Windshield cracks happen, often at the worst possible times. While they may seem devestating, they are fairly normal and commonly seen when driving on highways or gravel-heavy rural roads. Even though they’re commonplace, it’s never recommended that you continue driving your vehicle with a cracked windshield. While its easy to ignore, it could set you back thousands of dollars in injuries and fees. Read on to learn why you should consider auto glass replacement as soon as possible if you notice that your windshield is cracked.
You could be ticketed for the lack of repair
Highway patrol officers are able to pull you over and write you a “fix it ticket” if you do not have your vehicle fixed, as this could pose a risk to you and to other drivers. This can bring even more unnecessary expense and hassle to the maintenance situation, as you’ll often have to submit proof to the court or another third party before you can continue to use the vehicle. Failure to do this process can result in more fines and fees.
You can rack up cost with additional injuries
If you choose to avoid windshield replacement or windshield repair, you might get lucky and avoid further injury. However, your windshield can crack or shatter completely with the slightest dent or nick from gravel or road debris. Plus, you can run up a high medical bill for any injury associated with shatter or puncture of your window. This can be devastating in the result of a crash, especially if the driver is unsecured.
You could be susceptible to robbery or theft
A cracked window can make your vehicle a bigger target for robbery or theft, thanks to the already-present weakness in your car’s defenses. Fixing your windshield as soon as possible can help you to reduce the overall risk.
Auto body repair shops and dealerships have service packages to help you address the risks that a cracked windshield can bring. The pros at Zimbrick Automotive are here to help you address any windshield repair or maintenance you need to drive safely. For more information, please visit our website or schedule repair service online. We look forward to connecting with you soon!
Wet Weather Driving Tips
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.
Find Out the Leading Causes of Car Dents
| Isn’t it frustrating to come out to your car and find a new ding or dent? Unfortunately, these dent-causing incidents aren’t uncommon, and it’s likely you may find yourself in situations where your car can potentially be damaged. Here are just five of the most common causes of dents so you know how to protect your vehicle in the future. Inclement Weather If you park your car outside, then you can experience dents and dings as a result of inclement weather, such as hail, sleet, and even intense rainstorms. If you want to avoid such incidents, it’s a good idea to invest in a car cover or to park inside a garage or under an awning. Other Cars When you park next to another car, it’s possible that they may open their door too wide and ding your vehicle. You can minimize this risk by parking away from other cars whenever possible. Grocery Carts After you’ve done your shopping, you may return your cart to the corral. Unfortunately, not everyone does the same, and it’s common to see rogue shopping carts rolling through the parking lot. In some instances, these carts can actually run into a car and leave a nasty dent. If you’re afraid of this happening, it’s a good idea to park as far uphill as you can. Falling Objects Have you ever parked underneath a tree? If so, not only have you possibly experienced bird droppings on your car, but you may also have squirrels dropping acorns and branches. Although they are small, they can still cause dings and dents. Try to avoid parking under a tree to minimize such annoyances. Tight Parking Spots Even if there aren’t any other cars around, your own car can still be dented in tight parking spots, such as those in parking garages. Make sure to give yourself a wide berth when getting into or pulling out of a tight parking spot so that you don’t accidentally scratch or dent your car. Have Your Car Serviced or Repaired at Zimbrick Body Shop Has your car been the victim of a dent or ding and you want to have them buffed out? If so, then you should bring your car into one of our collision centers in Madison, Wisconsin. We specialize in paintless dent repair as well as paintless dent removal, so we can make your car look outstanding in no time. Schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience, we’ll be happy to assist. |
What to Do if Your Car’s Paint Gets a Deep Scratch
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.
5 Car Noises You Shouldn’t Ignore
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.
What to Do if Your Car Breaks Down on the Road
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.
What to Do After a Car Accident
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.
Fixing Hail Damage with Paintless Dent Repair
A hail storm can come without warning. When it does, it can leave your vehicle looking like the surface of the moon, with craters dotting the hood and roof. In a particularly severe storm, you can even end up with broken windows.
Many people figure hail damage is just cosmetic and don’t bother to have it repaired. However, when the dents from hail damage are left untreated, the creases can crack and chip off over time and leave you with a blemished paint job, which increases the risk of rust and corrosion setting in.
It’s important to have hail damage repaired in a timely manner. Below are some of the ways we can do just that through our auto body repair services here at Zimbrick.
Paintless Dent Repair
Paintless dent repair (PDR) restores the body of a vehicle damaged by hail to brand new condition quickly and affordably. The method is called “paintless” because the original paint is completely preserved, and no fresh coat is needed.
How does it work? Paintless dent repair involves the use of special tools to slowly and carefully “massage” a dent out of existence. A technician first assesses the damage in question, then a special tool is used to apply pressure to the affected area, beginning with the outer edges of the dent and slowly working to its center until the dent eventually disappears.
Paintless dent repair has several advantages over traditional dent repair work, including a much lower cost, faster service (a typical service can be completed in only a few hours), better value retention for the affected vehicle, and a much cleaner finish since no fresh coat of paint is needed.
Auto Glass Repair
At Zimbrick Body Shop, we’re proud to offer a variety of auto glass repair services. If a severe hail storm has broken or damaged one of your vehicle’s windows, we can very easily solve the problem for you. Whether your windshield is simply chipped from a slight hit, or you’re missing a window and need a full replacement, we’ve got you covered.
If you think a small chip in one of your car’s windows is nothing to worry about, think again. Window damage on your car weakens the window’s strength and can lead to structural damage if left unrepaired, leading to a much more expensive job.
A Better Way to Repair Hail Damage
While there are some ways to repair hail damage yourself, it’s rarely easy or guaranteed. Fortunately, Zimbrick Body Shop offers multiple better ways to do so.
Contact us about paintless dent repair or auto glass repair at Zimbrick Body Shop in Madison, WI and schedule an appointment for auto body repair at your nearest location today.
What Body Shop Certifications to Look For
With constant innovation in the automotive industry, certifications are more important than ever for an auto body shop. They show customers how up-to-date and well-trained a shop’s technicians are, and by extension, what quality of repair work the customer can expect.
There are 5 major certifications customers should look for in an auto body repair shop.
Technician Certifications
ASE Certification:
- Prior to a technician being able to apply for the Automotive Service Excellence certification test, they must already have been well-educated in the classroom and have direct hands-on experience — ASE testing requires both a two-year degree in automotive repair and two years of previous on-the-job training.
- ASE certification is trusted and highly respected given its challenging exam is written by veteran automotive professionals. Nearly a third of technicians who take the test fail initially.
I-Car Certification:
- I-Car, or Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repairs, Certification keeps technicians versed on what’s new and needs to be learned in the repair field. Maintaining this certification requires annual training courses on the most recent information and repair methods.
Shop Certifications
AAA Certification:
To be considered an Approved Auto Repair Facility through AAA, a body shop must undergo annual inspections. This annual inspection helps ensure the repair shop’s ongoing quality, which translates to higher standards of excellence in the repairs they complete for their customers.
AAA-approved repair shops guarantee:
- Technicians that are either ASE-certified or have a manufacturer training certification
- Good standing with the BBB
- Proper licensing and insurance
- Mandatory warranties for repairs completed
- Up-to-date technology and tools for completing repairs on the newest vehicles
A+ Rating with the BBB:
- A number of factors go into a Better Business Bureau rating, such as the number of customer complaints to the BBB and how the business responds to these complaints. Businesses only receive an A+ rating when they’ve scored an impressive 97 or higher out of 100 possible rating points across the full range of factors.
OEM Certification:
- Cars are more advanced nowadays than ever before, and automobile innovation doesn’t appear to be slowing down. Repairing these ever more complex vehicles requires more specialized knowledge and training.
- OEM Certified repair shops use repair parts made by the original manufacturer rather than aftermarket parts. This ensures both high quality as well as factory-perfect fit and functionality.
Here at Zimbrick Body Shop, we pride ourselves on our extensive certifications and long history of quality work. Whether you’re in need of collision repair, dent removal, car painting, or glass repair, our staff of experienced professionals will get you and your car safely back on the road. If you have any questions, please contact us online or call one of our three locations for more information.
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