Minnesota Potholes

It's a fact that potholes are a huge part of life in Minnesota, especially in the winter and spring.  They seem to get bigger or at least more widespread every year once the snow melts and even if the road has been repaired.

Large or small, potholes can do a number on your car and on your wallet. Trust us, we’ve seen it all.  A new survey from the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America found that over half of car owners in the U.S. have reported some type of damage due to a pothole. So how do you avoid them? You can’t swerve on the freeway or you might risk bumping into the car next to you which could lead to an accident. Running over them could land you right in our shop fixing the undercarriage of your car. 

Here are few tips to help you avoid them:

• Don’t swerve! As we stated above, it won’t solve the problem. It will probably make it much worse.
• Reduce your speed. Hitting a pothole at a slower speed typically results in less damage.
• Beware of puddles! They may look shallow, but could be very deep and could cause a lot of damage to your car.
• Keep your tires properly inflated. A poor inflated tire could pop if you hit a pothole just right.

If you can’t avoid the pothole, here is a form to fill out that lets the state of Minnesota (MNDOT) know where it is. This helps to make sure the location makes it on their repair list.

Looking for more information on pesky potholes? Here are a few links we thought we should share:

Mapping Potholes

Minnesota drivers have few options for claiming pothole bills

Tips To Avoid Costly Pothole Damage

AAA GivesAdvice on How To Avoid Pothole Damage

What Should You do When You are in a Car Accident?

With winter knocking down the door, it’s a good time for us to talk about accidents and what to do if you get in one.

It can happen to anyone at any time. You could hit a rough patch of ice, a deer could jump out from the side of the road, or another motorist could swerve into you.  It can be in the morning or it could be at night.

Most of us have been in a car accident at some point in our lives, but have you ever looked back and wondered if you remembered what you should do when you get into one?

When I was a young driver, I remember my parents telling me if I ever got into a car accident, the number one thing you should do is to call 911. That still holds true, but there are a few other things you can do to help yourself and the process:

1. Call 911: Even if you aren’t sure anyone is hurt, always make sure it’s documented by the authorities to protect you as well as the other people involved.
2. Stop your vehicle and get out (assuming it’s safe to do so):  Check to make sure it’s safe first (especially if you are in the middle of a busy street or on the freeway). Set your brake, turn off the engine, and get out of the car. If it’s dark out or the weather is bad, consider pulling out a roadside flare if you have one to alert other drivers of the incident.
3. Check on everyone involved:  Make sure no one is hurt and if they are, let them know that the police are on the way to help.
4. Gather Information:  It’s so important to exchange information with the other driver.  This will help when the police arrive and if you need to file a claim with your insurance agency. You will want to get:
• Driver and passenger names
• License plate numbers
• Insurance info
• Makes and models of the vehicles
• Contact info for any eye witnesses
• Location of the accident
• Name and badge number of the responding police officer
5. Document the scene: Depending on the severity of the accident, you may not have time to do this, but if you can use your smart phone to take photos of the accident, the scene, and any damage to the vehicles involved.
6. File an insurance claim: One of the last things you will do is file a claim with your insurance using all of the information you collected.  

Once you have filed a claim with your insurance agency, it’s your right to take your car where you want to get it fixed. You also have the right to get a quote from anyone you want. 

At Oakdale Collision Center, we can work directly with your insurance company on the claim, the amount, and get it fixed- all so you don’t have to worry. 

Welcome

Welcome to the Oakdale Collision Center blog! We are so very excited to finally have a blog and share some insights with you about collision repair, insurance help, dent removal, and the latest technology on the market.

Locally owned, we have been serving the Oakdale area for more than 12 years and we are here to get your car looking like new again in no time at all. Our skilled technicians will provide you with a full service repair and detail work, and your car won’t leave our shop until you’re completely satisfied.

We are licensed, certified, registered, insured, and bonded. All our repair work is warrantied with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Want to find out more about us? Take a look at the video.

Thanks for visiting us and check back soon for more blog posts.