1.2rem; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.3; color: #fed7aa; } .tip-card p { line-height: 1.6; opacity: 0.9; font-size: 1rem; } /* Newsletter Section */ .newsletter { background: linear-gradient(135deg, #f97316 0%, #ea580c 50%, #2563eb 100%); color: white; } .newsletter .section-title { color: #ffffff; } .newsletter .section-subtitle { color: #fed7aa; } .newsletter-content { max-width: 600px; margin: 0 auto; text-align: center; } .newsletter-form { display: flex; gap: 1rem; margin-top: 2rem; max-width: 400px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; } .newsletter-input { flex: 1; padding: 1rem; border: none; border-radius: 25px; font-size: 1rem; outline: none; } .newsletter-btn { background: rgba(255,255,255,0.2); color: white; border: none; padding: 1rem 2rem; border-radius: 25px; font-weight: 600; cursor: pointer; transition: all 0.3s ease; backdrop-filter: blur(20px); border: 2px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.3); } .newsletter-btn:hover { background: rgba(255,255,255,0.3); transform: translateY(-2px); } /* CTA Section */ .cta-section { background: white; } .cta-content { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr); gap: 3rem; align-items: center; } .cta-text h2 { font-size: 2.2rem; color: #2563eb; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.3; } .cta-text p { color: #6b7280; line-height: 1.7; margin-bottom: 2rem; font-size: 1.1rem; } .cta-buttons { display: flex; gap: 1rem; flex-wrap: wrap; } .cta-btn { display: inline-block; padding: 1rem 2rem; border-radius: 30px; text-decoration: none; font-weight: 600; font-size: 1rem; transition: all 0.3s ease; } .cta-btn.primary { background: linear-gradient(45deg, #f97316, #ea580c); color: white; box-shadow: 0 8px 20px rgba(249, 115, 22, 0.3); } .cta-btn.primary:hover { transform: translateY(-3px) scale(1.05); box-shadow: 0 15px 30px rgba(249, 115, 22, 0.4); } .cta-btn.secondary { background: transparent; color: #2563eb; border: 2px solid #2563eb; } .cta-btn.secondary:hover { background: #2563eb; color: white; transform: translateY(-3px); } .cta-visual { background: linear-gradient(45deg, #f97316, #2563eb); border-radius: 20px; padding: 3rem; text-align: center; color: white; position: relative; overflow: hidden; } .cta-visual::before { content: ''; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; right: 0; bottom: 0; background: url('data:image/svg+xml,'); opacity: 0.3; } .cta-visual h3 { font-size: 1.8rem; margin-bottom: 1rem; position: relative; z-index: 2; } .cta-visual p { font-size: 1.1rem; opacity: 0.9; position: relative; z-index: 2; } /* Footer */ .footer { background: #374151; color: white; padding: 3rem 0 2rem; } .footer-content { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(250px, 1fr)); gap: 2rem; margin-bottom: 2rem; } .footer-section h3 { color: #f97316; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 600; } .footer-section ul { list-style: none; } .footer-section li { margin-bottom: 0.8rem; } .footer-section a { color: white; text-decoration: none; opacity: 0.8; transition: all 0.3s ease; font-size: 0.95rem; } .footer-section a:hover { color: #f97316; opacity: 1; transform: translateX(3px); } .footer-bottom { border-top: 1px solid #6b7280; padding-top: 2rem; text-align: center; opacity: 0.7; font-size: 0.9rem; } /* Mobile Responsive Design */ @media (max-width: 768px) { .mobile-menu-btn { display: block; } .nav-menu { display: none; position: absolute; top: 100%; left: 0; right: 0; background: white; flex-direction: column; padding: 1rem 0; box-shadow: 0 4px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.1); border-top: 1px solid #e5e7eb; } .nav-menu.active { display: flex; } .nav-link { display: block; padding: 1rem 1.5rem; border-bottom: 1px solid #f3f4f6; } .dropdown-content { position: static; opacity: 1; visibility: visible; transform: none; box-shadow: none; background: #f8fafc; margin: 0; border-radius: 0; border: none; border-top: 1px solid #e5e7eb; max-height: 0; overflow: hidden; transition: max-height 0.3s ease; } .dropdown.active .dropdown-content { max-height: 400px; } .hero { min-height: 100vh; padding: 100px 15px 30px; } .hero h1 { font-size: 2.2rem; margin-bottom: 1rem; } .hero-subtitle { font-size: 1.1rem; margin-bottom: 2rem; } .hero-stats { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 1rem; margin-bottom: 2rem; } .hero-stat { padding: 1.2rem; } .hero-stat-number { font-size: 1.8rem; } .hero-cta { padding: 1rem 2rem; font-size: 1rem; } .section { padding: 50px 0; } .section-title { font-size: 1.8rem; margin-bottom: 1rem; } .section-subtitle { font-size: 1rem; margin-bottom: 2rem; } .articles-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 1.5rem; } .article-card { min-height: auto; } .article-content { padding: 1.5rem; } .topics-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 1.5rem; } .topic-card { padding: 1.5rem; min-height: auto; } .latest-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 1.5rem; } .latest-card { padding: 1.5rem; min-height: auto; } .tips-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 1.5rem; } .tip-card { padding: 1.5rem; min-height: auto; } .newsletter-form { flex-direction: column; gap: 1rem; } .cta-content { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 2rem; } .cta-text h2 { font-size: 1.8rem; } .cta-buttons { justify-content: center; } .footer-content { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 2rem; } } @media (max-width: 480px) { .hero h1 { font-size: 1.8rem; } .hero-subtitle { font-size: 1rem; } .hero-cta { padding: 0.8rem 1.5rem; font-size: 0.9rem; } .section-title { font-size: 1.5rem; } .article-content { padding: 1.2rem; } .topic-card { padding: 1.2rem; } .latest-card { padding: 1.2rem; } .tip-card { padding: 1.2rem; } .cta-text h2 { font-size: 1.5rem; } }

Auto Body Repair Blog & Expert Advice

Get expert insights on collision repair, auto body maintenance, insurance claims, and industry tips from Five Star Auto Body's certified technicians serving Vancouver WA, Longview WA, and Chehalis WA.

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Featured Auto Body Repair Articles

Essential guides covering collision repair costs, timelines, insurance claims, and expert tips from our certified technicians

Auto Body Repair Cost Guide

How Much Does Collision Repair Cost in Washington State?

Comprehensive guide to collision repair costs, insurance coverage factors, and what affects auto body repair pricing in Vancouver, Longview, and Chehalis. Learn about deductibles, OEM vs aftermarket parts, and how to get accurate estimates from certified auto body shops.

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Auto Body Repair Timeline

How Long Does Auto Body Repair Take? Timeline Guide

Learn about auto body repair timelines, factors affecting repair duration, and what to expect during the collision repair process. Understand why some repairs take longer and how to plan during vehicle restoration at Five Star Auto Body locations.

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Insurance Claims Process

Navigating Auto Insurance Claims for Collision Repair

Step-by-step guide to filing insurance claims, working with adjusters, and ensuring proper coverage for your auto body repair. Learn about preferred provider networks, direct billing, and how to avoid claim delays in Washington State.

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Auto Body Repair Topics

Explore our comprehensive library of auto body repair knowledge organized by topic and service type

Collision Repair

Expert advice on collision repair processes, frame straightening, structural repair, and advanced collision restoration techniques from our collision repair specialists serving Vancouver, Longview, and Chehalis Washington.

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Paint & Bodywork

Professional insights on paint matching, color correction, body panel repair, and finishing techniques used in our Vancouver and Longview facilities for perfect auto body restoration results.

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Insurance & Claims

Navigate insurance claims, understand coverage options, and learn about working with insurance adjusters for auto body repair claims in Washington State. Get expert guidance from our experienced team.

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Vehicle Maintenance

Preventive care tips, maintenance schedules, and advice to keep your vehicle in top condition and avoid costly auto body repairs from our Chehalis experts and certified technicians.

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Latest Auto Body Repair Insights

Stay updated with the latest industry trends, repair techniques, and automotive news from Five Star Auto Body professionals

January 15, 2024

Choosing the Right Auto Body Shop in Washington State

Essential factors to consider when selecting an auto body repair shop including certifications, insurance partnerships, customer reviews, and quality guarantees. Learn what questions to ask and red flags to avoid when choosing collision repair services in Vancouver, Longview, or Chehalis areas.

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January 10, 2024

Winter Auto Body Care Tips for Washington Drivers

Protect your vehicle during Washington's wet winter months with expert maintenance tips. Learn about rust prevention, paint protection, undercarriage care, and seasonal maintenance that can prevent costly auto body repairs from our certified technicians.

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January 5, 2024

Understanding Auto Body Repair Warranties and Guarantees

Comprehensive guide to auto body repair warranties, what's covered, and how long guarantees typically last. Learn about Five Star Auto Body's lifetime warranty program and what it means for your collision repair investment across our Washington locations.

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December 28, 2023

Modern Vehicle Safety Systems and Collision Repair

How advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) affect collision repair processes, calibration requirements, and why choosing a certified auto body shop matters for modern vehicle restoration. Explore specialized equipment and training required for today's vehicles.

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Essential Auto Body Repair Tips

Professional advice from our certified technicians to help you maintain your vehicle and make informed decisions about auto body services

Document Everything After an Accident

Take photos from multiple angles, collect insurance information, and document the scene thoroughly. Proper documentation speeds up the insurance claims process and ensures accurate estimates for your collision repair needs at any of our Washington locations.

Get Multiple Repair Estimates

Compare estimates from certified auto body shops to understand the scope of work needed. Look beyond price to consider warranty coverage, repair timeline, and shop certifications when choosing your collision repair provider in Vancouver, Longview, or Chehalis.

Ask About OEM vs Aftermarket Parts

Understand the difference between original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts and aftermarket alternatives. OEM parts ensure proper fit and maintain vehicle value, while aftermarket parts may offer cost savings for certain auto body repairs.

Get Expert Auto Body Repair Advice

Ready to get professional auto body repair services or need expert advice? Contact Five Star Auto Body for free estimates and certified collision repair services across Washington State. Our experienced team is here to help with all your auto body repair needs.

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Expert Technicians

Certified professionals with years of experience in auto body repair and collision restoration across Vancouver WA, Longview WA, and Chehalis WA