Blog

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.

Dealing with a car accident can be an overwhelming and scary experience. Not only can they cause an immense amount of damage to your personal property, but some auto accidents can even result in injury. In the heat of the moment, there is so much to think about, and so little time to do so. That’s why we at Zimbrick Body Shops took the time to assemble this list of six things to do in the unfortunate event you’re in an auto accident. 6 Steps to Take After a Car Accident Make the scene safe Once it’s safe to do so, get your vehicle out of the line of traffic and park somewhere safe, such as the shoulder of the road. If your car is unable to operate, put your hazards on so you can alert other drivers to steer clear of the accident area. Check for injuries After you’ve stopped your vehicle and moved to a safer location, take a breather and check on everyone involved in the accident, both in your vehicle and the other driver’s. If you’re unsure of the physical well-being of the accident’s participants, call an ambulance. Exchange information Once the safety of the vehicles and its passengers have been accounted for, you need to exchange information with the other driver. The necessary information includes, but is not limited to: All names of involved passengers and drivers License plate numbers Insurance information Make and models of the cars Location of the accident Information from any eyewitnesses If you need help remembering, feel free to print out and keep our accident checklist in your glovebox. Call the police Even if there are no serious injuries, you’re sure you’re not at fault, and you’ve already exchanged information, you need to call the police. The police will help provide an official, accurate record of the accident for insurance providers, as well as help maintain the safety of the situation. Document the accident Whether it’s from a mobile phone or a dashcam, having pictures of any incurred damages to your vehicle and person will be invaluable going forward. Taking photos of the accident scene is also a good idea, as it will remove the burden of having to recall such details later for insurance providers. Don’t be too hard on yourself Car accidents are a very stressful situation for those involved, so mistakes and missteps are bound to happen. If you feel like you didn’t do enough in taking care of the situation immediately after the accident occurred, don’t worry — it’s not the end of the world. The most important step in all of this is for you to trade insurance information with the other driver. If you don’t, you’re unlikely to get assistance from either person’s insurance company in paying for damages. Call on Zimbrick Body Shops in Madison, WI We know the feeling. That’s why we’ve made the process of getting auto repairs as seamless as possible. If you’ve just had an auto accident, bring in your vehicle to our technicians at Zimbrick Body Shops. We not only repair vehicles after collisions, but we treat them to a full, original-factory condition restoration.

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.

News Release Madison, WI Madison Magazine readers have spoken, and the decision is unanimous: good as gold. Zimbrick Body Shop, a member of the Zimbrick family of dealerships, was recently awarded a gold star for the category Auto Body Repair in the 39th annual “Best of Madison” readers poll. This year’s poll was themed in the spirit of the Roaring Twenties to coincide with the year 2020. With this distinction, Zimbrick joins the company of 572 other winners throughout Dane County. On behalf of the entire Zimbrick family: Thank you to everyone who voted this year. About Zimbrick At Zimbrick Body Shop, we take this honor as an obligation to serve our community to the fullest. We’re proud to address the collision repair needs of our customers in a courteous, timely, and cost-effective manner. Whether you need dent removal, glass repair, car painting, or something else, we’re there for you from estimate to delivery. Our locations at Fish Hatchery Road, High Crossing, and Stoughton Road are ready to assist you today.

The current health crisis is changing the way we do auto body repair. To ensure we’re providing the safest services possible, we’re complying with all CDC regulations and will continue to adapt as the situation unfolds in the months ahead. Continue reading for a detailed look at what changes are taking place to protect the health of our staff and customers. Touch-Free Estimates, Drop-Offs, and More How to Request an Estimate If your car is in need of repairs due to a collision, weather damages, or other circumstances, you can schedule an estimate appointment at any of our three locations, or you can request an online estimate from the convenience of your own home. Simply access our online tool by using a compatible mobile phone device, and the tool will walk you through every step. First, it will request your contact information and some basic information about your car. Once this step is complete, it will allow you to enter details about the damage and will even let you submit pictures of the affected area. Once your request is received, our team will assess the damage and respond to your request via call, text, or email with your free estimate. What To Do When You Arrive At the time of your appointment, pull into the body shop drive but remain in the car until given further instructions. You may be asked to step out to allow our technicians to check your VIN number and mileage while maintaining safe social distance. If you would prefer to drop off your vehicle for repairs after hours due to a scheduling conflict or to help minimize contact with staff and other customers, then please drop your car key in one of our night drop boxes. You will receive updates regarding your estimate or repairs via email, text, or phone call so that you can stay up to date on the timeline of your repairs. Even payment can be completed over the phone to ensure as little contact as possible for the safety of you and our staff. Schedule an Estimate or Repairs in Madison, WI Take advantage of the convenience and safety precautions available to you today at Zimbrick Body Shops. Our top priority is to provide excellent customer service while maintaining the health and safety of you and our staff. Schedule your next appointment 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.

Now that we’ve begun hanging up our coats and breaking out our summer attire, it’s time to start focusing our attention on how we’re going to make the rest of the year work in our favor. One way to do that? Conduct routine vehicle maintenance during National Car Care Month. By completing just a few of the steps below, you’ll be well on your way to setting your car up for success. National Car Care Month Tips Get an oil change You’ve probably heard it a million times before, and for good reason: getting your oil changed regularly is crucial to maintaining good engine health. But don’t think all oil is made equal: make sure to change your oil only in accordance with the frequency and type as specified in your owner’s manual. Otherwise, you may end up doing more harm than good. Inspect your belts and hoses During seasonal changes, the belts and hoses that keep everything under the hood running smoothly can begin to shrink or expand. This can lead to them developing cracks, fraying, leaking, or becoming swollen. With this in mind, give your belts and hoses a once-over before the warmer weather has a chance to exacerbate any existing issues. Check your brakes In order to stay safe while driving on icy roads, we need to keep our feet close to the brake pedals. Unfortunately, this can take a toll on our brakes’ health and, ultimately, contribute to them working less effectively. Listen closely for squeaking, grinding, or crunching sounds when you press on the brakes next time you’re driving. If you hear any of the above, it’s a good indicator that it’s time to get them professionally inspected and possibly replaced. Top off your fluids Unfortunately, many vehicle owners neglect checking on and replenishing diminished fluid levels before it’s too late. Make it a priority to keep your car’s fluids topped off to avoid any issues, especially your coolant. According to the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, the greatest cause for breakdowns in the summer is overheating. Schedule Service in Madison, WI While most of the above tasks are part of your routine maintenance schedule, we understand that other things come up, too. If you have any structural or cosmetic problems, our trained body shop technicians are ready to help today. Schedule an appointment with a member of our service team, and be sure to take advantage of our service and parts specials to save on your next visit.

Spring is a time for fun. That means trips to parks, hikes, vacations, and more. But it’s important to have fun while staying safe. That’s why we’ve put together our tips for how to keep yourself and others safe this spring season. How to Stay Safe on the Road This Spring Spring Showers Spring showers bring May flowers — but it can also bring extra hazards to the road. Rain and wet pavement leads to a large amount of car crashes and accidents every year, after all. That’s why it’s important to be prepared. Here are a few ways to ensure your safety on the road in rainy spring weather: Check tires — Tires can often become deflated in the cold weather. This makes it important to ensure tire pressure is where you want it to be before springtime. If not, your traction on the road could be compromised. You’ll also want to have your tires inspected to ensure that the tread isn’t too worn down. This can also negatively impact your traction, which makes wet pavement even more difficult to handle Check wiper blades and fluid — You won’t have your wipers working poorly with heavy rain coming down. This can obstruct your view and make it more likely that a collision will occur. Replace your wiper blades and refill your wiper fluid as needed. Slow down — Even with all the boxes checked when it comes to vehicle maintenance, rain can still be dangerous for drivers. So be extra cautious and slow down when the rain gets heavy. Pedestrians With the sun shining, it’s no wonder people and their pets want to be outside. What does this mean for drivers? It’s especially important to stay vigilant on the road — on every drive. There are multiple ways to do this: Respect pedestrian signs, and double check to make sure no one crosses at the last minute. Look back and forth an extra time when you’re going to turn, especially if it’s on a red light. Make sure your brakes are working well, and replace your brake pads if needed. Cyclists Whether a person is on a bike or motorcycle, they’re likely to be out in full force enjoying fun in the sun this springtime. Keep an eye out, especially if there is a biker’s lane on the road. You’ll want to give them the distance they need. And when it comes to motorcycles, you’ll want to keep ample distance between your vehicle and theirs — at least two cars’ worth. Pets Driving to a hike with your furry friend? Car safety is incredibly important for animals too. As cute as your dog may look as a co-pilot, you should always keep them in the backseat while driving. We also encourage you to take extra safety measures, such as restraints (pet seat belts, essentially), back seat barriers, and others. Get a Vehicle Check-Up in Madison, WI One great way to stay safe on the road this spring? Drive a vehicle you can trust. Bring your vehicle in for a check-up before spring showers. If you live in the Madison, WI, area come by Zimbrick Body Shops for expert car repair and maintenance services. We also proudly serve the Sun Prairie area.

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.

Getting together with family and friends is one of the biggest joys of the holiday season. But reuniting with those loved ones often means making a long drive during the most dangerous time of year for roadway travel. It should come as no surprise that accidents increase during the holiday season. There are more cars on the road. The weather often creates unfavorable driving conditions. It’s dark earlier. And people are often driving in unfamiliar areas. It’s even been shown that people are more distracted at the wheel during the holidays. Below are some driving tips to keep you and your loved ones safe this holiday season. Holiday Driving Tips 1. Stay fresh Holiday commutes tend to take longer because of the increased traffic on the roads. And drowsiness is attributed to a number of accidents. Get a good night’s sleep before your drive and resist the urge to push your limits. 2. Slow down Of course you’re anxious to get there. But excessive speed is among the leading causes of highway accidents. Take your time and arrive safely. 3. Plan your route Explore your different route options and determine the safest one. For instance, it may be wise to avoid windy mountain roads when a more comfortable option exists. 4. Check the weather Keep an eye on the weather forecast in the days prior to your departure. If it looks rocky, consider leaving at a different time to give yourself the most favorable conditions possible. Or consider an alternative route that might keep you out of the way of a storm. 5. Get a tuneup Prep your car for the long drive by taking it in for a winter tuneup. Roadway safety starts in the driveway, so make sure your vehicle is in safe working order with proper tire pressure, working headlights, brake lights, wipers, and more. Schedule Your Appointment If your vehicle does get dinged up this holiday season, schedule an appointment with your nearest Zimbrick Body Shop for dent removal, collision repair, or a paint touch-up. With our streamlined repair process, we’ll have you back on the road as good as new in no time. Happy holidays, and stay safe out there.