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boy looking at a map on a family road trip

How to Keep Your Car Clean During a Family Road Trip

Keeping your vehicle from becoming a disaster while traveling with kids

Taking a family road trip for a long vacation or even a weekend getaway is as American as apple pie. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, people took more than 220 billion vehicle trips in 2017. And all those car rides can take a toll on your vehicle. While all of us at Collision Center of Andover know what such things like weather, pollen and vehicle accidents can do to the outside of your car, we know there’s another force of nature that regular keeps many of you from maintaining a nice interior and clean car.

Children

Kids can make the task of keeping a vehicle clean seem impossible. And of course, some of us adults can also be guilty of regularly contributing to the clutter.

Working to keep your car clean on a regular basis is challenging enough. A road trip with the whole family packed in the vehicle for many hours over many days means your car may resemble the inside of a trash can before returning home.

Whether you’re headed across Kansas or across the country, here are some tips to prevent the inside of your car looking like a disaster on your next family road trip.

The 2 items that can make car clean-up easy (or at least easier)

A trash bag
Or several! Make sure you have enough small bags (grocery bags work well) to last the duration of your trip. You’ll want to be sure there is one in reach of each person in the vehicle. This way, all the cups, receipts, wrappers and miscellaneous trash that gets accumulated along the road trip have a place to go.

An activity bag for each kid
You might consider this a miscellaneous bag. Fill a bag (backpacks work great for this) for each kid with items that will help keep them entertained along the way. Some great things to put in an activity bag include:
- Crayons, pens
- Notebook, coloring book
- Books
- Hand-held games
- A few toys (hot wheels, Barbie dolls, etc)
Beyond this bag serving the purpose of bringing the items along that will help keep kids entertained in the car, it will also serve as the holding place for those items to return to. After all, crayons and notebooks that get taken out will need a place to go when your child discards them for another activity. Using a separate and designated activity bag, instead of putting these items in the luggage with your clothes, means that those luggage bags can remain tucked away in your trunk.

The right cleaning supplies for a family road trip

Whether you’re exploring Kansas or states far away, being on a trip should be an enjoyable time, not one you spend worrying about a dirty car, but a little bit of quick, on-the-spot cleaning (as needed) can go a long way. At the time of a spill, even having just the bare essentials will help you address the spill right away, when it’s something that can be easily wiped away. This may keep you from having to deal with time-consuming deep-cleaning after you return home.

The basics of being ready to handle quick little messes on a family road trip include just two items:

1. Wipes
2. Paper towels

Put your stops to use

Staying on top of the mess can be as simple as “old mess out before new mess in”. Use the stops you make for a fill-up or a fast food break as moments to make a quick vehicle clean-up. Have the kids fill up the trash bags you’ve brought along with whatever trash they’ve accumulated before the next round of food and drink enter the vehicle. Have them look around and put any of their books, crayons, or toys that are lying around into their activity bag.

Want to make sure your vehicle is travel ready before your trip? Whether it’s a day trip exploring new towns across Kansas or you’re heading across the country, it’s always good to make sure your vehicle is well-equipped to handle the trip. Schedule an appointment with us at Collision Center of Andover for us to make sure your car is ready for your next road trip.

car on a very snowy Wichita road in the winter

Winter is Coming: Is Your Vehicle Ready?

Winter Ready: Car Emergency Kit

If you find yourself stranded in snow or ice, that is not the time to wonder if your car is sufficiently equipped. Take some basic steps before the first day of winter to ensure you and your family are prepared for problems you may encounter on wintry roads. At Collision Center of Andover, we see the damage winter can take on vehicles. Once you pull your winter coat out of storage and start turning on your furnace, that’s also the time to take the necessary measures to make sure you’re in good shape before the worst of winter strikes.

Most of the ways you can get your car or truck winter ready for inclement weather can be done by yourself if you have some basic or moderate-level car maintenance know-how.

Check Your Fluids

Coolant: Be sure you have the coolant filled to the maximum line AND that you have the correct antifreeze/water mixture to keep your fluid from freezing. You can find a coolant tester at an auto parts store. Your owner’s manual will have the information on what your vehicle needs.
Oil: Some vehicles do best in freezing temperatures if you switch to a thinner oil. Check your owner’s manual or talk to a skilled mechanic.
Wiper Fluid: This is definitely a fluid you shouldn’t forget about. Before freezing temperatures hit, switch to a freeze-resistant wiper fluid so you’ll be sure to always have a clear view.

Check Your Tires

More than just worrying about a flat, you also need to be sure your tires are giving you enough traction on slippery roads. Low air pressure and worn tires can reduce your tire’s traction.

Air Pressure: Check your owner’s manual for the recommended PSI for your vehicle. Use a tire gauge to know when you’ve put the correct amount in your tires.

Pack an Emergency Kit

Just as you should prepare an emergency kit in advance of tornadoes and dangerous spring storms, you should take a few minutes to gather together a car emergency kit of items that will prove very helpful if you find yourself stranded in the cold.

Phone Battery Charger: If your car breaks down and the engine won’t start, there goes your power source for your cell phone. Purchase a battery charger that you reserve for this winter kit so that it always remains fully charged and ready in case of an emergency.
Warm Coverings: You may find yourself waiting a couple hours for a tow truck without being able to use your car’s heater. Keep a hat, gloves and even a blanket in your vehicle. If you frequently travel with others (including pets), be mindful to keep enough extras for your regular passengers.
Kitty Litter: When you find your tires deep into a few feet of snow, you’re going to need some added traction to help you out. Kitty litter or sand can be poured onto the snow to help your tires get the necessary traction.
Ice Scraper
Flashlight
Small shovel

While this car emergency kit will be kept inside your vehicle, you should also have one more item that is kept OUTSIDE your vehicle. A De-Icer spray can help you make your way into a car that’s frozen shut, but only if it’s not trapped inside the vehicle. Consider keeping one at both your home and workplace so you’re never frozen out.

Protection from Salt Damage:

Give your vehicle a fresh coat of wax before the first snow and then wash it regularly during the winter. While rust isn’t the problem it once was with older vehicles, salt can build up in some areas especially after driving in snow on treated roadways. Have the wheel wells and underbody washed regularly to keep them clear from too much salt.

Let your Car Warm Up:

Just because you can start driving once you’ve started your car up doesn’t mean you should. Allowing your car to idle for a bit will give the oil a chance to heat up, thin out, and flow more smoothly. Start up your car before you tackle brushing off the snow and that should provide enough idle time.

Know your Towing Service:

Suffering a collision or being stranded with a dead vehicle isn’t the best time to worry about finding a reliable towing service who will get to you quickly. Collision Center of Andover provides 24/7 full-service towing to Wichita and Andover, towing any passenger vehicle to any destination or the shop of your choice. Put our number, (316) 719-2100, in your contacts so you’ll be ready to call right away when you need us.

Collision Center of Andover offers high-quality, reliable repair and towing service. Check out our before-and-after examples to see how we can completely fix your dented car. From collision repair, paintless dent repair to mechanical repairs and more, count on the repair experts to get your vehicle running and back in shape.

Be Winter Ready before our next Wichita winter!

10 Tips for Summer Travel

Summer – it’s that time of year we pack up our kids and our cars and hit the open road. Road trips can be exciting as we map out our plans to visit relatives, National Parks or maybe a theme park. Or perhaps a quiet vacation at an exclusive resort is more your style for summer travel.

Regardless of where you are going on vacation, it’s important you head out prepared, especially if you don’t wish for your car to break down. Imagine the hassle of taking your car to an andover collision center or auto repair shop and missing vacation days. In addition to packing all the right clothes and enough drinks and snacks for the long haul, there are several provisions you cannot forget when planning your big summer travel adventure. It’s important to check your car out thoroughly before heading out on your summer journey to ensure you trip isn’t interrupted by a breakdown and a call for the tow truck.

Top 10 items to check

Have your car tuned up and make any repairs you have been putting off.
Ensure all fluids have been checked and either replaced or topped off as needed.
If your battery is three or more years old, consider replacing it as extreme heat can deplete an old battery and leave you stranded. Learn more about how to prevent a tire blowout.
Make sure your tires are in great shape and properly aligned. It’s a good idea to bring along a tire repair kit or a small portable tank, especially if you will be travelling far and/or in remote areas.
Bring a gallon of water for emergencies – it could be handy if you are stuck on the side of the road or your radiator is in trouble.
Check to make sure you have a tool box with tire tools, a spare tire and a jack.
Ensure your glove box contains the vehicle owner’s manual, as well as necessary papers, such as auto insurance information and emergency phone numbers. A small flashlight may also be handy.
Make certain you have the right corresponding mobile device chargers.
Be sure to tell a friend or neighbor where you are going, and perhaps your planned route in case it is remote.
If you are travelling far and/or for a long period of time, it’s a good idea to bring medical records and your medical insurance card.

Have a great summer trip! Don’t forget to ask a friend or neighbor to check on your house regularly and pick up any mail or newspapers, so it’s not obvious you are away.

Traveling with children or with messy people of any age? Learn some simple tips to keep the interior of your vehicle (mostly) clean while on a family vacation.

Need to get back on the road?

Contact the Collision Center of Andover at (316) 733-9310. We handle everything from full line collision repair to repairing windshield chips. If you find yourself stranded in Andover or the Wichita area, we can provide towing services to get you right to a repair shop of your choosing.

photo credit: 300td.org via photopin cc

Preventing Tire Blowout and Collisions

It can happen to anyone. You’re driving along on the road and unexpectedly you hit a deep pothole, bump the curb, or run over a nail, and suddenly you are faced with tire blowout. You try to steer through it and pull off the road without losing control. Unfortunately, not everyone escapes collision when a tire blows out – and not everyone escapes injury.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates around 400 fatalities every year may be attributed to tire failure. Tire blowouts are said to cause tens of thousands of collisions annually. That’s why it’s vital to check your tires regularly and replace them when warranted to help prevent an unexpected breakdown or even a devastating collision.

Not only does replacing your tires regularly help avoid breakdowns and crashes, according to the NHTSA, tires in good condition also help improve vehicle handling and fuel economy.

Take note of manufacturers recommendation for safety

While guidelines for vehicles and tires may vary, most vehicle manufacturers recommend tires be replaced every six years, regardless of how many miles have been driven on them. Be sure to check your owner’s manual for specific recommendations.

While it might be tempting to keep old tires that otherwise look fine to the eye, be aware of the possibility of dry rot. Even in storage, tires can degrade over time as the oils and chemicals in the rubber compound break down or evaporate as the result of UV exposure. Tires in warm climates and coastal areas also have a reduced life span. Reduced flexibility can lead to cracking, which can lead to tire failure. It’s very dangerous when the tread begins to separate from the tire and can lead to loss of vehicle control.

Complete regular safety checks

It only takes a few minutes each month to check the condition of your tires. While tire life is often dependent on the tire manufacturer and the environment in which they are used, there are general steps the NHTSA recommends you follow every month to ensure safety:

Check the tire pressure of all four tires, including the spare
Inspect tires for uneven wear patterns on the tread
Check for cracks, foreign objects, or other signs of wear or trauma
Remove bits of glass and other foreign objects wedged in the tread
Make sure your tire valves have valve caps
Check the tire information placard or owner’s manual for the maximum recommended load for the vehicle
If you are towing a trailer, remember that some of the weight of the loaded trailer is transferred to the towing vehicle

How do I check my tires for safety?

Tires have built-in treadwear indicators that signify when it is time to replace your tires. Here are some helpful hints from the NHTSA on how to check your tire for uneven wear or worn treads:

Check out the raised sections spaced intermittently in the bottom of the tread grooves known as the treadwear indicators. You know it’s time to replace your tires when they appear even with the outside of the tread.
You can also check your wear by inserting a Lincoln penny (head pointing down) into the tread. You will know it’s time to replace your tires if the tread doesn’t cover Lincoln’s head.

If you need any work done, or existing damage repaired, contact the Collision Center of Andover at (316) 733-9310, and we will get you back on the road.

Pesky Pollen: How to Protect Your Car’s Finish

Finally, it’s Spring! It feels great to get outdoors again, do some gardening and perhaps take a drive around town with your car windows down. Unfortunately, as the trees, plants and flowers begin to bloom, a powdery substance called pollen is released into the atmosphere.

In addition to being a nuisance for allergy sufferers, this yellow substance settles on the surface of everything, including your car. At Collision Center of Andover we have auto body technicians with many years of experience dealing with vehicles that have lost their luster from pollen or other causes.

We know hot great it feels to have a car that looks as new as when you first bought it, and we work hard to do just that for customers across Andover and Wichita. Just check out our Before and After collision repair photos to see our work!

Spring Issues for Your Vehicle: Pollen’s Effect on Cars

While a single pollen grain is microscopic, it can wreak havoc on your car’s paint – ultimately causing substantial damage to its finish. Because of pollen’s tendency to stick to surfaces as part of the pollination process, pollen needs to be physically removed from your car surface before the natural acids cause damage. A simple rain shower rinse cannot fully prevent staining or premature oxidation.

Can I just rinse pollen off my vehicle?

It may be tempting to just give your car a quick rinse with the hose or use a soft brush to remove the annoying yellow pollen powder from your car, but experts agree this has the potential for long-term damage by scratching the paint. While you may have rinsed some pollen away, a substantial amount of damaging pollen will remain and merely spraying it can activate some of its acidic qualities. This is most often the case with pine pollen because even a rain shower has the tendency to activate the pollen’s acidity.

How to remove pollen from cars finish

To ensure a bright and shiny finish, it’s recommended you wash your vehicle thoroughly with soap to fully encapsulate the pollen and rinse it away. It is also vital to wax your car regularly to further protect the finish.

Steps to effectively remove pollen:

Rinse your car to soften the pollen
Fill large bucket with water and foamy car soap
Scrub the car from front to back in small sections using a sponge or brush that won’t scratch paint
Rinse car thoroughly
Dry car thoroughly with a chamois or soft cloth
Apply car wax according to manufacturer’s instructions and buff well

While pollen has the potential of ruining your car’s finish, a simple soapy hand wash and wax a few times a week during the peak of spring should protect your car from long-term damage from pollen. While hand-washing your car can seem time-consuming, you are potentially adding years and value to your investment.

If you need any work done, or existing damage repaired, contact the Collision Center of Andover at (316) 733-9310, and we will get you back on the road. We offer a variety of services to make your car looking and running like new such as complete vehicle repaint and restoration and window glass repair and replacement.