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Buying a car is a stressful responsibility, oftentimes bringing people to the point of pulling their hair out. There’s just so much to analyze, where do you even begin? Usually, the first thing to decide is whether to purchase a new or used car. This is a big decision in itself because you have to evaluate the most cost-effective pick for now and in the long run. We’ve taken the time to put together a cost-benefit analysis to help you make the most educated decision for a significant piece of your life.

New Car Costs

Let’s start with the obvious: new cars are more expensive than used. You’re paying for updated technology and untouched mechanics, plus the insurance and registration costs are higher as well. And you’ll never really get your money back when you sell your car down the line. Your car takes at least a 20% hit to its value as soon as you drive it off the lot thanks to depreciation, and it continues to decrease the longer you have your car.

Used Car Costs

Of course, if you’ve thought about whether to purchase new or used cars, you’ve been reminded that you’ll be buying a vehicle with wear and tear to an unknown degree. The car will have about 50 thousand or more miles if you’re looking at a relatively light price tag. And with those miles come impending repairs every car owner has to deal with, but you’ll be dealing with them sooner. You also don’t know how the car’s been handled, so there’s a chance the vehicle is aged even further.

New Car Benefits

But of course, thanks to the nature of a cost-benefit analysis, we’re also allowed to look at the bright side of your purchase. When you’re buying new, as we said before, you’re getting the new technology. Even if you’re not into your car looking like a space ship, it adds value to it later in life if you need to sell it. And, since there’s no mechanical deterioration to assess, some people prefer buying new cars simply because it’s “easier.”

Used Car Benefits

“Used” doesn’t always mean the car’s cheap because it’s beaten and busted up. You could be looking at a two-year-old car with low mileage and still find that the price tag is significantly smaller than a new model’s. In fact, statistics show that buying a used car will reduce the cost by at least 30% of its original value. And even if the car is more than just a few years old, you can rest assured in the fact that most cars have been produced to be dependable, functioning at top-tier performance for a longer period of time.

Overall, it’s your decision to make, and where you’re willing to sacrifice. Among expert opinions such as the senior director of insights for Kelley Blue Book, finding a certified pre-owned car between two to three years old is the sweet spot for value and longevity. Be sure to to inspect the used car for further issues that might happen in the future. And for any repairs or adjustments needing to be made, visit trustworthy shops such as Wrecktify Collision Repair so your new (or used) car is in good hands and you get the most life and value out of your vehicle. Contact us today for more information!

Cars are expensive. And, not just the purchasing of the actual car. Big-time repairs can be bank-account dissolvers and nearly impossible to handle financially. And the frustrating truth is that some of the most expensive, complex issues you’re dealing with can be easily prevented, but most people either don’t think they have the time, or they don’t think about it until it’s too late. By investing in preventative maintenance, time and money can be saved, as well as improving your car’s current performance and extending its life.

So What Is It?

Preventative maintenance is like squashing all the little bugs before they grow into the monsters that destroy your car. The actual term can be applied to almost anything, from vehicles to businesses, or even to relationships. But specifically, regarding your car, preventative maintenance is all the little things you don’t really want to do: oil changes, checking tire pressure, and routine inspections.

Why Invest In Preventative Maintenance?

All these things seem trivial, and putting them off seems enticing, but the truth is that the last minute repairs that come from procrastinating can be exponentially more expensive than they originally would be. To extend the life of your car and improve its performance, you have to treat it like you’d treat your own body. Going in for routine doctor’s visits will help make sure you’re in good health, as well as catch any impending health disaster early, the same way taking your car in for inspections will ensure your car is in tip-top shape. Paying for the little nitpicky procedures may not be financially ideal at the moment, but it’s much more palatable than the heavy duty repairs you’d have to pay for later.

How to “Do” It

The best way to take care of your car is by setting up a schedule for maintenance, and the most overlooked way of knowing what to do and when is by reading your owner’s manual. It has the exact timing of the checkups you need to have done, all personalized for your vehicle. And, if you want to be both productive and cost-effective, you can learn to do most of it by yourself since it’s all the lower-tier inspections. It may take some research, but knowing how to change your own oil or even replace your own spark plugs will do wonders for both your car and your bank account.

Whether you’re a wait-until-the-last-minute kind of person or you’re already on the preventative maintenance grind, Wrecktify’s team of experts is ready and at your service. No matter the size or the severity of the issue, they can handle whatever you throw their way. You can schedule appointments for inspections, repairs, replacements, and everything in between by visiting the Wrecktify website or calling the shop and speaking directly with one of the technicians. We’re ready to help you take the next step in caring for your car.

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Wrecktify doesn’t just settle for simply being a body shop. We take pride in going above and beyond for our Green County collision repair services for anyone who walks through our doors. Our carefully selected technicians are proficient in the art of vehicular body work and passionate about what they do. But some of the people we see don’t know where to begin in the realm of car repairs or upkeep, or even really know exactly what a body shop is. And that’s totally normal – we’re here to help in any way we can. At Wrecktify, our goal is to make you comfortable as well as give you the service you need, and explaining why we do what we do is the best way to make that possible.

What is a body shop?

A body shop is a place where repairs to cars and other vehicles are performed. At Wrecktify, we take “body shop” to a whole other level. That’s why our location in Green County is a hot spot for people all around Wisconsin and even northern Illinois. Anything car related, we’ve got you covered, and we don’t just stop at conventional repairs. Our technicians are skilled in full body repairs, vintage restorations, and also minor cosmetic touch-ups. An extensive amount of care goes into each process, and we love to talk about what we can do to assist you.

Green County Collision Repair

Car accidents are the worst, plain and simple… Since we restore entire vehicles from top to bottom, anything short of a total loss, we can handle! We work with you every step of the way to ensure you’re secure and confident in us and how we handle your vehicle’s collision repair. Whether the damage is minor or major, we’re prepared to help you in any way we can.

Restoration

Full vehicle restorations aren’t for the faint of heart. You need to have knowledge of every part of a vehicle to complete a project from beginning to end. Some of our clients don’t possess that knowledge, so we handle all the work allowing our them to watch the progression of their vehicle from a bucket of bolts to a brand new piece of machinery with all the feels and aesthetics from the day it first rolled off the production line… Plus or minus a few modifications!

Detailing

The most frequently used services we offer are our detailing packages. More than just going through the local car wash, we make sure we clean every nook and cranny on the inside and outside of your car. We offer an array of packages to ensure every need is met. The experts at the shop recommend regular detailing in order to prevent damage to the car’s exterior or underside.

We understand that not everyone is “well versed” in the world of automobiles. Everyone was the same way at one point! But once you understand the basics of your cars needs and what taking good care of a car entails, the prospect of visiting a body shop and talking the issues through seems less daunting. At Wrecktify, we want to be accessible to anyone who needs help. Our Green County body shop is a destination for anyone in the towns of Monroe, Albany, New Glarus, Monticello, Exeter, or anyone who wants their car to be exceptionally taken care of. Call our shop to make an appointment with the experts today and get the service and expertise you expect.

We realize not everyone is familiar with what a collision repair service does in general, much less our business in specific. So for those who have not been introduced to the car restoration world, meet your local repair shop in Madison, Wisconsin. We’re Wrecktify, and we offer quality services unmatched by any other repair shop you’ll come across. Our technicians are well trained and have a passion for restoring and repairing vehicles, which shows in the high-quality work we produce. Our business focuses on three aspects of car maintenance: detailing, collision repair, and restoration. Whether you’re a classic car fanatic or someone who wants to keep their vehicle looking nice and in good shape, we have the right service package to fit your needs.

Detailing

The most basic and commonly used service is our detailing packages. They span both interior and exterior, from deep cleaning to a simple wash and wax. These are regular tune-ups we recommend everyone take advantage of so their car is in the best shape possible. There’s a difference between having your car washed and having it detailed, and detailing takes your car and its appearance to the next level. With four different price options, you’ll find a package just right for you and your car.

Collision Repair

Our collision repair services provide unparalleled flexibility in every way. We’re able to work with all insurance companies to keep you covered, and our expert technicians are trained to work with any car, no matter the make or model. Every type of damage you could be dealing with, from simple dents to frame straightening and alignment, we can handle with ease. No job is too big for us to take on! We even help you with rental services while your car is in our care. We leave no stone unturned when it comes to providing exceptional repair service. When you’re dealing with the frustrating experience of a car wreck, we try to alleviate as much stress as possible and take care of the problem the only way we know how: the right way.

Restoration

For the classic car, street racer, or hot rod collector, we offer restoration services unequaled by anyone else in the business. Our technicians have a passion for vintage cars, and their workmanship shows it. They are able to take on the big jobs such as engine, transmission, and axle rebuilds, and the cosmetic repairs including body and paint work. Wrecktify restoration experts possess painstaking attention to detail so every job is done with the highest quality craftsmanship.

We offer a wide variety of services with unmatched flexibility and mastery. Whether you’re looking to give your car a bit of a facelift or you’re in need of a complete rebuild and repair, we’ve got you covered. So now that we’ve been informally introduced, we hope to meet you in person soon! Visit our website to set up an appointment or stop by today. The Madison collision repair service experts at Wrecktify are excited to bring your dream car to life.

When you’re looking into the best ways to improve the performance of your vehicle, whether for recreational or weather reasons, chances are you’ve come across recommendations for directional tires. If you’re thinking about the possibility of purchasing directional tires, the first thing you’re likely to notice is the cost of this type of tire is higher than other options. But why is there such a large price difference? Instead of letting the price tag stop you from at least considering the benefits of installing directional tires on your car, let’s look into the science and logic behind the design and prices. The experts at Wrecktify Collision & Repair want you to understand and be able to fully assess the options at hand in order to make the best decision for your driving needs.

Directional tires possess a variety of benefits and purposes, and in order to decide whether or not to utilize them, we want you to know all about the benefits they provide.

Why So Expensive?

The key “con” of these tires is, of course, the elevated price. But what makes these tires more expensive than the typically equipped symmetric or asymmetric tires? The answer is surprisingly straightforward: the rubber compounds that allow the tires to reach a higher performance level and grip the road better is what boosts the price tag. Having this specific tire tread allows for enhanced driving experience and general functional improvements. Simply put, directional tires are more expensive because they’re just better!

Safety

Directional tires are made to be ideal for all types of weather because they are designed specifically for the purpose of performance, regardless of any snow or rainwater on the road. When the roads are wet, the V-shaped pattern of the treads pushes the water to the outsides of the tires. This enables your vehicle to have consistent traction on the pavement and reduces the risk of you slipping or hydroplaning. Whether the weather calls for snow, rain, or sunshine, directional tires will ensure you and your family will remain safe when you’re on the road. It’s a significant plus, and it’s a highly recommended investment to make for families living in areas with heavy and frequent rainfall.

Handling

Even if you aren’t going to be dealing with a large amount of rain and snow, directional tires are the best for optimal handling on dry pavement. These are the tires you’ll find on race cars and professional drivers’ cars, so you can expect to have a professional-grade driving experience every time you hit the blacktop. And directional tires can do much more than making any car just a little more fun to drive. When you’re driving at a higher speed, you can rely on your tires to maintain control and stability on the road, again ensuring that you remain safe in your car. How your car drives and handles may not be the first thing on everyone’s mind, but once you feel the difference a good set of tires makes, you’ll never want to go back.

Fuel Efficiency

Because of the better traction and handling, they will increase your car’s fuel efficiency. Of course, your driving patterns and acceleration habits will affect your gas mileage regardless of the type of tires. However, you will have less “rolling resistance” because of their design, and therefore require less force to accelerate out of a turn or at a traffic light. It may not seem like much, but the smaller amount of force makes a huge difference when you’re looking at the big picture. Tires that provide a lower rolling resistance are estimated to save one to four percent per gallon of fuel compared to the average asymmetric or symmetric tires. So while there may be a higher price of the initial investment when it comes to directional tires, you will most likely save money to make up for that cost in the long run.

Any Downfalls?

Aside from the higher buying price, the only negatives when it comes to directional tires are the smaller lifespan and potentially more expensive maintenance. As you probably already know, the longer you drive on a set of tires, the more the treads wear down, and usually specific areas of the tires are broken down more due to the turning and shifting weight of your vehicle. Normally, to extend the life of your tires instead of just switching them out and buying new ones, you can go in to get your tires rotated. With symmetric and even asymmetric tires, you can rotate them from front to back and side to side. However, thanks to these tires being… well… directional, they can usually only be rotated on the front-to-back plane, making the rate of replacement higher than alternative treads.

That’s not to say it’s absolutely impossible to rotate the tires from one side to the other. Most vehicle repair or tire shops are able to perform the task, but the job requires quite a few more steps and more equipment. Side-to-side rotation requires the dismounting of the tires, flipping them, and then remounting them. It may not seem like much, but it’s a tedious and time-consuming task, and you will have to pay extra to have it done.

Though the price tag on these tires is oftentimes daunting to potential buyers in comparison to the standard symmetric or asymmetric tire patterns, most experts would say directional tires are worth the extra investment. For the safety of you and your family and overall superior driving experience, these tires will live up to the hype. However, because of the extra costs and hassle, not everyone may be able or willing to put in the extra funds. In order to find the best decision for you, your driving habits, and your budget, talk to a local repair shop to get professional advice. Our technicians at Wrecktify would be more than happy to share their expertise and experience with you, so don’t hesitate to call!

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Gap insurance, otherwise known as “guaranteed auto protection,” is insurance designed to cover the difference between a car’s actual cash value and the balance of the loan financed when the car was purchased. If your car is totaled, gap insurance provides you with full coverage in case you still owe a remaining loan amount. As the name implies, it fills the gap between what you owe and the car’s value. What are the benefits of GAP insurance you might ask? This form of protection is both beneficial and convenient, covering worst-case scenario, offering flexible payment options, and expediting the replacement process of your vehicle.

Protection When The Worst Happens

Purchasing a brand new car is usually a very happy day. However, as soon as you drive it off the lot, your new car is technically not brand new and immediately depreciates. Sometimes this depreciation can be as drastic as losing 20-30% of the total value.

This depreciation has no impact on your loan amount. It remains the same and needs to be paid off, no matter what circumstances the vehicle or driver may encounter. For example, if the vehicle is lost, stolen, or totaled (deemed unfit to drive), the remainder of the loan is still owed. This is where gap insurance comes in making up the difference between the car’s depreciated value and the remaining balance. Without gap insurance, that difference is now a burden the driver must bear. Combined with new payments for a replacement vehicle. You can clearly see how GAP insurance has the potential to save a driver thousands of dollars in lost money in the event of a disaster.

Payment Options

Because gap insurance is technically separate from your typical monthly car insurance, there is no obligation to pay for it the same way you pay for your coverage. You can decide to pay for the entirety of the gap coverage in one fell swoop or incorporate smaller payments into your monthly car insurance premium. Your available funds and cash flow will help you decide what works best for you.

There are also instances in which the purchase of gap insurance does not immediately have to be implemented when someone buys a vehicle. Some dealerships offer the coverage for twelve months after the initial purchase of the car, allowing you to have time to evaluate your need for the coverage. GAP insurance is also convenient because it is meant to last for the same amount of time as the car loan. When the loan is paid off, there is no need to pay for the extra coverage because there’s no longer a gap to cover.

Speedy Replacement

There’s no escaping the stress caused by theft, an accident, or the complete totaling of what is most likely your only mode of transportation. You’ll have to deal with insurance claims, police reports, and still, make payments on the totaled vehicle. You may even be effected by health problems caused by the accident. With so many things to do, the last thing you want to worry about is purchasing another vehicle and handling the additional payments that come along with it. Buying a GAP insurance policy would ensure that you are not responsible for the balance of a loan on a financed vehicle.

If you are involved in a damaging accident, the technicians at Wrecktify want to help relieve your stress and fix your vehicle. Our location in New Glarus, Wisconsin allows access to residents of both Wisconsin and Chicagoland. Visit wrecktifycollision.com to make an appointment with our experts for a collision estimate and repair.

The turn in the new year does not reflect a change in our nasty midwest winters. This unfortunate truth also comes hand-in-hand with decreased visibility and traction on snowy, icy, and rainy days. While you may be taking precautions to drive safe, the same cannot be said for the other drivers on the road. The next best step that you can take is being prepared for what may happen after an accident occurs.

Document And Take Pictures

If you are able to photograph the scene and the damages from the crash, you will be able to better remember and share all important and pertinent information with the police, insurance companies, and any repair specialists. Be sure to take down the time, date, location, name, insurance company, and license plate of the other vehicles in the crash. The more information you can get, the better off you will be. This information is often taken by the police but it is important you have the information for your records as well.

File an Insurance Claim

One reason for taking detailed notes and photos is to assist you in making a claim to your insurance company. As many of us know, insurance claims can be a headache but with proper documentation and detailed reports, it can help ease some of the stress involved. Be aware, in the state of Wisconsin, it is every vehicle owner’s right to choose their repair shop. Some insurance companies may suggest a specific shop they would like you to use to but it is not within their authority to tell you when you have to take your repair.

Seek Medical Attention

If you have dire injuries, make sure an ambulance is called immediately. If your injuries are mild or nonexistent at the moment, check on all involved in the accident to ensure their safety as well. It is highly recommended that you be examined by a doctor shortly after your car accident to ensure your health and physical condition are not compromised. If you do experience aches, bruising, or any other symptoms within a week of your accident, be sure to report these to your doctor to rule out internal bleeding or other dangerous and life-threatening situations.

Take Your Carl to a Collision Repair Specialist

After you ensure your health, it’s time to assess the damage to your vehicle. The best way to do this properly is to take it to a collision repair specialist. An experienced mechanic can take a look at your vehicle and assess the damage and the necessary repairs to make your vehicle look like new again. The damage may be internal as well and they can ensure each component of your vehicle is working correctly and fix those that are not.

Wrecktify Collision knows that accidents are unavoidable but the care you take afterward is essential. Your health and safety is our first priority and the proper restoration of your vehicle is our second priority. With expert team members and years of experience, there is no one you can trust more than Wrecktify Collision. Contact us to learn more about our services.

The harsh winter weather change in the Midwest leads to more dangerous driving conditions and an increased demand for Monroe County collision repair shops. Wrecktify Collision has extensive knowledge of all aspects of collision repair and can help you be ready to act after you are involved in a car crash.

Car crashes are never expected or planned for but they are often unavoidable and can cause extreme physical damage to your, your passengers, and your vehicle. Your first instincts after a car crash can make a life and death difference.  In order to help prepare you for the inevitable car crash you may be involved in or be a bystander to, we want you to be informed on what you should do after a car crash.

Get to Safety

Your first move after a car crash needs to be one of protection from further damage. This may mean you need to get away from the immediate site of the crash but never leave the scene of an accident, this can lead to a misdemeanor or a felony charge. If you are seriously injured and unable to move, make sure that you let others involved in the crash that you need medical assistance. Moving when you are seriously injured can lead to increased injury that is unavoidable.

Protect The Scene

If you are able to exit your vehicle, your next step is to make sure to protect the scene and check on all others involved or near the accident scene. If you are able to move your vehicle from harm’s way, you should. If you are not, make sure to turn on your hazards so that other drivers can avoid hitting you or your vehicle and cause further damage. Check on the other driver or drivers in the crash to make sure that they are safe and you can call for medical attention if it is needed.

Call the Police

One of your next steps should include at least one of the drivers making a phone call to your local police department to inform the police of the crash and ask for an officer to come to the scene to assist traffic redirection and ensure all parties cooperate.

Being prepared for a car crash can help you protect you, your passengers, and any other persons involved. Make sure that you do your part after a car crash to ensure safety, proper authorities are called, medical attention is given when needed, and your vehicle is repaired properly at a Monroe County collision repair specialist. Wrecktify Collision is experienced in all types of collision repair and can assist you as you deal with reporting your car crash records to your insurance company. With qualified mechanics and technicians, your car will be back to working condition and looking beautiful in no time. Be sure to call us to learn more about our services and stay safe this winter.