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.
The Different Ways You Can Wash Your Car
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.
Happy National Car Care Month From Zimbrick
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.
Your Guide to Spring Driving in Madison
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.
What Is Paintless Dent Repair?
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.
How to Protect Your Car in the Winter
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.
Driving Tips for the Holiday Season
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.
If you’re ever involved in an auto collision or even a little fender-bender, you’ll likely want to take your car to a body repair shop where you can have it returned to its peak condition. What you don’t want to do is take it to the very first body shop you come across. Not all body repair shops are created equal, and it pays to do your homework and find a shop that you can really trust.
There are plenty of ways to perform this due diligence. Reading online reviews is a good start. We would also recommend talking with someone from the body repair shop and asking them a few key questions, ensuring a fully informed decision. Here are just some of the questions that you might consider asking.
What to Ask at the Body Repair Shop
Does your work come with any kind of warranty or guarantee?
Some body shops will vouch for their workmanship by offering a warranty or guarantee. Ask if such pledges exist, what they cover, and how long they last.
Does your body repair shop offer loaner vehicles?
You’re going to need something you can drive around while your car is in the shop. Ask if there are rental or loaner vehicles you can use, minimizing your inconvenience.
How long will the work take?
It’s only natural to want to learn more about the timeline. There’s no hard or fast rule here, and it will largely depend on the scope of the damages to your vehicle. Expect it to take up to 10 days for your vehicle to be returned to you.
Will the body shop be able to replicate your vehicle’s paint color?
Verify that the repair technicians will be using the exact same paint that’s currently on the car, not something that’s merely “close.”
Will you put everything into a written estimate?
It’s not out of line to ask your body repair shop to give you a written contract, outlining the scope of the work, guarantees/warranties, cost, and timeline.
Choose the Right Body Repair Shop
Do your research and seek a repair shop that impresses you with their friendly, knowledgeable customer service. Don’t hesitate to contact Zimbrick Body Shops to ask us any of your questions.
Common Types of Auto Body Repair
On average, 6 million people get in car accidents every year. That’s why it’s important to understand your post-accident auto body repair needs. Let’s take a look at four types of common car body repairs.
4 Common Car Body Repairs
Paintless Dent Removal
Paintless dent repair (PDR) entails removing small, shallow dents in the body of a car. This type of repair is very common and can be used on vehicles as long as the paint surface of the car is not damaged.
Common types of damage that can usually be fixed with PDR include:
- Minor dings
- Auto body creases
- Hail damage
The time involved in performing PDR can vary depending on the severity and number of dents. For a single dent, it often takes about an hour to complete.
Glass Replacement and Windshield Repair
Glass replacement is performed when a windshield or window needs to be completely removed and replaced with new glass. Small chips, scratches, or cracks often can be fixed through repair, but for more serious damage, glass replacement may be needed.
While the time involved in glass replacement can vary, a windshield replacement usually takes about an hour.
Windshield repair involves fixing chips, scratches, or cracks on the windshield when glass replacement is not needed. This process involves injecting a clear resin into the areas of damage, then curing and polishing the resin. This ensures the damage will not spread and results in a smooth surface.
Windshield repairs usually take roughly 30 minutes to complete, though this can vary depending on the job.
Auto Body Painting
Auto body painting is needed when the paint surface of a vehicle is damaged. This involves removing dust and other particles from the surface of the car, priming it, painting it, lacquering it, and polishing it as needed.
This process can take up to five days to complete, depending on how much of the car needs to be repainted.
Collision Repair
After a serious vehicle collision, major auto body repairs may be needed. In these cases, the body shop team will inspect your vehicle and assess the damage. Once an estimate on the repairs is put together and approved by the customer, the technicians will disassemble the vehicle as needed and complete the repairs. They will then reassemble the vehicle and detail it as needed.
Time can vary based on the number and severity of the repairs needed.
Schedule Auto Body Repair in Madison, WI
Looking for an auto body repair in the Madison, Wisconsin area? Learn about Zimbrick Body Shops’ auto body repair services — our expert technicians are happy to walk you through our process and bring your car back to pre-accident condition.
The numbers say it all: Roughly 13-14 million car windshields are replaced every year. Even with this large amount of annual auto glass replacements, it’s always essential to choose your body shop carefully.
While some may consider auto glass replacement a “routine” procedure, proper installation is paramount to passenger safety on the road. So when it comes to choosing a service center in Madison, Wisconsin, or the surrounding areas, why is Zimbrick Body Shops the best decision?
Let’s explore.
4 Reasons to Choose Zimbrick for Auto Glass Replacement
Comprehensive Services
While we do offer the most common front windshield replacements, we also offer:
- Rock chip repair
- Rearview mirror replacement
- Door/quarter glass replacement
- Back glass replacement
Insurance Claim Assistance
What’s worse than dealing with a car repair? Car insurance paperwork. That’s why we also assist with this process. We’re happy to help with your glass insurance claim to ensure you get back on the road worry-free.
Unparalleled Expertise and Professionalism
The Zimbrick Automotive Group is a cornerstone of the local community, having been around for over 50 years. The company philosophy is “Loving Care Service,” and it comes through in every auto maintenance and repair.
As an established and renowned auto group in the local area, Zimbrick has the privilege of choosing the most talented technicians and providing comprehensive training. That, in addition to our state-of-the-art equipment, makes us the ideal choice for auto glass replacement services.
The Most Important Reason of All…
It’s simply, really. The most important reason to choose Zimbrick Body Shops is to get proper auto glass and windshield installation — the first time.
We know it takes time out of your busy schedule to get your auto glass replaced, which is why we ensure proper installation — so you won’t have to come back in the next day or week to fix an issue that should not have been there in the first place.
Choose Expert Auto Service in Madison, WI
Entrust your vehicle to our skilled technicians in Madison, WI. Schedule your auto glass repair appointment and explore our additional auto maintenance and repair services.
Learn more about Zimbrick auto glass services here.
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Recent Blog Entries
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