Saturday, July 19, 2014

Kids And Hot Cars Are No Mix In Summer Heat

With the summer heat upon us, it is the best time to remember just how hazardous a vehicle can be whenever kids and pets are left unattended.  Heat is among the foremost weather-related killers in the US.

At Kurt's CARSTAR Collision Center in Maryville, Illinois, North America’s most dependable brand for auto body repair, the focus is not exclusively on repairing vehicles, it’s on protecting the safety of the drivers and passengers in those automobiles any time they are on the highway.

We would like to do everything we can to educate people about the safety of their vehicles in the summer sun.  Kurt's CARSTAR Collision Center encourages motorists to plan their trips so you do not have to leave anybody – or any pet – in a vehicle that isn’t operating with the air condition fired up.  And, it’s important to bear in mind that even a couple of minutes in a hot vehicle can have huge effects.  You always need to take those extra safety measures to ensure the safety of your sons or daughters.

According to the National Weather Service, a lot of youngsters and untold numbers of pets left in parked vehicles die from hyperthermia every year.  Hyperthermia is an acute condition that develops whenever the body absorbs more heat than it can manage.  Hyperthermia can occur even on a mild day.  The effects can be much more serious on children simply because their bodies warm at a faster rate than grownups.

Research has shown that the temperature inside a parked vehicle can swiftly rise to a hazardous level for little ones, pets and even adults.  Leaving the windows slightly open isn't going to considerably decrease the heating rate.  On an 85-degree day, the temperature inside a vehicle with the windows opened slightly can reach 102 degrees within ten minutes.  After thirty minutes, the temperature will reach one hundred twenty degrees.


The non-profit safety group, KidsandCars.org declares that many heat-related vehicular tragedies occur because a driver sometimes forgets a boy or girl is there.  Youngsters can also get into unlocked cars without any adult knowing it just happened.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Association has some pointers to help keep young people and pets safe throughout the heat of summer:

•   Never leave young ones, disabled adults or pets alone in a hot car, even temporarily

•   Always check the front and back seats of the car or truck before you lock it and leave

•   See a little one alone in a warm car? Call 911 instantly. Get them out as soon as possible if they're in distress

•   Put your purse, briefcase, or something else you need by the car seat so you don’t forget to check

•   Always lock your car when it’s empty so kids can’t get in without you knowing

The men and women at Kurt's CARSTAR Collision Center in Maryville, Illinois also supporting the people in Edwardsville, Troy, Collinsville, Glen Carbon, and Highland, Illinois are so happy that you are taking the time to read about the importance of summer automobile safety. If you would like more sound advice, call us up at 618-345-4519

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

IS YOUR CAR’S BODY READY FOR SUMMER?

Summer is here, and although people are planning on a vacation getaway and some time outdoors, you should begin making plans to maintain your truck and reduce damage from summer weather and often challenging driving conditions that you can find in Edwardsville, Troy, Collinsville, Glen Carbon, and Highland, Illinois

We all know that too much sun may be detrimental to your skin.  It can also be bad for your vehicles, causing oxidation and premature fading.  Salt air is tough on paint surfaces, too. Inside the car, plastic trim and the interior can also take a beating from heat and sun.  However with a proper maintenance routine and some T.L.C., you can keep your car looking fresh and new.

This is where your local Kurt's CARSTAR Collision Center in Maryville, Illinois can help.  Kurt's CARSTAR Collision Center 's automotive professionals can take care of any damage you currently have, and  they can also put you on the road to prevention to reduce any future costs.

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE DETAILS

The first starting place is with CARSTAR’s expert detailing services. Kurt's CARSTAR Collision Center can return your vehicle to like-new condition for a minimal investment.

•   A fresh cleaning can eliminate the road grime, tar, and other debris that you might have picked up on the way

•   A proper waxing will help protect your car or truck from the next thunderstorm, restore faded paint, and bring back that showroom shine

•   Eliminating minor scratches and blemishes in the clear coat and paint now can keep rust from taking over later

•   A thorough interior cleaning can remove any detrimental elements including sand or dirt that you might have brought into your automobile

•   A proper conditioning of leather, vinyl, and interior plastics may help safeguard against fading and cracking

•   Mending torn upholstery now and replacing worn floor mats will help keep a little problem from becoming a larger, more pricey one later

•   Setting up window film can prevent fading in the future, and also reduce heat in the passenger area
While you take advantage of the summer sun and outdoor activities, your car does not.  A good detailing and wax is just like sunblock for your vehicle. With good car care and some smart driving, you and your vehicle can sail through summer! Just give Kurt's CARSTAR Collision Center in Maryville, Illinois a call at 618-315-4519 today or visit www.auto-body-maryville-il.com

Monday, July 14, 2014

Save Money In 2014 - Find Every Discount For Your Insurance Policy

A lot of people in Maryville, Illinois start out each and every New Year with a variety of important changes or plans to make “this year” better than the previous one. Many of these plans might involve better diets, lifestyle changes, read more, exercise more, journal more, spend more time with our family, and more focus on how to be more fiscally responsible.

It’s hard to argue with being more responsible with where you spend your hard earned dollars. Insurance costs to protect our automobiles can be a large expenditure for many individuals.  It makes sense to complete a yearly review where and how these controllable dollars are spent.

Kurt's CARSTAR Collision Center in Maryville, Illinois, also serving the folks of Edwardsville, Troy, Collinsville, Glen Carbon, and Highland, Illinois, offers a few tips to help ensure your auto insurance premium dollars are spent in the most effective manner possible.

1.   Assuming you have a clean driving record with no crashes and no violations in the last three years you should qualify for a major “safe driver” discount. If you do not see a discount of this type on your declarations page that comes with your renewal, ask your agent or insurance provider.

2.   If you've got good or very good credit you might qualify for additional discounts.  Consult with your agent or insurance provider.

3.   If you've got your auto and homeowner policies with the same insurance company you most likely qualify for an additional type of discount. Check with your agent or insurance provider.

4.   If you have young drivers on your policy who are good students, usually a B average or higher, you may qualify for more discounts.  Additionally, there are discounts available for getting involved in safe driving programs. Talk with our agent or insurance provider for availability.

5.   If your current cars or trucks have specialized accident avoidance systems you might be eligible for additional discounts.

6.   If you have vehicle(s) whose combination of age, miles and current physical condition has deteriorated to a point of lower value it might be time to think about self-insuring these vehicles. This means removing collision and comprehensive coverage. This action necessitates careful consideration and should definitely include consultation with your agent or insurance provider.

7.   Changing the amount of your collision or comprehensive deductibles may also be a method to control your premium costs. Selecting a higher deductible for either coverage will decrease your premium. But it’s vital that you understand this move will raise your financial exposure should a major accident take place.

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8.   A number of insurance companies are offering installed driving performance monitors that offer you a deep discount on your insurance for safe driving.  Check with your insurance agent on availability.

9.   If you've relocated, taken a new job or married or divorced in the past year, it may impact your car insurance.  Make sure you update your policies appropriately.

10.   A final tip to each and every insurance consumer would be to make sure you have a “what if I have an accident" pack inside your glove box. This pack should have a pencil, a pad of paper to jot down accident details and witness contact info, your agent’s info, your current insurance card, a disposable camera, and emergency contact information with names and numbers of people identified as the people to call whenever you’re injured.

Kurt's CARSTAR Collision Center would like to make certain that everyone traveling in Edwardsville, Troy, Collinsville, Glen Carbon, and Highland, Illinois are ready for the road in every way possible. If you reside in Maryville, Illinois or the surrounding area and want to have your questions about auto body repair answered, call Kurt's CARSTAR Collision Center at 618-345-4519 or visit our website: www.auto-body-maryville-il.com

Thursday, July 3, 2014

Why Should You Go With CARSTAR?

When your automobile has to be repaired, you'll need a repair facility that you can trust to keep you informed throughout the complete process, provide excellent customer service, deliver your motor vehicle on time and get you back on the road with the best quality repair

Kurt's CARSTAR Collision CenterThat’s why a lot more people Select Kurt's CARSTAR Collision Center in Maryville, Illinois for their car or truck repair needs than any other body shop. Across Edwardsville, Troy, Collinsville, Glen Carbon, and Highland, and Maryville, Illinois, we offer national scale, consistently high-quality motor vehicle repairs and the industry’s finest customer satisfaction ratings, and most repairs are backed by a limited five-year nationwide warranty and service guarantee.

When you Select  Kurt's CARSTAR Collision Center for your car repair, you’re choosing to be a part of North America’s largest network of auto body shop owners.  That means you get the national training, quality standards and resources of the network, along with the personal service and community involvement of our local Maryville, Illinois area.  We think this unique combination provides you the highest quality vehicle repair possible and supports a vibrant locally owned and operated small business in your community.

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Certified technicians are trained to work on all makes and models and engage in ongoing education programs on the hottest vehicle technologies and materials. Working with Kurt's CARSTAR Collision Center allows you the peace of mind in knowing your vehicle will be repaired right and with the highest attention to your needs. It's just one of the countless ways we help minimize the disruption to your life.

We use high-quality parts and products to restore your vehicle to pre-accident condition. And, we do a fifty point quality interior and exterior inspection, a whole test-drive and a complete detail, to make sure our workmanship meets your high standards before we give your vehicle back to you.

Whenever you need auto body repair, Kurt's CARSTAR Collision Center in Maryville, Illinois is here to help. We offer helpful assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and will walk you through each step of the process.   We can call your insurance company, have your car or truck towed for repairs and get in touch with a friend or family member for you. Call us today at 618-345-4519 or visit www.auto-body-maryville-il.com.