Zimbrick Takes Home 8 “Best of Madison” Awards
News Release
Madison, WI:
Zimbrick Automotive recently continued its solid run in the local accolades arena by taking home eight awards in the 39th annual “Best of Madison” readers poll. The family of full-service Madison, Wisconsin, car dealerships received recognition for every category in which it was nominated.
Conducted annually by Madison Magazine, this year’s poll drew upon the parallels of the Roaring Twenties and current times to honor the best Madison has to offer. Zimbrick joined 572 other winners throughout Dane County and was honored in each of the following categories:
- Domestic Auto Dealer
- Import Auto Dealer
- Luxury Auto (Import and Domestic)
- Used Car Dealer
- Auto Detailing
- Dealer Auto Service Shop
- Auto Body Repair
- Auto Parts
The Zimbrick team extends a huge thank you to everyone who voted this year.
About Zimbrick
At Zimbrick Automotive, we’re proud to be the answer to the automotive needs of all drivers in Madison, WI. We offer a variety of makes and models — both new and used — at our many locations, most of which are outfitted with sales, finance, and service staff. We also house four certified collision repair centers across the area.
We invite you to reach out to us for automotive solutions, and we hope you’ll consider us among the best of Madison for years to come.
How to Observe National Car Care Month
April is National Car Care Month, and Zimbrick Automotive has a number of ways for you to celebrate.
Now is as good a time as any for such an occasion as the weather is transitioning from winter to spring and road conditions present a fresh set of challenges. With spring signaling a new beginning, spend the month of April checking off the following tasks in recognition of National Car Care Month, and make this summer one to remember for your vehicle.
National Car Care Month Tips
Have your battery tested
Car batteries are put to the test by the cold of winter and are often all but drained by the end of the season. Have your battery tested so you don’t find yourself stranded at an inopportune time.
Replace your wiper blades
After months of scraping ice and sleet from your windshield, it may be time to swap out your wiper blades. This will enable you to have a fresh set of blades in time for the rainy spring season.
Check your tire pressure
Cold temperatures can cause tires to gradually lose air pressure. And warmer weather can have the opposite effect, forcing tires to swell up with overinflation. April is a good time to have your tire pressure checked as temperatures begin their transition.
Give your car a thorough washing
If you saw any snow or ice this winter, your car is likely sporting a coat of road salt that can cause rust and corrosion to the paint job and undercarriage. Give the exterior and underbelly of your car an annual spring cleaning to protect both its appearance and performance.
Top off your fluids
Running the heater all winter long can deplete your car’s antifreeze. And you’ll need that fluid when the temperature warms up to serve as a coolant for your air conditioner. Be sure to top off all your fluids as you transition from one season to the next.
Schedule Professional Service in Madison, WI
Kick off National Car Care Month, and get your vehicle prepped for summer by scheduling a service appointment at Zimbrick Automotive in Madison, Wisconsin. Our service center has a number of ways for you to show your car just how much you care about it.
Spring into Zimbrick to make it a summer to remember.
Time for a New Car? Here’s How to Compare
Car shopping is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. With so many different styles, makes, models, and more from which to choose, it’s not always easy to narrow down the many options.
Below is a guide for comparing cars to help steer you toward the best car for you.
How to Decide Which Car Is Right for You
New or Used?
The first thing you’ll need to decide when comparing cars is whether you are interested in a new car or a used one. The advantages of a new car include being under warranty, being less likely to break down anytime soon, and having all the latest safety and infotainment features. On the other hand, used cars offer greater affordability and lower insurance costs.
Compare Size
Once you’ve decided on either a new or used car, it’s now time to discuss which type of vehicle you’d like. Cars come in all shapes and sizes. A small and nimble sedan gives you the advantage of easy driveability and allows you to better navigate narrow city streets and tight parking spaces. Meanwhile, an SUV lets you pack along some additional cargo and passengers while going places other cars can’t. And if you’re looking to really put your vehicle to work, a pickup truck may be what you need.
Compare Safety
Safety should never go underlooked when comparing cars. Research how each car you’re considering performed in standard safety tests and learn about some of the advanced safety features found in each one.
Compare Fuel Economy
Even a small difference in gas mileage can add up to big savings over the lifetime of your car. Consider your driving environment — highway or city — and shop accordingly.
Compare Maintenance Requirements
Some cars are more durable than others. And some are easier and cheaper to fix than others. Consider how important reliability and ease of repair is to you when comparing one car to another.
Compare Performance
Performance isn’t important to everyone. But if it’s near the top of your list, analyzing horsepower, torque, and other criteria should be factored into your car comparison.
Compare Your Options at Zimbrick Automotive in Madison, WI
Zimbrick Automotive has all the options you need to compare cars and drive away in the one that’s best for you. Shop our selection of new cars for sale for all the latest in safety and technology. Or browse our inventory of used cars for sale to find the biggest savings.
When it comes to car shopping, there’s no comparison to Zimbrick Automotive.
There’s no doubt that seatbelts and airbags save lives. But as effective as these technologies have been (and will continue to be), automotive safety has come a long way in recent years.
Below is a look at some of the popular driver-assistance technologies in today’s cars, including the ones you’ll find right here at Zimbrick Automotive.
4 Driver-Assistance Systems That Change the Way We Drive
Forward Collision Prevention
Forward Collision Prevention is designed to do exactly as the name implies: Prevent a collision in the front of the car. This suite of technology includes four main features.
- Forward Collision Warning. The detection of a potential collision followed by a warning to the driver to take action.
- Automatic Emergency Braking. The brakes are automatically applied when a forward-facing collision is approaching.
- Pedestrian Detection / Automatic Braking. Pedestrians are detected in the front of the vehicle and a warning is issued to the driver. If no immediate action is taken, brakes are automatically applied.
- Adaptive Lighting. The vehicle detects oncoming cars and automatically switches your headlights to low beams and then back to high beams once the car passes. Adaptive Lighting can also include headlights that turn around corners before you do to keep the road ahead illuminated.
Lane and Side Assist
Lane and Side Assist helps protect drivers from hazards that are found to the side of the vehicle, such as other vehicles or roadside objects like guardrails or trees. This technology is also made up of four main features.
- Lane Departure Warning. Lane markings are monitored by the vehicle and a warning is issued to the driver if the car begins to veer outside of the designated lane with no turn signal activation.
- Lane Keep Assist. This feature gently steers the car back into the lane if it begins to drift out of place.
- Blind Spot Detection. You are alerted whenever another vehicle enters your blind spot.
- Lane Centering Assist. Automatic steering keeps the vehicle positioned in the center of the lane.
Distance Control
Part of staying safe and avoiding a collision involves maintaining a safe distance from the car in front of you. There are three distinct features that assist with this.
- Adaptive Cruise Control. The vehicle automatically adjusts its cruise control speed in order to maintain a preset distance from the vehicle in front.
- Highway Pilot. Automatic braking and accelerating is used to maintain lane position and following distance.
- Traffic Jam Assist. Automatically brakes and accelerates the vehicle in order to safely keep up with the stop-and-go flow of a traffic jam.
Backing Up and Parking
A number of minor accidents occur when parking or backing up and there are three safety technologies designed to curb these types of fender benders.
- Rear Automatic Braking. Monitors the rear of the vehicle when backing up and automatically applies the brakes if a collision is impending.
- Rearview Backup Camera. Allows the driver to view the rear of the vehicle by watching through a dashboard camera.
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Drivers are alerted of potential collision with objects that are outside the range of the rearview camera.
See These Advanced Safety Systems in Madison, WI
Test out some of today’s popular safety technologies yourself by test driving some of the new cars for sale at Zimbrick Automotive in Madison, WI. Our inventory features vehicles equipped with the very latest in safety technology and our staff of experts can walk you through those features and answer any questions you may have.
Visit us today for a glimpse of the safety of tomorrow.
Why Winter Tires Are Important
You may have heard about winter tires and are wondering if they are actually all that important. Well, if you live in a harsh winter climate like the ones here in Wisconsin, winter tires are not just important — they are practically necessary.
Below are a few big reasons that highlight the importance of winter tires.
They provide better traction on snow and ice
Winter tires have deeper and more aggressive tread patterns that allow for greater traction than other types of tires. The treads do a more effective job of channeling water out and away to reduce the chances of hydroplaning.
Some winter tires even have small metal studs embedded into them that dig into the snow and ice for even greater traction and control.
They provide better traction on dry pavement, too
There doesn’t need to be snow or ice on the road in order for winter tires to improve your traction on the road. The type of rubber used for other types of tires hardens up under cold temperatures while the rubber that winter tires are made of remains soft and malleable, which improves the tire’s grip on the road.
This is why they are called “winter tires” instead of simply “snow tires.”
They do not compromise
You may be wondering why winter tires would be any better than all-season tires. After all, “all-season” should encompass wintertime, right?
The difference is that winter tires are designed specifically for winter driving. Meanwhile, all-season tires must make compromises in their performance in an effort to cater to all types of driving. Therefore, the winter driving performance of all-season tires is not up to the same level as that of dedicated winter tires. In fact, winter tires have shown to have braking abilities of up to 66% faster than all-season tires.
Get Your Winter Tires in Madison, WI
Kick off winter with a trip to Zimbrick Automotive in Madison, Wisconsin, for our winter vehicle service. In addition to the installation of winter tires, we can also assist with:
- Tire inspection
- Antifreeze and fluid replacements
- Brake inspections and repair
- Battery testing and replacement
- Windshield wiper replacement
Check out our service specials and schedule your appointment today.
New Year’s Resolutions to Make for Your Car
With each new year, we start thinking about making changes to our health. But how often do we do the same for our car? Make it your new year’s resolution to focus on the health of your vehicle by adopting the following practices.
5 Ways to Take Better Care of Your Car in 2020
1. Stay on top of your oil changes
As oil ages, it loses its ability to properly lube the moving parts of your engine. This creates friction, which in turn can lead to wear and tear of potentially costly engine parts. Have your oil changed by a certified technician and discuss the oil-change needs for your particular vehicle.
2. Rotate those tires
Failing to rotate your tires on a regular basis can lead to uneven wear patterns. When one side of a tire becomes overly worn, it compromises the integrity of the whole tire and increases the likelihood of a flat tire or loss of control.
3. Replace your wiper blades
There’s nothing worse than bad wiper blades, especially in the winter. Worn out blades can screech or even bounce on your windshield. And when there’s precipitation, they can leaving streaks and greatly reduce your visibility.
4. Keep your fluids topped off
The proper levels of transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant or antifreeze, power steering fluid, and windshield wiper fluid are all imperative to the health of your car. Speak to a technician about how and how often to check the levels of these fluids.
5. Schedule a tuneup
Just like we see our doctor for an annual physical, you should take your car to a mechanic at least once a year for a tuneup. A professional will be able to identify any problems that are beginning to surface and allow you to take action before it’s too late or turns into a major repair.
Start Your Year at Zimbrick
Kick off the new year for your vehicle with a trip to Zimbrick Automotive. Check out the services available in our service department and speak to our team of experts about how to best take care of your car in the new year.
While you’re here, browse our selection of used cars for sale along with our new vehicle inventory. Make Zimbrick Automotive in Madison, WI, your first stop in the new year.
How to Winterize Your Car in Madison, WI
Cold temperatures, snow, and ice can all wreak havoc on your car and make driving more dangerous. Fortunately there are a few things you can do to prep your car for the winter to come. Before Old Man Winter arrives, test the following things on your vehicle.
Car Winterization Checklist
Tires
Check your tires for two things: tread and pressure. Having a sufficient amount of tread on your tires is more important in winter than ever to help combat slippery conditions. And colder temperatures can cause your tires to lose pressure, so it’s important to monitor their pressure throughout the season.
If you live in an area that gets a lot of snow, you may want to consider changing out your regular tires for a pair of snow tires.
Wiper blades
If you’ve noticed your wiper blades leaving streaks on your windshield during summer rain showers, they’ll have no chance against the sleet, snow, and ice of winter. A new set of wiper blades is an inexpensive purchase that can make a big difference in your visibility.
Fluids
Antifreeze helps regulate your engine temperature when it’s cold and prevents water from freezing. Check the level of antifreeze in your vehicle, and top off if needed.
Battery
Cold weather slows down the chemical reaction that takes place inside a car battery. Plus, a cold engine and your car’s heater require more energy to run, making winter an especially challenging time for car batteries.
Have your battery tested before the cold sets in and replace it if it’s getting low on life.
Kick Off Winter With Car Service in Madison, WI
It’s a good idea to bring your car in for a tuneup at the start of winter to make sure it’s adequately prepared to take on the cold. Schedule your service appointment with Zimbrick Automotive today, or check out our selection of new cars for sale or pre-owned cars for sale if it’s time for a different set of wheels altogether.
Take the appropriate steps to winterize your car, and stay safe on the road this season.
Nearly 50 million Americans were expected to take to the roads on Thanksgiving day. End-of-year holidays could mean just as many — if not more. Holiday travel means crowded roadways, tired and stressed-out drivers, and sometimes uncooperative weather. Below are some holiday travel tips to help you arrive safely at your destination and have a happy holiday celebration.
5 Holiday Travel Tips From Zimbrick
Plan your route and departure time
Holiday-related traffic in major metro areas can stretch commutes to as much as three times their normal duration. Avoid rush hour departure times, and consider making the drive on the actual day of the holiday if possible.
You may also want to consider avoiding major highways and finding a backroad route to your destination.
Stay fresh
In addition to the added time behind the wheel, holiday driving can be stressful among all the traffic. Get a good night’s sleep before your journey, and consider taking turns behind the wheel with another member of your party. Whatever you do, don’t drive drowsy while trying to push through.
Inspect your car before you leave
Before you go, give your car a basic inspection that includes:
- Tire treads and pressure
- Battery life
- Oil and fluids
- Windshield wiper blades
- Lights and turn signals
- Emergency roadside kit
Drive defensively
It’s wise to always drive defensively, but even more so during holiday travel. Stop-and-go congestion increases the risk of fender benders. Other drivers will be speeding to try to make up for lost time. Darkness sets in early in the winter. And snow, ice, and sleet can make for dangerous conditions.
Winterize your car
If you’ll be traveling through a colder climate, winterize your vehicle by bringing a set of snow chains or snow tires, changing to a thinner viscosity of oil, and topping off with antifreeze.
Begin Your Holiday Season in Madison, WI
One final tip: It’s never a bad idea to bring your car in for a tuneup before making a long drive. The service team at Zimbrick Automotive in Madison, Wisconsin, can give your car a thorough inspection and make sure you’re properly prepared for the road ahead.
Schedule your service appointment today. On behalf of Zimbrick Automotive, have a safe and happy holiday season.
How to Assemble an Emergency Car Kit
Sure, it’s nice to have heated seats, a moonroof, and a premium sound system. But the most important feature of any car is a well-assembled emergency kit.
Below is a list of items to include in your very own emergency car kit, along with some helpful tips for making the most of it.
Items to Include in Your Emergency Car Kit
Gather up the following items to keep in your car:
- Jumper cables
- Towing cables
- Roadside flares or reflectors
- At least one quart of motor oil
- One gallon of radiator coolant
- First-aid kit
- Blanket
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- A basic tool kit
- A can of flat tire sealant
- Tire pressure gauge
- Gloves
- Ice scraper
- Folding shovel
- Battery-operated or hand-crank weather radio
- A spare coat and hat
- A bottle of drinking water and some non-perishable energy bars
If you don’t carry a cell phone with you, it’s a good idea to keep a prepaid (and fully charged) cellular phone in your kit as well.
And don’t forget a spare tire, a jack, and a tire iron for changing out flats.
Tips for Your Kit
Here are a few tips to make the most of your emergency car kit:
Customize it
Customize your kit to your environment. If you live in a warm climate, you may not need ice scrapers or a shovel. But if you live in an area with harsh winters, you may want to double down on those items.
Learn to use it
An emergency is no time to learn how to use any of your items. Go through each item in your kit and familiarize yourself with how it operates, and practice using it until you get the hang of it.
Properly store it
You don’t want the items in your emergency kit rolling around while you drive as items could become damaged in the process. Secure them in a backpack, box, or with cargo netting.
Keep Your Car Maintained in Madison, WI
Equally important to having an emergency kit is keeping your vehicle well-maintained. A car that undergoes regular service checkups is less likely to break down and leave you stranded.
Schedule a service appointment for your vehicle at Zimbrick Automotive in Madison, Wisconsin, and use our winterizing service to prep your car for the upcoming weather.
Preparation is key for any emergency situation. Assemble your emergency car kit, and speak to the expert technicians at Zimbrick Automotive about keeping your vehicle safe from trouble.
Car headlight issues may seem small in the moment, but their implications for safety and performance are anything but insignificant. After all, 40% of fatal car accidents happen at night — even though there is 60% less traffic at this time of day. While there are a multitude of reasons for this statistic, it demonstrates the importance of being able to see clearly on the road at night.
Not sure if your headlights need to be restored or not? And wondering about the restoration process? Let’s take a look below.
4 Signs You Need to Restore Your Headlights
If you encounter any of the following signs, you should bring your car in for service so that technicians can inspect your headlights and restore them if needed:
Yellow color
If there is a yellowish tint to the headlights or any other noticeable discoloration.
Cloudy appearance
If the headlights are cloudy, even after a car wash.
Cracks or scratches
If there are cracks or scratches on the headlights that affect performance.
Poor visibility
If you can’t see well at night with the headlights on.
What Headlight Restoration Entails
So you’ve discovered your headlight needs to be restored — now what? You’ll want an expert service team to complete the restoration to ensure your safety on the road.
This expert team will use an in-depth restoration process that involves cleaning chemicals and fine sandpaper as needed. While specific techniques vary, usually restoration includes:
- Removing the layer of oxidized plastic with sandpaper (usually around 400-grit sandpaper).
- Finishing the removal of oxidized plastic with finer sandpaper to ensure no damage to the headlights (usually around 2,000-grit sandpaper).
- Polishing the headlights and adding a sealant for UV protection.
Need headlight restoration in the Madison, Wisconsin, area? Explore the Zimbrick Automotive Service Center, and schedule your appointment today.
Explore our other auto service resources below, and keep your car running like new through every season:
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