#nydrivers

If you're dealing with dents, rust, or panel replacement, choosing the right sheet metal gauge isn’t just a technical detail—it directly affects safety, durability, and finish quality.

Autobahn Collision And Repairs LLC breaks down what New York drivers need to know when selecting sheet metal for auto body repair, and it’s more practical than most guides out there.

Here are a few key takeaways:

Thinner gauges (like 22–24) are easier to shape but less durable—ideal for minor cosmetic fixes

Thicker gauges (18–20) offer better strength and are commonly used for structural areas

Matching the original manufacturer’s metal thickness is critical for proper fit and safety

Climate matters: NY weather (salt, moisture) means corrosion resistance should be a priority

Using the wrong gauge can lead to warping, weak welds, or premature damage

One smart insight: many DIY repairs fail not because of poor welding—but because the wrong gauge was used from the start.

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Series: How to pass your road test

In life, when going about daily life, making cautious observations keeps you safe and out of trouble. When driving, this is also one of the main purposes accomplished from being observant when parking, backing and making u-turns.

Put very simply, you need to pay attention to any cars around, any cars coming, your distance from the curb, pedestrians, or anything else that can distract you or potentially get in the way. This observation is key and imperative to a safe experience in parking, backing or making u-turns.  In addition to creating an unsafe situation on the road for yourself and others, this can also give you 10 points each on the road test evaluation sheet out of an allotted 30 points. Make sure to use caution, go slowly, and “signal, mirror, shoulder” to perform a complete observation process!

Safe driving everyone!

NYS mandates 50 hours of logged driving practice before taking the road test. New York Auto School recommends 20 hours of practice after sunset, 20 hours in busy traffic and 10 hours practicing parking and u-turns. These driving lessons can be serviced by the New York Auto School, in addition to the pre-licensing 5 hour/ MV-278 class, a road-test appointment service, and the defensive driving course. For more information email [email protected] or call 914-779-0444. Thanks!!

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Series: How to pass your road test

Part 3.1- Fails to Signal during parking and U-turns.

Communication is a life skill that contributes to peace and healthy relationships among one another. Signaling is the way in which cars communicate with each other. Without this, the roads would be complete madness. Utilizing signaling in all aspects of driving is important. In this part of the evaluation exam, your inspector is paying attention to your signaling when parking and making a u-turn.

When you are asked to parallel park in the designated area, you must put your signal on in the appropriate direction, generally right. This is also what needs to be done when pulling over to make a three point turn/ U-turn. If you forget or fail to signal, this will cost you 5 points out of an allowed 30 before failure.

Dont forget to signal! This will save not only a potential 5 points, but it promotes safety and the rules of the road.

NYS mandates 50 hours of logged driving practice before taking the road test. New York Auto School recommends 20 hours of practice after sunset, 20 hours in busy traffic and 10 hours practicing parking and u-turns. These driving lessons can be serviced by the New York Auto School, in addition to the pre-licensing 5 hour/ MV-278 class, a road-test appointment service, and the defensive driving course. For more information email [email protected] or call 914-779-0444. Thanks!!

Ready? Set...Go!

Series: How to pass your road test

Part 2.2- Fails to stop near center of intersection when waiting to make a left turn

Next up on the road test evaluation sheet is also under the same category of “Turning and Intersections”. But here we are focusing on your ability to stop near the center of the intersection when waiting to make a left turn.

Study of the driver’s manual and right of way rules, will help in this situation. It can be very dangerous to not know when you do not have the right of way. When at an intersection, anyone turning right or going straight has the right of way. This concept can be confusing but when put into such simple terms, it is very clear. On your road test, and during your everyday driving practices, when approaching an intersection for a left turn, you must stop near the center. All cars approaching from the opposite direction going straight and turning right, have the right to go first. Not following this rule of the road can result in a very bad accident, for instance, being hit by an oncoming driver from the opposite direction, simply relying on your supposed to be knowing

NYS mandates 50 hours of logged driving practice before taking the road test. New York Auto School recommends 20 hours of practice after sunset, 20 hours in busy traffic and 10 hours practicing parking and u-turns. These driving lessons can be serviced by the New York Auto School, in addition to the pre-licensing 5 hour/ MV-278 class, a road-test appointment service, and the defensive driving course. For more information email [email protected] or call 914-779-0444. Thanks!!

         If that doesn't catch your attention, than I'm not sure what would! With the rising rates for car insurance and the greater need for more coverage, any discount is worth knowing about! 

      The defensive driving class is the way to do it. The classes in NYS last about 6 hours long. "What could possibly be spoken about for 6 hours?!", you may ask. Well, here is a look at the general curriculum during the class. 

Traffic Crashes/Dynamics of a Crash/Crash Prevention-

41,000 die annually as a result of traffic collisions, and an additional 3,236,000 injuries. Vehicle crashes are almost always preventable. The combination of speed, place of impact and the size of what is being impacted can determine the severity of the crash or if a collision needs to occur at all. The concept of second collision is also discussed. 

Defensive driving strategies are developed to know how to avoid traffic crashes and recognize potential hazards before an accident occurs! 

Positive Psychological Driving-

On the road, drivers have to deal with different factors that can affect the way the an individual behaves on the road. See how drivers can overcome negative psychological aspects, such as, stress, exhaustion, emotional distress and the ever-so-prevalent, road rage. Learn how to have a positive attitude behind the wheel and stay focused!

Human Factors (DUI of drugs and alcohol)- 

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol takes you out of your normal state of mind. This is dangerous for yourself and anyone else around you! Important information is given about the role that drugs and alcohol play on our roadways. Learn, or re-learn the state’s limits on blood-alcohol level and how your judgment, motor skills and senses are affected by drugs and alcohol. Than see the consequences of being found guilty of driving under the influence.

Safety Equipment Tips- 

Did you know that half of all deaths that are result of a crash could have been avoided if the victim were wearing a seat belt the proper way?

In addition, The proper use of air bags, child safety seats, head rests and their role in protecting drivers and passengers is also taught. 

       The goal of learning good defensive driving is to minimize the risk of these accidents by educating drivers to use caution and good judgment while driving.

       Once you receive your completion certificate, your insurance company is mandated by the state to give you a 10% discount on your liability, no-fault and collision insurance premiums for 3 years. Taking this course can save you an average $250 per year! If you want to keep your discount than simply take this course every 3 years. 

It's that simple!!