The West Loop Auto Times

Child Passenger Safety

2011-05-20T12:57:00.000-07:00

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

2010-11-18T14:15:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-17T14:51:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-16T09:00:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-15T10:25:00.001-08:00

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

2010-10-11T09:31:00.000-07:00

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!!!

2010-09-27T12:53:00.001-07:00

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.

2010-08-16T12:53:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again......(I can hear that "oh eee oh" chant from wizard of oz.

The children are heading back to school!!! Retailers are smiling with all the new children clothes sales and Office Max is JUMPING!!!!

With all of this commotion it can be VERY distracting to the dangers of "School in Session" makes. It is this time of year that driver and passenger safety need to be at their HIGHEST AWARENESS. Please read the bullet points below and put them to PRACTICE!!

1. All passengers should wear a seat belt and/or an age- and size-appropriate car safety seat or booster seat.

2. Your child should ride in a car safety seat with a harness as long as possible and then ride in a belt-positioning booster seat. Your child is ready for a booster seat when she has reached the top weight or height allowed for her seat, her shoulders are above the top harness slots, or her ears have reached the top of the seat.

3. Your child should ride in a belt-positioning booster seat until the vehicle's seat belt fits properly (usually when the child reaches about 4' 9" in height and is between 8 to 12 years of age). This means that the child is tall enough to sit against the vehicle seat back with her legs bent at the knees and feet hanging down and the shoulder belt lies across the middle of the chest and shoulder, not the neck or throat; the lap belt is low and snug across the thighs, and not the stomach.

4. All children under 13 years of age should ride in the rear seat of vehicles. If you must drive more children than can fit in the rear seat (when carpooling, for example), move the front-seat passenger’s seat as far back as possible and have the child ride in a booster seat if the seat belts do not fit properly without it.

5. Remember that many crashes occur while novice teen drivers are going to and from school. You should require seat belt use, limit the number of teen passengers, do not allow eating, drinking, cell phone conversations or texting to prevent driver distraction; and limit nighttime driving and driving in inclement weather. Familiarize yourself with your state’s graduated driver license law and consider the use of a parent-teen driver agreement to facilitate the early driving learning process.

West Loop Auto strongly advises that you review and practice the safety measures above with your precious loved ones.

Let's have a great start to school and lets have our DRIVING AWARENESS at its PEAK STATE!!

Until next time...

Tony Morice
West Loop Auto Body
General Manager
www.westloopauto.com

Driving Tips!!

2010-04-15T09:51:00.000-07:00

· Always wear your seat belt and make sure all passengers buckle up, too.
· Adjust your car's headrest to a height behind your head-on your nect to minimize whiplashin case you're in an accident.
· Never try to fit more people in the car than you have seat belts for them to use.
· Obey the speed limits, Going too fast gives you less time to stop or react. Excess speed is one of the main causes of teenage accidents.
· Don't run red lights.
· Use turn signals to indicate your intention to turn or to change lanes. Turn it on to give the cars behind you enough time to react before you take the action. Also, make sure the signals turns off after you've completed the action.
· When light turns green, make sure intersection clears before you go
· Don't drive like you own the road; drive like you own the car.
· Make sure your windshield is clean. At sun rise and sun set, light reflecting off your dirty windshield can momentarily blind you from seeing what's going on.
· Don't blast the radio. You might miss hearing a siren or a horn that could warn you of possible trouble.
· Make sure your garage door is completely open before backing out of it.
· Drive into your garage straight, not on an angle.
· Make sure your car has gas in it. Don't ride around with the gauge on empty who knows where you might get stranded.
· Don't drink and drive, and don't ride with anyone who has been drinking. Call parents or friends to take you home if you need a ride.
· Don't take drugs or drive if you've taken any. Don't ride with anyone who has been using drugs. Even some over the counter drugs can make you drowsy. Check label for warnings.
· Don't drive with small children or even small teenage friends as passengers in a front seat that has a passenger-side air bag. They should be buckled up in the back seat. Recent transportation studies show that small children may be injured by the air bags even in low impact collisions. (Actually, it's safer not to drive with friends and kids in the car when you're learning to drive. They can be distracting.)
· Don't talk on the car phone, put on make-up, comb your hair, or eat while driving. People who talk on car phones while driving are four times more likely to have an accident. If you need to make a call, pull off the road to a safe spot and park.
· Don't leave your car in cruise control when you're driving late at night or when you're tired. If you fall asleep at the wheel, the car will crash at the speed you've set your control to maintain.
· Don't fiddle with the radio while you are driving. It's better to wait until you can pull over and stop because even taking your focus off the road for a few seconds could lead to an accident.
· Use good quality tireand make sure they are inflated to the right pressure (check your owners manual for what is right for your tires and car).
· Maintain your car. Bald tires, a slipping transmission, or a hesitant engine could lead to accidents
· Use headlights during daylight driving, especially on long stretches of desert highway and rural roads to make you more visible to oncoming drivers.
· Watch out for potholes, especially after bad weather
· Be on the lookout for motorcycles, bikes, and pedestrians
· When driving to a new place, get complete directions before you go. Figure out what exits you need to take before hand.
· If your car has been parked outside during a snow storm, check the exhaust pipes to make sure they are clear before starting up the car.

What drivers should know about sharing the road with Motorcycles

· Motorcyclists often slow by downshifting or merely rolling off the throttle, thus not activating the brake light. Allow more following distance, say 3 or 4 seconds. At intersections, predict a motorcyclist may slow down without visual warning.
· Turn signals on a motorcycle usually are not self-canceling, thus some riders, (especially beginners) sometimes forget to turn them off after a turn or lane change. Make sure a motorcycle’s signal is for real.
· Motorcyclists often adjust position within a lane to be seen more easily and to minimize the effects of wind, road debris, and passing vehicles. Understand that motorcyclists adjust lane position for a purpose, not to be reckless or show off.
· Because of its small size a motorcycle seems to be moving faster than it really is.
· Because of its small size, a motorcycle may look farther away than it is. When checking traffic to turn at an intersection, predict a motorcycle is closer than it looks.
· Because of its small size, a motorcycle can be easily hidden by objects inside or outside a car (door posts, mirrors, passengers, bushes, fences, bridges, blind spots, etc.). Take an extra moment to thoroughly check traffic, whether you’re changing lanes, pulling out of your driveway, making a left turn across traffic, or turning at intersections.
· Stopping distance for motorcycles is nearly the same as for cars, but slippery pavement makes quick stopping difficult. Allow a motorcyclist more following distance
· Maneuverability is one of a motorcycle’s better characteristics, but only at slower speeds and with good road conditions. Don’t expect a motorcyclist to always be able to dodge out of the way.
· Carrying a passenger complicates a motorcyclist’s task. Balance is more difficult. Stopping distance is increased. Maneuverability is reduced. Predict more problems when you see two on a motorcycle, especially near intersections.
· Mirrors are smaller on a motorcycle and are usually convex, thus giving a motorcyclist a smaller image of you and making you seem farther back than you really are. Keep at least a three or four second space cushion when following a motorcyclist.
· There are a lot more cars and trucks than motorcycles on the road, and some drivers don’t "recognize" a motorcycle and ignore it (usually unintentionally). Look for motorcycles, especially when checking traffic at an intersection.
· At night, single headlights and taillights of motorcycles can blend into the lights of other traffic. Those "odd" lights could be a motorcycle.

Tips on Driving In the Country

· Watch out for deer and other large and small animals. If you see a deer approaching, slow down and flash your lights repeatedly. Often, the deer will run away.
· Also, if you see one deer, watch out for others close by the often travel in pairs or groups.
· Watch out for pigs, chickens, cows, and skunks, too.
· When driving in the desert, watch out for animals like camels.
· If you get an insect like a fly or a bee in your car, don't try to kill it while you're driving! It could take your attention off the road and you could crash. Instead, pull over and park as soon as possible and get the bug out of the car or ask a passenger to take care of it

Tips on Driving In Bad Weather

· Turn your headlights on anytime you need to turn your windshield wipers on in rain, fog, sleet, freezing rain, or snow. It will help your visibility and also help other drivers see you.
· In winter, keep an ice scraper with a brush in your car in case it snows or sleets. Also check that you have wiper fluid/deicer in your car. If it gets messy while you are out, these will come in handy.
· Double the space you normally leave between you and the next car. You'll need more space to stop on slick roads.
· Brake gently
· Make sure your exhaust tail pipe is clear if you've had to dig your car out of snow or ice or if you've backed into a snow bank. If your tail pipe is blocked you could get sick or die from carbon monoxide poisoning.
· When driving on slippery surfaces like ice or snow use gentle pressure on the accelerator pedal when starting. If your wheels start to spin, let up on the accelerator until traction returns.
· Check that windshield washer works-you may need it in snow and sleet.
· Watch out for severe weather warnings before you drive. If a strong storm come on while you're on the road and it's raining too hard to see, try to find a safe place to pull over until the worst of the rain is over. If you see a tornado coming your way, safety experts suggest you find shelter or if that's not possible, then get out of car and find a ditch to take cover in, protecting your head and neck. It's hard to outrun a tornado.

Braking in bad weather can be tricky.
When braking on wet roads:
If you have ABS (anti-lock) brakes, do not pump brakes
If you skid with non ABS brakes and your wheels lock up, let up on the brakes to unlock the wheels, then brake gently.

· Listen to radio traffic reports and adjust your travel plans accordingly.
· Keep windows and windshield clear. Make sure wipers are working.
· Leave a window open a little bit to keep windshield from fogging up and to give you fresh air.
· Watch for danger spots ahead. You've probably heard that bridges and overpasses may freeze before the roads do.
· When starting out in bad weather, test your brakes to see how far it takes you to stop.
· If you are stuck in ice or snow, try putting your floor mats under the edge of the tires to give them traction

Tips On Parallel Parking
Learning how to parallel park is one of the hardest skills for new drivers to learn.

· Signal and pull up approx. 3 feet away from the car you want to park behind, aligning your rear tires with the other car's rear bumper.
· Put car into REVERSE, and turn wheels ALL THE WAY to the RIGHT.
· Slowly back-up until you are at a 45 degree angle. STOP.
· Turn the wheels ALL THE WAY to the LEFT.
· Slowly back-up until you are parallel with the curb.
· If done correctly you should be less then 12 inches from the curb.
· Practice will improve your judgment.
· Select a space that is at least six feet longer than your car.
· Flash your brake lights and put on your turn signal before you pull in.
· Always look back to check traffic.
· Take it slow and ease into the spot.

Exiting a parallel parking space

· Back-up straight as far as you can go without touching the car behind.
· Turn your wheels all the way to the left (in the U.S.) Then make sure that you put your car in drive.
· Put on your turn signal.
· Check traffic, including your blind spot.
· Make sure your right fender has enough room to clear the car in front of you.
· Turn wheels slowly to the right when you are halfway out of the parking space.

Are we ready for Alternative Fuels!!!

2010-03-26T13:35:00.000-07:00

The car show just left Geneva and if you get a chance you should check out what is next for the automotive industry...

Forbes came out with an article today; that I thought I would share...

By this time next year Chevrolet, Ford, Nissan and Fisker will each have a plug-in electric vehicle on the U.S. market. But until automakers can sell hundreds of thousands of them off the lot — not just to first-adopters and municipal fleets — they won't mean much to society. Experts say it'll take mass acceptance to significantly alter the way Americans consume energy.
"It's going to be very difficult, unless you have $8-a-gallon gasoline, for any normal consumer to look at a Volt or a Nissan Leaf," says John O'Dell, the senior editor of Edmunds' Green Car Advisor. "Right now it takes more than six years, with gasoline prices in the $3 range, for most people to earn back enough money purely on gasoline, to pay for an electric car."
Fortunately, while we wait for electrics to become cheaper and more practical, there are plenty of non-hybrid, gas-engine cars on the road that get exceptional fuel economy.
As one would expect, subcompacts like the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris fare best — but small cars aren't they only models that sip fuel. Ford's Escape small SUV and Volkswagen's Jetta sedan are solid, money-saving options as well.
To determine the vehicles with the best gas mileage, we evaluated mile-per-gallon fuel efficiency as measured by the EPA and five-year total fuel costs as measured by Vincentric, an auto-consulting firm based in Bingham Farms, Mich. (The data assumes an annual rate of 15,000 miles driven per vehicle and a price of $2.60 for regular fuel, $2.86 for premium and $2.75 for diesel. It also applies an inflation rate for the fuel prices, since the calculations predict costs over five years.)
We awarded points to the vehicles with the best city and best highway mileages, and to the vehicles with the lowest total fuel costs over five years, with one point going to the car with the best efficiency in each category, two points to the next-best, and so on. Lower points indicate better overall fuel economy.
We did not include hybrids in our tally because they would have dominated the entire list. Had we included them, the Toyota Prius, Honda Civic Hybrid, Honda Insight, Ford Escape and Fusion Hybrids, Mercury Milan Hybrid, Nissan Altima Hybrid, Toyota Camry hybrid and Lexus 250h all would have made the cut.
Sales of hybrids and small-engine cars are directly related to gas prices — the higher the cost of a gallon of gas, the more these cars sell — but don't look for a major up-tick in price-per-gallon any time soon. The national average price of gas is $2.811, up from $2.608 last month and $1.933 a year ago. But forecasts from the U.S. Energy Information Administration predict that the annual average price for a gallon of regular gas will reach just $2.96 by 2011 — granted, with a possibility of reaching $3 a gallon at times this summer.
That's good news compared to the $4-plus spikes of July 2008, but it means automakers have less motivation to economize gasoline engines, says Mike Quincy, an automotive specialist for Consumer Reports.
"If gas prices go up to $4 a gallon, your hybrid, even on the used-car market, is going to be very attractive," Quincy says. "But you can't just put pressure on people to buy smaller, more fuel-efficient cars. They won't until they have to. They won't do it until the price of gas gets really expensive."
If fuel economy is already your chief priority, diesel-powered Volkswagens are the way to go. The $22,354 Volkswagen Golf TDI and the $22,830 Volkswagen Jetta TDI tied as the cars with the best overall gas mileage: The four-door VWs each get 30 mpg in the city and 42 mpg on the highway, with a 2.0L turbodiesel engine and a six-speed automatic transmission.
They also have amazing torque; their 236 foot-pounds of power are stronger than the supped-up Volkswagen GTI (207 ft-lbs) and nearly equal that of competitor Subaru Impreza WRX (244 ft-lbs).
Honda also has two models on our list, the $14,900 Fit and the $25,340 Civic GX (a four-door compact that runs on natural gas).
The Fit makes the cut mostly by virtue of its 27-mpg city efficiency. The $7,107 it takes to fuel it for five years is actually on the more expensive side when compared with the $6,881 required for the Toyota Yaris or the $6,712 required for the Ford Escape SUV
It takes just $5,297 to fuel the Civic, which is the least expensive of any car on the list. The sedan uses a 113-horsepower, 1.8L "SOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine" — a combustion engine that runs on compressed natural gas with almost no emissions. Fuel economy is 24 mpg in the city, 36 mpg on the highway.
To really be taken seriously, though, even natural gas and hybrid vehicles will have to compete against the conventional engines on our list. They simply can't be beat in terms of price, performance and convenience, says Nissan's director of product planning, Mark Perry. Perry is leading the launch of Nissan's all-electric Leaf, due out in December.
"Anything long term, to really break out of the early adopter pattern and get the mass market, we have to be considered against other internal combustion engine cars, eventually."

Medicines can impair driving!!

2010-02-02T13:17:00.000-08:00

Medicine and driving do not mix!

Some prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and herbal or alternative remedies can be as intoxicating as having a couple of alcoholic drinks. The AAA foundation of Traffic Safety reported that 78 percent of drivers older than 55 take medications, but only one in four understands how drugs can impact their driving. Like alcohol, medicines can cause side effects that impair driving, such as sleepiness, slowed movement, blurred vision, dizziness, fainting, excitability, nausea and inability to focus or pay attention.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the effects of prescribed medications on driving. If you must take medications that could impair driving, your health care professional may be able to:

adjust the dosage;
adjust the timing of the doses;
add an exercise or nutrition program to lessen the need for medicine;
change the medicine to that causes fewer side effects.

West Loop Auto Body is here for you and your vehicle. If you need a tow - let us know and we will be there shortly with one of our state of the art tow trucks. Call us at 866-738-1975 or check us out on the web at www.westloopauto.com. Serving chicagoland since 1950!

* article contributed from AAA Living Feb 2010

Winter Car Efficiency

2010-01-26T14:14:00.000-08:00

At West Loop Auto Body, we want to make sure you are safe when driving your car during these harsh winters in Chicago. At the same time we want to make sure your car stays efficient.

Low temperatures take a huge toll on your vehicle, but don't let them hurt the environment or your wallet. Cold air increases the viscosity, or thickness, of fluids such as oil and gas, reducing gas mileage and forcing your engine to work much harder.

Warming the engine before driving helps get these fluids moving, but do not overdo it. Too much idling wastes gas and pollutes the atmosphere. LIMIT ENGINE WARM-UP TIME TO 5 MINUTES (turn the defroster on to clear your windows). The engine will continue to warm as you drive.

Low temperatures also effect tires, which lose 1 to 2 psi for every 10-degree drop in temperature. Under inflated tires reduce fuel efficiency. To save gas and $$$, check your tires often and keep them properly inflated. To know what psi you should keep your tires please refer to your vehicle's operation manual.

If you have further questions or need assistance - please call us at 866-738-1975 and West Loop will be glad to help you and your vehicle.

Driving in Snow and Ice

2010-01-08T09:32:00.000-08:00

West Loop Auto Body states the best advice for driving in bad winter weather is not to drive at all, if you can avoid it.
Don't go out until the snow plows and sanding trucks have had a chance to do their work, and allow yourself extra time to reach your destination.
If you must drive in snowy conditions, make sure your car is prepared, and that you know how to handle road conditions.
It's helpful to practice winter driving techniques in a snowy, open parking lot, so you're familiar with how your car handles. Consult your owner's manual for tips specific to your vehicle.

Driving safely on icy roads
1. Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
2. Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.
3. Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.
4. Keep your lights and windshield clean.
5. Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills.
6. Don't use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.
7. Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.
8. Don't pass snow plows and sanding trucks. The drivers have limited visibility, and you're likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind.
9. Don't assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.

If your rear wheels skid...
1. Take your foot off the accelerator.
2. Steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go. If your rear wheels are sliding left, steer left. If they're sliding right, steer right.
3. If your rear wheels start sliding the other way as you recover, ease the steering wheel toward that side. You might have to steer left and right a few times to get your vehicle completely under control.
4. If you have standard brakes, pump them gently.
5. If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), do not pump the brakes. Apply steady pressure to the brakes. You will feel the brakes pulse — this is normal.

If your front wheels skid...
1. Take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral, but don't try to steer immediately.
2. As the wheels skid sideways, they will slow the vehicle and traction will return. As it does, steer in the direction you want to go. Then put the transmission in "drive" or release the clutch, and accelerate gently.

If you get stuck...
1. Do not spin your wheels. This will only dig you in deeper.
2. Turn your wheels from side to side a few times to push snow out of the way.
3. Use a light touch on the gas, to ease your car out.
4. Use a shovel to clear snow away from the wheels and the underside of the car.
5. Pour sand, kitty litter, gravel or salt in the path of the wheels, to help get traction.
6. Try rocking the vehicle. (Check your owner's manual first — it can damage the transmission on some vehicles.) Shift from forward to reverse, and back again. Each time you're in gear, give a light touch on the gas until the vehicle gets going.
7. Call West Loop Auto - we will send one of our highly skilled rescue recovering personnel to come help you. Call us 866-738-1975 - Been helping Chicago drivers since 1950!

Compare collision centers before you need one!!!!

2009-12-21T11:30:00.000-08:00

In addition to asking friends and relatives for recommendations on shops that have performed quality work for them in the past, check the shop’s qualifications by asking about advanced technician training by a national organization such as the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) or National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification.

Verify commitment to ongoing training and customer satisfaction.
One way is to look for decals or plaques indicating the shop’s current membership status in industry associations, local business groups and consumer agencies such as the Alliance of Automotive Service Professionals (AASP), Automotive Service Association (ASA), Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS), National Auto Body Council (NABC), and the Better Business Bureau. Verifying information on the BBB Web site at http://www.bbb.org/ will indicate whether the shop maintains a good reputation.

Pre-Arrange a Rental Car
Since the average car is in the repair shop for two weeks, ask if the shop can make recommendations for a rental car company and if they can arrange for a replacement rental car to be ready when you drop off your car.
Save on cost of replacement rental car.If your auto insurance policy includes replacement rental car coverage, which usually is only a couple dollars a month, you may get a rental car for little or no money while your car is being repaired. Many people are surprised that one full-year of replacement rental car coverage may be less than the out-of-pocket cost of a one-day rental car. See an insurance professional for details.

Get Everything in Writing Upfront
Price estimates for work and parts.Get a written repair and price estimate of the work to be performed, as well as an explanation of why specific recommendations are necessary to correct the collision damage before the job begins. Also obtain an itemized list for all parts and services, with prices, identifying any used or re-manufactured parts.

Ask about a warranty.
Professional, reputable repair shops will stand behind their repair work by offering a warranty. Usually this warranty is for a specific time – from 30 days to lifetime – and covers the labor, materials used and installation. The actual parts will be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.

Don’t shop by price alone.
The lowest estimate could indicate that the shop’s estimator has improperly assessed the vehicle’s damage or that the shop specializes in “quickie” repair jobs and poor quality. If you get a quote that is significantly different from another shop, ask the estimator to explain why the quote is so different before you make a decision about where to have the car repaired.

Customer satisfaction after repair.
Inquire in advance about the auto body repair shop’s policy in the event you are dissatisfied with the repair. Will they fix it at no additional charge and how long will the extra repairs take? Once the repair is completed, tell the technician or business owner before leaving the repair shop if you notice any problems with the body work of your automobile. It is best to bring up any concerns immediately in order to confirm a problem is a result of incorrect repair work. If you do happen to notice a problem after you get the car home, call the repair shop immediately and let them know that you will be returning your automobile for additional repairs.

"That's too far to take my car!"

2009-12-14T13:28:00.000-08:00

Fifteen years in the auto body business and I still hear this on at least a weekly basis! As a favor to yourself please read and enjoy this blog. We as consumers are so easily led by sometimes foolish and unclear thinking. Your car or truck is the second largest investment you as a consumer will ever make. Homes are usually the largest. Your car or truck costs more than that fancy flat screen t.v., that super computer you use to check ever important emails, the fancy watch that sits in the drawer because it can't get it wet etc. Yet we tend not to give ol' faithful in the driveway it's long due respect. Would you leave the t.v. out in a blizzard? Would you put the PlayStation or Wii in the yard during a thunderstorm? We do it every day to our four wheeled buddies! When we shop for those neat electronic gadgets, even pizza for pete's sake we check out the best deals at the best stores right? Our hands tire from all the on line research that makes our fingers burn, our eyes blur. However when the vehicle breaks or is hit we take it to the closest place we can find. Our laziness can cause ol' faithful more than just a bad repair! Bad decisions equal bad things. Do yourself a favor, research your repair center. Even if it may be far it may in fact be the best deal. How many of us did not buy our car or truck from the closest dealer? We shopped around for the best deal as well as the best service right? Well now that the new car smell is gone we still owe it to ourselves and our vehicles to seek out the best.

West Loop does in fact offer FREE pick up whether it be a tow or drive in. We have traveled as far as Wisc. and Mich. to pick up a car for repair. Our techs are the highest trained in the industry. In fact West Loop recently signed an agreement with ICAR to pursue ongoing training for our production team. We may not always be the closest however we are the best! Just check Angie's List!

So next time you order that pizza from the place on the edge of town, or you shop around for the best deal on that new game system think about the way you get there to pick it up. Show "old reliable" a little love and choose West Loop for all the repairs your vehicle may need. Who knows, you may get a little smile from under that hood!

Please stay safe this holiday season, spend time with your families and by all means treat that sleigh in the driveway right and like a faithful friend it will give you years of comfort and reliability!

Ed Kowalski
Sales Manager
West Loop

West Loop Winter Driving Tips!!!!

2009-12-07T14:33:00.000-08:00

1. Avoid driving while you're fatigued. Getting the proper amount of rest before taking on winter weather tasks reduces driving risks.
2. Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.
3. Make certain your tires are properly inflated.
4. Never mix radial tires with other tire types.
5. Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze-up.
6. If possible, avoid using your parking brake in cold, rainy and snowy weather.
7. Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface (wet, ice, sand).
8. Always look and steer where you want to go.
9. Use your seat belt every time you get into your vehicle.

THESE TIPS ARE ALWAYS IMPORTANT EVEN MORE SO IN WINTER TIME .

Progressive Thinking??? I doubt it!!

2009-11-30T11:31:00.000-08:00

Imagine this situation:

Your significant other has a medical emergency: An ambulance, representing the insurance company pulls up and tells you we are taking them to our evaluation center, once there we will determine the condition and which hospital in our opinion would be the best to take them to.

Once your loved one is at the evaluation center the insurance company gives an opinion as to what treatment is required, by the way, there are no medically trained practicing doctors at the evaluation center. The evaluation center calls a couple of hospitals and based on its evaluation asks the hospitals to BID on a price to "heal" the patient. If the evaluation center accepts the hospitals bid, the patient is moved to the hospital and the hospital has 24 hours to adjust the bid. Any time after that, the hospital loses any rights for additional compensation. Once the procedure is finished with your loved one, we will call you and you can retrieve them at our evaluation center, but you must pay your deductible. The hospital is judged by the evaluation center based on how quickly and inexpensively the procedure is done.

Seem far-fetched? Not exactly! This is how Progressive's "Concierge" Program works in the collision repair. The insured does not know who is fixing the car, what the shop's level of expertise is, nor anything else about the repair process. Progressive wants the insured to have as little information and contact with the process as possible. "Leave it to us" is their slogan. Makes you wonder how much you should be leaving to them. In 15 minutes you could save 15% or more and give up all of your control over your vehicle repairs. How do you think the 15% is saved?

Thanksgiving

2009-11-24T11:56:00.000-08:00

Ah Yes.

Thanksgiving is 2 days away. I am still trying to digest last year's meal. Don't get me wrong - mom makes a fantastic turkey and the mashed potatoes - do not get me started. I could feel my waistline expanding by the second. But with as much effort I am trying to focus on Thanksgiving - it is the next day that scares me. Yes - the infamous "Black Friday." I wonder if they will keep the name "Black Friday" with the economy the way it is. Watch - next week you will see a news report changing the name "Black Friday" to "Pink Friday." But any who - West Loop Auto will be open for all of your vehicle needs on that Friday. After driving from store to store - dodging foot traffic here and trampling there - your vehicle will need some love. We have great specials going on right from oil changes to total vehicle maintenance. We are your neighborhood vehicle care center. Please contact us right away for towing to detailing, collision to touch up - at 866-738-1975. We are your Chicago Auto Car Center. Until the turkey has been devoured we will meet again.