How to Deal with Potholes

It is no secret that Chicago is currently battling one of the worst pothole seasons in recent history. It is nearly impossible for the City Works department to stay ahead of Mother Nature, but they are working hard to repair roads as best they can.

Our West Loop Auto staff wants to make sure you understand all of the tools at your disposal quickly get potholes repaired. Chicago has created a simple tool you can use to indicate where potholes are prevalent. Just follow the link and report where the City Works Department should be working.

If your car does get damaged by the potholes there is no need to panic, you can even file a claim with the city clerk and try to recoup some money for the damages. After that be sure to call West Loop Auto for the best auto repair services in Chicago. We also have a world class fleet of tow trucks that can pick you up from any location, even tight parking garages.

Send in your information and get a free estimate here or give us a call and talk to a member of our expert staff <strong>1-866-738-1975</strong>.

Six Steps to take AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT!

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

Winter Emergency Car Kit

Even though the weather is warming up a little there is no telling how long it will stick around. You want to make sure you don't get stuck if and when the weather does change back to being cold and frozen. For that reason we wanted to go over some items that should definitely be included in your winter car emergency kit.

• Jumper Cables, this really is something you should always have in your car, but there are few things as frustrating as being stranded with a dead battery in freezing weather.
• Windshield Scrapper, having your vision impaired is always a problem and that danger is only increased when you add ice, snow, and bad weather.
• Gloves, Mittens, & Extra Layers,  it can be miserable to brush off or dig out your car with your hands exposed and if you are going to be stuck somewhere for extended periods you will certainly enjoy having an extra coat or blanket to bundle up with.
• Flashlight, Flares, & Other Lights, blanket if you happen to get stuck while the sun is down the flashlight will not only help you findand correct problems with your car, but it's will helpother drives can see you as well

This is by no means an exhaustive list of the items that can help you in this winter weather but it should definitely give you a great start whether you are taking a trip or just driving around the city. Visit West Loop Auto’s other self-help tips for more information. Also if you are having car troubles send in a get an estimate or call 1-866-738-1975.

Winter Pothole Damages

With the dramatic temperate swings we have been experiencing Chicago’s already major pothole problem is becoming even worse. It does not appear that this will be improving anytime soon as the City has already stated they cannot fix the potholes until the spring. These potholes can cause major auto body and suspension damage. The trained mechanics at West Loop Auto Body understand how important it is for you to get your car repair done quickly and affordably.

Be sure to also utilize West Loop Auto’s full towing services. We have flatbed trucks designed to safely transport your car through the city as well as traditional tow trucks to navigate tight on-street parking and garages. So call West Loop Auto’s experienced staff at 1-866-738-1975 or fill out a free estimate.

Blizzard Towing

Few things are more frustrating than standing out in the cold trying to make your car drivable again. West Loop Auto is here to help with a variety of winter car problems. If the cold weather has caused your battery to die we offer car jumping services to get your car running again. We also have an elite car towing service that can help get your car unstuck as well as provide safe towing back to our full service auto body shop if your car has sustained damage.

The beginning of the year is stressful enough without having to worry about your car. So call West Loop Auto’s experienced mechanics at 1-866-738-1975 or fill out a free estimate here.

Winter Weather Car Damage

Winter can be hard on your car in a variety of ways. The bad driving conditions increase the likeliness of being involved in an accident. The ice and snow can cause dents and cracks, and the salt can hurt your paint and finishes. With all of these problems wouldn’t it be great if there was a one stop shop for your car. That’s what we here at West Loop Auto are trying to accomplish. Our expert staff can handle any problem you come across this winter, ranging from body repairs to custom paint jobs.

Call and talk to West Loop Auto’s experienced staff by calling 1-866-738-1975 or fill out a free estimate here.

Holiday Travels

The holidays are right around the corner and that means it is time for travel. It can be very tough to get around to see all your friends and family, but West Loop Auto wants to help make it a little easier. If your car has been damaged by the increased traffic or bad weather this year bring it in and have West Loop’s expert staff take a look at it.

Get in touch with West Loop Auto, serving Chicagoland since 1930, today by calling 1-866-738-1975 or filling out our free estimate here.