Blog
Our blog offers a wide range of relevant topics and tips on driving in inclement weather, selecting a quality body shop, caring for your luxury vehicle’s fine leather, vehicle maintenance, facts about EV battery technology, holiday driving and other automotive industry related content.
- by Montgomery Miller
- March 15th, 2021
It’s Time to Think about the Care and Conditioning of Your Fine Leather
The weather in Texas can be chilly and rainy one day, hot and humid the next, then enhanced with a roaring thunderstorm.
- by Montgomery Miller
- February 15th, 2021
Be Ready for rough weather
We rarely think of Texas as having harsh winters, yet February often brings icy road conditions to Austin. Although January on average is the coldest month for Austin, February comes in a close second with an average low of 44.0°F.
- by Montgomery Miller
- January 15th, 2021
Austin’s New Tesla Factory
Last year at this time we were talking about Tesla’s ongoing advances in battery technology…the million-mile battery so to speak. Since then, big announcements from Tesla have given Austinites some exciting news to digest.
- by Montgomery Miller
- December 15th, 2020
Tech Advances to Keep an Eye On
As we’ve all noticed, automotive tech innovations just keep coming at a faster pace than ever before. Vehicles that talk to us, drive for us, tell us when we’re out of our lane or getting too close...
- by Montgomery Miller
- November 15th, 2020
The Importance of Giving
This year, perhaps a bit more than in previous years, now is the season for family, gift giving, celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, the approaching New Year and for giving back to your community.
- by Montgomery Miller
- September 15th, 2020
Maintaining Your Tesla’s battery
The range of the Tesla battery is a game changer for the electric car industry, and it’s important to know how to best take care of it. Tesla recommends that you bring your Tesla vehicle into the nearest Service Center...
- by Montgomery Miller
- August 15th, 2020
Sooner or Later, the Rain will Come
Here is Texas, it can be hot and sunny one minute and raining buckets the next. Keeping this in mind, now is a good time to brush up on your rainy weather driving strategy.
- by Montgomery Miller
- July 15th, 2020
Avoid Distracted Back-to-School Driving
Please enjoy this encore presentation of our very successful blog from August 2017 for some important safety tips on driving during the back-to-school season updated for our current back-to-school challenges.
- by Montgomery Miller
- June 15th, 2020
Why Standard Body Repair Techniques Cannot be Used to Safely Repair Modern Vehicles Built with Advanced Alloys
Once upon a time, body repairs were relatively simple. Welding...
- by Montgomery Miller
- May 15th, 2020
Don’t Wait to Prepare Your Vehicle for Summer Driving
It’s safe to say that flying for fun is not going to be back in vogue in time for summer. With schools officially closed for the duration of the academic year, restless kids are going to be looking for fun activities.
- by Montgomery Miller
- April 15th, 2020
Keeping You On The Road in April
The month of April has presented all of us with challenges and opportunities. Here at Autocraft Bodywerks, we take the health and safety of our guests and our employees very seriously.
- by Montgomery Miller
- March 15th, 2020
Driving in the Rainy Season
As the rainy season arrives it’s appropriate to revisit some expert advice on how to keep you and your vehicle safe during the rains that are sure to come.
- by Montgomery Miller
- February 15th, 2020
Ushering in a New Era for Autocraft Bodywerks
When Tesla announced in March of 2016 that deliveries of the long-awaited Model 3 would begin in late 2017, Tesla enthusiasts breathed a collective sigh of relief.…then took a deep breath.
- by Montgomery Miller
- January 12th, 2020
Why a Million-Mile Battery is Big News From Tesla
A September 2019 article in Forbes details progress by Tesla’s battery guru, on new battery chemistries that will allow for a cell to have a lifetime of 6,000 cycles. For an EV like a Tesla, which requires a large block of cells, this translates, essentially, into a “million-mile battery.”
- by Montgomery Miller
- December 16th, 2019
The Importance of Giving
This is the season for family, gift giving, celebrating Christmas, the approaching New Year and for giving back to your community. It’s a long-standing tradition in America and it’s established our country as one of the most generous in the world. For many of us, giving is a very personal expression but it can also be a rewarding family endeavor.
- by Montgomery Miller
- November 14th, 2019
Gift Ideas (and More) for the Car Lover in Your Life
With Thanksgiving right around the corner, let’s start with the search for the perfect turkey. Then we can move on to clever automotive gifts. There was a time when a simple Butterball turkey or a fresh turkey from the local farmer could be stuffed, popped in the oven and that was that.
- by Montgomery Miller
- October 10th, 2019
Safely Navigating the Holidays
First, Halloween arrives in slow motion. The ghosts and pumpkins appear, the houses and neighborhoods take on an eerie glow and BOOM, the little ones swarm the streets for Trick-or-Treating. Suddenly we’re navigating crowded parking lots in a quest to find the perfect turkey and the Christmas lights begin to appear...
- by Montgomery Miller
- September 12th, 2019
Where’s the Rain? Don’t Worry, It’ll Get Here.
Hard to believe it’s been 2 years since Hurricane Harvey brought record rains and major flooding to Texas. Although we’ve had a relatively dry summer, the trusted Farmer’s Almanac is predicting some heavy rains in October...
- by Montgomery Miller
- August 15th, 2019
Tips for Safe Back-to-School Driving
Please enjoy this encore presentation of our very successful blog from August 2017 for some important safety tips on driving during the back-to-school season. It’s that time of year again. The summer barbeques and trips to the waterpark will soon give way to cruising the crowded aisles for notebooks, paperclips, rulers and pens.
- by Montgomery Miller
- July 15th, 2019
Finding the Best Body Shop for Your Vehicle
Just over two years ago, we published our first blog, How To Choose A Collision Repair Shop, to help our followers understand the importance of choosing wisely when it comes to the repair of your vehicle following a collision.
- by Montgomery Miller
- June 3rd, 2019
Summer Driving Adventures From Austin
Summer is great for many reasons, none the least of which are the cool road trips one can take from Austin to a variety of popular destinations.
- by Montgomery Miller
- May 15th, 2019
Prepare Your Vehicle for Summer Driving
Hitting the road with the family can be a fun adventure. Taking in the sights on an open country road or adventuring to a new city, all part of the summer fun we can expect, along with blazing hot sunshine that can damage, leather...
- by Montgomery Miller
- April 15th, 2019 (Encore, Originally published march 2018)
The Care and Conditioning of Your Fine Leather
Don’t you love the weather in Texas? Chilly and rainy one day, hot and humid the next, capped off with a roaring thunderstorm. My mother, who was from east Texas, used to say, “If you don’t like the weather, just wait a minute,” and she was right of course.
- by Montgomery Miller
- March 15th, 2019
Wet Weather
Spring weather can be a little unpredictable. Add to that the fact that we’re in Texas and Spring weather is flat out mystifying.
- by Montgomery Miller
- February 15th, 2019
Hybrid vs. Electric Vehicles: What’s Next?
Today, there are a lot of choices when it comes to deciding between a traditional gas driven vehicle, a hybrid vehicle or an all-electric vehicle.
- by Montgomery Miller
- January 10th, 2019
Why You Should Always Insist on Original Equipment Manufacturer Replacement Parts
Your prized vehicle has been damaged in an accident, so you call your insurance company expecting their first concern ...
- by Montgomery Miller
- December 8th, 2018
Hot Automotive Trends for 2019
Automotive technology is advancing and the changes seem to be coming at a faster pace than ever. From smart cars to hybrids and the latest gizmos, to major industry changes, 2019...
- by Montgomery Miller
- November 14th, 2018
The shopping rush is on
The shopping rush is on. It’s as if a dinner bell rang at the local mall and everyone heard it at the same time. Of course, you can avoid the crowds by shopping online, especially if you start early enough.
- by Montgomery Miller
- September 18th, 2018
Driving In Story weather
It’s been a year since Hurricane Harvey brought record rains and major flooding to Texas. As the rainy season arrives it’s appropriate to revisit some expert advice on how to keep you and your vehicle and family safe during the rains that are sure to come.
- by Montgomery Miller
- August 6th, 2018
Some Simple Back-to-School
Driving Tips
It’s August and that means many of you are getting your kids back to school soon. Please enjoy this encore presentation of our very successful blog from August 2017 for some important safety tips on driving during the back-to-school season.
- by Montgomery Miller
- June 10th, 2018
Getting the Most Out of that Summer Road Trip
Your hitting the road with the family and preparing your vehicle for the big adventure. It’s a summer ritual thousands of Texas drivers will be participating in over the coming weeks.
- by Montgomery Miller
- April 10th, 2018
Hands-Free is the Only Way to Communicate on the Road
Your vehicle is a remarkable example of technology and engineering. It’s also a potential weapon that may weigh 4,000 lbs. or more. Used properly, it’s an amazing transportation tool, getting you...
- by Montgomery Miller
- March 7th, 2018
The Care and Conditioning of Your Fine Leather
Don’t you love the weather in Texas? Chilly and rainy one day, hot and humid the next, capped off with a roaring thunderstorm. My mother, who was from east Texas, used to say, “If you don’t like the weather, just wait a minute,” and she was right of course.
- by Montgomery Miller
- February 9th, 2018
Navigation — The Best Way to Get From Here to There
With Austin construction at an all-time high, detours and road closures springing up at a record pace, combined with rapidly increasing traffic congestion, finding the best navigation app has become mission critical.
- by Montgomery Miller
- January 5th, 2018
Why Certifications Matter More than Ever in 2018
As automotive technologies continue to evolve, our vehicles are becoming more and more sophisticated. Along with the exciting benefits that come with technological advances, the task of repairing these highly advanced vehicles is requiring higher levels of training, experience and diagnostic systems.
- by Montgomery Miller
- December 15th, 2017
New Tech for the New Year
Just when you thought the cool features available with your new 2018 model car or SUV couldn’t get any cooler, think again. Anyone old enough to remember the original Star Trek is now looking back in wonder at the visionary tech predicted by series creator Gene Roddenberry in consultation with the brilliant astronomer and astrophysicist Carl Sagan.
- by Montgomery Miller
- November 9th, 2017
‘Tis the Season for Giving…Back!
Today, consumers are choosing who they want to buy from based on many factors. Pricing, reputation, and location continue to be primary drivers, but many consumers are also interested in doing business with companies that give back. In fact, according to a May 2016 article in Inc. 85% of customers have a better outlook on and prefer businesses and brands that support a charity they care about.
- by Montgomery Miller
- October 9th, 2017
What is Blueprinting and Why
is it Important?
You may have heard the term blueprinting as it pertains to architectural design and engineering but for the automotive collision repair industry the term blueprinting has a very important meaning that can differentiate an average or low-end body shop from a superior, higher-end shop.
- by Montgomery Miller
- September 9th, 2017
Driving in wet weather
With the recent flooding in Houston from Hurricane Harvey and the potential for more dangerous storms here in Texas, it seems appropriate to provide some expert advice on how to keep you and your vehicle from becoming another storm related statistic.
- by Montgomery Miller
- August 7th, 2017
Some Simple Back-to-School
Driving Tips
It’s that time of year again. The summer barbeques and trips to the waterpark will soon give way to cruising the crowded aisles for notebooks, paperclips, rulers and pens. The scramble will soon be on for that “cool” backpack and the lunch box to go with it.
- by Montgomery Miller
- July 6th, 2017
Finding the Best Body Shop
for Your Vehicle
Just over a year ago, we published our first blog, How To Choose A Collision Repair Shop, to help our followers understand the importance of choosing wisely when it comes to the repair of your vehicle following a collision.
- by Kristin Shaw
- June 14th, 2017
Where the Rubber Really Meets the Road
Many of us will be hitting the road this summer. Some of our adventures will include family fun in the SUV, sporty drives down country roads or perhaps a wind-in-the-hair jaunt to the coast.
- by Kristin Shaw
- May 10th, 2017
Want to Record Your Driving? Here’s a Rundown of Some of the Best Dash Cams
Dash cameras are wildly popular in Europe and are gaining in popularity in the US. Whether you want to record your drives for insurance purposes in the event of a collision, or to show off your superior driving skills on the road or around the track...
- by Kristin Shaw
- April 13th, 2017
Zero Emission vs Hybrid Luxury Vehicles: What’s Right for You?
Clean air and greener lifestyles are a focus for many of us today. But are you someone who could give up your familiar gasoline-powered car?
- by Kristin Shaw
- March 3rd, 2017
Tesla Gigafactory Powers Up
Nevada knows gambling. The bright lights of casinos welcome travelers from miles away, and those lights are currently powered by traditional sources. One day, those lights could be powered by batteries manufactured nearby, thanks to Elon Musk’s giant gamble just east of Reno.
- by Kristin Shaw
- February 8th, 2017
Cool Tech and Upgrades for your Luxury Vehicle
You have the car of your dreams in your garage. It’s all you need. There are no other accessories that you… Wait. Did you say a handmade espresso travel set for the car? Why, yes. For a little over $200, you can brew your favorite espresso in the car with a special case that allows you to brew coffee while driving.
- by Kristin Shaw
- January 5th, 2017
Technology-Driven trends
According to McKinsey Global Institute, technology-driven trends will revolutionize how industry players respond to changing consumer behavior, develop partnerships, and drive transformational change. For the past couple of decades, cars have become more and more technology-focused, and the result is more potential advantages…
- by Kristin Shaw
- December 6th, 2016
Christmas Cars
Have you ever seen one of those commercials in which someone wakes up on Christmas morning with a new car in the driveway, complete with a giant red bow? If you’re thinking about making that dream a reality, consider one of these stellar options on the market now.
- by Kristin Shaw
- November 2nd, 2016
Stay Safe And Sane On The Road This Holiday Driving Season
Here’s the deal: your luxury car is an asset you want to protect. You invested time to research just the right fit for you, and you spent a fair amount of money for your gorgeous vehicle.
- by Kristin Shaw
- October 5th, 2016
Care and Maintenance of the
Tesla Battery
The range of the Tesla battery is a game changer for the electric car industry, and it’s important to know how to best take care of it. Tesla recommends that you bring your Tesla vehicle into the nearest Service Center for maintenance service every 12,500 miles ...
- by Kristin Shaw
- September 7th, 2016
summer traffic has given way to more crowded thoroughfares
The kids are back in school, and the lull of summer traffic has given way to more crowded thoroughfares. Parents are juggling work, school, and after-school activities, and newly-minted drivers are driving themselves to school for the first time.
- by Kristin Shaw
- July 30th, 2016
OEM vs. Aftermarket
When you take your car to a collision repair shop, you may have the option to choose between Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and aftermarket parts. OEM car parts are exact matches for your car and were rolled straight off the manufacturer’s line, and aftermarket parts are made by independent companies, some better than others.
- by Kristin Shaw
- June 30th, 2016
How to choose a Collision repair shop
Finding a reputable repair shop is not difficult; it just requires a little detective work. First of all, it’s important to find a shop you trust before you need one. That way, you can make an informed decision without feeling pressured by the insurance company to accept their recommendation.
About the Author
Kristin Shaw is a writer, blogger, and marketing professional based in Austin, Texas. She was named a BlogHer Voice Of The Year in 2014 and 2015, and her work has been featured nationally at sites like The Huffington Post and The Washington Post. Her experience includes 20 years in marketing with technology and telecommunications companies, the last 10 in aviation IT. She has a deep love for automobiles passed down from her father and has a penchant for high-end sports cars and 1950s-era sedans. 
