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.
Types of Auto Body Damage You Should Never Ignore
Body damage on a vehicle often goes unaddressed. After all, it’s just cosmetic and won’t affect safety, performance, or the long-term health of the vehicle, right?
Not exactly. There are a few types of auto body damage you should never ignore, and for good reason. Let’s take a look at them below.
Scratched Paint
Body damage often leaves a scratch, ding, or chip in its wake. If these are deep enough to expose underlying metal to the elements, rust and corrosion can occur over time, severely reducing the vehicle’s lifespan.
Misaligned Paneling
If the damage to your vehicle’s body has left a door, trunk, or hood misaligned, it may not open or close properly. This can become much more than just a simple nuisance. People and items may not be safely secured during everyday commutes, or occupants may find themselves unable to quickly open a door in the event of an emergency.
Bent Frame
While it may look like damage is limited to your vehicle’s visible body, dents may be masking hidden damage to the frame. Always have the frame inspected by trusted professionals and properly aligned when necessary. If your vehicle is still pulling one direction or the other following an accident and realignment, it’s likely the frame has been bent. A damaged frame should never be ignored because it directly compromises the safety of everyone onboard if another collision occurs.
Sounds or Smells
If you notice a peculiar sound or smell when driving your vehicle after it has suffered body damage, there may be additional damage at play. Engine parts can be damaged in a collision, disrupting their functionality and jeopardizing the safety and performance of the vehicle.
Poor Alignment
Not every collision will bend your vehicle’s frame, but every collision has a chance of skewing your vehicle’s alignment. Not only is it unsafe and an annoyance to drive a vehicle with poor alignment, it can also accelerate the wear on your tires.
Have Your Body Damage Inspected at Zimbrick
If your vehicle has suffered auto body damage, schedule an appointment at your nearest Zimbrick Automotive body shop to have it inspected by professional technicians. Our service team can detect any underlying damage to the frame, alignment, or engine parts, and identify any potential problems that should not be overlooked. Zimbrick also offers complimentary online estimates for repairs when you submit photos of the damage with your smartphone.
Don’t ignore your auto body damage—let the Zimbrick Automotive team safely return you and your vehicle to the road.
Your windshield is one of the most vulnerable parts of your car. After all, it’s a large target that’s positioned right in the line of fire for debris and other objects. Not to mention, it’s also made of glass. Some cracks and chips are inevitable and unavoidable. But there are a few things you can do to help prevent auto glass damage.
Don’t tailgate
A lot of glass damage happens when you’re following too closely to the car in front of you and that vehicle kicks up a small rock in its wake. Trucks are especially known to send gravel airborne. Avoid following too closely to the vehicle in front of you, particularly on roads that aren’t well-paved.
Take cover
Auto glass damage can happen even when your car is parked. Park in a garage, carport, or covered area whenever possible to keep your windshield and windows out of the way of hail and other flying objects. And take caution when parking under trees as pine cones, acorns, and other falling debris could cause damage to your auto glass.
Properly remove ice
You know how much a windshield can freeze over in a Wisconsin winter. What you may not know is how much damage you can cause when removing it. Always use a plastic scraper or soft bristle brush combined with your windshield wipers and defroster. Metal scrapers can scratch your glass and compromise its integrity.
Don’t drive behind gravel trucks
Trucks hauling gravel often transport some of it right to the car behind them. If you see a gravel truck on the road, get in a different lane and keep a safe distance away.
Keep temperature changes gradual
Glass expands at high temperatures and then contracts when it’s exposed to the cold. And extreme temperature changes can place stress on the glass. When your car has been sitting in the hot sun, don’t just immediately blast the air conditioner. Start off on a lower setting first before gradually turning it up. The same is true when using the heater after your car has been sitting in the cold for an extended period of time.
See a Zimbrick Body Shop for Your Auto Glass Repair Needs
While you can do all of the above to try to prevent damage to your car windows, cracks and chips are still bound to happen every once in a while. And when they do, you need a repair shop you can trust.
See Zimbrick Body Shop in Madison, Wisconsin, for all your windshield repair needs. Our technicians are highly trained and experienced in performing auto glass repair, and can get you back on the road in no time. Schedule an appointment today and don’t let damage to your vehicle’s glass get in the way of your drive.
Know When to Repair or Replace Your Windshield
Most car owners have encountered a rock chip or cracked windshield at one time or another. The first instinct for most people is to just deal with it and drive on. After all, it’s just a little cosmetic blemish.
Actually your windshield is more important than you think! Your windshield plays an important role in the safety of you and your passengers. It works hand in hand with proper air-bag deployment, functionality of sensors, light refraction, and is even as important as the structural integrity of your vehicle. It’s never a good idea to drive with a cracked or chipped windshield.
When to Repair Your Windshield
Repairing a damaged windshield is typically more affordable than replacing one, so any small chip should be repaired ASAP! Any chip smaller than a dime in size that penetrates the outer layer of glass with a circular “spider web” look is a good candidate for repair.
When to Replace Your Windshield
There is a point at which the damage to a windshield is too extensive for repairs to which replacement is required. Once a windshield takes on a certain amount of damage it loses its ability to keep you safe.
If any of these circumstances are met, we will recommend replacement:
- Damage to the inner and/or outer layer of glass.
- Three or more chips in the windshield.
- Contaminates, visible impurities or discoloration.
- Any cracks.
- Chip in the driver’s line of vision.
Get Your Windshield Fixed in Madison
Our Auto Glass Services includes repairs and replacements for all makes and models. All of our work is performed by Certified Technicians using the latest technologies to restore your vehicle’s glass and get you back on the road quickly and safely.Whether you can get by with a repair or replacement, let’s just make sure safety is the #1 priority. Schedule your appointment today at Madison Zimbrick Auto Glass. Here at Zimbrick, if for some reason a repair that we attempt to fix fails, we will deduct the repair cost and apply it to a replacement fee. We average a 98% chip repair call back rating.
Types of Collisions and How Zimbrick Can Help
There are many types of driving maneuvers to be made on the road, so it stands to reason there are at least as many types of collisions. And with so many different types of collisions, there are just as many ways we can help.
Below are some of the most common types of auto collisions and how Zimbrick Body Shops can help.
Rear-End Collisions
Perhaps the most common type of car accident is the rear-end collision. These collisions happen a lot during congested city driving when cars are lined up bumper to bumper and engaged in a series of stopping and accelerating.
Rear-end collisions typically cause a lot of bumper damage along with damage to trunks, hoods, and even frames.
T-Bones
A T-bone collision occurs when vehicles that are traveling perpendicular to one another collide, with the front end of one car crashing into the side of the other. T-bone accidents happen a lot at intersections when a driver runs a red light or stop sign or fails to yield a right-of-way.
T-bone collisions can cause considerable body damage to the side of the car being hit, as the side panels of vehicles are less sturdy than the front end. You can usually expect windows to break during a T-bone collision.
Sideswipe Collisions
A sideswipe collision happens when two cars come into contact while traveling parallel to each other. Sideswipes are common when a car is merging lanes and the driver either fails to look before merging or doesn’t see another car in their blind spot.
Sideswipes typically don’t cause much denting, but paint jobs tend to get very scratched up in a sideswipe collision.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions are the most dangerous type of accident and occur when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide with one another. Head-on collisions are usually caused by negligent, distracted, or intoxicated driving.
Head-on collisions can cause considerable damage to the front ends and engines of both vehicles and often leaves a car totaled beyond repair.
Single-Car Collisions
A single car collision is when a car collides with a tree, fence, sign or other object. These accidents can be caused by a driver falling asleep at the wheel, intoxication, inclement weather, distraction, mechanical failures, or swerving to miss a pedestrian, animal, or debris.
Single-car collisions generally cause damage to the front or side of a vehicle. Cars involved in these types of collisions also may be prone to rolling over, which can cause damage to the hood and roof.
How Zimbrick Can Help
No matter the type of collision involved, the certified collision repair at Zimbrick Body Shops can help. Find out more about the collision repair and estimate process, and contact us with any questions about our collision repair service, to schedule an appointment, or to receive an online estimate or your vehicle’s damage today.
The Zimbrick Collision Repair Process
You didn’t plan on getting into an accident. But we have a plan in place to get you back on the road. Learn about our detailed collision repair process designed to restore your vehicle’s damage quickly, easily and affordably.
Gather evidence and deliver a preliminary estimate
We’ll get the process started by gathering all of your vehicle’s information and conducting a visual inspection of the damage to provide you with a general idea of what’s in store as far as pricing and timeliness.
Approval
If the information provided to you during the preliminary estimate is satisfactory, we will roll up our sleeves and get to work. This step in the collision repair process may require an agreement with your insurer.
Book your appointment and order parts
Once we have your approval, we’ll go ahead and schedule an appointment for your car and order any necessary parts so we’ll be ready with what we need on your appointment day.
Disassembly
This is when we’ll begin peeling back the outer layers of damage to get a complete review of the work needed to return your car to the road. Additional parts may be ordered if necessary and your preliminary estimate is adjusted as needed and finalized.
Structural repair
The real danger lies beneath, and our team makes sure to properly assess and repair any underlying structural damage that may have resulted from your collision. We carefully measure everything according to the manufacturer’s specifications and use only OEM-approved equipment and tools to restore your car back to the way it was when it left the assembly line.
Body repair
Once any structural damage has been repaired, we then piece your car back together and repair the external damage to the body.
Touch-ups
After all panels and bumpers are back into place, we then prep, prime, and paint your car to get it looking like new again. Other materials, like lights, trim, and molding, are fastened back into place and we test wheel alignments, electrical and mechanical parts, and even conduct a road test to make sure everything is in working order.
We then top it all off by washing and vacuuming your vehicle and performing one final appearance inspection .
Delivery
The final step in the collision repair process is having you return to our location to pick up your vehicle, discuss the repairs and parts used, and see you drive off safe and satisfied.
Schedule Your Appointment in Madison, WI
Schedule an appointment for collision repair today at one of our three locations in Madison, Wisconsin. Our body shops on West Beltline Highway, Wayne Terrace, and North Stoughton Road are an easy drive from Sun Prairie and other surrounding suburbs.
You never know when you might suffer a collision. But you always know you can count on Zimbrick Body Shops and our reliable repair process to see you through.
Why You Shouldn’t Put off Auto Glass Repaired
You’ve probably been there yourself: You get a rock chip or small crack in your windshield and figure there’s no need to repair it right away. After all, it’s very small and likely isn’t hurting anything.
What you might not know is driving with even the smallest damage to your auto glass can be both costly and dangerous. Below are just a few reasons you shouldn’t wait to have your damaged auto glass repaired or replaced.
The Dangers of Not Repairing Auto Glass
A chipped or cracked window is more than just a cosmetic blemish. It can actually be really dangerous.
Damage to a window can impede your vision while driving. Rock chips and cracks often start out small and expand over time. And if the crack was to find its way into your line of sight or blind spot, you could be putting the safety of yourself and your passengers at risk.
Airbags count on the windshield to absorb impact upon deployment, so compromised auto glass can cause airbags to not work as efficiently.
The Costs of Replacing vs. Not Replacing Your Auto Glass
You may elect not to repair or replace your auto glass right away because you don’t want to have to pay for it. But not repairing or replacing it could actually end up costing you more money in the long run.
Small chips and cracks are often fairly inexpensive to repair and can often be fixed without having to replace the entire windshield. But if you wait until the damage gets worse — which may only take a week or two — it may reach the point to where it needs a total replacement.
Plus, driving with a cracked windshield is a ticketable offense in many states, and you may end up with a fine to pay on top of the cost of repairing the damage.
Auto Glass Repair at Zimbrick
Zimbrick Body Shop does more than just dent and scratch removals. We offer full auto glass service that includes both repairs and total replacements at our Madison, Wisconsin, locations.
Schedule your appointment today for an easy solution to your auto glass needs, and return to the driver’s seat with a clearer picture of the road ahead.
The Truth Behind 5 Common Winter Driving Myths
Winter driving can be difficult, and a car load of the wrong information can make it even more so. Below are five winter driving myths and the real truth behind them.
Engines need time to warm up
Many drivers remain convinced that their engine needs some time to warm up before the drive. But most modern vehicles are perfectly fine to drive within seconds of the engine being started. The reason is that most auto manufacturers have replaced carburetor engines with fuel injection systems that circulate oil and other fluids much quicker upon startup.
You should let air out of the tires
Logic says that a tire with less air will have more rubber on the road at all times and therefore better traction. But science says cold weather will lower tire pressure on its own, and that under-inflated tires are more prone to blowouts, faster wear, and diminished handling. Keep your tire pressure the same as the manufacturer’s recommendations no matter the weather.
There’s no reason to wash your car in the winter
Your car is just getting cleaned throughout the winter with all the snow and ice accumulating on it, right? Not exactly. Your vehicle is constantly getting hammered with corrosion-causing road salt in the winter, which should be washed off regularly. And the snow and ice that accumulates on your car is often full of dirt and sludge from the road, so “wet” doesn’t always mean “clean.”
All-season tires are just as good as winter tires
As their name suggests, “all-season” tires should be plenty sufficient for wintertime use. But in order to cater to all four seasons, compromises have to be made in the design of all-season tires. So while they provide improved traction in light snow and mild winter conditions when compared to standard tires, they are not designed for deeper snow, ice, and near-freezing temperatures in the same way that dedicated winter tires are.
4-wheel drive is winter-proof
There’s no doubt that a 4-wheel drive vehicle can have an easier time fighting through unplowed roads. But a 4-wheel drive vehicle has no better stopping abilities than a 2-wheel drive car, and braking is the most important quality in winter conditions. Too many drivers allow themselves to have a false sense of security with their 4-wheel drive vehicle, which in turn leads to even more dangerous winter driving.
Call on Zimbrick
One thing that’s no myth is the quality of service and craftsmanship you’ll find at Zimbrick Body Shops. Should you happen to get in a fender bender this winter, call on the experts at Zimbrick Body Shops in Madison, Wisconsin, to restore the damage and get you back on the road safely and as soon as possible.
With our contactless estimate, you can get a quote for your car’s damage right from your smartphone. Let Zimbrick dispel the myth that good service is hard to come by.
How to Winterproof Your Car
Winter weather presents a range of driving challenges. But it’s not just road conditions to be aware of. Your car also needs protection from the weather itself. Below are some ways to winterproof your car to protect it from the elements and escape the winter unscathed.
Park inside
If at all possible, park inside a heated garage or at least under a carport. The more you can limit your car’s exposure to cold temperatures, damaging sleet and moisture, the better. You’ll reduce the risk of rust and damage and extend the life of your battery and other parts. If you have no other option, consider using a car cover.
Wash and wax
Take advantage of the days when the Mercury rises above 32 degrees. Winter is not often seen as the season for washing and waxing vehicles, but it’s the best way to rid your car of corrosion-causing salt that accumulates on the body while driving on winter roads.
Replace your blades
Your windshield deserves some protection, too. Invest in a new set of winter wiper blades, and don’t forget the back window if you drive a hatchback or SUV. A cold weather washer fluid will ensure your wiper blades don’t freeze up when you need them most.
Inflate your tires
Tire pressure decreases in cold temperatures, which can lead to a decreased lifespan of the tires and poor fuel economy (not to mention the safety risks). Check your tire pressure once a month, and top off as necessary.
Top off with antifreeze
Antifreeze keeps the water in your radiator and engine from freezing up in winter and helps prevent damage to engine parts. Oil changes are a good time to top off your antifreeze level.
Get Help From Zimbrick Body Shops
Should you encounter any damage to your car’s body or paint resulting from freezing rain, rust, or a wintertime fender bender, lean on Zimbrick Body Shops for help. Our experts can assist with dent removals, car paint, collision repair, and more.
Learn more about our services or schedule an appointment today. Winter only comes once a year, but Zimbrick Body Shops are always here for you.
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