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.
How to Protect Your Car During the Summer
Constant exposure to sunlight, extreme temperatures, and the occasional hail storm can wreak havoc on your car’s exterior. Follow these simple steps to maintain the look and quality of your car as long as possible, and make them part of your summer car care routine.
Tips to Protect Your Car From the Elements
Head for cover
The best way to protect your car from the elements is to store it in a garage. A garage provides a sanctuary away from all the elements, including sunlight, freezing temperatures, heavy rain, debris, and hail.
While a garage is ideal, not everyone has that luxury. The next best option is to seek out a suitable cover for the car to provide respite from sunlight, tree foliage, and heavy rain. If you live in an area where hail is a common nuisance, a cover specifically designed to prevent hail damage could save you hundreds of dollars over the years.
Wash, wax, repeat
Dirt, grime, and debris can wreak havoc on your paint. The easiest way to maintain your car’s exterior is to wash it using soap that is free of detergents because those can remove the protective wax layer or even cause staining to your vehicle. Always opt for the wax treatment after getting your car washed. Wax is your first line of defense when protecting your vehicle’s paint.
While it’s important to wash your car regularly, pay careful attention during the winter months as many city roads are salted to combat slick conditions. This salt can erode and rust your car’s exterior.
Avoid unnecessary exposure
When out and about, aim to park your car in a location where there is minimal opportunity for damage. Whenever possible, seek out a parking garage or covered parking deck in case the weather turns south while you’re shopping.
Seek out shade but avoid parking under trees, which could either cover your car in sap, debris, and bird droppings or cause damage from a fallen limb. If you experience a hail storm while you’re driving, seek shelter immediately. Look for a parking garage or return home if possible.
Schedule Repair Services in Madison, WI
Aim to correct any issues like broken paint, a cracked windshield, or dents as soon as possible to avoid further damage. At Zimbrick Body Shops, we offer dent removal in Madison, Wisconsin, and can help you get your car back to its former glory. We can also help with glass repair if your windshield is damaged.
For more information about how to maintain your vehicle or our auto repair services, contact our service department or visit our dealership.
4 Tips for Safe Summer Driving
There’s no better time for a road trip than summer. The weather is gorgeous, you’re more likely to be available for long stretches of time, and everyone appears to be in better spirits. But before you dash down the road on that epic trip, remember that driving in the summer requires a certain type of diligence, both on the road and off.
There are more drivers on the road, more chances to get distracted, and certain types of maintenance that are necessary to guarantee your safety. With so much to consider, our team at Zimbrick Body Shop decided to put together a small guide of things to keep in mind when you’re on the road this summer.
Safe Driving Tips For the Summer
Get your car serviced
Make sure you’ve gotten car vehicle tuned-up, had its oil changed, its tires rotated, and its battery checked. Each of these can go a long way to preventing breakdowns on longer road trips. If you’ve gotten your vehicle serviced according to its manufacturer’s specs, then it should be good to go.
Go over your vehicle’s more definitive safety checklist — things like checking tire pressure, adjusting coolant levels, topping off fluid levels like brake fluid and power steering, and replacing worn down belts and hoses.
Watch out for other drivers
Since school is out of session, summer is the time of year when the most teens are on the road. Unfortunately, this can also become a recipe for more accidents. Their inexperience behind the wheel can lead to precarious, and sometimes dangerous, situations.
Summer also means more people will be on vacation. This can lead to roads becoming congested with travelers who are unfamiliar with their surroundings, which can result in unpredictable and erratic driving.
Keep yourself and your passengers hydrated
Long drives in the summer heat can lead to you and your passengers becoming dehydrated. Dehydration can result in you making impaired or impulsive decisions behind the wheel, which can result in an accident. If your passengers are also dehydrated for an extended period of time, it can make your road trip far less enjoyable. To combat this, make sure to keep two bottles of water handy for each person in the car.
Be extra cautious when towing large loads
Summer is a perfect time to go camping, take a day trip to the beach, or go fishing. With that said, many outdoor summer activities require people to tow large items, such as trailers or boats. If this applies to you, make sure to adjust what your concept of appropriate speed is.
You’ll also want to continuously check your mirrors for other vehicles while you’re in transit. Remember that your tires must be in pristine condition to effectively haul heavier loads. Be sure to check your tires’ pressure, as well as their rubber condition, before hauling anything.
Have a Safe Summer in Madison, WI
If something unforeseen should happen, schedule collision repair at Zimbrick Body Shops in Madison, Wisconsin. Our specialists will have your back all summer long.
5 Ways to Take Care of Your Car’s Paint Job
Nothing sparks confidence in a driver like a sparkling paint job on the body of the car. But in order for your car to retain its shine long after it leaves the car paint shop, it must be taken care of just like the rest of the vehicle.
Below are 5 ways to take care of your car’s paint job to keep your ride looking shiny and new.
Turn Your Driveway Into a Car Paint Shop
Follow these tips and your car will stay looking new for miles down the road.
1. Wash regularly
Regularly washing your car is perhaps the best way to protect the paint job. Use a high-quality automotive soap and apply it with a foam sponge using straight lines, not circular motions. Rinse with clean water.
Properly drying your car after a wash is vital to taking care of the paint job. Allowing the car to air dry leaves behind minerals from the water, which can be harmful to the paint. Dry your car with a microfiber towel. Bathroom towels, paper towels, and rags can leave behind tiny scratches that over time cause paint to erode.
2. Wax
Wax provides a protective seal on top of the paint that guards against dirt, dust, pollution, water, and other harmful substances. Wax can also cover up small scratches and other minor blemishes.
Wax your car every few months using the recommended techniques.
3. Keep it out of the sun
Ultraviolet rays from the sun are not only dangerous for your skin, but also for your car’s paint job. Sunlight can oxidize and fade the paint on your car, making it look much older than it actually is.
Whenever possible, park your car in the shade or under a covered space. Doing so will add years to the life of your paint job.
4. Use synthetic coating
Synthetic coating, or paint sealant, is an alternative to wax that bonds and permeates to the pores of your car’s paint to form a protective seal. Synthetic coating lasts longer than wax and can be applied just as easily.
5. Get help from a car paint shop
Go the extra mile for the protection of your car’s exterior by leaning on the professionals at the Zimbrick body shop. Our auto body services take care of the dings, dents, and other cosmetic damage to restore your car back to its original look. We can even give your car a whole new custom paint job. Schedule an appointment at your nearest Zimbrick body shop location and put the sparkle back in your ride.
What’s the Right Way to Wash Your Car?
Spring is a particularly taxing time for your car’s appearance. Between rainwater stains, pollen, and grit leftover from winter, there are plenty of factors standing in the way of your vehicle’s perfect shine. Luckily, car washes provide an easy fix. But there’s also a science to them.
Let’s break it down below.
5 Tips for Washing Your Car
Taking your car to a drive-thru washer can be risky. Here’s how you can do it yourself.
Let the car cool down before you begin.
Washing your car after you’ve been driving it all day is ill-advised. So is hitting it with the soap after it’s been exposed to direct sunlight for an extended period of time. Hot surfaces cause sudsy water to dry quickly and leave deposits. For a stain-free shine, it’s best to wash your car while it’s cool to the touch.
Rinse well before you start.
It might be tempting to jump right into the bucket, but you’ll want to start with a water-only rinse. Loose dirt and debris accumulate on your car, and if you start sponging the body before they’re properly removed, you could run the risk of scratching your paint job.
Always use a car-specific cleaner.
You’ll see all sorts of random recommendations on do-it-yourself blogs, but for your vehicle, a car-specific cleaner is the only smart move. Household cleaners like hand soap and dishwashing detergent aren’t mild enough for your car’s body, and if you’re not careful, they could strip the finish.
Use a towel or non-abrasive sponge.
You want to remove dirt and grime from your car, not its vibrant paint. Washing section by section in a lengthwise motion with a soft sponge or towel reduces the likelihood of unsightly scratches.
Hand-dry when finished.
Many drivers assume that a quick spin around the block will dry their car more quickly after a wash. Unfortunately, all this does is create unwanted watermarks. For the same reason, air-drying is not advised. Hand-drying your car with a chamois or terry towel is the only way to preserve its new shine.
See How Zimbrick Can Help
Of course, if you have cosmetic damage that a car wash won’t solve, schedule an appointment at Zimbrick Body Shops. We handle everything from paintless dent removal to glass and windshield repair at our collision centers in the Madison, Wisconsin, area.
3 Important Steps To Take After a Car Accident
We’ve all been there. One moment, you’re going about your day, and the next, someone has bumped into your fender. Car accidents can be frustrating because they take us out of our routine, but they need to be handled properly in order to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
Read on to see the simple steps you can take to make sure you’re prepared should you get into an accident.
What to Do After a Car Accident
Don’t panic
While your first thought might be to stress out about the damage or get angry at the other driver, it’s important to make sure you keep a level head and move your car away from traffic if possible.
If all vehicles in the accident can make it to a side street or the side of the road, turn them off and turn on the hazard lights. If you can, surround the vehicles with cones or warning triangles, that can help other drivers avoid the area.
Think safe
Now that you’re out of harm’s way, it’s important to check yourself and your passengers for injuries. These can be scrapes, cuts, sores, or even burns. You should also check with those in other vehicles involved if possible. If someone is seriously hurt, call an ambulance right away.
Once everyone has been examined, notify the police. Even if the accident was minor, a police report can help insurance companies when it comes to filing claims.
Jot down information
At this point, you’ll need to start collecting information for insurance purposes. You’ll need names and contact information from the other driver(s), as well as their license number(s) and insurance information.
It’s helpful to also write down the scene of the accident and get the names and numbers of any potential witnesses. When the police show up, get the officer’s name and badge number as well.
Now you should be ready to file a claim, which should be done as soon as possible. Call your insurance company and let them walk you through the process, providing whatever information you’ve gained when asked. Many companies even allow you to file a claim using an app on your phone.
Had an Accident? Zimbrick Body Shops Can Help
At Zimbrick Body Shops, we offer towing services and collision repair in Madison, Wisconsin. If you need your vehicle repaired after an accident, give us a call today.
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