Child Passenger Safety

Hey Everyone!!!

Tony "The Car Guy" Morice here. Sorry I have been gone for so long. Will not let that happen again. So last time I "blogged" I was talking about Winter Car Care. I am not sure about you but I am very glad that we are not still talking about that. As I look out my window from my office - the sun is shining, the birds chirping, and it is 71 degrees out with not one cloud in the sky. This is my type of weather!
As we enter this warm season - people start planing trips and vacations. Kids are almost out of school and the travel bug starts creeping up on us. I would like to review and remind you of the keys of child passenger safety. Our little ones and not so little ones are our most precious cargo so let's make sure we get them to the vacation spot safe (or in one piece like my mom would say).
Let's first talk about the reality.

• Motor vehicle injuries are the leading cause of death amoung children in the U.S.



• From 2000 through 2009, more than 3,000 children ages 4 through 7 were killed while riding in motor vehicles. Nearly 80 percent who died were unrestrained or in an adult seat belt.



• 8 out of 10 child safety seats are not properly installed, putting children at increased risk of serious injury or even death. To be protected, children must be properly restrained in seats appropriate for their age, height, and weight.



• Children exposed to deployed air bags are twice more likely to suffer significant injury that children not exposed.



• Once children outgrow their traditional safety seats (usually at about age 4), they need to ride in booster seats to age 8. Without a booster seat, the lap belt can ride over the child's stomach and the shoulder belt can cross a child's neck. As this position is uncomfortable, children frequently remove the shoulder portion of the adult seat belt, increasing their risk of head injury.

Effective actions to save the lives of youngsters:

• Children under age 13 should sit in the rear seat, if one is available; this reduces the risk of injury by 33 percent!



• Use a booster seat and seat belt rather than a seat belt alone for a 4-8 year old; this will reduce a child's risk of injury by 59 percent.



• Make sure you use the right restraint for your child and install it correctly.



• Infants, until they are at least 20 lbs and at least 1 year old, should be in a rear-facing child safety seat.



• Toddlers, until they are about age 4, should be in a child safety sear facing forward.



• Children, until they are about 4 feet, 9 inches tall or age 8, should be in booster seats.



• All children should use seat belts after they outgrow booster seats.

What can you do to protect young children riding in vehicles?

• Be sure all children in your vehicle are properly restrained for their age, height, and weight.
  


• Have your child safety seat inspected at a fitting station by a trained technician (see http://www.seatcheck.org/ for locations)



• Talk to or write to your state and local lawmakers and urge them to support the National Transportation Safety Board's recommendations for State laws.

Need more information?

Visit the following Web Sites:
NTSB: http://www.ntsb.gov/
Safe Kids World Wide: http://www.safekids.org/
American Academy of Pediatrics: www.aap.org/family/cps.htm
Seat Check: http://www.seatcheck.org/

West Loop Auto Body (http://www.westloopauto.com/) is a strong advocate of children's safety and if you have any questions or concerns about safety seats, seat belts, vehicular safety - please do not hesitate to call us at 866-738-1975 and we will be more than happy to help you with any of those questions that you might have.

As you plan your vacations and weekend trips - please make safety your #1 priority!

Until we collide again!
Tony "the car guy" Morice
General Manager
West Loop Auto Body

Winter Car Care - part IV

Hey Tony "the car guy" Morice is here to continue our conversation that we left off yesterday. Wintry conditions on the road reek havoc on vehicles and drivers. Below are some driving tips that you should put into practice so your vehicle won't become the "Sleigh-Ride" of destruction!

1. CLEAR SNOW & ICE FROM CAR - to improve visibility, remove all snow and ice from your hood, roof, truck, turn signals, tail lights, and headlights. Make sure you only use the ice scraper for glass. Use the brush portion for the other parts of your vehicle.

2. GO SLOW IN THE SNOW - "posted" speed limits are set for ideal road and weather conditions. SLOW DOWN when visibility and road conditions are impaired!

3. BRAKING TECHNIQUES - use "squeeze" or "threshold" braking when driving a car without anti-lock brakes. Apply the brakes to a point just short of lock-up, then ease off the brake pedal slightly. For vehicles with anti-lock brakes, continuous, firm braking is necessary.

4. ANTICIPATE DANGER - be READY for ice on bridges, hidden lane markings, stalled cars and poor visibility. Adjust your speed, increase the following distance between vehicles. Drive defensively.

5. PUT THE LID ON SKIDS - ease off the accelerator and don't lock up the brakes. Carefully steer in the direction you want your vehicle to go and straighten the wheel as soon as the car begins to go in the desired direction.

Putting these Driving Tips into practice will get you to your destination SAFELY!

In case your vehicle does become a Sleigh Ride of destruction - we are here to help you anyway we can. Please call us at 312-738-1975/866-738-1975 and West Loop Auto will be there within the hour.

Until we collide again!
Tony "the car guy" Morice
General Manager
West Loop Auto Body

Winter Car Care part III

Just walked outside and felt the "pelting" rain. Ah the mixture of liquid H2O and solid H2O makes the drive home from work ever so much better! uuugghhh! But don't you worry - Tony "the car guy" is here to prepare you for those ever so slushy days.

Monday we talked about the all important battery and yesterday we spoke of the SURVIVOR gear for your vehicle. If you missed those - please go back and read them - it is very important information that you should know to survive this winter.

Today we are going to talk about the checklist! He's making a list - checking it twice,,,gonna find out if your naughty or nice...... Most people like having the checklist to know how and when to maintain things - important things - especially your vehicle. So let's discuss the checklist and make sure you write it down or print this out and follow though with it. It could save your life someday.

Car Care Checklist:
1. BATTERY - I can not emphasize enough (just look at Monday's blog) that your battery has to be maintain. The battery is the heart of your car - if your battery is dead; you will not go anywhere. You need to make sure the terminals are tight and clean. If lights seem dim or vehicle starts are sluggish, have the electrical system, including the battery, checked by a certified technician. Here at West Loop Auto, we have many certified technicians at your disposal. Give us a call (312) 738-1975/ (866) 738-1975 and schedule an appointment.
2. RADIATOR - you should have your coolant strength checked with a hydrometer. That is a 5 min procedure. Recommended protection level is -36 degrees. Never check it hot. We can check that for you - give us a buzz.
3. BELTS/HOSES - Check your belts for cracks or fraying. Check hoses for leaks, bulges or cracks. Make sure clamps are secure!
4. WINDSHIELD WASHER/WIPERS - Make sure your windshield washer reservoir is filled with proper washer solvent. Here in Chicago you have to have a solvent that can handle cold temperatures. Read the label on the solvent bottle and make sure it says the solvent can handle -20 degree temperatures. Check wiper blades for cracking and fraying and replace as needed.
5. FLUIDS - Check oil, brake, transmission, radiator coolant and power steering fluid levels. Make sure you follow the owner's manual directions.
6. AIR FILTER - Hold air filter up to a light. If you can't see through it, replace it!!
7. TIRES - Inspect wear. Check pressure with a gauge when tires are cold. Refer to owner's manual for recommended air pressure and tread depth specifications. Here is the old Lincoln head penny trick. *** Place a penny (upside down IE head first) into several tread grooves across the tire. If part of Lincoln's head is always covered by the tread, you have more than 2/32" of tread depth remaining.*** Once the head is not covered - your tires need to be replaced. The law states that if your tires are less than 2/32" of tread - you must replace them.
8. LIGHTS AND SIGNALS - Activate to make sure all work. Using a friend - press your brakes and make sure your brake lights work.

These 8 items should be check at every 3-6 months. Again following thru with this checklist may save your life one day. If you are concerned that you can not check any of these listed please call West Loop Auto Body at (312) 738-1975/ (866) 738-1975 and schedule an appointment. It is much better to be SAFE than sorry.

Tomorrow we are going to talk about Winter Driving Tips. It is very important to know how your vehicle handles in the winter and how you have to adjust your "normal" driving techniques.

Until we collide again!!!
Tony "the car guy" Morice
General Manager
West Loop Auto Body

Winter Car Care part 2

Hey it's Tony "the car guy" Morice here to continue our talk about the "wonderful" winter days that are upon us and how the extreme cold can reek havoc on your vehicle. Yesterday we discussed your all important vehicle battery - please read it if you missed it.

Today we are going to talk about the "Survival" gear that you should have in vehicle for those just in case times. We all know what those times mean and that we try to avoid them at all costs.

We all know the famous reality TV show - Survivor - right? Man I love that show! Nothing like putting a dozen or so people in the middle of no where and tell them - Good Luck!! I believe they should bring that show here to Chicago during middle January - Survivor "Chicago - dead of the winter - series" No one would make it out alive! but i digress.

Here at West Loop Auto Body, we want to make you and your vehicle a SURVIVOR!!! We suggest the following items - should be in your vehicle during the winter months (if not all year) for those "just in case - Survivor" moments.
1. Ice Scraper & Brush - nothing like having 2" of solid ice on your windshield with nothing but credit card or fingernail to scrap it off.
2. Boots, Gloves, and Hats - need to keep that largest organ covered from the freezing temperatures.
3. Tools & Flashlight - preferably a "Mag-lite" - 3 to 4 battery light would be best. Tools should be your basic toolbox tools (screwdriver, socket set, can opener, hammer and etc)
4. Tire traction material such as sand or cat litter - nothing like spinning those tires til death and getting nowhere.
5. Food & Blankets - remember we are trying to survive here - make sure you have enough food for 3 days - bags of jerky, can foods (stuff you can have for a long period of time without spoiling) - water (need to keep yourself hydrated) especially in the cold. Blankets should be thick and warm (cotton or wool)
6. Jumper Cables or Jump box - a must!
7. First Aid Kit - i do not know how many times i have seen first aid kits with expired medicine - make sure you check the expiration dates on the first aid kits every 6 months and replace medicine as needed.
8. Cell Phone - make sure it is charged! West Loop's toll free number is 866-738-1975. We can have help out to you within 30-60 mins.
9. Flares or Reflective Triangle - very important to let others know you are broken down and need help.
10. Shovel - i know it sounds silly - but you never know when you need to dig yourself out of a snowdrift. You can find portable/foldable shovels at your local hardware store - which are easy to store in your vehicle.

All the items above are important and need to be in your vehicle for those just in case moments. Also have our phone number 312-738-1975/866-738-1975 on you at all times - so we can help you in your time of need.

Tomorrow we are going to talk about your vehicle's check list!!! A checklist is very important to have so you know how and when to maintan your vehicle.

Until we collide again,
Tony "the car guy" Morice

Winter Car Care

Here comes the cold, here comes the cold, and I say it's all right -- NOT!!!!!! Ah yes - tis the season for pulling out the winter clothes and storing the summer ones. Tis the season for making sure your vehicle is READY for those cold winter days. Here at West Loop Auto Body, we want to make sure you always prepared (Boy Scout Motto) for those days.
First thing we need to check is your battery. As the temperture drops, so does the cranking power of your battery. At 32 degrees, your battery has 15% less starting power than it does at 80 degrees; at 0 degrees, it has 35% less power; at -20 degrees, it has less than half the cranking power while the engine needs 3 1/2 times the power to start. Faulty batteries cause more car starting problems than any other factor. Turn off all unnecessary lights and accessories if vehicle-starts are sluggish. Dim headlamps or sluggish engine starts may be signs a new battery is needed. When buying a battery, rely on advice given by auto parts and/or service personnel, who will cross-reference your vehicle to the industry standard for the proper replacement battery. Today's batteries are maintenance-free! They do not require regular fluid checks, but it is wise to inspect the battery case and cables for loose fits and/or damage. Check for CORROSION! Corrosion in the form of white or yellowish powder, can and will affect battery performance. Clean teh connections with a stiff brush, using a solution of baking soda water!!

Thats enough for today - tomorrow we will be discussing winter survival gear for your vehicle - make sure you watch out for it!

Until we collide again.
Tony "the car guy" Morice
General Manager
West Loop Auto Body

Six Steps to take after a Car Accident

Taking the time now to plan what to do if you are in an auto accident can help get you back on the road faster. Doing a few things at the scene of an accident can help you avoid costly and time-consuming mistakes. Here are several useful tips from the experts at West Loop Auto Body in Chicago that you should remember if you're in an accident. You may even want to keep these tips in your vehicle's glove compartment.

1. STAY SAFE! Make sure your car and any other vehicles are as far off the roadway as possible. Warn oncoming traffic by activating your hazard warning lights.

2. CALL THE POLICE! Call 911 to report the accident. Even if you just had a fender bender, call the police so they can document who was involved; they'll decide whether an accident report is necessary.

3. TAKE PICTURES OF THE ACCIDENT SCENE! With technology today you can take pictures of the scene of accident with your picture phone. Make sure you get pictures of all damage that happen as a result of the accident. Get pictures of all vehicles involved including license plate number.

4. CONTACT YOUR INSURANCE AND REPORT THE CLAIM! The sooner your insurance company knows about the accident, the sooner it can start working to resolve your claim.

5. STICK TO THE FACTS! Discuss the accident only with the police and your insurance company. Be honest and factual! Avoid guessing or speculating on times, distances or speeds if you're unsure.

6. EXCHANGE VITAL INFORMATION WITH THE OTHER DRIVER! Write down the name, address, phone number and license numbers of all drivers and witnesses. Ask each for the name of his or her insurer and policy number. Your insurer might need to speak with them to determine who's at fault for the accident. Your insurance company will want to know if the police responded or if anyone was injured. Also, get details about the other cars involved, taking note of whether the cars were damaged and if so, where the damage occurred.

7. CONSIDER ALL YOUR REPAIR OPTIONS! Once you've figured out all of the details at the scene, you'll need to consider your next steps. With West Loop Auto Body you can choose the most convenient way to have your claim handled. Our A+ rating with the BBB gives you assurance that we will care for your every need. With Towing and Enterprise Rent-A-Car on location; we can have you back on the road quicker than most other body shops. West Loop Auto Body will work with your insurance company to make the repair process is smooth and headache free.

For more useful auto and FAQ's, visit us at www.westloopauto.com

Until we collide again!
Tony "the car guy" Morice
General Manager
West Loop Auto Body

Fall Car Care Tips!!!

Your car requires different types of maintenance checks for different seasons. The car maintenance routines for the summer season are very much different as those required for the winter season and so forth and so on.

Since fall is HERE and very soon it would be winter the car maintenance done during the fall season is basically a preparation for the coming winter months. About.com provides very practical tips on what your winter car maintenance checklist should be comprised of:

Check your antifreeze!
Your antifreeze (the juice that goes in your radiator) is an essential part of your car's winter protection. Your car contains a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze. Make sure the level is full and the mixture is close to 50/50. Many service stations and repair centers will check this mixture free, or you can buy a tester for around $5.

Check your tires!
The last line of defense between you and an oak tree are your tires. Winter is not the time to get cheap about your tires, so take the time to check the tread depth. The National Highway Transportation Safety Board says you need at least 2/32" of depth to be safe. It's been my experience, especially in winter weather, that anything less than 4/32" (1/8") be replaced soon. The old penny test is as reliable as anything to find out whether your treads are ready for winter action. Also, be sure to check your tire pressure. Believe it or not, they lose a little pressure when it gets cold, so pump 'em up.

Check your wipers
Wipers? What do your windshield wipers have to do with winter weather? Two things. First, anything falling from the sky is going to end up on your windshield, and unless you have a team of beavers riding on the hood of your car the task of clearing it falls on your wipers. Second, in areas that see snowfall in the winter, you're also driving through that soupy muck that's left on the road once the highway department does their thing. This muck includes a lot of sand and salt, both of which end up on your windshield. It takes wipers that are in top shape to keep your windshield clean and safe.

Check your windshield washer fluid!
You'll be using lots of washer fluid as you try to keep your windshield sparkly. A mile stuck behind an 18-wheeler will have your windshield looking a Desert Storm Humvee if you're low on washer fluid. *Tip: Don't fill your washer fluid reservoir with anything except washer fluid, it won't freeze!

We here at West Loop Auto Body are available for all of your car needs. From towing to tune-ups and collisions to complete car care. Give us a call at 866-738-1975.