Does It Really Take That Long?

           It used to be that we drove around in giant metal machines, operating purely on fuel and combustion. Things always change, and in today’s world you’re driving around in a high-tech computer. People still view their vehicles as a machine, but a car hasn’t been “just a machine” for the last fifty years! In 1968 Volkswagen introduced the first computer controlled function in a vehicle; the electronic fuel injector. This advancement in the car industry was huge! The ECU is now a standard seen in all vehicles, emerging in the 1960’s and still used today. By 1986 we had our first auto-driven cars, in 2017 Tesla introduced self driving semi-trucks, and today we’re looking at vehicles that are almost completely self-sufficient.

                This loose timeline is just that, very loose. Imagine all the advancements between the 60’s and today. Now imagine the advancements technicians have seen, working on these vehicles day in and day out. The industry now requires certified technicians, who have undergone training through each manufacturer in order to understand the innermost workings of these computers and the machine themselves. This is all great, because we want our technicians to be the best at what they do. When you put it all together though, what does that mean for you, the customer?
                Time. The biggest thing all these computers have changed during our repair process is time. We no longer have the ability to do one day bumper jobs, because that Audi A6 you drive has three sensors in the front bumper that allow you to feel a little bit safer in your car, but also require us to calibrate them if we remove or have to adjust the bumper. Every vehicle newer than 2008 is equipped with sensors in the passenger seat that signal occupancy and when to deploy airbags in the event of a crash, and has to be reset each time you’re in any minor collision. These sensors are a wonderful safety feature, but in that effort to ensure safety we’re also looking at additional time in a simple repair.

                We do our best to get your vehicles returned to pre-accident condition as soon as we can, but we also want your vehicle to be safe, efficient, and in proper working order before we return the vehicle to you. So when you get frustrated at how long your repairs are taking, consider the type of vehicle you drive, and the computer systems you use each day. The more complicated and high tech your vehicle is, the longer the repairs will take. So, yes, it does take that long, but rest assured that we are doing everything in our power to get your vehicle repaired and back to you safe and sound.

Traveling With Pets in The Car

Road trips can be tough on all of us, but bringing a pet along? That can be even harder. Unlike traveling with other adults or even children, your pet can't tell you if they're uncomfortable, or if they need to find a bush. There are ways to make the trip comfortable and easy on you, and your pal. So don't leave them behind on a trip to the cabin this year, here's a few tips to help get the whole family there safe and happy!

Consider crating or a carrier. While in certain situations your pup might be too large, or well behaved and you feel it's unnecessary, sometimes confining your animal can help keep them calm. It also can benefit you from becoming distracted on the road. Though, if the crate isn't the route for you and your pet, look into a harness buckle. We belt ourselves in to be safe, why would we allow our loved pets to ride free? An unrestrained 60lb dog becomes a 2,700 pound projectile in a sudden stop or accident at a speed of 35 miles per hour. Buckling your animal in is the safe choice for him, and for you!

Keep those windows up! As fun as it may seem for your dog, sticking his head out the window is actually detrimental to their noses, ears and eyes. Imagine going above 45 miles an hour, and having your head out the window. The dust, dirt and bugs that would come flying into your face would make it a very uncomfortable experience, and it's the same for your dog. The smells are great, but it's not worth the damage that can be done.  

Prep a travel kit. You prep yourself for travel, so why not prep your dogs? Bring the necessary things, such as a leash, water bowl, food, first aid kit, etc. Avoid feeding your dog too close to your departure time, and try to avoid feedings while you're on the road as much as possible. Animals can suffer from motion sickness as humans do, and nobody likes having to clean up barf on the road!

Bring something for your pup to do while in the car! Distractions and stimuli will help keep your dog from growing anxious by sitting in the car for too long. The longer the trip the more toys you should bring. Make sure to take frequent stops so that you and your dog can stretch your legs and get some fresh air!

Road trips are fun for the whole family, your pet included! Don't let long drives and frustration keep you from bringing your loved ones along. A little preparation goes a long way, and can turn a stressful drive into an easy one. Buckle up and have fun this summer, the whole family included!

Distracted Driving

You constantly hear about texting and driving, and how many accidents that causes, but did you know that the biggest cause of accident is purely driving while distracted? Distracted driving of any kind can lead to a devastating accident, all because you wanted a piece of gum or were reaching to change the song on your stereo. 

Even if you are at full attention while driving, on average during the day there are 660,000 drivers using their cellphones while out on their commutes. Imagine how many other drivers are out driving without their full attention at hand. That puts you and your family at risk. Taking your eyes off the road for even a moment can be the split second an irresponsible driver veers into you. 

Before each drive you should be verifying that your mirrors and stereo are preprogrammed to the way you need. The less you have to fix while on the road, the fewer distractions you have to deal with. Your turn signal is a great way to warn other drivers of your intentions, and while it's unnecessary if used miles before your turn, you still want to give ample time for a quick response if needed. Using your turn signal early can help keep other drivers informed and prevent accidents. 

Avoid driving your vehicle late at night, or during hours you're not fully awake. Thousands of car accidents a year are attributed to driving drowsy. Add that to driving at night and you're looking at your chance of being in an accident tripling, simply because your visibility is impaired. If you're on a long road trip pull over for a nap, or find a hotel close by. Make sure to pull completely off the road and give yourself ample space for passing vehicles. Your state of mind is extremely important while operating a vehicle, for your safety and for others. 

Teach your children and loved ones a valuable life lesson – make sure they know how detrimental picking up their phone or any form of distraction during a car ride can be, and make sure they're spreading the word. Being vocal with your peers and adults about their driving habits can be the difference between life and death. In the end, accidents do happen, and are often times unavoidable. We are here for you when life gets in the way. Bring your car down to Oakdale Collision for an estimate in your time of need.