Advances in Collision

Technology and automobiles tend to go hand in hand. While it's common place to hear about all the advances made in medicine, computing, smart phones, TVs, etc... A lot of major advances in automobile standards go unnoticed. Until, of course, it becomes a selling point to add a few more dollars to the price tag. We are more sold on things like built in media players, Bluetooth connectivity, parallel parking assistance, and now I saw an ad the other day touting your vehicle being its own mobile wi-fi hot spot! Amidst these advances and luxuries, though...what about the most important thing about our vehicles? What about safety? What about collision protection? Where are those advances?

We touched a little bit on some of the finer aspects of collision a few months back. Glossing over how and why it's important to go to OEM certified collision repair specialists due to special frame build components and such. How do these things protect us in the long run anyway?

Crumple Zones

Crumple zones, also known as "crush spaces", are parts of a vehicle's frame that are designed to absorb energy from impact through controlled deformation. Using your finger as an example, you can think of the joints on the 3 bones of your fingers as "crumple zones."  When you push your finger into something, those joints bend, absorbing the energy from the impact. Thankfully, when you poke something, your fingers are generally OK. In vehicles, these crumple zones lessen the kinetic energy passed onto passengers by great amounts. Without these points on the frame in place, even minor fender benders can do some serious damage to passengers, AND some of the mechanical components of the vehicle.

How long have crumple zones been around?

Since the mid 50s! They were first patented by Mercedes-Benz in the early 1950s. This caused a paradigm shift among auto makers who firmly held the belief that a safe car had to have a rigid frame. By dividing the car body into multiple sections, the front and rear sections crumpled around the center area. While crumple zones have been around for over half a century, the advances engineers have made to them over that time puts the originals to shame. In a test that the IIHS performed in September of 2009, they demonstrated the effectiveness of modern car safety design over the 1950s safety designs. The IIHS showed this by doing an offset head-on collision between a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu and a 1959 Chevrolet Bel Air sedan. In an obvious no brainer, the 2009 Malibu fared much better.

Couple advances in crumple zones, with the materials used in frames of newer vehicles, and it becomes evident that technology in cars isn't just about bells and whistles and touch screens.

Windshields and windows

When in a moderate to severe collision, one component of the vehicle often gets completely destroyed. We often see a need for glass repair in vehicles we do collision repair for. But, what advances in glass have been made to protect us in an accident? Laminated glass has become an industry standard for windshields for quite some time. Laminated glass is a special type of safety glass that holds together when shattered, preventing passengers from being sprayed with glass shards in the event of a head-on collision. Laminated glass has been around for over 100 years, so it's hardly new. But, auto makers are considering incorporating this type of glass into passenger windows and rear windows for added safety and security for passengers.

Another advancement in windshields is automatic tinting windshields. Mercedes has released "Magic Sky Control" for some models of their vehicles for their sunroofs. Auto-dimming glass can help make those intensely sunny days easier on the eyes and give you better visibility on the roads without having to scramble for sunglasses. It is likely to see more implementation and integration of this glass technology within the next few years.

Digital display windshields may also become a reality. The train of thought here is to display the pertinent information to the driver in a manner that keeps their eyes on the road, but receive up-to-date information on a trip. Information such as, current speed and local speed limits, upcoming pedestrian crossing, obstacle detection, weather alerts and traffic updates, and GPS information could be displayed as an overlay on the windshield.

The Price of Safety

Passenger safety is the number one, paramount vision of auto makers (as well as performance, but that's for another day). And, as long as these advances are made, there are going to be some rising costs for collision repair. If/when these advances are made in safety technology, so too must advances be made in the automotive repair industry. New training programs, certifications, mastery degrees and the like will come along as these new features become standard. Unfortunately, these new safety features do come at a cost. Specialty equipment will be needed to complete these repairs, new techniques will be required to restore vehicles back to OEM specification. We strive to be up-to-date on these features as they appear so we can better inform our customers when they come to us.

We here at Rob's make it a point to provide the best, most up-to-date, cutting edge service to all of our customers. We do not want to see anyone end up in an automotive collision. But, we also understand that there are times where it's out of our control and we are here to help put things back together for you. Whether it's an American Classic, or fresh off the lot 2016 Audi with all the new toys, Rob's will do our best to get you and your vehicle back on the road as if your collision never happened!

It's the end of the year. Thanksgiving is behind us, the December holidays are coming up, friends and family ringing in the new year together. Everyone here at Rob's wants to wish you a safe and happy holiday. See you next year!

As we enter the holiday season...

It's no secret that traffic can cause a major headache for everyone.  Everyone hitting the roads to get home for a nice gathering with their friends and loved ones.

We here at Rob's want to make sure that you are safe on the roads.  Keep your cool on the roads, and get to your destinations safely and all your precious cargo is protected.  If you do find yourself in a pinch on the road, please give us a call!  Tires, collisions, needing a tow...  We will be there for you!

In December, we will be diving headlong into the world of collision!

Happy Holidays, everyone!

Light up the night

When I first moved away from home, I was driving this fairly old Ford Explorer. It was very "square", lots of room, had a permanent smell of peaches from the previous owner. I really miss that car. One night, I was going to go out with a couple friends and started it up and flipped on the headlights, one didn't turn on.  Maybe there was a hitch in the circuit, so I turned them off and on again. Same result. Driver's side headlamp did not come on. My friend got out, knelt down in front of the car, stood up, and pounded right on the headlamp lens. To my surprise, the headlamp came on! In retrospect, this was funny, but I urge you to not resort to this. It's not good.

Headlights!

Summer has turned into fall, which will soon turn into winter. And, now that the darkness is coming a little early, we should go over our beacons in the night. Headlights serve a vital function with operating motor vehicles. They allow us to see directly in front of, as well as somewhat to the sides, of our vehicles. Without them, it's incredibly dangerous to drive at night. And, in most states, you can get cited for having malfunctioning lights. This usually amounts to being referred to in some areas as a "fix-it ticket", or generally there will be a "comply by" date to have the minor repair completed and the citation goes away. If you have a headlight that is out, please bring your vehicle into a Rob's service center, and our techs can help "light the roads" for you, so you are safe. 

While replacing the bulbs in headlamps (as well as tail lights) can be a relatively simple process for you to do on your own, there are often several precautions that people overlook when installing new bulbs that severely affect the life of the lamp. Hand oils, dirt, incorrect plug connections... things that can do more harm than good. Another more common issue in some current models is how difficult it can be to get into the housing where the bulbs are located. Some models require you to completely remove the entire housing in order to have access to the lamps. All the more reason to have our experienced techs at Rob's take care of this for you.

Note - Please do NOT do what my friend did in the above Explorer story.  All that he accomplished was BARELY complete contact with a really frail (nearly destroyed) filament in the bulb. Hitting the headlamp like that can also do damage to the other components of the electrical system by jarring wires loose.

Visibility

With fall and winter upon us, it's important to have as much visibility at night time as possible. Often times, you'll see headlights where the housing is kinda foggy, or even yellowed in older models. This is caused by any number of things from oxidation, to chemical reactions, to simply just being water vapor. When this corrosion/sediment clouds the lens, it reduces the effectiveness of the headlight. Even if you had those expensive Halogen lights installed, they are only as effective as advertised if the lens is clear of debris. 

Having these lenses cleaned is paramount to being able to take full advantage of the luminosity of your headlights. If you are concerned with your lenses being obscured, thus reducing the efficiency of your headlights, please bring your vehicle down to our Service Center and we will be glad to use our industry leading restoration techniques to bring out all the shine from your lights.

The Used Vehicle Headache

I remember when I was going to be a sophomore in high school. I was 16. Kind of a cool dude. Played on the football team. World at my fingertips. Except for one thing. I needed wheels. I needed my sweet whip to cruise down the main drag of town, not have to rely on mom to drive us around.

"Mom... can I have a car? I have my driver's license now!"

Begrudgingly, I got a car. It wasn't the car I wanted. It was this old beat up coke can of a car. And I loved it. I actually wish that I never got rid of that old beat up Nissan.

With school back in session, it's common place for some of the older teenager group in the market for used vehicles. And you yourself might be looking for a used vehicle, too. But, where are the best places to look for used vehicles? What should you look out for when looking at used/pre-owned vehicles?

Let's take a quick look.

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What to do

First, we need to figure out what our budget is. Knowing your limit, financially and logically, is the first and probably most important step in buying a used vehicle. If you have a limit of $4000, you really need to stick to that limit so you don't go beyond what you need, regardless of what your inner child says. So, that shiny Mustang GT may have to wait.

Next, we recommend that you research the model/models you are interested in. Research the model to death. Search on the internet, ask questions to people who have that model, check forums, etc. You want to have a big understanding of the car you're looking for like weak points, recalls, typical repair costs, and known issues in the model. Winding up with a used lemon is a dreadful prospect that nobody wants to endure.

When we've settled on the car that we want, we know more about the car than the manufacturer even knows...it's time to be more active in shopping. It's time to look at some of the places you can buy used vehicles.

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Where to buy

• Pre-owned vehicle dealerships

  One of the best, if not THE best places to find used vehicles are pre-owned dealerships. These places specialize in pre-owned cars and trucks, and provide some of the safest buying experiences when it comes to looking at used cars.
  
  
  
  Pre-owned dealerships often have extensive checklists they perform on their vehicles. One such dealership is LRA Auto Sales. LRA will inspect and check all vehicles prior to them leaving the lot. With a lot of certified pre-owned vehicles, additional warranties may be purchased to further ensure a solid buying experience, as well as being able to look up vehicle history with Carfax. By and far the best way to safely buy a used vehicle is at one of these dealerships. If you're looking for more information, please check out LRA Auto Sales.

• Online Auto Marketplaces

  A much more recent innovation in car buying is the use of online marketplaces. More reputable than places like, say, Ebay or Craigslist, searching for cars using certain online marketplaces can take some the hassle out of buying used vehicles. One benefit to the bigger online marketplaces is if they do not have the vehicle you're looking for, they may be able to put you into contact with pre-owned vehicle dealerships to find the car of your dreams.
  
  One of the pitfalls to these online marketplaces is that you may not actually be able to see the vehicle in person. Purchasing a used vehicle without being able to see or drive said vehicle can be a very uneasy prospect.

• Private party/classified listings

  The riskiest of options, unfortunately.
  
  Using places like Craigslist, newspaper classified ads, and/or Ebay, you're making a leap of faith. While it is entirely possible to find an amazing deal on a fantastic car, there is still the underlying risk of getting a heap of scrap that dies 3 miles down the road. The problem here is that a majority of people that wind up selling their cars on these classified listings are not mechanics and thus may not know all of the problems that their vehicle may have or potentially have. The higher the mileage, the higher the risk.
  
  That's not to say that the experience is all bad. If this route is something that you are choosing to undertake, we strongly recommend that you take your mechanic with you (if applicable) when you go to view said vehicle and take it for a test drive. If you don't have a mechanic, check around to various auto shops and see if they would do a used vehicle inspection for you. Bring your potential buy to Rob's Automotive Service Center, and our certified service mechanics will be able to diagnose and advise you on the possible issues with the vehicle. After all, this is going to be your ride, your way to get to and from work/school and home. You want peace of mind knowing that you made a wise decision with your purchase.

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Buying a used vehicle for yourself or for your budding teenager can be a somewhat difficult process, with there being so many options and places to go. To prevent too many headaches, we here at Rob's do very much recommend the pre-owned dealership avenue, as it can provide the safest, most comfortable buying process. Once again, we recommend LRA Auto Sales to best take care of you and your pre-owned vehicle needs.

A break for brakes

It's that time of year again.  Parents are getting antsy.  Kids are seeing all the signs.  Teachers are loading up on coffee.

That's right.  You've seen the ads, heard the grumbles, and probably have it circled on your calendar.

BACK TO SCHOOL TIME

For most people, the main focus is school supplies like books, paper, and backpacks.  But, here at Rob's tend to focus on one of the oft overlooked things when it comes to the back to school time.

While we've previously discussed routine maintenance on our blog, and hit on some points about tire tread and alignment, one aspect of vehicle maintenance we haven't touched on is brakes.

When we think of back to school, we think of all the stop and go, all the school zones where you ride your brakes, the kids who don't look both ways before they decide to cross a street.  All those times when it is crucial that your brakes are working as they are supposed to be.  If your brakes fail, you could be seeing us for more than just brakes (collision, towing, etc).

Most modern cars have a hydraulic brake system.  And, in general, have disc brakes in the front (as they are generally more efficient at slowing a vehicle, and drum brakes in the rear (rear brakes can cause undue stress on the front brakes by effectively throwing the weight of the vehicle forward when momentum is slowed).  Drum and disc brakes have their differences, but both have the same purpose: to slow/stop your vehicle.

For most brake jobs, we tend to only have to replace brake shoes (drum brakes) and brake pads (disc brakes), as those are the components that provide friction to the wheel to slow the vehicle down.  These parts wear down every time you apply the brakes.  Having these parts inspected at regular intervals can save you a lot of time and money in the long run.  Whenever you bring your vehicle down to Rob's, be sure to ask one of our service technicians to inspect your brakes to make sure they haven't worn to the point of damaging other parts of the brake system.  Repairing the other components of the brake system can cost a small fortune.

As the summer break draws to a close, take care of all your back to school shopping as soon as you can.  But, before you go shopping for shoes, bring come down to your closest Rob's service center to make sure your vehicle's shoes (and pads) are in tip-top shape.

Battery woes

Summer's here, the sun is shining, the kids are whining, and the beach/lake/water park is sounding PRETTY good!  Everyone gets their stuff together and hops in the family car for a day of sun and fun.  Excitement is in the air, it's going to be a great summer day.

*Tick Tick Tick*

The car wont start. 

Thankfully, you were able to get a jump from your neighbor.  It was just drained overnight, right?  You and your family drive to your recreation destination and have a good time.  When it comes time to leave, everyone is exhausted and can't wait to get home. 

*Tick Tick Tick*

Car wont start again.  This is a bigger problem than just a little battery drain.

After having your battery inspected by a trusted mechanic, it is indeed a dead battery.  Thankfully, it was only the battery and not anything else.  Having your battery checked regularly can help avoid these problems.

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Replace When Necessary

In summer, the heat can be even more damaging to a car's battery as the extreme cold we sometimes see in winter months.  Most motorists tend to think that battery failure happens due to cold weather, but the heat is even more taxing on a battery, affecting the life of the battery more directly.

Of course, this isn't the only thing that can cause a battery to fail.  There are a number of factors in what causes your vehicle's battery to suddenly drain or die altogether.

Other causes for battery failure (either draining or complete failure) are:

• Aging batteries - As a battery gets old, it slowly loses the ability to hold a charge.
• Inactivity - Inactivity can drain a battery of its power.  Regular use will allow the alternator to charge the battery.
• Lights or other systems inadvertently left on - Dome lights, that little light in the glovebox that didn't turn off when it wasn't closed all the way, headlights, radio...the list goes on.  Leaving these things on can slowly, but surely, drain your battery.
• Short circuits - Some faulty wiring can create loops in the circuit that will cause electricity to be continuously pulled from the battery, draining it completely.  Higher gauge wire means faster drain.  Even if your battery was recently replaced, you could be looking at blown fuses.
• Bad alternator - The alternator is the component that generates electrical charge to supply the battery as the vehicle uses up battery power.  Your alternator could be overcharging the battery, or even undercharging.  Having the alternator tested will let you know if the alternator is the culprit.

Like all systems in your car, the battery is a vital component to keeping your vehicle operating.  If you're worried about your battery, or anything else in the electrical system, don't hesitate to bring your vehicle down to any of Rob's Automotive Repair centers!

OEM Certified Collision Centers

In the world of collision repair, there's more to it than meets the eye. Ten years ago, it wouldn't have mattered where you took your car for collision repair as long as the shop did solid work, treated you well, and had a great reputation. That used to be good enough. 

Unfortunately, that isn't the case with a lot of newer vehicles. Today, you need to be much more diligent in searching for a shop that can actually fix your vehicle to manufacturer specifications.  Anything less, and you may be putting yourself at risk if/when your vehicle is repaired.

Why it's important
The way cars, trucks, and SUVs are made has drastically changed over the past decade. The materials that are being used have made a colossal impact on the collision repair industry.  And, sad to say, this shift has even forced some automotive body shops out of business. 

Car manufacturers are under a lot of pressure from both consumers AND the government to improve things like safety, power, increasing MPG ranges, and so on. To achieve this, automotive engineers have actively sought out more exotic metals and materials like high strength steel, carbon fiber, and aluminum.

Take, for instance, a Porsche Carrera GT. The body is composed mostly of carbon fiber. This polymer offers an extremely high strength-to-weight ratio, giving this beast of a roadster a high rigidity, high passenger safety, and very low weight. Carbon fiber isn't a metal, however. It's tightly woven strands of carbon compressed together with a certain epoxy to create composite parts. High strength, low weight, making for a great component for automobile frames.

The materials and construction practices, however, do come with their drawbacks. Any old shop can't just pull and hammer a car back into shape any more. Some carbon fiber frames need to be cut in specific points using expensive tools to replace the damaged frame components. Aluminum, for instance, requires the use of a "clean room" where repairs aren't contaminated by work done to steel cars as the two metals do NOT mix well and cause corrosion. A lot of shops aren't equipped to handle these sort of tasks.  

This is why it is imperative that you seek out a collision repair facility that not only has a great reputation for good work and customer service, but also has done their due diligence and received certification in collision repairs for the manufacturer of your vehicle.

Here at Rob's, we understand what it means to have the job done right, with the right tools, the right training, and the right materials. It has been our pride to have our collision centers to complete the OEM certification programs for both Audi AND Porsche. We are able to provide these high-quality machines with the same tools, procedures, and materials that the actual OEM manufacturer is able to. 
If your Audi or Porsche have been in a collision, bring it down to one of our collision centers. We will get you back on the road with the peace of mind knowing your car is just as safe now, as it was when it rolled off the lot.

Frames and paint - Body work to complete your repairs.

As we detailed last month the importance on mechanical repair after an accident, this month we want to touch on a couple aspects of the other side of vehicle repair - body and frame work.

Frame Work

When your vehicle is involved in a collision, it's important to understand that body repair isn't just about removing dents and other cosmetic things. In many cases, the frame of the vehicle may be damaged or pushed out of alignment. Frame straightening becomes a key to restoring your car or truck to pre-accident safety standards. Without this crucial piece of work, it may be likely that your vehicle may not protect you or your family should you be in another collision.

How the frame protects you

The frame of your vehicle isn't just about giving your car it's sleek shape. It is the skeleton of your car that keeps it from crumpling under its own weight. In addition to providing structure, auto makers ensure that these frames have strategic "crumple points" designed to crumple around you instead of having you get crumpled.

When collision happens, these crumple points are often triggered and the frame becomes weakened. Even if the frame looks OK, the structural integrity of the frame may be compromised.

Here at Rob's Collision, we know that this is very important and we always take the time to inspect the frame very carefully to assess the level of damage and the proper repair necessary. In cases of minor damage, our technicians will use computerized equipment to calculate alignment and carefully bend the frame back to its original condition. This alone is often enough to restore the vehicle's safety rating. In the event that the damage is too severe for simple bending to fix, our technicians will turn to a process where they meticulously cut out the damaged metal portions and weld new ones into place, reinforcing the frame at the damaged points.

Body and Paint

We understand that collisions really can do a number on the aesthetics of your vehicle. Scratches, dents, dings, crumples, broken lights, bent doors, broken glass... It's all an eyesore and a constant reminder of the nightmare you or your family had to experience.

When your vehicle is mechanically sound and structurally secure, it's time to give the exterior of your vehicle a little TLC. At our Collision Centers, we are able to take care of all aspects of your collision repair under one roof. By using our skill and quality OEM parts, we are able to restore your vehicle to the way it looked before you were in your accident.

An important area that really needs to be addressed is color matching. In order to make it look like your car was never damaged, color needs to be matched EXACTLY. Even if color is off by just a little, you will notice it. And then you won't be able to NOT notice it. When you're ready to trade the car in or sell it, the value will be decreased because it will be evident that the car was in an accident. A bad paint job can diminish a beautiful vehicle, and isn't that a key component of a totally sweet ride? Paint needs to be PERFECTLY matched.

Function Over Form - Why Mechanical Repairs Are More Pressing Than Cosmetic Repairs

Suppose the worst has happened and you have been involved in an accident.  Through no fault of your own, another driver has failed to yield right of way and collided with the front passenger side of your vehicle.  Your respective vehicles are still able to drive away (after exchanging insurance information, of course).

Now you're left with the headache of getting those dings and dents fixed, right?  It's such an eyesore to have a dented door and fender.  Wrong.  While it seems like a no-brainer to make sure the body looks good, even simple fender-benders can result in catastrophic mechanical problems if left undiagnosed/untreated.

Broken Motor Mount

In the aforementioned scenario, the engine compartment may have been compromised with the jolt from the side.  Not only is the body obviously damaged, there are any number of other smaller problems that could become HUGE problems.

For instance, a motor mount could have been broken during impact.  If left in a state of disrepair, a broken motor mount could create a plethora of problems.  Excessive vibration while idling, dangerous engine movement while operating (the engine will literally try to lift up out of the engine compartment when you step on the gas), broken belts and hoses, and even engine damage!

In addition to something like simple motor mounts, one could be looking at frame damage, suspension damage, broken struts, bent tire rods, etc.  While you may be able to drive a while with some or all of these issues, continual driving on such mechanical problems will put your entire car at risk of catastrophic failure.  It's things like this drivers need to be aware of if/when they happen to be involved in an accident.  Body work is certainly something to worry about when it comes to car repair, but mechanical repair is the golden ticket to keeping your vehicle going.

If you've been involved in even a minor fender-bender, please bring your vehicle down to one of our Rob's Automotive centers to diagnose any unseen issues with your car as soon as possible.  We are equipped to handle any repair under the hood, as well as performing the body work to make your car drive like new AND look like new.

Preventative Maintenance - Useful Tips for Every Driver

Routine preventative maintenance is possibly the single best thing you can do as a car owner to keep your vehicle running and save on repairs in the future.

We at Rob's want to remind everyone that you should never ignore preventative maintenance. There's always the basics like changing oil, checking tire pressure, and regular inspections. Those things are much like getting regular check-ups at the doctor. They keep you healthy and give the experts a chance to catch anything before it becomes a serious problem, which can save you thousands.

We recommend that you first become familiar with your owner's manual. If you had purchased a used vehicle that didn't come with an owner's manual, here's a handy resource that may help you. Inside each owner's manual will be the regular maintenance schedule. You'll see the manufacturers recommendations for changing your oil (helps to dispel the myth of changing it every 3,000 miles), air filters, drive or timing belts, and more.

There's a few things you, the car owner, can do yourself periodically to stay on top of routine things.

• Do your own inspection. Taking a moment every month or so to check things like lights, blinkers, tire pressure, and tire tread is an easy process that can tell you when you're ok and when you should bring your vehicle in. Making sure tire pressure and tread is on point is both good for your tires AND for your gas mileage. If you are unsure of how to check your tread, bring your vehicle into Rob's AutomotiveService center and we can help you out.
• Learn to check your fluids. You don't have to learn how to change the fluids, but you should know how to check the fluid levels. Most fluids (power steering, coolant, anti-freeze, oil, wiper fluid, etc) have gauges or dipsticks you can pull out to check against a notch/line showing optimal levels. Some fluids are in tanks you can look into directly. If you see that you're running low, add more (if you can) or get it changed.
  Most importantly - NEVER IGNORE A LEAK.
• Inspect and get your timing and serpentine belts replaced when necessary. The general rule is that you should have your timing belt replaced every 60,000 miles and serpentine belt replaced every 40,000 miles or so. Your owner's manual will offer up more relevant numbers for your vehicle. If you don't have the manual, searching around online will often pop up a better recommendation for your car. When you bring your vehicle in, make sure to ask your mechanic to inspect the belts when it's close to replacement time (mileage wise). If they're in good shape, don't worry about it. If they're worn, it's best to get them replaced before they fail. The repair is more expensive if the belts fail than just having them replaced before failure.
• Check your battery and clean the contacts. Most batteries require very little in the way of maintenance. But, you should know where it is and be able to check if it's leaking or if the contacts need a little scrubbing due to buildup.
• Have your air filters replaced. Both filters, cabin and engine, are relatively easy to replace, depending on your vehicle. Replacing the cabin filter, while not critical to your car's operation, makes the ride more pleasant. The engine air filter, however, is something that should certainly be addressed. A clogged engine air filter can result in slow, sluggish performance. Check your owner's manual for recommended replacement intervals, or check the filter manually if you can.
• Have your tires rotated, balanced, and have your alignment checked. Making sure your tires wear evenly ensures that your car will drive smoothly. Tires will last much longer by having them rotated and balanced. Alignment is also just as important. If you find yourself fighting to keep your car straight as you drive, that's a bad situation that is easily corrected.

These are just some of the more prominent things you can do to help keep your vehicle on the road, rather than in the shop racking up massive repair bills.

Remember - Any of these preventative maintenance measures are offered at Rob's Automotive Service. Come on in today for an inspection!

It's no secret that the weather here in the Northeast has been terrible this winter. Winter weather can make the road a tricky place to navigate. The best way to stay safe is to be informed, prepared, and use the following tips to keep all four wheels on the road and get you to your destination in one piece.

• Check the weather reports.
  Knowing what to expect before you hit the road can help you mentally prepare for driving in snowy or icy conditions.
• Keep spare blankets and coats in your trunk.
  While it seems that having a spare tire would be the most important thing during a blowout, staying warm while waiting for roadside assistance (preferably from Rob's) should be your number 1 priority.
• Always use headlights during ANY situation with lowered visibiliy, even during the day.
  Easist way to remember this is to automatically turn on your headlihts when you turn on the windshield wipers.
• NEVER USE YOUR PHONE or ANY OTHER DEVICE WHILE DRIVING!
  Driving while using a phone or similar device is always a bad idea. Even moreso when the weather is bad. If you use a GPS, program your route before you leave. If you absolutely MUST answer a call, wait until you can find a safe place to pull over before answering. It is estimated that cell phone use is the cause of over a quarter of accidents in the U.S. each year.
• Let a friend or family member know when you leave home and when you arrive at your destination.
  A quick call, or even a text message, before and after driving in a storm can make a huge difference if something unfortunate were to happen.
• Don't be afraid to pull over if you feel uncomfortable behind the wheel.
  Pride cometh before the fall. If you are not feeling confident with road conditions and other drivers, it doesn't do you or other drivers any favors to remain on the road. Do not overestimate your abilities while driving in snowy or icy conditions.

We here at Rob's want to remind everyone that it's necessary to get to your destinations safe and sound. But, if Mother Nature gets the best of you, and you find yourself stuck in a snow bank or, even worse, in a collision with another vehicle, the Rob's family of automotive centers and towing services is always there to get you back on the road safely.