Blog

Most drivers immediately notice something wrong with their car paint job. It could be a small scratch from a runaway shopping cart, or your paint may look dull due to time and wear. If you've been involved in an accident, your paint will have sustained damage. You want the damage fixed ASAP, but where do you go? Look no further - we're the auto paint shop you need. When and Where To Get Your Car Painted Why Choose Us? Zimbrick Body Shop has a proud history of repairing paint damage since 1965. Being part of the community of Madison, WI, for over half a century, we've built a reputation for customer service and expert repairs. We use state-of-the-art technology and expert technicians to fix any level of paint damage you need. Painting isn't always about repairing damage, it can just be a refresh for your paint. The fall season is typically the best time to refresh your paint at our car paint shop, as it provides enhanced protection against Wisconsin winters before they start. This is the procedure we use to repair or refresh your car's paint: Color Prep Your car has a uniform color, and it's essential to duplicate the color exactly. Even the slightest amount of extra color while blending the paint will stand out. We use computer technology to duplicate the exact shade on your car so the repair will be indistinguishable from the original coat. Duplicating colors is a relatively quick process. Primer and Sealant Once the color is ready, we apply primer over the area to be painted. The primer provides a perfect surface for bonding the paint to the metal and protecting the metal from water. Once the primer is dry, we then apply a high-quality sealant. The sealant protects the paint from environmental damage. Base Coat The next step is applying the base coat. We only use environmentally-friendly base coats, as they're safe and non-toxic. The base coat will be the exact color of your car. Polyurethane Coat Once the base coat is dry, we follow up with a clear polyurethane coat. This coat serves to protect the color and provides a smooth sheen. Polish In this final step, we use high-quality polish to provide a glossy finish and an additional level of protection for your paint. There’s no need to keep searching “car painting near me” when you can give us a call today at Zimbrick Body Shop to book an appointment with our trusted professionals.

One hazard drivers in our area are all too familiar with, especially at this time of year, is deer. The experts at used car dealerships have the tips you need to stay safe from this common danger on the road. Follow this advice to stay safe, so you don’t have to search “used cars for sale near me” or look for used trucks for sale to replace your old ride. Vehicle Safety During Deer Season Follow the Speed Limit The speed at which you’re traveling factors into the time you’ll have to react if a deer crosses your path, as well as the damage you’ll sustain in the event of an accident. To ensure the safest driving conditions, travel at or below the posted speed limit when deer are most active (dawn and dusk) and remain alert. Wear Your Seatbelt You should wear your seatbelt at all times when you operate your vehicle, and deer season is a good time to emphasize this essential safety step. A seatbelt can make a big difference in preventing injury to you and your passengers in the event of a collision with a deer. Use Your Headlights Your headlights will help you identify threats from deer in dark or low-visibility conditions. Your lights also make you more visible if you have to pull off to the side of the road after an accident. Ensure your headlights are on if the weather and light levels call for it, and use your high and low beams appropriately. Get Service at Zimbrick You need your lights, brakes, and many other vehicle components to stay safe from driving hazards like deer. Getting service from the skilled technicians at Zimbrick will help you be confident that all the different parts of your vehicle will work the way you need them to. Used Trucks for Sale, Used Cars for Sale Near Me Need maintenance for your vehicle ahead of deer season or a new ride with all the latest safety features to keep you protected? You’ll find what you’re looking for when you visit our dealerships. Come to Zimbrick Automotive to get everything you need out on the road!

Looking for auto glass in Madison to replace your vehicle’s windshield or windows? Our auto glass repair and auto glass replacement services have the solutions you’re looking for. Check out the information below to learn what we can do for you when you need the glass in your vehicle repaired or replaced. Auto Glass Repair: Everything You Need to Know Many companies offer auto glass services, but not all auto glass is created equal. If you don’t use high-quality auto glass for your vehicle, you risk ending up with a product with poor surface control, optics, or performance under the glare of the sun. That’s why you should always ensure that you get your auto glass from a reputable source. You want your auto glass to either be the original from the manufacturer or an equivalent of these original parts. Then you can be confident that you’ll get the same results your previous glass gave you before the damage occurred. When you bring your vehicle to us, you can rest assured that we will only use high-quality parts and materials. Auto Glass Replacement Many auto insurance policies cover auto glass, so it may be possible to get your replacement without paying anything out of pocket. Check with your insurance provider before having glass repair or replacement to see what might be covered, so you don’t incur unnecessary expenses. Our team can also assist you with your auto glass insurance claim. We strive to make the entire experience as convenient as possible. We’ll get the work done quickly to minimize your downtime off the road. Our customer-focused approach will make the entire process stress-free so you can get back to what you love. Auto Glass in Madison Need to get auto glass in our area so you can get your vehicle back on the road? We’re standing by to assist with whatever you need. Schedule service with our team today so we can help with all your auto glass needs.

It's important to be prepared in the unfortunate event of a car accident or if your vehicle suffers damage in some way and needs auto body repair. Knowing what your insurance will cover when it comes to collision repair is essential to this preparation. Check out the guide below to get more information on what your insurance policy may cover. When Are Your Car Repairs Covered by Car Insurance? Collision Repair One of the most common causes of serious damage to a vehicle is a collision. Whether the damage is caused by colliding with another vehicle or from obstacles such as trees or telephone poles, a collision coverage policy can typically help cover the repairs needed to get your vehicle back into working order. It’s vital to note that collision coverage insurance is considered optional. However, if you finance or lease your vehicle, the dealership or lender may require you to seek this type of insurance as a way of protecting their stake in the vehicle. Damage from Fire When people think of damage from a fire, they usually think about structure fires that cause catastrophic damage to a home or business. However, the truth is that vehicles are just as vulnerable to damage from fire. Comprehensive insurance coverage policies for vehicles typically include coverage for fire damage. Theft or Vandalism Auto Body Repair While you hope it never happens to you, malicious people may damage your vehicle when attempting to steal from it or simply vandalize property. The vehicle itself may be stolen in some rare cases as well. Comprehensive insurance coverage for your vehicle can help cover the repairs you need so that you can get back on the road in a timely manner. Other Covered Events Comprehensive insurance policies may also include coverage for a variety of other events that might damage your vehicle. For instance, these policies often include coverage for damage caused by natural disasters or damage caused by animals. Consult with your insurance provider to learn more about what your specific policy covers and to get additional coverage if you feel it’s necessary. Looking for repairs for your vehicle? Our experienced team of technicians has the skills needed to get your vehicle back to its best shape. Reach out to Zimbrick Body Shop today and let us help you get back on the road!

It's important to be prepared in the unfortunate event of a car accident or if your vehicle suffers damage in some way and needs auto body repair. Knowing what your insurance will cover when it comes to collision repair is essential to this preparation. Check out the guide below to get more information on what your insurance policy may cover. When Are Your Car Repairs Covered by Car Insurance? Collision Repair One of the most common causes of serious damage to a vehicle is a collision. Whether the damage is caused by colliding with another vehicle or from obstacles such as trees or telephone poles, a collision coverage policy can typically help cover the repairs needed to get your vehicle back into working order. It’s vital to note that collision coverage insurance is considered optional. However, if you finance or lease your vehicle, the dealership or lender may require you to seek this type of insurance as a way of protecting their stake in the vehicle. Damage from Fire When people think of damage from a fire, they usually think about structure fires that cause catastrophic damage to a home or business. However, the truth is that vehicles are just as vulnerable to damage from fire. Comprehensive insurance coverage policies for vehicles typically include coverage for fire damage. Theft or Vandalism Auto Body Repair While you hope it never happens to you, malicious people may damage your vehicle when attempting to steal from it or simply vandalize property. The vehicle itself may be stolen in some rare cases as well. Comprehensive insurance coverage for your vehicle can help cover the repairs you need so that you can get back on the road in a timely manner. Other Covered Events Comprehensive insurance policies may also include coverage for a variety of other events that might damage your vehicle. For instance, these policies often include coverage for damage caused by natural disasters or damage caused by animals. Consult with your insurance provider to learn more about what your specific policy covers and to get additional coverage if you feel it’s necessary. Looking for repairs for your vehicle? Our experienced team of technicians has the skills needed to get your vehicle back to its best shape. Reach out to Zimbrick Body Shop today and let us help you get back on the road!

Your windshield is on your vehicle’s first line of defense for debris, adverse weather conditions, and other hazards. As such, windshields are quite often damaged and are among the leading reasons for car insurance claims. However, sometimes a damaged windshield can be repaired, while other times it requires a full replacement. So how do you know when a windshield can simply be fixed and when a replacement is necessary? Read on to learn more. When a Windshield Replacement is Necessary Below are a few instances in which a damaged windshield may be beyond the point of basic car window repair and a replacement might be necessary. When the Glass is Tempered Tempered glass is much stronger than regular glass and is often used for car windows and windshields. However, when tempered glass does break, it tends to shatter into tiny pieces, necessitating a windshield replacement. Some windshields are made of laminated glass. While not as strong as tempered glass, laminated glass tends to stick together when it breaks and can often be repaired. When a Crack or Chip is Too Large Cracks that are shorter than the length of a dollar bill can typically be repaired, along with chips that are smaller than a quarter. But any damage larger than those parameters has likely jeopardized the integrity of the windshield and a replacement is usually necessary. It’s advised to repair cracks and chips early, as hot temperatures can cause cracks or chips to expand in size and turn a fixable windshield into one that needs replacing. When There Are Too Many Cracks or Chips A single crack or chip on a windshield can usually be fixed. But, if you have three or more separate cracks or chips on your windshield, it may be time for a replacement. A windshield can only take so much damage before it loses its ability to withstand future impacts. Hail is a common culprit among windshields with multiple chips and is a big reason for auto glass replacement or repair. When the Damage is Near an Edge Damage that occurs near the edge of a windshield often compromises the overall integrity of the glass and may not be safe to repair. The Damage Runs Too Deep Windshields are made of two layers of glass. Cracks or chips that only penetrate the outer layer of glass have a higher chance of being repaired than ones that penetrate both layers. Schedule Your Windshield Repair or Replacement Whether your windshield needs to be replaced or can be repaired, our auto body repair shop in Madison, WI can help. Schedule your appointment today for auto glass repair or replacement or contact us with any questions about your windshield. Our team of expert technicians will work tirelessly to get your vehicle looking like new again.

Driving on slick streets or through heavy downpours can elevate hazards and increase your travel risk. Many drivers slow down any time it’s raining, just as a matter of instinct. In truth, there are a number of steps you can take to stay safe when driving in wet weather. Tips for Safe Driving Through Wet Weather Consider a few guidelines: ● Keep your car in good condition. First and foremost, be sure your windshield is cleaned, and your wipers are in good working order. Double check your wiper fluid once a week, refilling as needed. Also conduct regular inspections of headlights and taillights; if you notice any problems, schedule a service appointment ASAP. ● Consider your route. Before you hit the road through wet weather, pause to think through the route as best you can. If your path will take you over a bridge or through areas where flooding is common, try to think of alternate paths. ● Slow your pace. The instinct to slow down in wet weather is a good one. As a good rule of thumb, you should maintain about five seconds of following distance between you and the car ahead of you. ● Avoid driving through deep water. If the markings on the road are covered by water, that’s a clear indication that it’s too deep to drive through. Going through even a couple of inches of water may cause you to lose control. ● Steer where you want to go. Even if you find yourself hydroplaning, it’s important to turn the steering wheel in the direction you want to go. It may take two or three adjustments to get back on track, which can be scary, but stay calm! ● Abstain from unnecessary trips. Sometimes you get stuck in sudden rainfall, and that’s unavoidable. But if you know there are storms forecasted and you can put off your travel, that’s always the best. For Any Collision Repair Contact Zimbrick Body Shop These tips can help you enhance your safety as you drive, but accidents can happen even to the most vigilant motorists.

If you own a luxury vehicle, you know it’s an exceptional vehicle and you’ll do all you can to keep it looking great. Unfortunately, life can be unpredictable, and eventually, you may encounter a situation that leads to a cracked windshield or a dented bumper. When that happens, you’ll be happy to know that there is a dedicated collision center that can assist with your car. You can trust that only the most qualified hands will be working to bring your exceptional vehicle back to its original factory condition and get you back on the road.  Read on to find out more about how Zimbrick Body Shop can help. Why Zimbrick Body Shop is a Premier Collision Center For luxury car owners in the greater Madison, WI region, Zimbrick Body Shop is the top choice for your collision repair needs. We are a fully staffed service center filled with a team of highly-trained service technicians. We’re Manufacturer Certified in collision repair for a variety of high-end brands, including Acura, Audi, BMW, Infiniti and Mercedes-Benz.  Our Stoughton Road location is also a favorite of Porsche owners as we have some of the most advanced frame alignment in the state of Wisconsin and a technician with almost 30 years of experience repairing Porsches. Being manufacturer certified means our technicians have access to training, specialized tools and parts lookup based on your vehicle VIN.  The manufacturer also supplies certified shops with repair procedures and all OEM parts.  We also are manufacturer certified to repair Buick, Chevrolet, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, MINI, Nissan and Volkswagen. Paintless Dent Repair It can be very frustrating coming out of a store and seeing a dent in your luxury car due to a careless driver or an errant shopping cart. Luckily, we offer all kinds of minor paintless dent repair so that you won’t be subjected to these dings and dents for too long. Paint Jobs Scuffs and scratches can affect the overall beauty of your luxury car. Whether it is small, or a more serious damage, we can make it right.  To get that nice uniform finish back, bring your vehicle in to us to get a perfect color match. Glass Repair Breaks and cracks in the windows of your car can happen at any moment, whether it’s due to severe cold weather, a pebble hitting your windshield, or something else. It’s better to have auto glass fixed by a professional service sooner rather than later -- before the damage grows. We offer rock chip repair, front windshield replacement, rear view mirror replacement, back glass replacement, and more auto glass services. Bring Your Luxury Car to Zimbrick Body Shop in Madison, WIReady to have your luxury car serviced by a team of experienced and knowledgeable repair experts? Then we encourage you to reach out to us at Zimbrick Body Shop today with any questions or to schedule a collision repair. We’ll work with you to restore your car to its original condition.

No matter how careful you are, or how hard you work to maintain a pristine vehicle, scrapes and scratches can happen. For example, your car’s paint job may be compromised by a simple fender bender, or even by an accident as you pull out of your own garage. Naturally, you’ll want to buff out that scratch and get your car looking like new again. Alas, it’s not always so simple. Depending on the depth of the scratch, you may need to visit a professional car paint shop. This is especially true of deep scratches that penetrate all the way down to the metal. How to Fix a Scratch in Your Vehicle’s Paint For shallower or more superficial scratches, it may be possible to achieve a DIY fix. Here are some steps we recommend at our car paint shop in Madison, WI: ● Clean the area. Before you do anything else, be careful to wash the surrounding area, ensuring that you do not accidentally get any dust or debris lodged in the scratch or under the new coat of paint. ● Try a scratch repair kit. There are a number of DIY repair kits on the market today, all of which are of varied quality. Stop by your local auto store and ask which kit they would recommend, then follow the directions provided. ● Apply a rubbing compound. For shallow scratches, you may wish to try a liquid scratch remover. Apply a dollop to a microfiber cloth, then rub it into the affected area. ● Cover the scratch with touch-up paint. If you’re successful in minimizing the appearance of the scratch, you may want to apply some touch-up paint to further conceal it. ● Schedule an appointment with a car paint shop. If the scratch goes all the way through to the metal, you may need to have a professional help you out. Make an appointment with a trusted car paint shop in your town. Contact Our Zimbrick Body Shop in Madison WI We are proud to offer a number of car painting services to help keep your car looking brand new. To schedule a service appointment, reach out to our body shop at your convenience.

Is something wrong with your vehicle? If so, there are usually some pretty clear indicators. Cars are built to let you know when something isn’t quite working as intended, so always keep your eyes peeled for any signs or symptoms of disrepair. While you’re at it, keep your ears open, too. One of the easiest ways to discern that something is amiss with your vehicle is to pay attention to strange or unusual noises. Here are just a few of the most common sounds that could indicate an issue with your vehicle. 5 Automotive Noises to Listen For Hissing or chirping. Is your engine making a hissing or chirping sound? If so, you may have an issue with the catalytic converter. Alternatively, you could have a pipe or other component that’s suddenly sprung a leak. Hissing or chirping from your engine could be indicative of any number of problems with your vehicle, so noises like these will mean you need to get your engine checked out fast. Rattling. Heavy vibrations usually mean something’s wrong, whether you feel them in your steering wheel or in the wheels themselves. Rattling often points to a loose lug nut, but it could also indicate an issue with the steering column, with low power steering fluid, or even with your vehicle’s braking system. Squealing or grinding. Speaking of the braking system: if you hear a squealing or grinding sound every time you try to bring your vehicle to a stop, that could be dangerous. Chances are, your brake pads are worn down, and you should have them replaced as soon as possible. Rumbling. Another sound to listen up for is rumbling from the exhaust pipe. Usually, this points to either a hole in the muffler or a leak in the fuel injection system. Either way, you’ll want to get to a service center as quickly as possible. Whirring. Finally, keep your ears open for the sound of the engine whirring during acceleration. This could point to any number of engine issues that require prompt repair. No matter what kind of strange sounds you’re hearing, it’s important to have them checked out by a qualified technician. To schedule maintenance with us, reach out to one of our body shop locations at your next convenience.

Car trouble is always frustrating, and it can be especially tough when you’re already on the road. From flat tires to engine failure, there are plenty of reasons why you could find yourself stranded somewhere. Here are a few tips for how to proceed when your car breaks down on the road. What to Do When Your Car Breaks Down Some general tips include: Turn on your hazard or emergency lights and leave them on until help arrives. This is an important way to communicate with other drivers that there’s a problem. Pull off the road, ideally parking on the right-hand shoulder. If possible, seek a safe and flat location that’s pretty far from oncoming traffic. Put on your parking brake, also known as the emergency brake, especially if you’re stalled on an incline or hill. If possible, remain in your vehicle. If you do need to get out to inspect the car for damage, get out on the side of the car that’s furthest from traffic. Do anything you can to signal to other cars that you’re stalled, and that they should proceed cautiously. Popping your hood or putting out flares can help. Call for help. Arrange for either a roadside assistance company or a towing service like the one we offer here at Zimbrick Body Shop to come take your car to the nearest service center. What if There’s a Collision? If your car is stalled due to a major collision or a fender-bender, you’ll first want to make sure everyone is okay. If there are obvious injuries, call 911 for help immediately. If not, you’ll want to direct the tow truck to the nearest auto paint shop in Madison, WI. You may also need to get windshield repair in Madison, WI. Following a collision, it’s always wise to see a doctor to ensure that you’re okay, even if you don’t think you’ve been injured. Keep in mind that injuries from car accidents can take a few days to become apparent.If you have any questions about windshield repair, towing, body work, or any other automotive needs, we invite you to contact our Madison, WI body shop at any time. Our service center is always here to help.

If you’ve ever been in a car accident, then you know exactly how stressful this situation can be for everyone involved. If you’ve never had an accident, you should consider yourself lucky, but you never know what could happen in the future. It’s very important that you’re prepared to handle a car accident, which is why we’ve compiled this helpful car accident checklist for your use. Check if everyone is okay First and foremost, you want to ensure that you, your passengers, and whoever else has been involved in the accident are all okay. Look around for immediate injuries. Even if you don’t see any apparent harm, there is still the possibility that you may have unseen injuries, so it’s recommended that you get checked out by a medical professional, depending on the severity of the accident. Pull over Pull over to the side of the road along with the other driver, and make sure that you have your hazard lights on. If you have road flares, use them, especially at night. Be extra careful when you exit the car. Do not admit fault Never admit that you are at fault in an accident. This can be held against you if the accident leads to a court case, and you may be held responsible for paying for damages to both vehicles. Legally, you are not required to admit fault. Inform the police Even if nobody is injured in the accident, you still need to inform the police. Call the non-emergency number and let them know where you are located so an officer can get to you as quickly as possible. If there are excessive injuries, you should always call 911 immediately. Get the other driver’s information Take a picture of the other driver’s license, insurance card, registration, and vehicle license plate. Also note the weather and/or road conditions, as well as the time, date, and location of the accident. This is all helpful information that can assist with insurance claims. Call Zimbrick Body Shop Today Have you recently been in a car accident in the greater Madison, Wisconsin region and need a reliable body shop to help with repairs? Then reach out to Zimbrick today and see how we can help you. Our team of service technicians will help you get your vehicle fixed and ready to hit the road again in no time.