Spring Car Tune Up Special with West Loop

West Loop is offering a 'Pot Hole Special' this spring at our 318 S. Morgan St. location. We know those new (and old) potholes can be rough on your car in Chicago. We're here to help. Our tune up special includes an inspection of your suspension, a tire rotation and a front wheel alignment for the low price of just $79.95.

Visit our website today for more information about this spring special! http://www.chicagocollision.com/spring-car-tune-up-special/

Chicago Collision Repair for the Spring and Summer

Warm weather equals more cars on the road. More cars on the road equals more accidents and collisions. It's just going to happen. Sorry. Even though road conditions are nicer in the spring/summer, it doesn't mean that the skills of fellow drivers actually improves. Oh no, not in the least.

At West Loop Auto, we're always hoping that you don't find yourself in an accident, but when you do, know that we are the Chicago collision repair experts. Be careful out there this spring/summer, and if anything does happen to your vehicle, give us a call at 866-738-1975.

Repair you car for the spring

Perhaps your car has been sitting dormant in the garage, in your driveway or on the street all winter because it needs a variety of repairs. Maybe it's not working due to the previous harsh winter conditions. If that's the case, why didn't you take care of your car during the winter? Did you not see our specific blog posts about the topic? Anyway, isn't it about time you got your car in working order for the spring/summer?

West Loop is the Chicago auto repair company you can entrust with your vehicle. Drive all summer long with after a car repair from West Loop Auto Body. There are so many places to go and people to see during the summer; don't depend on others for a ride, fix up your vehicle with West Loop Auto Body. Call us today at 866-738-1975.

Tune Up Your Car this Spring

Hey Chicago, it's officially spring. Doesn't it feel like it? The warm weather. The chirping of birds. Plants, flowers, sunshine, etc. Well, maybe not so much, but it is technically spring and those temperatures will surely rebound someday. Right? Why don't you treat you car to a tune-up this spring?

West Loop Auto is the Chicago auto mechanic you can depend on to get your automobile in tip top shape for the coming spring and summer driving days. Whether you need to take your car to an auto body shop for simple car maintenance or perhaps you're looking to liven up your vehicle with some custom car paint, we have you covered. Give us a call today at 866-738-1975.

How to Drive Safely at Night

From Toyota on Western:
http://www.toyotaonwestern.com/service/garage.htm

Your chances of getting into a car accident increase dramatically once the sun sets. In fact, the National Safety Council affirms “traffic death rates are three times greater at night than during the day.” And certain factors, like age, can make you more susceptible to dangers during nighttime driving as well.

In all likelihood this knowledge raised your blood pressure a little. Ours certainly went up. But while it’s disconcerting knowing about your increased risks during nighttime driving, there are a number of steps you can take to improve your odds. Here are a few ways to stay safe while driving in darkness.  

Remember Those Reaction Times

The faster you’re going, the longer it takes to bring your vehicle to a stop. The darkness dulls reaction times too, meaning that an emergency stop can take even longer at night. Get on the road to safety by performing these key steps when driving after hours: keep more distance than usual between you and the car ahead and take care to reduce your speed.

 

Turn Your Headlights On

Of course, few safety tips will help if your headlights aren't on. Many cars now have daytime running lights and/or automatic lights. If not, remember to flip the switch when the sun begins to set and not after it's already dark. Twilight is a dangerous time on the road  – your eyes are in a constant state of adjustment, which means they’re not as keen as during daylight. 

 

Using the high beams to your benefit – though not when there's oncoming traffic – will make nighttime driving easier on your eyes and expand your sightline as well. Inconsiderate or distracted drivers often fail to lower their high beams as vehicles approach. Avoid being temporarily blinded by the glare by keeping your eyes trained on the right side of the road. 

 

…And Maintain Your Vehicle Lights

Flicking on the headlights helps illuminate your nighttime surroundings, but it's easy to forget that they also allow your car to be seen by others! Maximize visibility on both ends by cleaning any grime and muck off your car's headlights, signal lights, and taillights. This is increasingly important if you’re spending a lot of time driving through inclement weather where your tires will kick up dirt from the road. 

 

It's not enough just to clean the lights though. Take the time to check that your headlights are angled correctly. Misaligned lights are likely to blind oncoming drivers or fall short of illuminating the road. 

 

Place an Importance on Visibility

We'd say your windows are fairly important to visibility – in the nighttime or otherwise. Yet you're not alone if you've let windshield wiper fluid run dry and windshield wiper rubber grow hard. Keep those two items maintained and you're already ahead of the game. Go a step further by washing all the windows when you stop to fill up your gas tank. 

 

Keep Eyewear Handy

Whether you require all-day ocular assistance or need glasses only for night driving, it makes sense to have a spare pair tucked inside the glove box or another location within reach. Forgotten specs is the glasses-wearer's burden – who knows when you'll be short a pair. If your license notes that you’re required to wear glasses while driving, it’s probably a good idea to follow suit. 

 

It's equally as important to remember to slip those sunglasses off your face once the sun dips below the horizon. It's easy to accidentally leave them on long after it gets dark without realizing it. 

 

Be Aware of Increased Risks

The absence of sunshine isn't the only risk factor involved in nighttime driving; you and other drivers are more likely to be tired. Drowsy driving reduces your reaction times – some studies report that it's akin to driving under the influence – and can put you in dangerous situations. Pull off the road and grab some caffeine or shut-eye if you feel tired. There's also an increased chance of encountering an intoxicated driver, especially on weekend nights. Stay alert and watch for any erratic behavior behind the wheel. 

 

Your best defense against the dangers of driving at night is knowledge of what to do when you encounter them. Know when to expect unsafe situations, be prepared for unexpected circumstances, and drive cautiously to reduce your chances of getting into an after-dark accident. Stay safe out there! 

For additional help driving at night, contact West Loop Auto: http://www.chicagocollision.com/ 

Snowy Driving Conditions in our Future

Chicago is about to be hit by another snowstorm. You didn't seriously think we were done with snow this winter, did you? While we may not get pounded as much as some of our fellow Midwestern states, nor will we get a taste of the couple feet of snow that the east coast had recently, but it will snow, nonetheless. Is your car ready for this snowstorm? Are you?

As Chicagoans, we all take pride in our driving. While Wisconsinites may have some choice words for us, we know they're wrong. Regardless, accidents happen. Who here hasn't had to maniacally pump the breaks as their car slowly slid in the snow mere feet from an intersection? Sometimes, the elements just win. And you know, there are other drivers to look out for. You, you're an excellent driver, everyone else, not so much. So, if this weather happens to get the best of your car, turn to West Loop Auto Body, your Chicago auto body shop of choice.

Give us a call at 866-738-1975 or visit our website today! http://www.chicagocollision.com/

How to help your car survive this cold Chicago winter

Hey Chicago, it sure has been cold out there this week, hasn't it? For many of us Chicagoans, we keep our car parked outside during these winter months. While we continue to take public transit to work, our car sits on the streets undisturbed. Eventually you may need to use your car for a short or long trip, here's hoping it starts.

Some quick tips to ensure that your car starts up when you need it next include:

-Routinely start up your car: Even if you're not heading anywhere, it doesn't hurt to start your car every now and then and take it for a quick 15 minute drive. Not doing so could cause the battery to die.

-Clear your car off: This should be obvious. When snow (finally) begins to pile up, brush it off your car. Don't be that guy with a foot of snow on their car. Your car deserves better treatment than that.

-Wash your car when it gets above freezing. This doesn't really have anything to do with ensuring that your car starts up, but it doesn't hurt to wash off the layers of salt on your car every now and then.

For more Chicago car winterizing tips, contact West Loop Auto today!