How Much Do You Know About Driving In Icy Conditions?

From the most knowledgeable driver in Arnold, Missouri to the one that just moved to Arnold, Oakville, Imperial, or Jefferson County, MO from down south, every single driver should become aware of the risks associated with winter travel. Arnold, MO auto body shops including CARSTAR Arnold see cars roll into their garage every winter from drivers who felt that they didn't need to be concerned about icy road dangers. If you do not want to be one of those unfortunate people, read through this article to find out what you should know.

Why would I look at this if I have already got expertise in winter driving?

You might think that having experience would be useful for winter driving, and to some extent you'd be correct. But the downside that is included with that is that motorists who possess a lot of experience on icy roads constantly get into auto body accidents due to their overconfidence. If we were to be absolutely straightforward with ourselves, we would understand that there's not a person on the road who's got the skill level necessary to drive at highway speeds on roads when ice is present. No one has the reflexes and quick brain needed to recover once you start fishtailing at high speeds. Thus, it's extremely important that every motorist get ready for winter weather not just by practicing winter driving at slow speeds, but also by slowing down overall.

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

Once again, this is among those half truths that may land you in an Arnold, Missouri auto body shop quicker than you know it. Having good tires with an adequate amount of tread is going to help you out there. However, you should never be lulled into a misguided sense of security by good tires. While good tires might get you up and going in snowy conditions, your snow tires will not do you a lick of good whenever all that snow is compressed into ice. Once again, good tires may do much to assist you, but they're not the be-all, end-all of wintry driving safety.

Won’t I be able to prepare for ice as I see it coming?

This would be a good strategy, but the problem is that you frequently can't see ice coming. “Black ice” is a term employed to describe ice that blends into the asphalt so well that you can hardly see it at all, regardless of how close you are to it or how well you're focusing. Most wintertime driving auto body accidents do not happen when there's a highly apparent layer of snow covering the whole road. The truly hazardous stuff is the ice that you can't see until you have already lost control of your vehicle. Do not wait until it's too late to drive as if you are on unsafe winter roads. Take the appropriate safety measures with every push of the gas pedal.

So all I have to do is slow down and I will avoid an accident on snow or ice?

That statement isn't completely true either. Needless to say, one of the safety measures that we all should take on winter roads is to slow down to a sensible speed considering the conditions that we're being confronted with. However, that is only one precaution of many. Truth be told, anybody who is traveling too fast in snow or ice is at far more risk of crashing than those who are not. Most data actually points to the fact that a lot of drivers who get into car accidents were moving at a rather reasonable speed. What usually happens is that a driver going at what they perceive to be a safe speed drops their guard, hits a spot of black ice, and gets into an auto body collision before they even understand what happened. The moral of this story is that you shouldn't presume that driving reasonably slowly means that you will be immune from sliding on the ice.

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

Obviously, you'll want to slow down. Clearly, you need to have good tires. These are the things which we've already covered. Moreover, just be mindful out there. Don't make abrupt lane changes or fast turns. Allow a lot of space between you and the car in front of your car. Always be vigilant and on the lookout for obvious ice and snow on the road. Exercise a little common sense and keep in mind that no time saved will be worth the loss of your life or anyone else’s as a result of a wintertime auto body accident.

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

The speed that you ought to be traveling will depend on the specific problems that you find yourself in. Different factors should influence your speed like the amount of ice and snow, if there are any curves, the sharpness of said curves, the incline of any hills, the quantity of traffic, and your own comfort level. If you're on the open interstate with no hills or other traffic, you may find forty miles an hour to be a reasonable speed. If you incorporate any of the factors above into the mix, you probably should reduce your speed even more.

Even with all of these precautions, you can't ever be completely safe on the road when you are working with something as dangerous as black ice. Really, the absolute best thing that you can do is to hold off until the weather goes away if you see any freezing rain in the forecast before heading out. However, this isn't necessarily practical in every single situation. For anybody living in Arnold, Oakville, Imperial, or Jefferson County, MO, you'll need to drive in icy weather conditions at some point. The best thing that you could do is just be prepared. A good way to be prepared is to select an auto body shop beforehand so you do not have to make a quick decision if and when you get into a wreck. Give consideration to CARSTAR Arnold in Arnold, Missouri. They've got much experience repairing automobiles that have been damaged by the rough roads of winter.

Is Your Car Winter-Ready?

If you recently moved into the Arnold, MO area from down south, or you are a younger driver, you almost certainly do not have a lot of experience driving in snow. Winter driving isn't something you should take on without the proper knowledge, both about how to drive and how to prepare. However, even if you are a veteran motorist in Arnold, Oakville, Imperial, or Jefferson County, MO, your automobile should be ready for the dangerous winter roads every single year. It is insufficient to understand that you have to brake sooner or pulse them, you need to make sure that your entire automobile is winterized and all set to go. To do this, CARSTAR Arnold in Arnold, MO has assembled this checklist to make sure that your car is snow-ready!

Of course, your brakes are specifically important when you are driving your car on roads that may have snow, ice, or that slushy half-snow stuff. If you feel that your braking system might be malfunctioning for any reason, get them checked out by a trustworthy auto body repair mechanic as soon as possible. Ensure that you know whether your brakes are anti-lock or not. If they're anti-lock, utilize your brakes normally if you feel your motor vehicle beginning to slide. If you don't have anti-lock, tap your brakes instead of holding them down. It goes contrary to what you will want to do, but it's the best way to recover control over your motor vehicle.

Examine your tires to ensure that you'll receive the traction that you need to have from them. To do this, you don't need to have a complicated gauge to tell you if your tires don’t have sufficient tread. You only need a penny. Merely stick the penny in the tread in a number of different places on the tire. Make sure Lincoln’s head is going in the direction of the tire. If Lincoln’s head touches the tire, your tires have sufficient tread. If the top of Lincoln’s head isn't going to touch the tire, you need to get better tires.

Undoubtedly, you'll want to have a functioning heater and defroster system. This isn't just for your own comfort though. If the front and back defrosters aren't working, you need to take your automobile to an auto body shop so that you can have the absolute maximum visibility on winter roads.

Lots of people overlook that batteries are a significant part of preparing your automobile for the winter season. The connection to the battery ought to be clean, tightly fixed to the battery, and totally free of corrosion. Be sure that the mounting on the battery is tightly secured. The majority of batteries that are 3 years old or over should be tested to ascertain if you must have it replaced.

The best thing that you can do to prepare your automobile for winter is to take it to a dependable Arnold, MO mechanic and get them to look at items like the hoses, belts, anti-freeze, and exhaust system. If your hoses or belts are poor, the cold temperatures might affect them and then leave you stranded. Having insufficient anti-freeze will damage your cooling system after prolonged usage. If your exhaust system has leaks inside, dangerous deadly carbon monoxide gas could enter the cab of your automobile. Notably if you get stranded someplace and you wish to run the heater to stay warm, this can be incredibly unsafe. As a side note for if you're stranded, make sure that a window is cracked and your tail pipe is free of snow and ice to give the carbon monoxide gas a place to go.

Be sure that you have adequate washer fluid as well. Winter driving is characterized by lots of that slushy, muddy stuff. Washer fluid improves your visibility, which is definitely a very important thing.
You may have seen how vendors carry specialized rubber-coated windshield wiper blades that are particularly made for snowy weather. Regardless of how good of shape your windshield wipers are in, think about investing in these snow-blades. They are ideal for dealing with the extra weight of snow that they'll have to deal with.

Finally, keep plenty of gas in your gas tank. The general rule is never 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 ensure your fuel lines don't freeze.

CARSTAR Arnold in Arnold, MO see lots of vehicles which were not prepared for winter come through their auto body repair shop. I hope this article has offered you an outline of how you can ready your vehicle for the hazardous conditions of winter. Still, it's understandable that even the most skilled seasonal driver with the most well-prepared vehicle can end up in an auto body accident in Arnold, MO. If that's your situation, I really hope you will think about going to CARSTAR Arnold.

Driving Tips You Should Hold Deer

You'd be amazed at what amount of automobiles end up in a car body shop at this time of year due to a deer prancing out in the street. Even in towns such as Arnold, Oakville, Imperial, and Jefferson County, MO, deer can find their way to the front of your windshield. This is principally the result of a recent increase in the population of deer. A lot more deer are finding their way into increasingly urban regions as a result of the climb in population. The National Safety Council stated that in 2003 there were 530,000 animal-related crashes that resulted in 100 deaths and 10,000 injuries. This is a severe problem in the Arnold, MO area.

That’s the reason why CARSTAR Arnold in Arnold, MO has put together this set of tips for you. There are methods to remain safe during the especially dangerous autumn months. Take some time and read these guidelines and you won’t be sorry later on.

Naturally, you should always be mindful when you are on the road. However, it’s particularly crucial to watch out for deer from sunset to midnight and from a couple of hours before sunrise to sunrise. Watch out in deer crossing areas and any place that farmland meets wooded land.

As you have most likely seen, primetime for deer is when it is dark outside. Thus, it is vital that you don't forget to use your high beam headlights when you do not have any oncoming traffic. But if there are vehicles oncoming, do not have your headlights on. Seriously, nobody likes the guy who will not turn his high beams off. Do not be that guy.

If you notice a deer on the road, brake solidly but do not swerve. Think about it, the potential for hitting another automobile that is oncoming is significantly worse than the possibility of hitting a deer. If you're traveling at 60 miles per hour and the other vehicle is flying at 60 miles per hour, the automobile accident will be the equivalent of a one hundred twenty mile per hour accident. That does not even count for the increased danger to the other car’s driver and passengers.

Don’t forget to buckle your seatbelt. That's the best way to avoid injuring yourself when it comes to deer collisions. Surprisingly, windshields can be quite painful when you strike them hard enough with your face. It may be an inconvenience, but it is definitely worth it for the additional measure of safety that it provides.

Deer are out there in droves at this time of year and it’s your job as a motorist to keep away from them. Be watchful and count on the unexpected. Put the cellular phone away and keep your eyes on the road. With a bit of common sense you can greatly improve your chances of keeping your car’s auto body intact. However, if you get in an auto body crash in Arnold, MO or the surrounding communities, think about taking your automobile to CARSTAR Arnold. We have got the experience you'll need with dents and other auto body damage due to deer collisions.

Avoiding Dent Repair By Not Getting Dents

It does sound easy, doesn’t it? If you're in Arnold, Oakville, Imperial, Festus, or St. Louis, MO and do not want to need to go to CARSTAR Arnold or some other auto body shop, the best thing that can be done is to not get the vehicle dinged up at all. Naturally, that’s a lot easier said than done.

If you want to keep your car looking shiny and clear of dents, pay close attention to these essential tips on how to refrain from denting the car. They are easy, they're simple, and they may save you a massive headache down the line.

The first thing that you could do to avoid denting your vehicle is to avoid taking it out. This might not sound very appealing or practical, and for a few people it genuinely is not. Nevertheless, don’t feel like you have to hop in the automobile each and every time you go anywhere. Think about options like walking or biking if you are worried about your health. Consider carpooling or taking the bus if you are concerned about the environment. Once again, these are not always practical for every situation, but we must get out of the mindset that cars are the only method of getting around.

This next tip is probably my personal favorite: don't park next to other people if you do not need to. It is that easy. At CARSTAR Arnold, lots of the Arnold, Missouri dent repair customers that we see would've avoided all their problems with this one tip. The next time you go to Walmart, do not go for the absolutely closest spot to the door. Park just 5 to 6 spots down from everybody else and most of your vehicle dent problems will disappear. People just do not think to do this because we're programmed to take the closest spot possible. But if you think about it, isn’t it really worth those 20 additional steps to protect yourself from a possibly pricey auto body repair bill.

Remember how I said that the previous technique was my favorite? Well this one is probably my least favorite. The best thing that you can do in heavily urban regions such as the Metro East St. Louis area is to parallel park when you're able to. It’s pretty funny to contemplate since the majority of people really associate parallel parking with dent damage. Nevertheless, 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 a lot easier than your driver’s side door can.

This next one will demand a little bit more attention to detail: take notice of the kind of automobile you're parking close to. Some could be more hazardous for your automobile than others. For example, it should come as no real surprise that motorcycles are the greatest vehicle to park adjacent to. They can’t swing open a door and scratch your automobile. In the same way, minivans have sliding doors that will not be a problem for you. Do remember that the front doors will not be sliding, so there will continue to be some threat. Two-door cars means half the risk of a four-door automobile. Compacts have doors which are lighter and smaller. You should have less to worry about from them compared to a monstrous truck or SUV.

Even though it may appear like a sensible method for preventing auto body damage, don't double-park. Really, do not be that guy. You will not only be a very disliked person, but you also open yourself up to getting your automobile key-ed or otherwise defaced.

Having dents in your car aren't just an inescapable part of owning an automobile. Not every auto body accident and dent damage can be avoided, but every auto accident and dent has the ability to minimize the value and appearance of your automobile. If your car does have dent damage, get it repaired quickly to avoid hassles later on. Start thinking about going to CARSTAR Arnold in Arnold, MO. They know how to get your automobile in good working order and looking better than ever.

Choosing A Collision Center BEFORE Your Next Auto Accident

There are plenty of items to take into account before choosing an auto body shop which will meet your needs. We hope you had the forethought to decide that it is time for you to choose an auto body shop before a huge dent appeared in your car body. Either way, CARSTAR Arnold in Arnold, MO wants you to learn these key facts before you decide to weigh through the innumerable collision repair options in the Arnold, Oakville, Imperial, Festus, or St. Louis, MO area.

• You don’t need to take your vehicle to an auto body shop simply because your insurance company told you to. As the proprietor of your vehicle, you are able to choose which auto body shop will do the best work for your needs.
• After you are in a wreck, use sound judgment in determining if it may be unsafe to drive. It is better to call a tow truck then to put you and your loved ones at risk!
• It is very common for two different auto body shops to have two different estimates on the same work. However, it is important that you do not automatically go with whichever shop is the least expensive. Sometimes, a lower estimate may not include all needed work. If you’re unsure why one auto body work estimator is different from another you have received, please check with one of us at CARSTAR Arnold.
• Certain insurance companies might want you to go to a claims center before getting your automobile repaired. You might also leave your vehicle at our shop and ask the insurance company to examine the automobile here.
• You cannot understate the value of selecting an auto body shop that has some credentialed education for its staff. Choose an auto body shop that has I-Car certified technicians.
• If you think that you could do the repair yourself, but you are not completely sure, don’t make the big mistake of simply diving into it. You could very well wind up doing more damage to it than good. After all, your car is the second-largest investment you'll make. Get it fixed by experts to preserve its value.
• Missouri state law doesn't require the citizens of Arnold, Oakville, Imperial, Festus, or St. Louis, MO to get more than one appraisal or estimate. However, it is generally a smart idea to shop around a little bit before making a decision if you haven’t chosen a collision center beforehand. If you did select a shop before the crash occurred, know that you don't have to look elsewhere for auto body repair if you do not want to.
• Ask if the auto body shop comes with a written lifetime warranty.
• Ensure that your chosen auto body shop will work with your insurance claim before taking your automobile to them for repair.

It is easy to see that selecting an auto body shop is no laughing matter. Be smart and make your choice according to these tips and good judgment. As you're looking, think about going to CARSTAR Arnold. They will be glad to show you more about how to get you back on the road after your next auto accident.

Ten Questions For An Auto Body Shop

After being tangled up in an auto accident, one of the first things you’ll take into consideration is getting your vehicle fixed as fast as possible. But taking your vehicle to the first auto body shop you see would be a rash decision. In order to find a reliable and trustworthy auto body shop, take time to do your homework and ask questions so that you will receive high quality auto body repair work for your vehicle.

CARSTAR Arnold in Arnold, Missouri sees the significance of a good auto body repair every time someone brings a vehicle to them that someone else didn’t do right. That is why they have these tips for you as you pick out where to do your next repair in Arnold, Festus, St. Louis, Imperial, or Oakville, MO.

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

1.    Find out more about the auto body repair shop. Reading an online review about an auto body repair shop can be a useful resource. You can get a sense of the standard 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 get text updates about your car’s repair status? Will you be able to look at photos of your car repair in progress?

2.    What type of warranty comes with their auto body repair work? If they offer 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 offer loaner vehicles? Being without an automobile is an inconvenience, so you will need to ensure that you have 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 offer loaner or courtesy cars which you can use while they're fixing your car.

4.    How long will the auto body repair take? There are lots of related factors that will affect how long 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 during which the auto body shop might be closed.

5.    Is your vehicle covered while it is in the shop? Ask the auto body repair shop if they carry fire and theft insurance. You want to be sure that you will be covered 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 automobile? More often than not, cars have a paint code on a plate located either in a door jamb, under the hood, or in the trunk. This paint code will give the precise color of the manufacturer’s paint. Make sure the auto body repair shop will be utilizing the same exact color of paint and not a similar color.

7.    How soon can you wash your vehicle after an auto body repair? An auto body repair shop generally gives your car back to you clean. They may have already washed it or waited for the paint to dry so that you can drive your car immediately after the repair. Still, you should know whether it's safe to take your vehicle to a car wash that uses friction brushing or a touch-free car wash with acid presoaks and super concentrated car wash soap soon after a fresh paint job.

8.    Does the auto body repair shop have any certifications? Certifications, like 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 total, safe, and quality repairs.

9.    Will the auto body repair shop put everything in writing? When bringing your vehicle into an auto body repair shop, ask if you can receive a written estimate. You should also ask for an itemized bill after all work is completed. If the written estimate does not match the itemized bill, do not hesitate to ask about any discrepancies.

10.   What is the payment policy? Most reputable auto body repair shops post their policies and payment methods where customers can easily see them. The payment policies may include labor rates, materials, warranty information, guarantees, and acceptable forms of payment. If you do not see payment policy information, ask before the auto body shop begins any auto body repair work on your vehicle.

Bonus Questions:

• Does the auto body repair shop work on your make and model?
• Do they specialize in the type of auto body repair work your motor 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 Arnold, Festus, St. Louis, Imperial, or Oakville, MO is a vital decision. If you are searching for an auto body shop, consider CARSTAR Arnold. They have the experience you'll need with the customer service you want.

How to Choose the Right Auto Body Shop

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

Oftentimes when people are involved in an accident they assume "the insurance company will deal with it for me.'' In fact, it's your duty to decide on who will do the repairs for you. This isn't a choice which should be taken lightly, as it can involve protecting a significant investment. That is why CARSTAR Arnold has put together this list of tips for you as you decide which auto body shop can meet your needs. They have years of experience handling all types of vehicles in Arnold, Oakville, Imperial, Festus, and St. Louis, MO.

Preliminaries

• Start looking for an auto body shop before you need one; you can make better decisions when you're not rushed or in a panic.
• Ask your friends and acquaintances for their recommendations. Even in this modern era, old-fashioned word-of-mouth reputation continues to be valuable.
• Check with your local consumer organization regarding the reputation of the facility in question. Ask about the number of complaints, if any, and find out how the complaints were resolved.
• Always try to visit the auto body shop before you make the decision on who will fix your vehicle.

At the Shop

• Ask if the auto body shop generally handles your vehicle make and model. Ask how long the auto body shop has been in business.
• Look for a neat, well-organized facility with modern equipment. Many vehicle manufacturers suggest specific auto body repair procedures and equipment for the repair of their automobiles. Ensure that the facility you decide on is trained in these procedures and has the proper equipment.
• Professionally run facilities will have a polite, helpful staff ready 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.
• Oftentimes you can easily see the vehicles being fixed by the auto body shop. Are you impressed by the type of vehicles the company is fixing and the way the vehicles are being taken care of?
• Also search for indications that the staff is technically competent, such as trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced course work training from I-CAR.
• All policies, guarantees, and methods of payment should be posted or explained to your satisfaction.

Being alert and attentive when you go to an auto body shop will tell you a lot about what to expect from your auto body repair. If you would like an estimate or have questions relating to auto body repair, please contact CARSTAR Arnold in Arnold, Missouri.