Summer is a time for fun, vacations and road trips. However, it’s also a season when road accidents are more frequent. Here’s why driving in the summer can be more dangerous.

More Drivers on the Road: With summer being a popular travel season, the number of drivers on the road increases significantly. This surge in traffic leads to more congestion and a higher likelihood of accidents. Additionally, many drivers are unfamiliar with the roads they’re traveling, adding unpredictability to the mix.

Tire Blowouts: According to AAA, tire blowouts are more common during the summer months. The hot weather causes tires to expand, increasing the tread and making blowouts more likely. It’s essential to regularly check your tires during the summer to avoid this risk.

Inexperienced Teenage Drivers: Summer vacation means more teenagers are driving. Since teenagers generally have less driving experience, they are statistically more likely to be involved in accidents. This increase in inexperienced drivers contributes to the overall rise in summer accidents.

More Motorcycles and Bicycles: Warm weather also brings more motorcyclists and bicyclists onto the roads. Given their smaller size compared to cars, it’s crucial to be extra cautious when driving near them to ensure everyone’s safety.

Despite taking all necessary precautions, accidents can still happen. If you find yourself in a collision, Loyalty Collision is here to help. We handle the complete collision repair process – cosmetic, mechanical and electronic – all in-house. Whether it’s a minor dent or major accident damage, contact us for a free estimate. Quick repairs are key to keeping your car looking great for years to come.

Why Choose Loyalty Collision?

  • Free Pick Up & Delivery
  • Fast, FREE Estimates
  • Direct Repairs On-Site
  • On-Site Rental Cars

Stay safe on the roads this summer, and remember, we’re here to help if you need us!

You planned a vacation, not car problems. Here’s how to keep your cool.

Millions of Americans like you will hit the roadways this summer, but the truth is, our vehicles don’t love the summer heat and sun as much as we do. 

In fact, summer heat can have a big impact on your car’s battery, tires and engine. When it gets hot, your vehicle’s fluids evaporate, while air circulation is diminished, and every part of your car has to work a little bit harder.

But don’t worry too much. The good news is that there’s plenty you can do in advance to keep your car or truck running smooth week after week. And Loyalty Automotive is here to help.

 

Protecting Your Battery

Problem: Heat can affect your battery’s chemical processes and make it harder to hold a charge and produce power.

Solution: Have your Loyalty service team measure your battery life twice a year. They’ll make sure it measures at 12.6 volts or above, and that the battery is securely mounted to avoid vibration damage.

 


 

Protecting Your Tires

Problem: High temperatures can cause uneven wear and shorten the life of your tires. Plus, the chances of a tire blowout increase if your tires are underinflated when the road is hot.

Solution: Keep your tires properly inflated, but make sure to check the tire pressure after your vehicle has been resting, since results can be misleading right after a drive. Then, have your Loyalty technician check tire wear on your next visit. If you need new tires or have any reason to be concerned, we’re here to keep your tires safe.

 


 

Your Engine

Problem: Hot weather can lead to higher engine temperatures, and that can mean poor fuel circulation, air conditioning problems and engine overheating. 

Solution: Keep your car running at peak performance by having all of your fluids topped off by your Loyalty technician at your regularly scheduled Lifetime Loyalties oil change visit. Remember, oil and filter changes are complimentary for life with every Loyalty vehicle, so if you bought your car with us, there’s no charge! Have your Loyalty technician check the coolant, which protects the radiator and internal engine components, as well as your transmission fluid, power steering fluid and brake fluid.

 

Maintenance is the key. Loyalty can help.

Keeping your vehicle well-maintained will help you weather the summer heat, and nobody makes long-term vehicle maintenance easier than Loyalty, with convenient service locations in Richmond, Petersburg and Williamsburg.

As the old saying about Spring showers suggests, springtime driving can involve downpours, wet roads and standing water. In fact, most weather-related accidents happen on wet pavement and during rainfall. Here are a few tips for staying safe behind the wheel in wet, rainy conditions: 

  1. Make sure your windshield wipers are in good condition, and that you have plenty of cleaning fluid. Poor visibility can lead to accidents. 
  2. In dark, rainy weather, be sure your lights are on. Not only will you be able to see better, other drivers will see you better, too.
  3. Keep a little more distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. Four to five seconds is a good rule of thumb. 
  4. Be alert and ready for debris in the roadway, such as downed trees or limbs, and for sudden spray from other vehicles.
  5. Never drive through standing water. It could cause you to hydroplane and lose control of your vehicle.
  6. If you come across a flooded road, turn around and use an alternate route. Don’t drive through water – it could be deeper than you think!
  7. If you come across a downed power line, DO NOT try to move the line. Stay well away and contact local authorities.

If you do wind up with rain-related cosmetic damage to your car, we’ll be glad to help! Contact us right away to get a free estimate. Fixing problems quickly is key to keeping your car looking great for many years to come.

  • Free Pick Up & Delivery
  • Fast, FREE Estimates
  • Direct Repairs On-Site
  • On-Site Rental Cars

When it comes to collision repair, there are a lot of myths and misconceptions out there. But don’t worry. We’re here to help demystify the process so you can make the right decisions should you ever need collision repair services.

 

Myth: After an accident, your car will never be the same.

Busted: A high-quality auto body repair shop like Loyalty Collision can make your vehicle look and perform like new using advanced techniques and materials. And at Loyalty Collision, all work is covered by a lifetime warranty.

 

Myth: Any auto body shop can perform quality collision repairs.

Busted: For seamless repairs, specialized expertise and equipment are required. Loyalty Collision’s I-CAR and ASE-Certified technicians have the training and technology to restore your vehicle to its pre-collision condition or better. 

 

Myth: If Your Car Looks OK, Everything Must Be Fine

Busted:  After a minor accident, it can be tempting to just hope for the best and move on. But your car’s complex and finely tuned systems could be compromised. A professional inspection can reveal issues that could cause problems later.

 

Myth: You Can’t Choose Your Own Collision Repair Shop 

Busted: This decision is entirely up to you. While your insurance company may have a preferred body shop, you’re not required to use them. As the car owner,  you can choose whatever collision repair shop you would like.

 

Myth: If the Frame Is Damaged, Your Car Can’t Be Fixed 

Busted: Not true! Modern vehicles, including trucks, are built with unibody frames that can often be repaired so they’re as strong and functionally sound as they were before the accident.

 

The truth is, modern collision repair shops can do amazing things – just be careful to pick a good one! At Loyalty Collision, we have the expertise, technology and commitment to quality that you can depend on.

Winter can be tough on your car’s exterior. Here are a few of the reasons why:

  • In lower temperatures, paint becomes less flexible, which makes it more susceptible to damage from things like hail, road debris, scrapes and bumps.
  • When temperatures drop significantly, the expansion and contraction of the body of your car can lead to stress on the paint layers, which can cause small cracks and peeling.
  • Salt and de-icing chemicals used to keep roads safe during winter weather events are corrosive and may lead to paint damage. 
  • Cold weather can cause a windshield with a chip to crack, spread or even break.

What you can do:

  • Wash your car regularly to remove salt, chemicals and debris from your vehicle’s surface, preventing long-term damage.
  • Apply a high-quality wax to provide an extra layer of protection against the elements.
  • If snow piles up on your car, use the proper brushes and other tools to remove it so you don’t damage your car’s surface or your windshield.
  • Consider having rustproofing and undercoating applied to your vehicle – this can help protect it from the corrosive effects of salt and road chemicals.
  • Get your windshield crack fixed – don’t let a small problem become a big one.
  • Take care of any dents or dings, scratches or quickly, before cold weather and moisture can cause it to rust, corrode or expand.

We Make It Easy!

If you do wind up with cold-weather-related cosmetic damage to your car, we’ll be glad to help! Contact us right away to get a free estimate. Fixing problems quickly is key to keeping your car looking great for many years to come.

  • Free Pick Up & Delivery
  • Fast, FREE Estimates
  • Direct Repairs On-Site
  • On-Site Rental Cars

Preparing your car for driving through the winter months is important, even in Virginia, where extreme temperatures and winter weather events are less common. Here are a few tips for making sure your vehicle is ready for the winter and any inclement weather that may come with it.

Tire Maintenance

  • Colder temperatures affect tire pressure. Make sure they’re properly inflated. That will make it easier to navigate potentially hazardous driving conditions, not to mention giving you better gas mileage.
  • Are your tires getting old and worn? Good tread is essential for maintaining control of your vehicle, especially in snowy, icy conditions. Don’t put off getting that new set of tires if you need them.

Windshield Maintenance

  • Visibility is critical when driving in snowy, icy conditions. The last thing you want is for your vision to be compromised while driving, so for starters, make sure any snow or ice is cleared away before setting off.
  • Install winter wipers, which are designed to keep ice from collecting on the blades. Winter wipers are heavier than regular ones, so be sure to change them back in the spring to reduce the load on your wiper motor.
  • Keep washer fluid full. A single snowstorm can use a large amount of fluid so be sure to keep the reservoir filled.
  • Make sure your rear window defroster is in good working order.

Engine Maintenance

  • The cold can make the oil in your engine thicken. To ensure your engine is running smoothly throughout the season, consider having it changed with a lower viscosity oil.
  • Make sure your coolant/antifreeze is in good condition and of the proper mix ratio to keep your engine from freezing or corroding during the winter months.
  • Brake problems with your vehicle can be extremely dangerous – especially in slippery, freezing conditions. Be sure to have your brakes checked in the winter months.

We wish you safe travels through the winter. But we know stuff happens. As always, if you’re ever in an accident, Loyalty Collision is here for you.

We Make It Easy!

  • Free Pick Up & Delivery
  • Fast, FREE Estimates
  • Direct Repairs On-Site
  • On-Site Rental Cars

As the new year arrives, resolve to prioritize your car’s appearance and well-being. It’s easy to put off repairs and touch ups, but they can make a world of difference to your car’s value & lifespan.

All Estimates are FREE!

Auto Glass Repair
Small chips and cracks aren’t just annoying. They can grow into major safety hazards. Take care of it now before it turns into a much bigger problem.

Dent & Scratch Removal
Dents, dings and scratches are a huge eyesore, and they lead to rust and corrosion. We’ll make the damage disappear and make your car look great again.

Headlight Restoration
Dingy, foggy headlights look bad – and they’re a safety hazard, too. You won’t believe what a difference professional restoration will make.

Wheel Refinishing
When your wheels lose their luster, your car just doesn’t look the same. Allow us to clean, restore and seal your wheels. They’ll look amazing and last longer.

Auto Painting
From small touch-ups to complete coats, nothing can revitalize your car like expertly prepped, matched and applied paint work.

New technologies have made today’s vehicles safer than ever. Still – things happen! Even the best drivers can wind up in an accident. 

While being in an accident is stressful enough, dealing with what comes next can be its own kind of nightmare. That’s why you should know your rights when it comes to choosing the right collision repair center.

  1. You have the right to choose your repair shop.
    Insurance companies may recommend a shop that they have a relationship with – but the choice is yours alone. Once you’ve informed your insurance representative that you’ve selected a repair facility, they should not try to influence you to take it somewhere else.
  2. You have the right to have your vehicle repaired to its pre-accident condition.
    Your insurance company is required to assume all costs necessary to repair your vehicle to its pre-accident condition, no matter which repair facility you choose.

At Loyalty Collision Center, we’ll repair your vehicle the right way.

When you choose Loyalty, we put your needs and priorities first. Our expert technicians will see that it’s done right. And our mission is to make your entire post-accident experience fast, easy and hassle-free.

We Make It Easy!

  • Free Pick Up & Delivery
  • Fast, FREE Estimates
  • Direct Repairs On-Site
  • On-Site Rental Cars

Trusted Technicians

Our technicians receive hands-on training using the latest collision repair and refinish technology. This means they’ll know exactly where to begin when it comes to restoring your vehicles. Loyalty Collision has Expert I-CAR, ASE Certified Technicians & Toyota Certified Technicians!

Lifetime Guarantee on Service

All work done at Loyalty Collision comes with a Lifetime Guarantee*. From our market-leading technical expertise to the hassle-free way we work directly with your insurance company to expedite your claim, the benefits of Loyalty Collision are something everybody can appreciate

If you’re ever in an accident, don’t be afraid to insist on going with Loyalty Collision. It’s your right. And we’ll take care of both you and your vehicle – and do it right!

It’s smart to have your car checked out after a small accident or curb bump, even if your fender looks fine. There could be hidden damage to your vehicle!

  • Today’s vehicles are loaded with sensors, cameras and radar that monitor your car and your surroundings. Any kind of impact can easily disrupt these systems.
  • If your blind spot monitor, backup camera and automatic emergency braking tech isn’t working properly, that puts you and your passengers at risk.
  • Even if no warning light comes on, that doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. Some trouble codes can only be accessed through a diagnostic scan.
  • Don’t dismiss any sort of weird noises. Your car’s frame, steering and suspension components could be out of whack and should be checked out.
  • Check your seat belts are working properly.

If you’re in an accident – even a small one – Loyalty Collision is here to help. We’ll give your vehicle a thorough inspection, and a free estimate, to make sure everything really is fine.

At Loyalty, the forecast calls for safety!

Can you believe it? Fall is right around the corner! Here at Loyalty, we want to make sure our customers stay safe no matter what Mother Nature brings.

And if you’ve lived around Virginia long enough, you know that means big afternoon thunderstorms, drenching tropical storms, and all the slick roads, falling limbs and flooded roadways that follow.

To keep safe, many of our loyal customers bring their cars into one of our convenient collision centers for a quick rainy season safety check – just  to make sure their cars are functioning safely, smoothly and properly before the storms hit.

Luckily, our convenient locations in Chester, Petersburg, West End and Williamsburg make driving safe easy. Because let’s face it, the last thing you want to do is find yourself driving in a big storm and find out that your vehicle’s safety features aren’t working properly. Failing wipers? Lights out? No thanks! 

Simply make an appointment and we’ll check your tires, brakes, wipers, and lights – then let you know if anything needs repair or replacement.

We’ll check your tires! Your vehicle’s tires help you to maintain traction, and changes in temperature can cause changes in your tire pressure. We’ll check everything and make sure that your tires have been properly balanced and rotated.

We’ll check your brakes!  Stopping in rainy weather takes longer. We’ll  make sure your brakes meet all vehicle manufacturer specifications. Do your brakes squeak? It could mean your brake pads need to be changed. Grinding noises? That needs immediate attention.

We’ll check your wipers! The last thing you want to do is be caught in a downpour with poorly working wiper blades. We’ll check the condition of your windshield wipers for signs of brittleness. Notice any streaking? It’s probably time for new wipers.

We’ll check your lights! In bad weather, your lights not only help you see, they help others see you. We’ll check your headlights, tail lights and directions to keep you safe an divisible. Remember, the law requires drivers to turn on headlights when using their windshield wipers.

Of course, no matter how prepared you are, accidents still happen. Remember that the Loyalty Collision Center is always here for you with free estimates, expert collision repair and convenient locations in Chester, Petersburg, West End, and Williamsburg.

Schedule a safety check today!