Is it time for your timing belt to be checked or replaced?  Many of us don’t even know what a timing belt is.  We need to focus on this automotive issue that is rarely talked about or checked up on.  The timing belt is part of an internal combustion engine that controls the timing of the engines valves.  It needs to be replaced every sixty to ninety thousand miles.  Gerber Collision and Glass recommend having a professional mechanic take the time to inspect your timing belt.  Major damage can occur to the valves and pistons if the belt is not taken off correctly.

                Failure to replace a worn out timing belt can result in major damage to your vehicle’s engine.  One key indication that your timing belt is ready to be replaced is hearing a rattling sound in the front of the engine.  We cannot stress enough the importance of having this belt checked.  If the teeth on the belt get smoothed out, you can cause the motor to be completely destroyed.  Some of the valves can remain open and be struck by the pistons resulting in this damage.  Have your timing belt checked if your vehicle is in the mileage or you hear anything different with your engine.  Don’t be left stranded with up to three thousand dollars in damage to your vehicle.

Gerber Collision and Glass Free Car Rental

So, your car is in the shop and you don’t have another vehicle to get you around. Looks like you have to check the internet for car rental places. You have to search through vehicles and outrageous prices. Let’s hold on a minute. Did you know that Gerber Collision and Glass have up to five free day’s car rental with many of their body repairs. That’s right, if your vehicle stays with Gerber, they’ll get you a ride.

Gerber Collision and Glass also have some great online coupons that could save you some big bucks. Please visit http://www.gerberoffers.com/ for their most recent savings. They have been in business for over seventy years, and continue to be the leading repair shop throughout the United States and Canada. You can also reach Gerber at 1-877-7gerber for any questions you might have. So if your vehicle needs work, and you need to get a rental look no further than Gerber Collision and Glass.

Catalytic converter theft on the rise

Throughout the United States, the theft of catalytic converters is skyrocketing.  They are pipes underneath your vehicle that help reduce pollution.  The reason for the alarming trend is that the converters are made from precious metals.  These metals are being scrapped for as much as two hundred dollars, per pipe, by the thieves.   As the value of these metals rise, so has the theft of them.

There are a few ways you may be able to protect your vehicle from this type of theft.  Have your license plate number engraved on the catalytic converter.  This will deter the robbers from stealing it because it could be easily traced by the police.  You may also want to check with a reputable muffler shop to see the cost of having it welded to your vehicle.

 Vehicles that are higher off the ground are more susceptible to this type of crime. Park your car in well-lit areas to fend off thieves.  You can also purchase a security system that has sensors underneath the vehicle.  Gerber Collision and Glass want to ensure the safety of you and your vehicle.  The cost of replacing a catalytic converter can run upwards of two thousand dollars.  Be aware of this growing crime and take the proper precautions to protect your vehicle.

`Emergency vehicle kit

We may not all be experts, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t have the best tools in case of an emergency with our vehicle. Here are some things you should have in your emergency car kit.

A good vehicle tool kit includes:

    * Jumper cables
    * Screwdrivers—Phillips and flat head
    * Pliers
    * Set of socket wrenches
    * Duct tape
    * Electrical wire tape
    * Electrical wire spray
    * Flashlight with extra batteries
    * Small fire extinguisher

Gerber Collision and Glass recommend every vehicle be equipped with a vehicle tool kit.  Be prepared and avoid being stranded without any means to repair a broken down vehicle.

Well, it’s beginning to feel a lot like summer out there. The temperature is starting to rise. The kids are almost out of school. The barbecue grill is getting ready for weekly cookouts. Yes, summer is almost upon us once again. It also means the start of another rainy season. Have you thought about if your vehicle is prepared for the wet conditions? Now is a good time to get that car in summer shape.

Check your tires. Bald tires are very dangerous, especially in rainy conditions. Have your tires balanced and rotated. This will help the car grip the road better. Make sure all your lights are working properly. During summer rainstorms Gerber Collision and Glass advise drivers to use their headlights. Remember, you can barely see the road in most summer storms, headlights are critical in avoiding a collision.

Have your brakes checked. Make sure the pads are not worn. Check your windshield wipers. Chances are, if they haven’t been replaced since last summer your vehicle is due for a new pair. Be smart out there this summer. Driving in heavy rain is dangerous. Keep your speed low and your attention high.

Well, it’s that time of year again.  You all in the south know exactly what we’re talking about.  You got black stuff all over the windshield.  You have to use your wipers every other minute to clear your view.  You also find black stains all over the front of your vehicle.  If you guessed love bug season, then you have experienced this nuisance a time or two.  Is there anything that can be done to help your vehicle through this mess?  Let’s take a look at a few steps you can take to make love bug season a little better for you and your vehicle.

First off, you are going to want to wash and wax your vehicle often during love bug season.  Use a high quality wax with a polymer. This will make it easier to remove the bugs.  Make sure your radiator is clear and that no bugs get through.  You may also want to apply a “bra” on the front of your car to protect the paint.  Love bugs have a very high acidic residue that can damage the paint.  Take every precaution you can.  There are also products out there that can help your windshield.  Gerber Collision and Glass recommend visiting your local automotive store and get the best windshield treatment solution available.  If you get stuck in a love bug swarm, these tips will help you get through another love bug season.

Well, it’s almost the end of another school year.  It’s time to start the barbecues and pool parties.  It’s also time to prepare your vehicle for the summer heat.  Heat can put tremendous pressure on your vehicles engine.  Your car needs to stay cool just like we do, especially during the brutally hot summer months.  Make sure your radiator is cooling your vehicle properly.  Check the temperature gauge and make sure you are not running hot.

Gerber Collision and Glass strongly recommend having a certified mechanic inspect your radiator and thermometer before the heat arrives.  It is also recommended to have your battery tested if you have not replaced it within a few years.  It is just as important to prepare your vehicle for extreme heat as it is with the frigid cold.  Stay cool this summer.

1.  Change my engine oil

2.  Change my air filter

3.  Rotate my tires

4.  Change my fuel filter

5.  Replace my belt and hoses

6.  Give me a tune up

7.  Check and clean my plugs

8.  Replace my spark plug wires

9.  Check my PCV valve

10.  Keep me clean and in good condition

Speeding tickets can be very expensive and give you unwanted points on your license. Drivers need to make the smart decision and obey the speed limit. Law enforcement is looking for speeders and giving them harsh penalties.

Pay attention to the speed limit signs on the side of the road. Check your speedometer to make sure you are not going over the limit. Don’t get distracted by talking on the phone or doing something that takes your focus away from the road.

Gerber Collision and Glass have seen the aftermath of vehicles involved in accidents. More often than not, these vehicles were speeding or hit by someone going over the limit. Be smart out there on the highways. The road is no place to lose your patience.

 Surprisingly, many pregnant women don’t wear their seatbelts.  They think it will put too much pressure on their abdomen if they get into a car accident.  Others find it too uncomfortable with their bellies.  A recent study shows that 12% of pregnant woman are not buckling up.

It is very important for pregnant women to wear their belts.  It is a dangerous decision not to.   Unbelted women are nearly three times more likely to lose their baby in a motor-vehicle collision than those who were wearing a seat belt.  Car accidents are the leading cause of fetal death.  Women who are in a car accident and didn’t wear their seatbelt are more likely to have excessive bleeding during labor.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that seat belts be worn during pregnancy, with lap belts placed under the abdomen and shoulder belts strapped diagonally across the chest.  They make maternity seatbelts for women who think it too uncomfortable to wear them.  Gerber Collision and Glass give thumbs up to pregnant women who are buckled up.