Author: turkscollision

Ringing in the New Year often comes with making resolutions….often broken after a month or two. So why not make a resolution you want to stick to – like the health of your vehicle? Think of all the activities your car allows you to do on a daily basis and where you would be without it. Are you taking the necessary steps to keep your car running for an extended period of time?

Tire Pressure Checks

Maintaining proper tire pressure will keep you safe and even save you a little money. Improperly inflated tires don’t handle as well as tires with the correct pressure. They also increase your chance of a blow out. Plus, tires with the correct pressure have a longer life and increase your fuel efficiency. Tire pressure is something you have to keep your eye on, as it constantly changes as the tires log miles and the temperature fluctuates. That’s why it’s so important to check it regularly and add air when needed.

Keep It Clean…Inside & Out

Every day our cars are subjected to sun, salt, grease and grime, acid rain, smog, tree sap, dead bugs, and worst of all, bird poop. These things eat away at paint, and once that’s gone, they will eat at the metal in your car. While failing to wash your car won’t result in immediate damage, over time the elements will corrode your vehicle, along with its potential resale value. And while you are it, get in the habit of regularly cleaning out your car’s interior so it doesn’t end up looking like a dump. Keeping the inside of your car clean and tidy can reduce stress in your life and make the driving experience more enjoyable.

Maintenance Schedule

There should be a section in the vehicles’ owner’s manual where it lists the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, which tells you how often to get your oil changed, rotate the tires, and replace fluids and parts. If you can’t find the owner’s manual, a quick Google search will bring it up. By following your vehicle’s ideal maintenance schedule, you can prevent costly inspections, repairs, and replacements, and keep your car humming for many years.

Turk’s Collision Center is a state-of-the-art automotive body repair shop that specializes in collision repair. We strive to be the leading automotive body repair shop in Illinois with excellent workmanship, advanced training, and superb communication with the customer. For more information visit our website, or call (309) 694-2905.

 

Sources:

https://turkscollision.com/

http://www.greenlivingonline.com/article/4-new-years-resolutions-your-car

http://www.osceolagarage.com/6-must-do-new-years-resolutions-for-your-car-in-2017/

https://www.pepboys.com/car_care_corner/car_care_basics/maintenance/

https://www.bankrate.com/auto/5-car-care-tips-that-should-never-be-ignored/#slide=1

https://www.kbb.com/car-advice/articles/top-ten-car-care-tips/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/action-asphalt-automobile-automotive-593172/

 

Americans get involved in over 5 million auto accidents per year. This alarmingly high number includes everything from minor accidents to serious fatal ones and everything in between. While accidents are caused by any number of factors, there are certain parts of your vehicle that are almost guaranteed to be damaged. The most commonly damaged body parts in car accidents are:

Front & Rear Bumpers

Since most accidents involve at least one vehicle traveling forward, the front bumper is the first and most likely to receive the impact. Bumper damage can also come from scratches, dings, and dents from inattentive driving or even a rogue shopping cart. Like front bumpers, rear bumpers are often on the receiving end of damage. Rear bumpers get cracked, dented, and destroyed pretty often, either from a “fender bender” involving another vehicle or simply backing into a post, dumpster, or another parked vehicle.

Fender

If you’ve heard the term “fender bender” to describe a minor accident, it usually refers to a bumper-to-bumper collision rather than one that involves fenders. People often confuse bumpers and fenders, but they are different and serve separate purposes. Bumpers are on the front and rear of the car and are designed to protect it from impacts, while fenders are the frame of the wheel well and prevent tires from throwing dirt and debris at other vehicles and pedestrians. Like bumpers, fenders take the brunt of the damage during impact, and side collisions, particularly, tend to damage fenders.

Hood & Trunk Lid

A crumpled hood is familiar imagery for car accidents, and dents to the hood or trunk lid can be caused by hail or even stray golf balls. Although some owners may want to write off hood and trunk lid damage as cosmetic, it’s essential to have them repaired so they can latch appropriately shut. A hood or trunk lid that pops open while you’re driving is a surefire way to cause an accident.

Front and Rear Doors

Side impacts are the leading cause of door damage. Since modern car doors are designed to protect passengers in the event of a collision, many safety systems are in place. If any car doors are damaged, they should be replaced without question.

If you’ve been in a collision, it’s essential to have your car repaired as soon as possible by a trusted and certified auto body shop. Turk’s Collision Center is a state-of-the-art automotive body repair shop specializing in collision repair. We are I-CAR and ASE certified and strive to be the leading automotive body repair shop in Illinois with excellent workmanship, advanced training, and superb communication with the customer. Contact us today!

For many people around the country, winter weather has started to hit, and with it comes the need for more cautious driving on the roads. Whether you’re new to driving, new to a region with chilly weather, or just need a refresher on some cold weather driving tips, Turk’s Collision Center is here to help.

• Avoid Speeding: Whether you’re on your way to work or to pick up a child at school, take the time to leave early and drive at the posted speed limit or slower. Driving slower will give you more control of your vehicle no matter what the condition.
• Think About Space: When driving on highways or more popular roads, always be aware of the space between you and other drivers. Compared to normal weather with good driving conditions, you should leave three times the room between you and the car in front of you in snowy conditions.
• Clean it Off: Before heading off onto the roads, give yourself a little extra time to clean off your car. Make sure you not only scrape off the windows of your car, but your headlights and mirrors as well.
• Know Your Brakes: It’s always important to have basic knowledge of your vehicle, especially in the winter. If you have anti-lock brakes, or ABS, and you need to reduce your speed suddenly, you can press hard on the brake pedal and your ABS brakes will be activated.
• Keep it Moving: One common mistake drivers make is braking too suddenly, especially when keeping your car moving is the safer option. If you’re travelling up a hill, pick up a little more speed and travel up and over safely. Don’t try and pick up speed going up the hill in snowy conditions.
• Stay in Control: When on the road during a snowstorm or snowy weather, never put your car in cruise control. This can increase the likelihood of an accident because you’re not on constant control of your car.
• Stay Home: The number one piece of advice we have for you is to stay home. There’s nothing more unsafe than leaving your home if you don’t absolutely have to. This puts you in harms way when you could be at home safe and sound. If you know a snowstorm is on it’s way, be prepared and plan ahead when it comes to food and safety supplies.

In the event that you do get in an accident, Turk’s Collision Center is here for you. We can take your car in and make it look as good as new again. Give us a call today at (309) 694-2905, or visit our website.

When disaster strikes and a dreaded situation occurs, how do you think you will react? You’d like to think that you’ll handle crisis, injury, and other serious ailments as calmly as possible. But often, panic and chaos take control when the unexpected and tragic happens. It’s understandable—when life doesn’t go according to plan, our instinct is to become emotional and practically unhinged.

One dangerous event that certainly no one wants to be a part of is a car accident. No matter how minor or serious an accident may be, staying calm is crucial. And while “planning ahead” for something like this is unreasonable, especially because we hope you never encounter this, it never hurts to be prepared if the unexpected happens.

Here are a few things that you can be doing immediately after a car accident:

Get to a Safe Area as Soon as Possible

If you aren’t seriously injured and if it is appropriate to do so, immediately move to an area out of harm’s way, such as the shoulder of the road. If you can’t move your car, simply flip your vehicle’s hazard lights on to indicate your situation to other drivers.

Get Out of your Car

When your car is no longer moving and the engine is off, carefully exit the vehicle. It’s also recommended to use flare or similar road safety items if you have access to them.

Call the Police

The police should always be present immediately after an accident takes place, no minor how minor that accident may appear. Make sure they are aware of the accident so that a proper incident report may be filed both with them and your car insurance company. It is their job to judge the events and collect information on who is at fault.

Collect Information

Try to write down as much information as possible after your accident, including the names of the driver and passengers of the other vehicles, insurance information, license plate numbers, and makes and models of the vehicles involved. It’s also important to note the location of the accident and contact information of eyewitnesses.

While a car accident is something you certainly don’t plan for, it is beneficial to understand what needs to be done if this unfortunate incident happens to you. Trust your friends and experts at Turk’s Collision Center to keep you driving as safely as possible. And if an accident does unfortunately happen to you or someone you know, trust that we are always here to help you get through it. Call us today at 309) 928-7310 or pay us a visit at 3200 N. Main Street in the heart of East Peoria, IL.

7 Safe Driving Tips For Deer Season

Who doesn’t enjoy fall? Cooling weather, carving pumpkins, picking apples and – befuddled deer trotting into traffic. Whether you are driving a suburban street, rural road, or highway, the threat of a collision with a deer is real.

While deer instantly recognize the immediate threat of a wild or human predator, they have no concept of an approaching vehicle as a threat to life.  For deer, crossing a road is going from one means of survival to another.  The deer are not going to stop, and it is up to us  drivers to be vigilant to avoid a collision.  Here are some tips to remain safe:

1. Always wear your seatbelt.  This is a fundamental fact and yet 60% of fatal animal crashes occur when the driver was not wearing a seatbelt.
2. Be alert and know the deer crossing zones. However, remember that many roads are not marked – deer can be on roads, highways, or the outskirts of town.
3. Use your high beams.  When driving at night, use your high beam headlights when there is no oncoming traffic. This is not going to deter the deer, however,  it will increase your visibility and give you time to spot the deer.
4. Know when deer are on the move.  Be especially careful between 5AM and 8AM, and between 5PM and midnight.  Drivers can be especially vulnerable as many are out  running last-minute errands. Be focused on the drive itself and not what you need to do after reaching a destination.
5. Don’t rely on devices.  Deer whistles, deer fences, and reflectors have not been proven effective at deterring deer from crossing a road.
6. Brake firmly.  If you notice a deer near the road,  slow down and stop if necessary.  Be careful not to swerve out of your lane either into oncoming traffic or off the shoulder and into a ditch.
7. Keep your distance. If you do strike a deer, don’t approach it.  If the deer is blocking the road, call authorities right away.

Deer are creatures of habit. Seasons, time of day, and weather patterns all play an essential part in their routine. Deer will continue to travel the trails of their ancestors long after these trails have been cut through by roads.  It is up to us as drivers to remain proactive, calm, and vigilant.

Collision Repair Services in East Peoria, IL

Turk’s Collision Center is a state-of-the-art automotive body repair shop that specializes in collision repair. We strive to be the leading automotive body repair shop in Illinois with excellent workmanship, advanced training, and superb communication with the customer. For any collision repair service needs, call us at (309) 694-2905 today.

Nothing matches the fun and excitement of a summer road trip. You have mapped out your route and all of your stops, figured out where you will stay and calculated how long it will take. All that is left to do before you hook up that new boat or camper, or hit the road with your family or friends is take the time to review these tips and make sure your trip is as safe as possible.

Get Your Car Serviced
Regular maintenance such as tune-ups, oil changes, battery checks, and tire rotations go a long way toward preventing breakdowns. You can also check for recalls with the NHTSA’s VIN look-up tool by entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to quickly learn of a safety recall in the last 15 years.

Check for Minor Damage

Have you previously had a fender bender or had other damage? Watch for reduced battery life, check engine lights, leaking fluid or poor alignment. Pay close attention to gauges and any smells that might seem abnormal and have your car looked at by an auto body shop like Turk’s Collision Center. They are trained in how and where to look for hidden damage that you may not see, what can be safely repaired and what needs to be replaced, how to inspect and repair air bags and seat belts, and current vehicle technologies and repair techniques.

Check Your Tires

Underinflation is the leading cause of tire failure. The correct pressure for your tires is listed on a label on the driver’s door pillar or door frame or in the vehicle owner’s manual and confirm you have a spare tire. Look for the built-in wear bar indicators on your tires or use the “penny test” to determine when it’s time to replace your tires. Place a penny in the tread with Lincoln’s head upside down. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, your vehicle needs new tires.

Lights
Check your headlights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers, and interior lights. Towing a trailer? Be sure to also check your trailer including brake lights and turn signals. A failure of the trailer light connection is a common problem and a serious safety hazard.

Cooling System
The radiator in your vehicle needs water and antifreeze (coolant) to keep your engine functioning properly. When the engine is completely cool, carefully check your coolant level to make sure the reservoir is full. In addition, if your coolant is clear, looks rusty, or has particles floating in it, it is time to have your cooling system flushed and refilled. If your coolant looks sludgy or oily, immediately take your vehicle to a mechanic.

Fluid Levels
As with coolant, if it’s nearly time to have the oil changed, now would be a good time to do it. In addition, check the following fluid levels: brake, automatic transmission or clutch, power steering, and windshield washer. Make sure each reservoir is full; if you see any signs of fluid leakage, take your vehicle in to be serviced.

Belts and Hoses
Look under the hood and inspect all belts and hoses to make sure there are no signs of bulges,
blisters, cracks, or cuts in the rubber. High summer temperatures accelerate the rate at which rubber belts and hoses degrade, so it’s best to replace them now if they show signs of obvious wear.

Wiper Blades
After the heavy toll imposed by winter storms and spring rains, windshield wiper blades may need to be replaced. Like rubber belts and hoses, wiper blades are vulnerable to the summer heat. Examine your blades for signs of wear and tear on both sides.

Even well maintained vehicles can be in an accident or collision on the road. If this happens contact Turk’s Collision Center. They have a state-of-the-art automotive body repair shop with I-CAR Gold Status, A.S.E. certified technicians and CCC Pathways certified estimators. When you bring your vehicle to our Gold Class shop, you can be confident our technicians are the best. Don’t guess. Choose our Gold Class trained repair professionals for your collision repair because safety matters.

You need high-quality workmanship, fast turnarounds, and excellent service when your ride isn’t looking its finest (and all the more after a collision). At Turk’s Collision, we make it easy to restore your car’s exterior and restore it as closely as possible to its original factory condition.

 

To prove it, we put our certifications front and center, giving our customers a level of assurance that they’re receiving the highest-quality body repairs and support services in the greater Chicagoland area. For maximum certainty that your vehicle’s in the best of hands, be sure you depend only on fully certified auto body repair services.

 

Certified Technicians Build Trust

At Turk’s Collision, we take our trade seriously. Our highly trained auto body repair specialists wield leading industry credentials to ensure customers receive the finest service while maintaining our shop operations to the highest industry standards.

 

We’ve put in the extra effort and hold several top certifications especially suited for auto body repair and technical competencies through I-CAR and ASE What exactly do these credentials certify, and how do they impact the customer experience?

 

I-CAR Gold Status

The Inter-Industry Conference of Auto Collision Repairs (or I-CAR) compiles a vast wealth of auto-body repair knowledge and training resources. Their Gold Status certification draws from numerous fields and techniques, including:

 

• The most effective damage assessment & risk reduction methods
• Up-to-date insurance estimates & claims processes
• Refined office management and business performance practices
• The latest welding, finishing, and other repair technologies

All these considerations are made with the ultimate benefit of the customer in mind.

 

For example, to receive Gold Status certification, all structural repair technicians must undertake I-CAR’s collision repair training, and over 50% of a company’s non-structural technicians, finishers, and insurance estimators must receive I-CAR’s insurance training. When entrusting their vehicle to us, customers receive nothing less than the finest technical skills and industry competency.

 

ASE Certified Technicians

Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifications are some of the most widely trusted benchmarks for high-quality automotive repair, and that applies equally to collision repair.

 

Regulatory requirements for an ASE certificate require either two years of professional training or a two-year automotive repair degree with one year of professional experience. The candidate is then eligible to take one of 40 ASE certification tests, covering the most relevant sub-specialty for the technician.

 

Exactly which automotive certification your collision repair professional has is always an important question. Our ASE-certified technicians have fulfilled all requirements to take and pass the ASE collision repair test, indicating an industry-recognized sub-specialty for collision and auto body repairs.

  

How to Find the Best Collision Repair Services in East Peoria

When your trusty car, truck, or SUV is on the line, it’s important to settle for nothing less than top-rated certifications in both the physical repair work and administrative procedures involved. Turk’s Collision hits every mark at our state-of-the-art auto body shop, where we hone facility operations with quality management checks in place with a highly competent staff of true industry leaders.

 

Trust the Certified Collision Repair Experts at Turk’s Collision

Turk’s Collision’s certifications run the gamut from technical expertise and industry-specific workmanship to high-tech communications and networking processes. The result is non-stop service from the most trustworthy collision repair workshop anywhere in the greater Chicago area.

 

If you have any questions about our certifications or would like to schedule an appointment, contact us, and tell our trained staff about your auto body repair needs today.

A new car is a big investment for most people.  When you begin searching for a car, you need to make sure that you are in search of out an investment that will last for a while, or at least until your car loan is paid in full!  Here are a few tips for helping you decide on that new car:

Tip #1.  Figure out your budget!  Unless you are paying cash for your new car, and most people are not – you are probably going to need a few thousand dollars for a down payment.  Then, figure in your monthly loan payment into your new expenses.  According to Kelley Blue Book, most cars lost 20% of their value the first year.  Consider this when you are negotiating your loan.

Tip #2.  Pay a fair price.  Car prices can change drastically depending on the seller or the auto dealership.  Ask around.  With social media, amplify your question by asking your Facebook family and friends where they buy their cars.  And then shop around and take your time.  It’s better to work with a trusted dealership than be stuck paying for a “lemon” for 5 or more years.

Tip #3.  Consider alternatives.  Do you need a new car?  Many times you can purchase a “demo” car with a few miles on it for a cheaper price.  Can you settle for a used car and rent cars for road trips or business?

Maybe you need a new car or maybe you don’t.  The point is do your homework before making a large purchase or buying something you may regret later.

How important is it to be accountable?  Very important, especially if you are a leader in the industry – you are the example and you set the tone for your company.  If you have problems learning to be accountable, coaching can help you to develop these skills and it truly will change your life.  Here are some behaviors that show that you are accountable:

• Be accessible and willing to listen to suggestions/ideas
• Keep your word and no procrastinating – do what you say and act immediately
• Don’t be afraid to admit that you are wrong or that you don’t know the answer(s)
• Develop a desire to fix issues and work proactively to prevent issues from developing

Be honest with yourself about whether you truly are accountable – these behaviors can be learned.  Being accountable will reap rewards – you will earn the trust and respect of your co-workers, staff, management AND customers.

We at Turk’s feel our integrity is evident whether you have the answers or not.  Taking the lead and making ourselves accountable makes our job a lot easier.