How Much Do You Know About Driving In Icy Conditions?

From the most adept motorist in Maryville, Illinois to the individual that just relocated to Maryville, Collinsville, Troy, Glen Carbon, or Highland, Illinois from down south, each and every motorist should become aware of the hazards associated with winter travel. Maryville, Illinois auto body shops such as Kurt's CARSTAR Collision Center see automobiles roll into their garage each winter from drivers who felt that they didn't have to worry about icy road hazards. If you do not want to be one of those unhappy people, read through this article to find out exactly what you need to know.

Why should I look at this if I already have experience in winter driving?

You might believe that having experience would be helpful for winter driving, and to some extent you would be correct. But the difficulty that is included with that is the fact that motorists who have plenty of experience on icy roads frequently get into auto body accidents as a result of their overconfidence. If we were to be completely straightforward with ourselves, we would recognize that there isn't a single individual on the highway who's got the skill level needed to drive at highway speeds on roads whenever ice is present. Nobody has the reflexes and quick brain necessary to recuperate once you start fishtailing at high speeds. So, it is vital that every driver get ready for winter weather not just by practicing winter driving at slow speeds, but also by slowing down in general.

Aren’t good tires all you need to drive safely on winter roads?

Once again, this is one of those half truths that may land you in a Maryville, Illinois auto body shop quicker than you know it. Having good tires with a sufficient quantity of tread will help you out there. Nevertheless, you shouldn't be lulled into a false sense of security by good tires. While good tires can get you up and going in snowy conditions, your snow tires won't do you a lick of good once all that snow is solidified into ice. Again, good tires may do a lot to help you, but they are not the be-all, end-all of winter driving safety.

Won’t I have the ability to prepare for ice as I notice it coming?

This might be a good strategy, but the issue is that you often can't see ice coming. “Black ice” is a term used to describe ice which mixes into the asphalt so well that you can barely see it at all, no matter how close you are to it or how well you're being attentive. Most wintertime driving auto body accidents do not happen when there is a highly apparent layer of snow covering the whole road. The truly hazardous stuff is the ice that you can't see until you've already lost control of your car. Don't wait until it is too late to drive as if you are on dangerous winter roads. Take the necessary precautions with every push of the gas pedal.

So all I need to do is slow down and I am going to avoid a car accident on snow or ice?

That statement is not totally true either. Needless to say, one of the safety measures that we all ought to take on winter roads is to decelerate to a decent speed given the conditions that we are being faced with. However, that is only one precaution of many. Truth be told, anyone who is driving too quickly in snow or ice is at far more risk of crashing than those who are not. Most data really points to the fact that many drivers who get into car accidents were going at a relatively reasonable speed. What generally happens is that a motorist going at what they believe to be a good speed drops their guard, strikes a spot of black ice, and gets into an auto body collision before they even realize how it happened. The moral of this story is that you shouldn't presume that driving fairly slowly means that you will be immune from sliding on the ice.

What should change about my driving habits to get ready for wintertime driving?

Obviously, you'll want to slow down. Clearly, you need to have good tires. These are things that we've already covered. In addition, simply be careful out there. Do not make sudden lane changes or quick turns. Keep a significant amount of space between you and the vehicle ahead of you. Always be attentive and on the lookout for noticeable ice and snow on the road. Exercise a little good judgment and remember that no time saved will be worth the loss of your life or anybody else’s as a result of a winter auto body accident.

Exactly what speed will be safe for driving in winter driving conditions?

The speed that you ought to be traveling will depend on the particular conditions that you find yourself in. Various factors ought to influence your speed like the quantity of ice and snow, if there are any curves, the sharpness of said curves, the slope of any hills, the level of traffic, and your own personal level of comfort. If you are on the open interstate with no hills or other traffic, you might find forty miles per hour to be a reasonable speed. If you add any of the factors above into the mix, you probably should lower your speed even more.

Even with all of these precautions, you can't ever be completely safe on the road when you're dealing with something as dangerous as black ice. Really, the best possible thing you can do is to hold back until the weather clears up if you find any freezing rain in the forecast before heading out. Although, this isn't necessarily practical in every single situation. For anyone residing in Maryville, Collinsville, Troy, Glen Carbon, or Highland, Illinois, you'll need to drive in icy weather conditions at some point. The best thing that you could do is just be prepared. One way to be ready is to select an auto body shop beforehand so that you do not have to make a hasty decision if and when you get into a wreck. Consider Kurt's CARSTAR Collision Center in Maryville, Illinois. They've got a great deal of experience repairing cars that have been damaged by the harsh roads of winter.

Is Your Car Winter-Ready?

If you just moved into the Maryville, Illinois area from down south, or you are a younger driver, maybe you don't have a bunch of experience traveling in the snow. Winter driving is not something you should take on without the right knowledge, both about how to drive and the way to prepare. Nevertheless, even if you're a veteran motorist in Maryville, Collinsville, Troy, Glen Carbon, or Highland, Illinois, your vehicle needs to be prepared for the dangerous winter roadways annually. It’s inadequate to know that you have to brake sooner or pulse them, you need to make certain that your entire vehicle is winterized and all set to go. To do this, Kurt's CARSTAR Collision Center in Maryville, IL has assembled this checklist to make certain that your car is snow-ready!

Needless to say, your brakes are especially important when you are driving your motor vehicle on roads which may have snow, ice, or that slushy half-snow stuff. If you feel that your brakes might be malfunctioning for any reason, get them inspected by a dependable auto body repair mechanic right away. Make sure that you know whether your brakes are anti-lock or not. If they are anti-lock, use your braking system normally if you're feeling your vehicle starting to slide. If you don't have anti-lock, tap your brakes instead of holding them down. It goes contrary to what you will really want to do, but it's the ideal way to regain control of your vehicle.

Check your car tires to make sure that you'll get the traction that you need from them. To do this, you don't have to get a complicated gauge to let you know if your tires don’t have sufficient tread. You just need a penny. Merely stick the penny in the tread in several different places on the tire. Make sure that Lincoln’s head is going toward the tire. If Lincoln’s head touches the tire, your tires have sufficient tread. If the top of Lincoln’s head doesn't touch the tire, you need better tires.

Needless to say, you will want a functioning heater and defroster system. This is not simply for your own comfort and ease though. If the front and back defrosters aren't working, you will need to take your vehicle to an auto body shop so you can have the utmost visibility on winter roads.

Many folks neglect that batteries are an essential part of preparing the car for winter. The connection to the battery should be clean, tightly fixed to the battery, and totally free of corrosion. Make sure the mounting on the battery is tightly secured. The majority of batteries that are three years old or more ought to be tested to ascertain if you have to have it replaced.

The best thing that you can do to prepare your automobile for winter is to take it to a reliable Maryville, Illinois mechanic and have them have a look at things like the hoses, belts, anti-freeze, and exhaust system. If your hoses or belts are weakened, the cold temperatures might affect them and leave you stuck. Having insufficient anti-freeze will damage your cooling system after extensive usage. If your exhaust system has leaks inside, dangerous deadly carbon monoxide gas might get into the cab of your car. Particularly if you get marooned somewhere and you must run the heater to stay warm, this can be unbelievably hazardous. As a side note for if you're stuck, make sure a window is cracked and your tail pipe is free of snow and ice to give the carbon monoxide someplace to go.

Ensure that you have sufficient washer fluid too. Winter driving is characterized by a great deal of that slushy, muddy stuff. Washer fluid increases your visibility, which is definitely a very good thing.

You've probably seen how stores carry specialized rubber-coated windshield wiper blades that are particularly made for snowy weather conditions. No matter how good of shape your windshield wipers are in, consider purchasing these snow-blades. They're perfect for handling the extra weight of snow that they'll have to handle.

Last but not least, keep sufficient gas in your gas tank. The general rule is not to have under half of a tank at any time. Definitely, that will depend on your specific car or truck, but following this rule will allow you to make certain that your fuel lines do not freeze.

Kurt's CARSTAR Collision Center in Maryville, IL see loads of automobiles which were not ready for winter come through their auto body repair shop. I hope this information has given you an idea of how you can prepare your vehicle for the hazardous conditions of winter. However, it's a given that even the most seasoned seasonal driver with the most well-prepared vehicle can end up in an auto body accident in Maryville, IL. If that is how it is for you, I hope you will consider going to Kurt's CARSTAR Collision Center.

Driving Tips You Should Hold Deer

You could be astonished at what number of automobiles end up in an auto body shop at this time of the year due to a deer prancing out in the middle of the street. Even in cities such as Maryville, Collinsville, Troy, Glen Carbon, and Highland, Illinois, deer can find their way to the front of your windshield. This is largely the result of the latest increase in the population of deer. A lot more deer have found their way into progressively more populated area as a result of the climb in population. The National Safety Council reported that in 2003 there were 530,000 animal-related crashes which resulted in one hundred deaths and ten thousand injuries. This is an important issue in the Maryville, Illinois area.

That is the reason Kurt's CARSTAR Collision Center in Maryville, IL has compiled this set of tips for you. There are ways to be safe throughout the especially dangerous autumn months. Take the time to read these guidelines and you will not be sorry you did later on.

Of course, one should always be attentive when you're on the road. Nevertheless, it is especially important to watch for deer from sunset to midnight and from two hours before sunrise to sunrise. Take care in deer crossing areas and anywhere that farmland meets wooded area.

As you have most likely observed, primetime for deer is when it's dark outside. Therefore, it is vital that you remember to use your high beam headlights whenever you don't have any oncoming traffic. But if there are cars oncoming, don't have your headlights on. Seriously, no one likes the guy who won’t switch his high beams off. Don’t be that guy.

If you see a deer on the road, brake firmly but never swerve. Think about it, the potential for hitting another car that's oncoming is significantly worse than the possibility of hitting a deer. If you are moving at 60 miles per hour and the other vehicle is traveling at 60 miles an hour, the auto accident would be the equivalent of a 120 mile per hour accident. That doesn’t even count for the increased danger to the other car’s driver and passengers.

Don’t forget to buckle your seatbelt. That is the best way to avoid injuring yourself with regards to deer collisions. Surprisingly, windshields can be quite painful when you hit them hard enough with your head. It might be an inconvenience, but it is definitely worth it for the extra measure of safety that it provides.

Deer are out there in droves at this time of year and it is your task as a motorist to keep away from them. Be watchful and count on the unexpected. Put the telephone away and keep your eyes on the road. With a bit of sound judgment you can immensely improve your chances of keeping your car’s auto body undamaged. However, if you do get into an auto body crash in Maryville, Illinois or the nearby communities, think about taking your vehicle to Kurt's CARSTAR Collision Center. We have got the experience you'll need with dents and other auto body damage resulting from deer collisions.

Avoiding Dent Repair By Not Getting Dents

It does sound easy, doesn’t it? If you reside in Maryville, Collinsville, Troy, Glen Carbon, and Highland, Illinois and don’t want to have to go to Kurt's CARSTAR Collision Center or any other auto body shop, the greatest thing that you can do is to not get the automobile dented to begin with. Of course, that is a lot easier said than done.

If you want to keep your car looking shiny and free of dents, pay attention to these essential guidelines on how to avoid denting your car. They're easy, they are simple, and they are able to save you a huge headache down the road.

The very first thing you can do to avoid denting your car or truck is to avoid taking it out. This might not sound really appealing or practical, and for a few people it genuinely isn’t. Nevertheless, don’t feel like you have to hop in your automobile every single time you go anywhere. Consider options like walking or biking if you are concerned with your health. Think about carpooling or using the bus if you're concerned about the environment. Again, these are not always practical for every situation, but we need to get out of the mindset that cars are the only way to get around.

This next tip is probably my personal favorite: do not park close to other people if you do not have to. It’s so simple. At Kurt's CARSTAR Collision Center, so many of the Maryville, Illinois dent repair customers we see might have avoided all their problems with this one tip. The next time you go to Walmart, do not choose the absolutely closest spot to the door. Park just 5 or 6 spots down from all the others and most of your automobile dent issues will vanish. People just do not consider to do this because we are programmed to take the nearest spot possible. But if you think it over, isn’t it really worth those fifteen additional steps to avoid a possibly pricey auto body repair bill.

Remember how I said that the previous technique was my favorite? Well this one might be my least favorite. An excellent thing you can do in heavily urban areas such as the Metro East St. Louis area is to parallel park when you are able. It’s pretty funny to contemplate since the majority of people really associate parallel parking with dent damage. However, parallel parking eliminates any possibility of your vehicle being dented from an adjacent automobile. You still run the risk of being dented on the forward or rear bumper, but they can take a hit much easier than your driver’s side door can.

This next one will require a bit more focus on detail: pay attention to the kind of vehicle you are parking near to. Some may well be more dangerous for your car than others. For instance, it ought to come as no real surprise that motorcycles are the absolute best car to park adjacent to. They cannot swing open a door and scratch your automobile. In a similar fashion, minivans have sliding doors that won't be an issue for you. Do keep in mind that the front doors won't be sliding, so there'll still be some danger. Two-door cars means half the danger of a four-door automobile. Compacts have doors which are much lighter and smaller. You ought to have less to worry about from them compared to a huge truck or SUV.

Although it may appear like a good way to avoid auto body damage, you should never double-park. Seriously, do not be that guy. You will not only be a really disliked person, but additionally you open yourself up to getting your vehicle key-ed or otherwise defaced.

Getting dents in your automobile aren't just an inescapable part of owning a car. Not every auto body accident and dent damage may be avoided, but every auto accident and dent will be able to reduce the value and appearance of your vehicle. If your car does have dent damage, get it fixed quickly to prevent difficulties in the future. Think about going to Kurt's CARSTAR Collision Center in Maryville, IL. They know how to get your vehicle in good working order and looking better than ever.

Choosing A Collision Center BEFORE Your Next Auto Accident

There are a lot of items to take into consideration prior to selecting an auto body shop that will meet your needs. We hope you had the forethought to decide that it’s time for you to pick out an auto body shop before a big dent showed up in your car body. In either case, Kurt's CARSTAR Collision Center in Maryville, Illinois wants you to know these key facts before you decide to weigh through the countless collision repair options in the Maryville, Collinsville, Troy, Glen Carbon, and Highland, Illinois area.

• You do not have to take your vehicle to an auto body shop just because your insurance company told you to. As the owner of the automobile, you may select which auto body shop will carry out the best work for your needs.
• After you're in a wreck, use sound judgment in determining whether or not it may be unsafe to drive. It is much better to call a tow truck then to put you and the ones you love at risk!
• It’s not uncommon for two different auto body shops to have two different estimates on the same work. Nevertheless, it’s essential that you don’t instantly go with whichever shop is the least expensive. In many cases, a lower estimate might not include all necessary work. If you are not sure why one auto body work estimator differs from another you have gotten, please consult one of us at Kurt's CARSTAR Collision Center.
• Some insurance companies might want you to visit a claims center before getting your vehicle repaired. You may also leave your motor vehicle at our shop and ask the insurance company to examine the vehicle here.
• You cannot understate the necessity of picking an auto body shop which has some credentialed education for its staff. Pick an auto body shop which has I-Car certified technicians.
• If you feel you can do the repair by yourself, but you are not totally certain, do not make the error of simply diving into it. You could very well wind up doing more damage to it than good. After all, your vehicle is the second-largest investment you'll make. Have it repaired by experts to preserve its value.
• State law doesn't require the people of Maryville, Collinsville, Troy, Glen Carbon, or Highland, Illinois to get more than one appraisal or estimate. However, it is usually a good idea to shop around a little bit before you make a decision if you haven’t selected a collision center in advance. If you did select a shop before the collision took place, know that you do not have to look elsewhere for auto body repair if you do not want to.
• Ask if the auto body shop gives a written lifetime warranty.
• Make certain that your chosen auto body shop will work with the insurance claim prior to taking the car to them for repair.

It is easy to see that picking out an auto body shop is no laughing matter. Be smart and make your decision based on these tips and common sense. As you're looking, consider going to Kurt's CARSTAR Collision Center. They will be happy to show you more about how they can get you back on the road after your next auto accident.

Ten Questions For An Auto Body Shop

After being involved in a car accident, one of the first things you will think of is having your car fixed as soon as possible. But taking your car to the first auto body shop you find would be a rash decision. To find a reliable and trustworthy auto body shop, take the time to do your research and ask questions so that you will receive high quality auto body repair work for your vehicle.

Kurt's CARSTAR Collision Center in Maryville, Illinois sees the significance of a good auto body repair every time somebody brings a vehicle to them that someone else didn’t do right. That’s why they've got these tips for you as you choose where to do your next repair in Collinsville, Troy, Glen Carbon, Highland, or Maryville, Illinois.

Here are some questions and things to consider before allowing an auto body repair shop to fix your vehicle:

1.    Learn more about the auto body repair shop. Reading an online review about an auto body repair shop could be a useful resource. You can get a feeling of the quality of the auto body repair shop based on customer feedback, ratings, and reviews. You may need to ask the following questions after reading an online review: how frequently will I receive text updates about your car’s repair status? Will you have the ability to look at photos of your car repair in progress?

2.    What type of warranty comes with their auto body repair work? If they provide a warranty, ask how long it lasts and what it'll cover.

3.    Does the auto body repair shop have rental cars on their lot or do they give you loaner vehicles? Being without a car is an inconvenience, so you will need to make sure that you have got a rental, loaner, or courtesy car while yours is in the auto body shop. Some auto body repair shops have a car rental facility situated in or near their auto body shop. Other auto body repair shops may provide loaner or courtesy cars which you can use while they're repairing your vehicle.

4.    How long will the auto body repair take? There are lots of related factors which will affect the length of time an auto body repair will take, including the extent of damage to your vehicle, how busy the auto body repair shop is at that specific time, or even holidays where the auto body shop may be closed.

5.    Is your car covered while it's in the shop? Ask the auto body repair shop if they possess fire and theft insurance. You want to make sure that you will be covered just in case your vehicle is damaged, destroyed, stolen, or burglarized while it is in the auto body shop.

6.    Will the paint match the rest of my car? In most cases, cars have a paint code on a plate situated either in a door jamb, under the hood, or within the trunk. This paint code will provide the precise color of the manufacturer’s paint. Ensure that the auto body repair shop will be using the same exact color of paint and not a comparable color.

7.    How quickly can you wash your car after an auto body repair? An auto body repair shop normally returns your car back to you clean. They might have already washed it or waited for the paint to dry so that you can drive your vehicle just after the repair. Still, you should know if it is safe to take your car to a car wash that utilizes friction brushing or a touch-free car wash with acid presoaks and super concentrated car wash soap shortly after a fresh paint job.

8.    Does the auto body repair shop have any certifications? Certifications, such as I-CAR and ASE, are a good sign of a reputable auto body repair shop. A certification usually means that the auto body repair shop has the skills and knowledge needed to perform complete, safe, and quality repairs.

9.    Will the auto body repair shop put everything in writing? When bringing your car into an auto body repair shop, ask if you're able to receive a written estimate. It's also wise to ask for an itemized bill after all work is completed. If the written estimate doesn’t match the itemized bill, do not be afraid to ask about any differences.

10.   What's the payment policy? Most reputable auto body repair shops post their policies and payment methods where consumers can quickly see them. The payment policies might include labor rates, materials, warranty information, guarantees, and acceptable forms of payment. If you don’t see payment policy information, ask before the auto body shop begins any auto body repair work on your automobile.

Bonus Questions:

• Does the auto body repair shop work on your make and model?
• Do they concentrate on the type of auto body repair work your vehicle needs?
• How do they price out auto body repairs and auto body painting services (i.e. an rate per hour or flat fee)?

Which place to go for auto body repair in Collinsville, Troy, Glen Carbon, Highland, or Maryville, Illinois is a vital decision. If you are searching for an auto body shop, give consideration to Kurt's CARSTAR Collision Center. They have the experience you'll need with the customer care you want.

How to Choose the Right Auto Body Shop

As a car owner, the chances of you needing the services of a collision repair and refinishing facility are higher than you think. Whether it's from storm damage, rust and corrosion, acid rain and harsh sunlight, or a car accident outright, the risks are real. It's wise, then, to know just how to pick an auto body shop.

Oftentimes when people are taking part in an accident they think "the insurance company will deal with it for me.'' In fact, it's your duty to choose who'll do the repairs for you. This is not a choice that should be taken lightly, because it can involve protecting a significant investment. That is why Kurt's CARSTAR Collision Center has put together this list of tips for you as you determine which auto body shop can fulfill your needs. They have years of expertise handling all kinds of vehicles in Maryville, Collinsville, Highland, Glen Carbon, and Troy, Illinois.

Preliminaries

• Start looking for an auto body shop before you need one; you can make better decisions when you are not rushed or in a panic.
• Ask your friends and associates for their recommendations. Even in this modern era, old-fashioned word-of-mouth reputation continues to be valuable.
• Check with the local consumer organization regarding the reputation of the facility in question. Ask about how many complaints were lodged against them, if any, and determine how the complaints were resolved.
• Always try to go to the auto body shop before making the decision on who'll repair your automobile.

At the Shop

• Ask if the auto body shop generally handles your vehicle make and model. Ask just how long the auto body shop has been in business.
• Choose a neat, well-organized facility with modern equipment. Many vehicle manufacturers suggest specific auto body repair procedures and equipment for the repair of their vehicles. Guarantee that the facility you choose is competent in these techniques and has the proper equipment.
• Professionally run facilities will have a courteous, helpful staff prepared to answer all your questions.
• Try to find signs of professionalism in the customer service area: civic and community service awards, membership in the Better Business Bureau, customer service awards.
• More often than not you can easily see the cars being fixed by the auto body shop. Are you impressed by the kind of automobiles the company is fixing and how the vehicles are being taken care of?
• Also look for indications that the staff is technically competent, like trade school diplomas, certification of advanced course work training from I-CAR.
• All policies, guarantees, and methods of payment should be posted or discussed to your satisfaction.

Being watchful and observant when you go to an auto body shop can tell you a lot about what to expect from your auto body repair. If you would like an estimate or have questions regarding auto body repair, please contact Kurt's CARSTAR Collision Center in Maryville, Illinois.