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At Zimbrick Body Shops, we’re always working to repair your car and make sure it is safe to drive. And now we’re making the way we work is safer as well. As the COVID-19 pandemic has called on changes to the way we all live, we’ve answered by changing the way we work. Read about all the things we’re doing here at Zimbrick to keep our customers safe. Contactless Service Procedures at Zimbrick Masking Up All of our employees are wearing face masks in accordance with local mandates and CDC guidelines, and customers will be reminded to wear a mask upon entering the building. Keeping Our Distance We’re practicing social distancing and using appointment times to limit the number of people in our facility at any one time. When you sit down with one of our friendly associates, you will be separated by a Plexiglass barrier for added protection. Disinfecting We are continually disinfecting the high-touch areas of our facility along with every vehicle that is handled by a customer or employee. Vehicles in our rental or sales fleet are properly sanitized before each test drive. Our service department is disinfecting every vehicle they repair upon receiving it and again before returning it to the customer. Virtual and Touchless You can request a repair estimate simply by sending us photos of your car’s damage and filling out a short damage report right from your smartphone. Following CDC Guidelines All of our employees have been educated on the CDC’s guidelines for safe business practices and are adhering to the advice of health experts at all times. Collision Repair the Safe Way in Madison, WI The pandemic has gotten in the way of a lot of things. Don’t let it get in the way of you repairing your vehicle. Contact our nearest body shop today to see how you can receive safe and quality service. At Zimbrick, we remain committed to the safety of our customers and are here to serve you by whatever means necessary.

Current events are changing the way we do business. Our main goal is to provide you with excellent customer service while maintaining the safety of you and our workers. That’s why we are now offering contactless estimates and repair services. Continue reading to learn more. Our New Contactless Repair Services How to Request a Body Shop Estimate With Your Smartphone Using your smartphone or mobile device, access our website — www.zimbrickbodyshop.com — and scroll down until you see our 3 body shop locations. Choose the location that is most convenient for you and find the “Request an Estimate” button for that location. Once you select this link, you will be prompted to fill out a series of fields. First, you will need to accept the terms of use and privacy policy of the Carwise website. There is no app to download — everything is processed through this website, typically opened through the Chrome Browser. It only works through a mobile browser with authority to use the device camera. Next, you need to provide your name and have access to your vehicle so you can locate the VIN (vehicle identification number). A guide will help you find this number, typically found inside the driver’s door. Once you find it, you can scan it with your phone camera or you can type it in manually. Then, you will be asked the location of the damage and prompted to start taking pictures of your vehicle. The system is very helpful with guiding you through the photo process. It will lay out a silhouette to line your car up with as you take photos of all four corners of your vehicle. After the corner photos are taken, a prompt will ask you to take photos of the damage you wish to have assessed. First from the center, then from the left, and again from the right. These photos are to help our estimators see the depth of the damage. Remember, what you can see in person (or 3D) does not always show up on a photo (or 2D). Finally, it will ask if you have any more comments to share with your estimator. For example, how the damage occurred, what you want fixed, or even how you want it fixed. You will also be asked how you want to receive the estimate and if you have a preferred method of contact. Once we receive this information, we will quickly assess the damages. We will then call, text, or email you with your estimate so that you can review and schedule an appointment at one of our locations. What to Do on the Day of Your Appointment On the day of your appointment, pull directly into the body shop drive but remain in your vehicle until instructed to step out. If you would prefer to drop your car off after hours, please leave your keys in the night drop box. Your estimator will keep you updated via phone, text, or email. Payments can also be made over the phone to minimize contact between you and the staff. Schedule Contactless Repair Service in Madison, WI If you need to schedule glass or body repairs for your car, contact us at Zimbrick Body Shop. We will continue to adapt as conditions change to ensure we can still serve you effectively while keeping you and our service team safe. Give us a call or schedule an appointment online today.

Most drivers are pretty aware of when their oil needs changing, a tire could use some air, or a strange sound from under the hood is worthy of an inspection. But many drivers remain unaware of when it’s time to sanitize their car. With sunlight, poor ventilation, high-touch surfaces and food and dirt being tracked in on a regular basis, a car can be a petri dish on wheels. In fact, studies have shown cars to be even filthier than public restrooms. Below are five car sanitation tips to wipe away germs and ensure you’re not carrying any unwanted cargo. 5 Tips for Sanitizing Your Car Follow these tips to create a cleaner and safer environment in your vehicle’s cabin. Keep disinfectant wipes in your glove compartment Disinfectant wipes are a quick and easy way to rid your steering wheel, cup holders, door handles, and other hard surfaces of germs. Use them at least once a week and after transporting any passengers, pets, or cargo. Change your cabin air filter The cabin air filter cleanses the air that enters your vehicle’s cabin from the engine. If it gets dirty, so too do your lungs. Have this filter checked each time you have your oil changed and replace as needed. Let some fresh air in Germs and viruses love stagnant air, so don’t be afraid to roll down some windows or a sunroof on the highway and let some fresh breeze flow through your car. Get rid of the mess It’s so easy to just let that empty coffee cup sit in the cup holder until next time. Or to let the discarded bag of fast food sit on the backseat until later. But food particles in a poorly-ventilated and well-heated environment is a recipe for bacteria, so get into the habit of cleaning up after your mess. Clean your keys Perhaps the most overlooked item in our car as it relates to germs is our keys. They are touched nearly every day, spend time in our pockets and purses and thrown about on tables and desks. Use dish soap and warm water in a bowl to give your keys a periodic scrub. Turn to Zimbrick Sanitizing your car is one way to keep you and your passengers safe. The other is to make sure your car is properly serviced by a team of expert technicians like you’ll find at Zimbrick Body Shops in Madison, Wisconsin. Schedule a service appointment today and stay safe — and sanitized — on the road.

When it comes to washing your car, not all methods are equal. What’s right for you may not be right for the next car owner. Continue reading to learn the pros and cons of these available car washing methods. 4 Ways to Wash Your Car Automatic Automatic car washes are by far the most common type. Simply drive onto the conveyor belt system, shift into neutral, and entertain the kids with an impressive display of powerful hoses, blowers, and brushes. This option is great for maintaining a clean car, especially during pollen season and after heavy snows to remove damaging road salts. It is also the most convenient option due to its quick service and simple process. While it may be the most convenient, it won’t provide the deepest clean. Since the process is generalized for most vehicles, it does not intuitively seek out problem areas or cater to your unique make and model. The high impact of the brushes can also scratch or damage your paint job if you’re not careful. Touchless A touchless car wash uses a similar process to the automatic car wash. Rather than using heavy or abrasive brushes, however, a touchless car wash utilizes water jets and other chemicals to get the job done. This will alleviate the stress of damaging your car’s exterior, but much like the automatic car wash, it will not leave your car spotless due to its automated and generalized process. Self-Service If you’re willing to invest some elbow grease but don’t have a driveway or garage available to wash your car at home, then self-service may be the right choice for you. High pressure hoses are available for you to wash and wax the car yourself. Unlike automatic and touchless car washes, the self-service option allows you to seek out and pay special attention to problem areas on your car. The downside to self-service is that the effectiveness of this method relies entirely on your skill and ability to wash and wax the car yourself. Auto Detail An auto detail marries the personalized attention of self-service with the detailed eye of a professional cleaner. While this might be the pricier option, the level of cleanliness can’t be matched by any other method, and the results speak for themselves. A professional will examine the interior and exterior of the car, and will utilize the highest-quality cleaning supplies for a truly spotless shine. Schedule a Service Appointment in Madison, WI Schedule an appointment today at Zimbrick Body Shops. We offer services from minor cosmetic repair to computerized paint matching to bring your car back to its prior glory. Give us a call today or drop by to learn more.

Paintless dent repair, also called paintless dent removal (PDR) is an alternative method of repairing dents and dings to a car’s body. Paintless dent repair can restore a vehicle’s body to factory-like condition in less time and at a lower cost than more traditional repair methods. The process is called “paintless” dent repair because it preserves the original paint job and does not require any re-painting of the fixed dent. How Does Paintless Dent Repair Work? Paintless dent repair utilizes special tools to slowly massage the dent back to its original shape. First, a technician will determine the best way to access the damage, be it through a window or by removing trim pieces or an inner panel. Then a special tool is used to apply pressure and massage the damage, beginning with the outer edges of the dent and working inward until the dent becomes smaller and eventually disappears. It may not be possible to use paintless dent repair for damage that: Has sharp edges or torn metal Has paint that is scratched or chipped Is located near the edge of a panel Is located in an area where previous body work has been performed What Are the Advantages of Paintless Dent Repair? Some of the benefits of paintless dent repair include: Lower cost Paintless dent repair is generally more affordable than more traditional methods of dent repair. Faster service Paintless dent repair can often be completed in a matter of hours so you can drive home the same day. Value retention Preserving your vehicle’s original paint job means also preserving more of its value. A cleaner finish Because no repainting is needed, there’s no risk of mismatched color tones or noticeable repair work. Paintless Dent Repair in Madison, WI If you live near Madison, Wisconsin, and have a dent that needs to be repaired, visit Zimbrick Body Shops. Our technicians are professionally trained and experienced in paintless dent repair and can have your vehicle back on the road as good as new in no time. Schedule your appointment today for paintless dent repair at one of our four locations in Madison and Sun Prairie, WI. We can also perform other methods of dent removal and collision repair along with painting, glass repair, and more. Don’t let a dent get you down. Contact Zimbrick Body Shops today.

Winter weather doesn’t just make it treacherous on the roads. It can also wreak havoc on your car itself. A little bit of winter preparation can go a long way toward protecting your car, extending its life, and maintaining its value. Below are some simple tips that you can do to protect your car in the winter. How to Winterize Your Car Wax the paint The salt used to de-ice roads can collect on the body of your car and eat away at the paint and lead to corrosion. Applying a fresh coat of wax before winter will provide your car with a layer of added protection. And if you want to go the extra mile, you can have a ceramic coating applied. Give it a (waterless) wash A waterless wash is a pre-mixed spray solution that you can apply to your car by hand. A waterless car wash is a quick and easy way of wiping off salt and sludge in between actual car washes. Cover it up If you’re able, park your car in the garage during the winter. Doing so will protect the exterior from overnight moisture and keep the battery warm when temperatures are the lowest. If you can’t park in a garage, at least cover it up with a protective car cover. Use a thinner oil A thicker viscosity oil has a harder time lubricating the engine when its cold. Change your oil just prior to winter using a thinner oil that will have an easier time doing its job under the tough conditions. Use antifreeze As its name implies, antifreeze reduces the risk that the water in your car’s cooling system will freeze up, which can cause serious damage to the radiator and other parts. Antifreeze works by lowering the temperature that the water can freeze. Be sure your car is topped off with antifreeze before the thermometer drops. Keep up the pressure Tires can lose up to a pound of pressure for every 10-degree drop in temperature. And under-inflated tires can wear more quickly, go flat easier, and lose traction on slippery roads. Check your tire pressure twice a week during the winter. Start Your Winter at Zimbrick Kick off your winter by speaking with the expert technicians at Zimbrick Body Shops. We offer an extensive list of services and repairs and you can schedule your appointment online at one of our four Madison, WI locations. Let Zimbrick Body Shop help keep your car out of the cold this winter.

There’s no better time for a road trip than summer. The weather is gorgeous, you’re more likely to be available for long stretches of time, and everyone appears to be in better spirits. But before you dash down the road on that epic trip, remember that driving in the summer requires a certain type of diligence, both on the road and off. There are more drivers on the road, more chances to get distracted, and certain types of maintenance that are necessary to guarantee your safety. With so much to consider, our team at Zimbrick Body Shop decided to put together a small guide of things to keep in mind when you’re on the road this summer. Safe Driving Tips For the Summer Get your car serviced Make sure you’ve gotten car vehicle tuned-up, had its oil changed, its tires rotated, and its battery checked. Each of these can go a long way to preventing breakdowns on longer road trips. If you’ve gotten your vehicle serviced according to its manufacturer’s specs, then it should be good to go. Go over your vehicle’s more definitive safety checklist — things like checking tire pressure, adjusting coolant levels, topping off fluid levels like brake fluid and power steering, and replacing worn down belts and hoses. Watch out for other drivers Since school is out of session, summer is the time of year when the most teens are on the road. Unfortunately, this can also become a recipe for more accidents. Their inexperience behind the wheel can lead to precarious, and sometimes dangerous, situations. Summer also means more people will be on vacation. This can lead to roads becoming congested with travelers who are unfamiliar with their surroundings, which can result in unpredictable and erratic driving. Keep yourself and your passengers hydrated Long drives in the summer heat can lead to you and your passengers becoming dehydrated. Dehydration can result in you making impaired or impulsive decisions behind the wheel, which can result in an accident. If your passengers are also dehydrated for an extended period of time, it can make your road trip far less enjoyable. To combat this, make sure to keep two bottles of water handy for each person in the car. Be extra cautious when towing large loads Summer is a perfect time to go camping, take a day trip to the beach, or go fishing. With that said, many outdoor summer activities require people to tow large items, such as trailers or boats. If this applies to you, make sure to adjust what your concept of appropriate speed is. You’ll also want to continuously check your mirrors for other vehicles while you’re in transit. Remember that your tires must be in pristine condition to effectively haul heavier loads. Be sure to check your tires’ pressure, as well as their rubber condition, before hauling anything. Have a Safe Summer in Madison, WI If something unforeseen should happen, schedule collision repair at Zimbrick Body Shops in Madison, Wisconsin. Our specialists will have your back all summer long.

Nothing sparks confidence in a driver like a sparkling paint job on the body of the car. But in order for your car to retain its shine long after it leaves the car paint shop, it must be taken care of just like the rest of the vehicle. Below are 5 ways to take care of your car’s paint job to keep your ride looking shiny and new. Turn Your Driveway Into a Car Paint Shop Follow these tips and your car will stay looking new for miles down the road. 1. Wash regularly Regularly washing your car is perhaps the best way to protect the paint job. Use a high-quality automotive soap and apply it with a foam sponge using straight lines, not circular motions. Rinse with clean water. Properly drying your car after a wash is vital to taking care of the paint job. Allowing the car to air dry leaves behind minerals from the water, which can be harmful to the paint. Dry your car with a microfiber towel. Bathroom towels, paper towels, and rags can leave behind tiny scratches that over time cause paint to erode. 2. Wax Wax provides a protective seal on top of the paint that guards against dirt, dust, pollution, water, and other harmful substances. Wax can also cover up small scratches and other minor blemishes. Wax your car every few months using the recommended techniques. 3. Keep it out of the sun Ultraviolet rays from the sun are not only dangerous for your skin, but also for your car’s paint job. Sunlight can oxidize and fade the paint on your car, making it look much older than it actually is. Whenever possible, park your car in the shade or under a covered space. Doing so will add years to the life of your paint job. 4. Use synthetic coating Synthetic coating, or paint sealant, is an alternative to wax that bonds and permeates to the pores of your car’s paint to form a protective seal. Synthetic coating lasts longer than wax and can be applied just as easily. 5. Get help from a car paint shop Go the extra mile for the protection of your car’s exterior by leaning on the professionals at the Zimbrick body shop. Our auto body services take care of the dings, dents, and other cosmetic damage to restore your car back to its original look. We can even give your car a whole new custom paint job. Schedule an appointment at your nearest Zimbrick body shop location and put the sparkle back in your ride.

Spring is a particularly taxing time for your car’s appearance. Between rainwater stains, pollen, and grit leftover from winter, there are plenty of factors standing in the way of your vehicle’s perfect shine. Luckily, car washes provide an easy fix. But there’s also a science to them. Let’s break it down below. 5 Tips for Washing Your Car Taking your car to a drive-thru washer can be risky. Here’s how you can do it yourself. Let the car cool down before you begin. Washing your car after you’ve been driving it all day is ill-advised. So is hitting it with the soap after it’s been exposed to direct sunlight for an extended period of time. Hot surfaces cause sudsy water to dry quickly and leave deposits. For a stain-free shine, it’s best to wash your car while it’s cool to the touch. Rinse well before you start. It might be tempting to jump right into the bucket, but you’ll want to start with a water-only rinse. Loose dirt and debris accumulate on your car, and if you start sponging the body before they’re properly removed, you could run the risk of scratching your paint job. Always use a car-specific cleaner. You’ll see all sorts of random recommendations on do-it-yourself blogs, but for your vehicle, a car-specific cleaner is the only smart move. Household cleaners like hand soap and dishwashing detergent aren’t mild enough for your car’s body, and if you’re not careful, they could strip the finish. Use a towel or non-abrasive sponge. You want to remove dirt and grime from your car, not its vibrant paint. Washing section by section in a lengthwise motion with a soft sponge or towel reduces the likelihood of unsightly scratches. Hand-dry when finished. Many drivers assume that a quick spin around the block will dry their car more quickly after a wash. Unfortunately, all this does is create unwanted watermarks. For the same reason, air-drying is not advised. Hand-drying your car with a chamois or terry towel is the only way to preserve its new shine. See How Zimbrick Can Help Of course, if you have cosmetic damage that a car wash won’t solve, schedule an appointment at Zimbrick Body Shops. We handle everything from paintless dent removal to glass and windshield repair at our collision centers in the Madison, Wisconsin, area.

Not all traffic accidents happen at high speeds. In fact, three-quarters of all fatal accidents are not speed-related. These accidents that occur at low speeds are typically described as “low impact collisions.” A low impact collision is when a car collides with another car or an object at a low speed, typically under 15 mph. A low impact collision can be thought of as a minor fender bender. Some examples of low impact collisions include: Bumping the car in front of you during stop-and-go traffic. Side-swiping a parked vehicle, guard rail, or another object. Backing up into a car while leaving a parking spot. Common Causes of Low Impact Collisions Low-impact collisions can occur for any number of reasons, including: Distracted driving. Poor visibility. “Tailgating,” or following too closely behind a car. Laziness, such as failing to check a blind spot before changing lanes. Miscommunication, such as two cars both thinking they have the right of way at a stop sign or in a crowded parking lot. Wet or slippery driving conditions. Consequences of Low Impact Collisions Just because an accident occurs at small speed doesn’t mean it can’t come with big consequences. Whiplash and neck injuries are common in low impact collisions because the head and neck move quicker than the cars colliding. A collision happening at 8 mph produces two G’s of force on the cars involved but 5 G’s of force on the neck. Sometimes people are in awkward and vulnerable positions when a low-impact collision occurs. An example would be a driver who has their body turned to look out the rear window while backing out of a parking spot. If a collision occurs, this person is at an increased risk of injury due to the positioning of their body at the point of impact. The consequences of low-impact collisions can be just as bad on your car itself. It doesn’t take much force for a vehicle to suffer significant damage to the body, bumpers, lights, and windows. And sometimes the body damage is only masking underlying structural damage or broken parts that can make driving unsafe. Where to Repair in Madison, WI If you’re in need of collision repair, the Zimbrick Body Shop in Madison, WI, has you covered. Read about our organized and efficient repair process that can have your car in and out and back on the road in no time.

We’ve all been there: You’re driving down the road when you hear a tiny stone hit your windshield. It seems like it’s nothing at first, but over time the tiny chip turns into a growing crack. Before the crack expands even more — possibly causing the windshield to break completely — it’s important to get the glass repaired or replaced. When you need auto glass service, you can rely on Zimbrick Body Shops to get the job done. Why is the Glass So Important to My Vehicle? From the windshield to the rear glass and every side window in between, the glass components of your car contribute to its structural integrity. The glass provides visibility to the vehicles around you, while also protecting you from the wind, insects, and the elements. There are several ways that the glass on your vehicle becomes chipped, cracked, or broken, including errant rocks on the highway, bad weather, and more. What Auto Glass Services Does Zimbrick Offer? At the Zimbrick Body Shops, we offer a variety of auto glass services to get your car back on the road. Our technicians are certified to use the training and parts needed to perform everything from a small chip fix to a complete windshield repair. We know how important your vehicle is to your life, from running errands to driving the kids to school. That’s why we take the utmost care in ensuring each repair or replacement is done right the first time. Our glass services include: Rock chip repair Front windshield replacement Rearview mirror replacement Door/quarter glass replacement Back glass replacement We’re also happy to help with your glass insurance claim so that you can rest easy knowing the whole job will be taken care of. Whether you’re just seeking a minor auto glass repair, or it’s part of a larger collision repair project, Zimbrick Body Shops are ready to handle your job. Make an Appointment Today in the Madison, WI, Area Does your car need auto glass service and repair? Schedule an appointment with our certified technicians today. Call us at (608) 441-3475 with any questions about the collision repair process.

Dealing with injuries, insurance, and transportation in the aftermath of a collision can be stressful. That’s why at Zimbrick Body Shops in Madison, Wisconsin, we want to help make the collision repair process as smooth as possible. If you have any questions regarding your car, check out some of the most frequently asked questions about collision repair below. Don’t see your question? Contact the shop nearest you today. Common Collision Repair FAQs Can I choose which shop repairs my vehicle? Yes. Your insurance company may recommend certain shops, but as the owner of the car, you have the right to decide where, when, and how your vehicle is repaired. Do I need to get more than one estimate? No. You only need one estimate of damage report from the repair facility of your choice. However, the insurance company may want to have their claims adjuster inspect the damage prior to repair. This is done to make sure everything is accurate and fair. Tip: If your vehicle is not safe to drive, you can have it towed to the repair shop of your choice. When you notify your insurance company about the accident, tell them the vehicle is not drivable and where it is located so that it may be inspected. Who is responsible for paying the collision repair bill? You are. The vehicle owner must arrange for payment of the repair bill. Insurance policies state that the insurer will reimburse you for the cost of repairs, depending on your deductible situation. You can instruct your insurance company to pay the repair shop directly. How long will the repairs take? The length of time it takes to repair your vehicle depends on the extent of the damage. Once the repair estimate is made, your advisor can give you an estimated time of completion. A more accurate date can be given once the vehicle has been disassembled and the repair plan completed. Do I get a loaner car? We make every attempt to help you with your alternative transportation needs. Your advisor can discuss those options once we have completed a repair plan. If you have rental coverage on your insurance policy or are a third party claimant, we can help secure a rental replacement vehicle for you. Contact Us Today in Madison, WI Whether you were just in a collision or your car is currently being repaired, give us a call if you have any questions. The technicians at Zimbrick Body Shops want you to feel confident and comfortable with every repair being made. Contact us for more information about our auto body repair services or to schedule an appointment today.