Frequently asked questions

When repairing something as small as a scratch it might be necessary to repaint the entire panel. That means removing any trim and parts on that panel, like moldings, handles and mirrors. Depending on where the scratch is, we might also have to blend the paint into the adjacent panel to achieve a proper color match, which means removing the hardware there too. Occasionally we can do small spot repairs if the scratch is small enough and near an edge, but only case by case.

Generally, no. There are too many things to consider, from the year, make and model to details like power windows, transmission and even memory seats. Today’s cars have many options that affect parts and labor. No two dents are alike!

Estimates really should be done in person, because it’s nearly impossible to tell what needs to be addressed over the phone. A bumper repair can be anywhere from $150 to $1,500, and possibly much more.

Think of it this way. A bottle of nail polish costs about five dollars. Try painting a car door with nail polish. How many bottles do you think you’ll need? Oh, and don’t forget you have to prime the door first. Oh, and of course you need to apply a clear coat over that…

We’re in the business of repairing cars. We don’t total them; only insurance companies can do that. A total loss occurs when the repair costs outweigh the value of the car. Say your car is worth $10,000 and the estimate is $9,000. Your wrecked car is also worth something after the accident, maybe $2,000 to a salvage yard. The insurance company adds the cost of repairs and the salvage value. If that’s more than the car’s value, in this case $11,000 against $10,000, the car would most likely be a total loss. This has nothing to do with its mechanical condition. A simple fender replacement could total a perfectly running ’79 Honda Civic.

Yes. We use Glasurit, made by BASF, a German brand widely used throughout Europe. We have a large bank of toners and use a computer database to look up the proper formula for your car. Our painters then spray out test panels to ensure a good match. As mandated by the state of California, our base coat is waterborne and the clear coat is urethane enamel.

Lacquer paints are no longer legal to use in this area because of their effect on air quality. We use a waterborne base coat with a urethane enamel clear coat.

We don’t do complete repaints unless it’s for an insurance claim, such as vandalism or chemical fallout. Changing a color is expensive and very time consuming: there’s paint under the hood, around the engine, in the trunk and inside the door frames. Some shops specialize in complete repaints. We major in collision repair.

Typically, you can hand wash your car immediately after the repair. Avoid the spinning-brush or mop-type car washes, new paint or not. They just aren’t nice to your finish.

Please wait about one month before waxing after new paint has been applied.

All makes and models. We specialize in European cars, specifically Porsche, Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo and Volkswagen. We’re also very familiar with Hondas, Toyotas, Subarus, Lexus and just about every other make and model.

We’re a collision repair facility, and we specialize in restoring a car to its pre-loss condition. That can include repairing or replacing sheet metal, straightening or replacing frame components, suspension and wheel alignment work, mechanical work, interior work, electrical repair, airbags and related components, and resetting computer systems.

Nearly all work is done in house, as this is the most cost-effective way to repair a car. Occasionally a car might need to go to a dealer for a specific computer or mechanical issue.

The VIN tells us all about your car. A headlight isn’t as simple as it sounds. Cars today have many options, like halogen, xenon, built-in fog lights, self-leveling, and even headlights that turn with the steering!

Yes, but only case by case. Feel free to ask. We can also offer referrals to other shops.

Take Embarcadero Road heading east from 101, then turn right on Faber Place. We’re about halfway down the block on the right-hand side.

There are options. Give us a call and we can work out other arrangements.

Call us and let us know it’s here. We can best advise you over the phone on what to do next.

Mr. Carlsen at one time owned all of it, and he hired Mr. Mathews many years ago to manage his body shop. He retired in the early ’80s and sold the businesses to his general managers and partners. Mathews-Carlsen is an independent shop, and we’ve kept a close working relationship with the dealerships over the years.