Utah Auto Body: Knowing Whom to Trust

February 12th, 2010

If you’ve been in an accident, you know there are many stressors pressing down upon you as you attempt to pick up the pieces, both figuratively and literally. The last thing you need is for some auto body repair shop to rip you off, charging too much for doing a shoddy job. When it comes to Utah auto body, you want someone whom you know you can trust when you are at your most vulnerable. As you embark on your search for the right Utah auto body shop, here are some things to look for:

Look for a shop that maintains a state-of-the-art facility, with all of the latest manufacturer-approved tools that will help their skilled technicians restore your car exactly as it was before. Today’s cars have special auto body repair needs: make sure the shop you choose can handle your specific vehicle.

The quality of the auto body work will vary from shop to shop. Make sure yours has a reputation for honesty, integrity, and craftsmanship in all that they do. It should be standard procedure to not just fix the “outsides,” but to also disassemble your vehicle to search for any hidden damage that might cause trouble later.

Estimates should always be free, and the ideal Utah auto body shop will also offer a free loaner car while yours is being repaired, so you never have to miss out on work or your favorite activities after your accident.

The shop should offer all the services you need to get your car back to its old self again: towing, auto frame repair, body work, suspension, professional repainting, and so forth. You should never have to take your car from one place to another to another.

There are differences in Utah auto body repair shops: you’ve been through enough already without feeling like you’ve been in another accident after getting your car back: choose wisely.

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Winter Tips

December 18th, 2009

Safety in the Snow

Winter is officially here and snow season has begun. Snowed out roads and hazardous driving conditions are a complete package from December to March. These easy tips will help you stay safe while driving this winter.

Prepare Your Vehicle

Severe cold and heavy snow can be hard on your vehicle. The first thing you need to do is have your car winterized to make sure it is in the best shape possible to take on winter storms.  Some simple steps to take are:

  • Make sure the battery is fully charged
  • Check your tires pressure
  • Change to an oil that provides better winter performance
  • Check windshield wipers and wiper fluid

Practice Driving In The Snow

Certain braking techniques and driving maneuvers are proven effective when you are driving in heavy snow conditions. By practicing these moves in an empty parking lot you will be prepared when it comes time to taking on the busier streets and highways.

  • Drive slowly and become familiar with the thickness of ice and snow under tire
  • Brake when turning corners to make sure you don’t skid into on-coming traffic
  • If you start to skid turn into it and accelerate slightly to get control of your vehicle
  • If you get stuck in the snow try rocking it back and forth until your tires are free

Be Trained To Deal With Emergencies

Unpredictable conditions can lead to flat tires, dead batteries and icy windshields. By being prepared and trained on how to install and take care of certain matters it will relieve your anxiety and make you more comfortable driving in the winter.

  • Learn how to replace a flat tire
  • Practice installing tire chains for hazardous road conditions
  • Carry jumper cables and learn how to jump start your car battery
  • Carry an ice chipper and snow brush to maintain clean windows

Driving on winter roads can be scary but if you are prepared and ready for any situation it will ensure a stress free snow season. Follow these quick and easy steps to stay safe and secure on the dangerous roads.

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Snow Safety Solutions: Keeping You and Your Car Accident-Free

November 30th, 2009

You’re late for Christmas dinner at your in-laws. You bundle the kids up, get them in their car seats and open the garage door, only to see that the snow is really coming down hard now. But you’re late. So you drive a little faster than you should, perhaps, but you’re used to winter driving and you’ve driven this route a thousand times. You take that corner at the end of your block just a little too fast and slide into a telephone pole. No one is hurt, but the evening is shot and your holiday is ruined.

If you live in a wintry climate where snow both in the air and on the roads is a regular occurrence, it’s easy to get complacent about driving under these conditions. But such complacency can quickly turn tragic: winter drivers should always keep their guards up and be mindful of the possibility of accidents: here are some snow safety solutions for keeping you and your car accident-free.

Make sure your car is ready
Many winter accidents could easily be prevented if car owners would simply take the time to prepare their vehicles for driving under adverse conditions. Make an appointment with your mechanic and have your brakes checked; if your tires are worn, it is definitely worth the investment to replace them. Carry snow chains in your car, if necessary, and always keep an extra gallon of washer fluid handy.

Drive defensively
More than ever, it’s imperative that you keep an eye on what others are doing on the road as well as yourself. Even if you are a safe driver, you are always at risk from others who are not. Keep your windshields and mirrors defrosted and completely clear so that you have maximum visibility. Remember, driving an all-wheel or 4-wheel drive vehicle does not mean that you will not slide out if you choose to drive too fast for conditions. Use common sense.

Move deliberately at low speeds
Many fender benders during winter months occur at traffic signals or at intersections with stop signs. Always accelerate slowly to avoid spinning your tires or sliding your vehicle’s rear into the car next to yours. Sudden starts and stops are culprits for mishaps too: always keep a two-car distance between you and the vehicle in front of you whenever possible. When you need to stop, start braking at least two car lengths behind the person ahead.

Of course, you should always have emergency gear on hand should an accident occur: warm blankets, water, jumper cables, and a flashlight should be kept in the trunk at all times. A little preparation, common sense, and a dose of respect for Mother Nature will go a long way toward helping you enjoy an accident-free winter driving season.

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What to Do After a Car Accident: A Smart Driver’s Checklist

October 20th, 2009

Being involved in a car accident of any kind is a terrifying experience, and one that takes a long time to recuperate from mentally or physically, or even both. Smart drivers, both male and female, will keep a printed checklist in their glove compartments that delineates the steps that should be taken immediately following an accident. Here are some elements that should be on everyone’s checklist.

– Be prepared ahead of time: A good driver should be prepared for any eventuality ahead of time, even an accident. Make sure that your cell phone has your emergency contacts listed under ICE (In Case of Emergency) in case you get in an accident. Choose a good auto body shop ahead of time so that you will have someone to call should something happen.

– Stay calm: This first step is definitely the hardest, but it’s essential to your making intelligent decisions and acting rationally from here on out.

– Call the police right away: You always want to have the law on the scene as soon as possible to resolve any problems, for traffic control, and to collect evidence if necessary. If injuries are involved, call 9-1-1.

– Collect as much information as possible: Get the names and addresses of all involved parties including drivers, passengers, and witnesses. Record license plate numbers as well as the makes and models of involved automobiles and insurance information, if available. Take your own photos if possible from every angle: both long shots as well as close-ups. The ready availability of cell phone cameras now makes this step much easier.

– Do not talk about whom was at fault: If your accident results in a court case, anything you say about liability may be held against you. Focus on what’s most important right now: everyone’s health and well-being, and getting the vehicles taken care of.

– Call your insurance agent, and then your loved ones: You always want to get your insurance agent going on your case as soon as possible. He may even want to come down to the scene, and he will give you good, measured advice on how to proceed. Only call your loved ones after all other steps are taken care of first.

– Contact your auto body repair shop: The shop may arrange a tow or you may be able to get your vehicle there yourself, but either way you need to contact them so that they can be ready for you.  You need to trust who will get you the quick service and repairs you need if you are ever in an accident.

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