Current events are changing the way we do business. Our main goal is to provide you with excellent customer service while maintaining the safety of you and our workers. That’s why we are now offering contactless estimates and repair services. Continue reading to learn more.
Our New Contactless Repair Services
How to Request a Body Shop Estimate With Your Smartphone
Using your smartphone or mobile device, access our body shop website — www.zimbrickbodyshop.com — and scroll down until you see our 3 body shop locations. Choose the location that is most convenient for you and find the “Request an Estimate” button for that location. Once you select this link, you will be prompted to fill out a series of fields.
First, you will need to accept the terms of use and privacy policy of the Carwise website. There is no app to download — everything is processed through this website, typically opened through the Chrome Browser. It only works through a mobile browser with authority to use the device camera.
Next, you need to provide your name and have access to your vehicle so you can locate the VIN (vehicle identification number). A guide will help you find this number, typically found inside the driver’s door. Once you find it, you can scan it with your phone camera or you can type it in manually.
Then, you will be asked the location of the damage and prompted to start taking pictures of your vehicle. The system is very helpful with guiding you through the photo process. It will lay out a silhouette to line your car up with as you take photos of all four corners of your vehicle.
After the corner photos are taken, a prompt will ask you to take photos of the damage you wish to have assessed. First from the center, then from the left, and again from the right. These photos are to help our estimators see the depth of the damage. Remember, what you can see in person (or 3D) does not always show up on a photo (or 2D).
Finally, it will ask if you have any more comments to share with your estimator. For example, how the damage occurred, what you want fixed, or even how you want it fixed. You will also be asked how you want to receive the estimate and if you have a preferred method of contact.
Once we receive this information, we will quickly assess the damages. We will then call, text, or email you with your estimate so that you can review and schedule an appointment at one of our locations.
What to Do on the Day of Your Appointment
On the day of your appointment, pull directly into the body shop drive but remain in your vehicle until instructed to step out. If you would prefer to drop your car off after hours, please leave your keys in the night drop box. Your estimator will keep you updated via phone, text, or email. Payments can also be made over the phone to minimize contact between you and the staff.
Schedule Contactless Repair Service in Madison, WI
If you need to schedule glass or body repairs for your car, contact us at Zimbrick Body Shop. We will continue to adapt as conditions change to ensure we can still serve you effectively while keeping you and our service team safe. Give us a call or schedule an appointment online today.
How Does the Car Financing Process Work?
Much about car buying has changed in recent years, from how shoppers do their research to the actual features available in many of today’s vehicles themselves. One thing, though, has remained somewhat of a constant: The car financing process is still a mystery to many, especially first time buyers. But it doesn’t have to be. Let’s break down the basics.
Car Financing 101: Your Options
Car financing essentially boils down to two choices: You can buy with a loan (or pay outright), or you can lease. There are specific conditions and benefits to both.
Loan
Once you’re set on buying a new or used car, a finance representative will work to determine three things: the total amount you’re borrowing, the interest rate you’ll pay (or the APR), and the amount of time you’ll have to pay it.
When you work with one of Zimbrick’s finance professionals, you can rest assured that you’re receiving the most competitive rate possible. We have strong relationships with many reputable lending institutions, as well as experience with budgets of all sizes. In addition, each of our dealerships offer a pre-approval process and tools such as payment calculators.
Drivers who decide to finance with a loan enjoy the freedom and equity of ownership. Customization, trading, and selling at a later time are all at the discretion of the owner. There are no mileage limits, and once you’ve paid off your agreement, the car is yours.
Lease
If you’re like many car shoppers, you may be new to the concept of leasing, or you might have reservations. There’s no need to fret, though. Leasing is a great option for those who aren’t ready to commit to ownership and for those who don’t desire a long-term stake in a vehicle.
As a lessee, you’ll only pay for using the car, not the car itself. As with a loan agreement, you’ll likely have a down payment and a financial rate that’s similar to the APR. The term of your agreement, however, will be much shorter. Our salespeople are happy to go over all the details with you.
Leasing will appeal to you if you’re looking to put less money down, avoid upfront sales tax, and obtain a lower monthly payment on average. While there are restrictions, including the number of miles you can drive, your vehicle will typically be under warranty for the duration of the contract. That means you aren’t as likely to be subject to expensive repair and maintenance costs. And when it’s all said and done, you have the option of a buyout at the end of your term.
Finance Your Next Car in Madison, WI
Now that you know a little bit more about the financing process, it’s time to get the wheels turning. Visit one of our dealerships in the Madison, Wisconsin, area today. Our finance professionals are ready to help you explore all your options for car buying.
You’re a First-Time Car Owner. Now What?
Owning your first car provides exceptional freedom. You now have complete control over the care and maintenance of your vehicle. So what do you do from here?
Protect your investment and extend the life and performance of your car by considering the following steps.
3 Tips for the First-Time Car Owner
Schedule your first inspection
If your car is “new to you” but has some miles on it, an inspection is a great first step. An objective set of eyes will provide valuable insight, and doing so could enlighten you to any surprises that you may not have been aware of when you purchased the car. It can also provide you with an opportunity to ask any questions you may have about how the engine runs or handles.
Learn the ins and outs of your specific car
Where is the spare tire stored and how do you access it? How many air filters does this car have? How often should you change the oil? Which grade of gas will help the engine run most efficiently?
Knowing the answers to these questions and more will help to ensure you aren’t using your car in a way that could be causing unintended damage. Your owner’s manual is an invaluable resource and should be stored in a place where you can easily access it for reference. Take some time to familiarize yourself with the content of your manual so you’ll know where to find the information when you need it. Also, you may be pleasantly surprised to find some new features and tech that you weren’t aware of.
Create a general maintenance schedule
The best way to extend the life of your car is to create and follow a general maintenance schedule. Your owner’s manual will provide recommendations of when you should change the oil, replace the filters, and other important deadlines. You can also ask a trusted technician during an annual inspection if he recommends any maintenance to be completed in the next year so you can prepare accordingly.
In addition to the items listed above, other tasks to include in your maintenance schedule should include washing and waxing your car, changing, rotating, and aligning your tires, and changing or refilling fluids.
Find Your First Car in Madison, WI
If you’re still in the market for your first car, visit Zimbrick Automotive in Madison, Wisconsin. We have a wide variety of new cars for sale and used cars for sale, and our team is eager to help you find the perfect car to match your lifestyle. Give us a call to learn more or drop by our dealership today.
As life slowly begins to return to normal and many of us return back to the workplace, now is the perfect time to implement new cleaning routines for our home, workspace, and even our cars. How do you safely sanitize your car without damaging soft surfaces? Continue reading to learn more.
How to Safely Disinfect Your Car
1) Clean and Vacuum Your Car
The first step before disinfecting your car is to remove any unnecessary items that could transmit germs or other contaminants. Once unnecessary items have been removed, you’ll have fewer areas to maintain and disinfect throughout the week.
Using a vacuum with a hose attachment, vacuum out any dirt, dust, food particles, or debris that may be hiding in the seats or floors of your car. Over time, these particles can break down and become airborne which impacts the breathing quality of the air within the cabin. This step will also remove any stale or unwanted odors from your car.
2) Find a Car-Safe Disinfectant
While bleach and Clorox products may be the go-to disinfectants for your home or workplace, these harsh chemicals will cause irreparable damage to the soft and organic surfaces of your car. Instead, use what the professionals have been using for years.
Car manufacturing and assembly plants use a concentration of at least 70% isopropyl alcohol which has proven to be effective in removing a variety of contaminants and germs. Apply the concentration on commonly-touched surfaces of your car, and then wipe off with a clean terry cloth. Keep these items on hand for a quick wipe down between rides or passengers.
3) Swap Out the Air Filters
The front line of defense in maintaining the air quality within your car is to regularly clean and change your air filters. Air from outside the car is syphoned through the air filters before entering the car through the air vents. Once these filters become clogged with dust, pollen, and other particles, they become ineffective and will allow these particles to circulate within your car.
If you are unsure of how to change or clean your air filters, you can refer to your owners manual, or drop by our service department. Our technicians have air filters on hand and will take care of this for you.
Safe and Contactless Auto Service in Madison, WI
When you come in for service, we sanitize your vehicle when you arrive, before it goes to our technician, and again after the technician works on your vehicle, before it is returned to you. So you and our employees stay safe.
If you want a completely contactless process, we can do that, too. Take advantage of our night drop boxes and we will process your payments over the phone.
Give us a call or schedule your next appointment online today.
Try These 3 Car Activities this Summer
You may spend countless hours on the road, but your car is so much more than a method of transportation. Continue reading to explore activities and new ways to utilize your car this summer.
Car Activities to Try this Summer
Enjoy a Drive-In Movie
There may be nothing more nostalgic than a Friday night spent at a drive-in movie theatre. While you may have to do some driving to reach one of these classic, summer icons, the benefits will be well worth the time it takes to find one and get there.
Prep ahead of time by collecting a few comfortable throws or blankets. Stock up on your favorite snacks such as popcorn, soda, and candy. Share a bit of your childhood with your kids and don’t worry about whether your family is talking, texting, or possibly interrupting the movie for other viewers. This is especially comforting to families with small children who may not be ready to sit through a full-length movie in a movie theatre.
Go Stargazing
Wide or panoramic sunroofs offer the perfect opportunity for stargazing. Check your local weather station to find any upcoming meteor showers and then plan to take a short drive outside of the city to enjoy the show. Download a few stargazing apps, roll down the windows, open the sunroof, and enjoy the best light show that nature has to offer.
Take Nap Time on the Go
Rather than feeling confined to your home while your little ones are taking their nap, take your family to a state park for the afternoon. Open up the back hatch or door to let a cool breeze in and make a comfortable bed on one of the seats with blankets, a pillow, and a favorite stuffed animal. Bring along a favorite snack and book to enjoy while sitting on the back hatch as your older kids run, play, or simply explore the natural surroundings. Access to the fresh air will do everyone some good.
Upgrade Your Ride in Madison, WI
If you want to upgrade your wheels and enjoy the most out of your summer, come to Zimbrick Automotive. We have a variety of used cars and new cars for sale in Madison, WI. Give us a call or drop by our dealership to get started today.
3 Summer Driving Precautions
As you plan your next summer road trip, don’t forget to schedule a tune-up to ensure your car is optimized for the heatwave ahead. Continue reading to learn more.
Summer Driving Tips
Check Your Tires
While it may be easy to remember to check the health of your tires before the icy winter months arrive, according to AAA, summer is prime time for tire blowouts. This is because the heat outside causes the air within the tires to expand and place excess pressure against the weak or damaged parts of your tires.
Before you leave on your next big adventure, take a look at the tread on your tires. Look for any obvious wear and tear which could result in a blown tire. If the tread appears thin, then it may be time to replace the tires. If you are unsure, you can schedule a quick inspection at our service center. We will inspect and rotate your tires as well as ensure they are adequately inflated.
Leave Earlier Than Normal
Increased traffic due to travel as well as increased road construction can quickly turn your relaxed afternoon into a panicked sprint to your next appointment. Don’t let yourself be caught off guard by these common summer delays. Plan ahead of time and leave ample space in your schedule to arrive at your destination without feeling tempted to speed or drive more aggressively than normal. These delays are often outside of our control so control what you can by leaving early and maybe downloading a few extra songs or podcasts to help you pass the time a little easier.
Share the Road
Summer brings a variety of visitors and pedestrians to your already busy streets. Travelers who are unfamiliar with your roads may make frequent or unexpected stops as they try to find their way across town. Student drivers out on summer break may be experiencing their first taste of gridlock traffic. Runners, cyclists, and motorcycles will be out in greater numbers now that the warmer weather has arrived.
Do your best to minimize any distractions that could pull your attention away from the drivers and pedestrians around you. Place your mobile devices on driving mode and lower the volume of your media so that you can respond quickly to any potential dangers or collisions.
Schedule a Quick Tune-Up in Madison, WI
Before you set off on your next vacation, schedule an inspection at Zimbrick Automotive. Our service center will ensure your car is ready to face the heat waves ahead. If you’re looking for an upgrade, we have a variety of new cars for sale in Madison, WI. Give us a call today to get started.
Car Shopping Tips for Undergrads
Your graduate is about to embark on the next stage of their career, whether it be college or the workforce. They’re going to be going places, so they’ll need something that can get them where they need to be. Yes, we’re talking about a new car. Continue reading for some tips on how to find one.
Shopping Tips for the Recent Grad
A Car Offers More Than Just Transportation
The car you buy will largely affect the lifestyle your grad intends to live. Choose one with features that will empower them to live the life they want.
If travel or a daily commute will be a priority, then find a car that can handle the extra mileage. Higher fuel efficiency will protect the wallet through the lean years of college. For rocky terrain and off-roading capabilities, search for a car that offers off-road driving modes and a higher clearance. Icy roads in winter will require a car with all-wheel drive.
To accommodate both passengers and large cargo, find a car with fold-down seats that adapt to any lifestyle.
Consider All of Your Options
With so many unknowns in your undergrad’s future, the reliability of their next car doesn’t have to be one of them. By buying a new car, you are buying a fresh start and a clean slate — free from the anxiety of wondering how the car was maintained by its previous user.
If you’re willing to do a little research, then buying used certainly has its advantages as well. The greatest hit to a car’s value is in the first three years of car ownership. Buying a used car means your investment is protected from the worst rate of depreciation and may open doors to models you couldn’t afford to buy new.
While buying used may have been a risk in the past, resources such as CARFAX remove the mystery of how a car was handled and maintained by its previous owners. Another option is to buy a certified pre-owned (CPO) car instead. A CPO car has been hand-selected for its quality, inspected, and refurbished to its previous glory by a licenced technician. This option offers greater peace of mind and comes with multiple finance options as well.
Compare Vehicles in Madison, WI
If you’re overwhelmed with the number of factors to consider, visit Zimbrick Automotive. Our team will help you find the perfect set of wheels for this next stage of life. We have a wide variety of new cars for sale in Madison, Wisconsin. Give us a call today or drop by our dealership for a test drive.
Summer Maintenance Tips for Your Car
After you finish spring cleaning for your house or property, go ahead and extend those efforts to your vehicle. Between recovering from the harsh treatment of Wisconsin winters and preparing for the toll of summer heat, this is a great time to give your car a little TLC.
Summer Car Maintenance Checklist
The tips below are here to help your car make a safe and smooth transition from out of the cold and into the heat. Address the following areas of your car before hitting the road this summer.
Fluids
Your antifreeze is hard at work in the winter keeping your engine parts from freezing. And in the summer, the coolant is put to the test to keep your air conditioner running and your car from overheating. Be sure to top off your radiator fluid to keep you — and your vehicle — at a comfortable temperature.
Tire Pressure
Tires tend to lose a bit of pressure in the winter as the cold causes the air to contract. In the summer, that air then expands and can cause an over-inflated tire that is prone to a blowout. Check your tire pressure when the outside air begins heating up to make sure your tires are properly inflated and consider having your tires rotated to reduce the chances of a flat.
Wiper Blades
Wiper blades can get worn out in the winter when they’re busy scraping away sleet and ice. Then, they are ill-prepared for those spring showers and summer rainstorms. Spring is a great time to make this inexpensive replacement.
Body
Spring brings pollen, which means dusty yellow cars. Wash the pollen off immediately as leaving it on can cause damage to your paint job. Then, apply a fresh coat of wax to help the body of your car prepare for the summer sun.
Engine
Motor oil thickens up in the cold and fails to lube your engine parts as efficiently as it should. You’re probably due for an oil change that will clear out any contaminants that have built up over the winter.
Safety
Before embarking on any warm-weather road trips, test out all of your car’s safety systems to make sure they are all in proper working condition.
Interior
For whatever reason, we tend to accumulate more clutter in our car during the winter. Plus, moisture and mud gets tracked into the interior from the outside. Remove the winter clutter and give your seats and floors a thorough vacuuming.
Schedule Summer Service in Madison, WI
Of course, you don’t have to do all the work yourself. The service team at Zimbrick Automotive is here to help you change your oil, replace your wiper blades, rotate your tires, and more. And be sure to check out our service specials to see how you can save on your next visit to one of our locations.
10 Must-Have Features in Today’s Cars
Driving a modern car is about so much more than getting from point A to point B. It’s about the comfort and convenience enjoyed along the way.
Today’s drivers expect so much more out of their vehicles. Below is a list of 10 of those must-have features for today’s cars which you’ll find in the available inventory at Zimbrick Automotive.
Shop for Cars With Must-Have Features
1. Multi-zone climate control
The one-size-fits-all heater and air conditioner just doesn’t cut it anymore. Everyone has their own comfort level, and multi-zone climate control lets you find it.
2. Keyless entry
Fumbling to put a key into the door is a thing of the past. Today’s drivers like to have their door unlocked before they even approach it. And some cars can even start the engine from afar.
3. Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™
Smartphones have become such a big part of everyday life, and these features allow drivers access to their music, navigation, and other essential apps while on the go.
4. Backup camera
As modern cars increase in size, it helps to have an extra set of eyes when backing up in a crowded parking lot. All new cars are required to have a backup camera, so it’s easier than ever to find a vehicle with this feature.
5. Heated seats and steering wheel
Heated seats and steering wheels provide instant relief in an age of instant expectations.
6. WiFi hotspot
We’ve come to expect WiFi everywhere we go. And we even expect it on the way there, too.
7. GPS navigation system
Built-in navigation units are how today’s drivers find their way in a paperless society.
8. USB chargers
Phones, laptops, and tablets come everywhere with us, and an opportunity to charge them better as well.
9. Split-folding seats
Cars are good for more than just going to work. Today’s drivers often have bicycles, pets, and other cargo aboard. Split-folding seats grant you the flexibility to take what you want where you want.
10. Adaptive cruise control
With adaptive cruise control, there’s no need to manually brake and reset your speed as you gain ground on a vehicle in front of you. Let the car do all the work for you.
Shop for the Latest in Comfort and Convenience
All of the most valued features can be found right here at Zimbrick Automotive in Madison, WI. Shop our news cars for sale to find many of the above features or contact our knowledgeable staff to learn more about any additional accessories or technology.
At Zimbrick Automotive, comfort and convenience extend from our vehicles to our customers.
How to Shop at Zimbrick From Home
At Zimbrick, we’ve made it our mission to provide exceptional customer service and safe and reliable transportation for over 50 years. That hasn’t changed recently, nor will it change moving forward. We understand that extraordinary circumstances have prohibited many of our customers from visiting our dealerships. Luckily, our digital world allows for more possibilities than ever. For us, that means conducting business in a virtual way.
Want to keep your time in our stores to a minimum? Learn how we can bring the Zimbrick experience to you.
5 Ways to Shop at Zimbrick From the Comfort of Home
Request a virtual walk-around
The days of having to see a car in person to fall in love with it are over. Our customer service associates are happy to give you a virtual tour of any car you’re interested in, allowing you to note the specific features you want and need. If you’ve got your eye on something in our inventory of new cars for sale, we can show it to you in a way that adheres to social distancing guidelines.
Receive a no-touch trade appraisal
A close-up with a prospective new car isn’t the only thing you can do remotely. If you’d like to trade in your current vehicle, we can appraise it virtually. Use your phone to take pictures or record videos of your car so that we can get a feel for all the important details. We’ll send you a price quote over the phone, or by email or text once we’ve had a look.
Set up an unaccompanied test drive
We want to make this process as comfortable for you as possible, all while complying with official recommendations. That’s why we’re offering unaccompanied test drives for our customers. Rest assured that all cars are disinfected before and after every test drive. If circumstances warrant, we can even do home deliveries.
Arrange financing
Going over the details of a loan or lease agreement is as easy as having access to a mobile device. We can walk you through your financing and protection options over the phone or online. We also continue to maintain relationships with our many lenders, which means financing can be handled over a phone call or email conversation.
Schedule service online
Sticking to your car’s routine maintenance schedule may not be a top priority right now, but it’s something you should still be mindful of. Staying on top of your vehicle’s needs now can prevent unfortunate situations later. Our service centers continue their operations with modified hours, so if you need an oil change, tire rotation, or something else, make sure to schedule an appointment at a time that’s convenient for you.
Let Loving Care Service See You Through
It’s important — now more than ever — for us to be there for one another. The Zimbrick family is proud to continue to serve you, safely and responsibly. If you have any questions contact us today. We’re still here.
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