Keep your car looking sharp

Dear Dr. Car,

I recently had a small accident in a parking lot and have scraped my bumper. It is minor but ugly, especially as the rest of my car is in good condition. The damage is too small to claim through my insurance and body shops are too expensive. Is there anything else I can do?

Yes, there is. Car dealers encounter these problems with their used cars every day. They use mobile paint services that specialize in small paint and body damage. They will also fix scratches and rock chips. You'll find them listed in the Yellow Pages.

These services will come to you, and most repairs can be done in half a day or less. They carry paint toners to create the entire range of automotive colors on-site. Using your car's paint code, they will be able to match your vehicle's color.

The questions you should ask when choosing a mobile paint service are:

•How long have you been in business?

•How experienced are your painters?

•Is the work guaranteed in writing? For how long?

•What paint system do you use?

As these services are mobile, check with your local Better Business Bureau to see if they are members in good standing.

Many of these companies also repair stone-damaged windshields and interior surfaces such as worn or torn seats and panels.

For details, call Autotouch at (805) 377-1419 or go online to www.Autotouchventura.com.