Looking for “body shop near me”? The Probst family has been working on collision-damaged vehicles since 1955 and we’ve heard and seen it all. Some people say that “a wrecked vehicle can never be the same.” Well, we don’t agree. We believe we can restore your vehicle to a safe and enjoyable condition.
From insurance companies to medical care, you can have a lot to deal with. Here at Probst Collision, we will walk you through each step and ensure you have an accurate and fair written estimate for your collision damages. We are a high-quality body shop near you.
When it comes to insurance, you get to choose the body shop, not your insurer. Your insurance company will usually have a list of recommended collision repair shops. You have the right to choose where your vehicle is repaired and are not required to use one they suggested.
Some of our body shop repair services include:
- Full auto and truck collision repair
- Paintless dent repair
- Surface refinishing and paint blemish repairs
- Auto and truck spot repairs
- Complete body and frame straightening services
- Driveline
- Fiberglass
- Suspension
- Air bag repair
- All electrical repair
- AC and cooling
- Interior
- Insurance claim guidance
- Frequent communication
We also specialize in air bag repair after a collision. It is crucial to have your air bag system checked and repaired following a collision. Air bags are a life-saving technology and if the system is not properly repaired, there could be devastating consequences if you are in another accident.
We have more than 50 years of experience in automotive repair. We will properly diagnose your vehicle’s issue and expertly repair it.
Probst Collision offers certified auto body and collision repair service center in New Lenox, IL, serving the local area including Joliet, Mokena, Frankfort, Manhattan, Chicago, and southwest Chicago suburbs. We have been been serving the area since 1979 and been in the business of repairing collision damaged vehicles since 1955. As you contemplate your decision as to what shop you wish to have your repairs completed by, please remember this: In this ever increasing world of unaccountability, we are accountable to one person… YOU, our customer, not your insurance company. You have the LEGAL right in Illinois to have your repairs performed at any shop of your choice. As you search for auto repair near you, we’d like to help you find more information about our services.
Auto repair near me: Probst Collision Repair
Being involved in a collision can be a frightening and traumatic experience. Here at Probst Collision, we want to make your experience as smooth and efficient as possible. We strive to provide repairs that meet or exceed OEM specifications with the latest technology including our Spanesi resistance spot welder, MIG welder from HTP, and conventional MIG and TIG welding machines. More: https://probstcollision.com/probst-services/collision-repair/
Auto repair near me: Probst Dent Repair
Car dents are unsightly and, unfortunately, hard to avoid over the life of your car or motorcycle. Fortunately, our professional dent removal services can get your car looking like new again. We employ three methods (depending on the severity) to remove dents from your car: Paintless Dent Removal Services, Inside Dent Repair And Dent Pulling, and Professional Dent Repair. More: https://probstcollision.com/probst-services/dent-repair/
Auto repair near me: Probst Mechanical Repair
Unfortunately, automotive repair is necessary over the course of a vehicle or motorcycle’s life. In order to keep your vehicle in the best condition, you need a reliable and expert professional to handle your mechanical repair services and needs. We offer collision and non-collision related mechanical repairs including: Suspension, Driveline, Cooling, Interior, Air Bag Systems, and Transmission. More: https://probstcollision.com/probst-services/mechanical-repair/
Auto repair near me: Probst Automotive Repainting
Probst Collision offers color matching for any of your paint-job needs. We only use the highest quality materials and our refinish crew technicians are certified in the latest industry practices. All of the technicians in our shop have ICAR, ASE, and/or Manufacturer training in their area of operation so you can be assured your vehicle will be restored to pre-accident condition. In addition to paint repair, Probst Collision is also proud to offer motorcycle custom painting. More: https://probstcollision.com/probst-services/automotive-repainting/
Auto repair near me: Probst Air Bag Repair
Having your airbag system checked and repaired after a collision is critical. Air bags save lives and if the system is not properly repaired, the consequences could be severe if in another accident. At Probst Collision, we strive to ensure all mechanical repairs are performed in a timely and cost-effective manner. Let us make sure everything is in working order and keep you and your loved ones safe. More: https://probstcollision.com/probst-services/air-bag-repair/
In this post, we review some things we think you should know about collision repair after an accident.
You’ve been in a car accident. Luckily you are okay. Your car, however, is not.
Now it’s time for collision repair. You need a good local auto body shop to repair your vehicle.
If you haven’t had to do this kind of repairs before, it might feel a little intimidating. You might feel a little overwhelmed.
You get to choose the repair shop, not your insurer
Your insurance company will usually have a list of recommended collision repair shops. You have the right to choose where your vehicle is repaired and are not required to use one they suggested.
If the frame is damaged your car isn’t necessarily totaled
Your car is considered “totaled” by your insurance company when the estimated cost of repairs is more than the value of your vehicle.
Many people assume that if the frame of the car is damaged that it will mean the car is considered totaled. That is not necessarily the case though.
Modern vehicles and repair techniques can restore a car frame more easily than they once could.
The age of your vehicle will be a factor in whether it is worth repairing or likely to be considered totaled. Newer vehicles will be more likely to be fixed.
There can be extensive repairs and unseen damage
Sometimes even when the damage to your car appears minor, there can be unseen damage caused by a collision.
A minor collision can still cause damage to the frame, wheels, interior or drivetrain.
Make sure you use an experienced repair shop that will inspect the entire vehicle and look for damage that may not be visible.
Your whole car won’t have to be repainted if only a portion was damaged
Modern technology used by today’s auto body shops means that if your car’s paint was damaged in only one area, that area can be repaired through exact color match painting.
What are aftermarket and OEM parts?
Original manufacturer parts (OEM) are usually higher quality than aftermarket parts. They are parts that were made for your vehicle by the manufacturer. Aftermarket parts are compatible, but they are not the same as OEM parts.
Not all auto body shops are the same
There are a lot of body shops, and not all of them provide the same level of services. Look at their Google reviews, check their score in the Better Business Bureau and ask around for referrals.
Feel free to talk to us at Probst Collision if you have any questions,
Need a reliable repair shop you can trust?
Probst Collision is the top auto body repair shop in New Lenox, IL. We provide collision repair, dent removal, mechanical repair, airbag replacement, and auto body painting in the local area to customers from New Lenox, Joliet, Mokena, Frankfort, Manhattan, and other southwest Chicagoland cities. Contact us today.
Call Today: (815) 485-8411
In this post, we list questions to ask your auto insurance agent regarding policy coverage and repair methods should you have to file a claim.
We are always happy to help you with your insurance company and dealing with issues. Our mission at Probst is to make your experience as smooth and efficient as possible
As today’s vehicles get safer and more sophisticated, the procedures to repair them have significantly changed as well. Many companies have fallen behind the times.
Your auto insurance policy is a contract between you and your insurance company and as such, you have specific rights within that policy.
The insurance company is obligated to make you whole within the specifics of the policy and you are obligated to compensate your chosen repair facility for the repairs performed on your vehicle.
With that in mind, here are some essential questions to ask of your auto insurance agent prior to ever needing to file an insurance claim.
If your current insurance company cannot give you satisfactory answers in writing, you should entertain looking for one that can.
1: Does my policy coverage allow a repair professional to repair my vehicle following the vehicle manufacturers’ repair procedures in regards to safety?
2: Does my policy coverage allow a repair professional to repair my vehicle following the vehicle manufacturer’s repair procedures in regards to performance and functionality?
3: Does my policy coverage allow the use of new original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts?
4: Does my policy coverage require used or non OEM parts?
5: Do repairs following my policy coverage retain all of my original manufacturer’s warranty?
Related Post: Is Hail Damage Covered by Car Insurance?
Feel free to talk to us at Probst Collision if you have any questions
Need a reliable repair shop you can trust?
Probst Collision is the top auto body repair shop in New Lenox, IL. We provide collision repair, dent removal, mechanical repair, airbag replacement, and auto body painting in the local area to customers from New Lenox, Joliet, Mokena, Frankfort, Manhattan, and other southwest Chicagoland cities. Contact us today.
Call Today: (815) 485-8411
When it is back to school time, there are a lot of things you need to get ready for the new school year.
You need school supplies, new school clothes for the kids, and you need to get the car ready for those daily trips to drop the kids off at school.
Getting the car ready may not be the first thing that comes to mind but it is definitely important to help ensure your kids get to school safely.
The Car Care Council and AutoNetTV have created a video to promote tips for getting your car ready for safe travel to school.
Back to School Car Care Tips Video
Back to School Car Care Tips
- Check lights and wipers for visibility. With shorter days and inclement weather ahead, make sure lights and wipers function properly so that you can see and be seen. Check wiper blades for signs of wear and replace if necessary.
- Get an annual brake inspection. The braking system is your car’s most important safety feature. Before carpool season gets in full swing, make sure that your brakes are functioning properly. Schedule a brake inspection and look for warning signs that your vehicle may need brake service, such as an illuminated brake light or screeching, grinding or clicking noises when applying the brakes.
- Check tires for under inflation or excessive wear. Check tire pressure and refill underinflated tires, including the spare, and look for uneven wear and check tread depth.
- Make sure everyone is buckled up. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website has important tips on seat belt fit and position. For the younger ones riding along, the site has information about how to install car seats as well as guidelines on selecting a car seat or booster based on your child’s age and size.
- Consider a back-up detection device. Consider having a back-up detection device installed that provides rearview video or warning sounds when moving in reverse. While drivers should not rely solely on these devices, they can help to reduce the risk of back-over incidents along with following other prevention tips from NHTSA.
Video and information from the Car Care Council
Need a reliable repair shop you can trust?
Probst Collision is the top auto body repair shop in New Lenox, IL. We provide collision repair, dent removal, mechanical repair, airbag replacement, and auto body painting in the local area to customers from New Lenox, Joliet, Mokena, Frankfort, Manhattan and other southwest Chicagoland cities. Contact us today.
Call Today: (815) 485-8411
What should you do when you are in an auto accident and the other driver leaves the scene of the accident, making it a hit and run situation?
For example, let’s say that you are stopped at a red light at an intersection and your car is rear-ended.
As you start to gather yourself from the initial shock, you see that the other driver has backed up and driven away without getting out of the car.
Now, what do you do?
A hit and run situation
A hit and run is anytime there has been a vehicle accident with another vehicle or person, and then leaves the scene of the accident without exiting their vehicle, offering help, or identifying themselves.
You should never leave the scene of the accident without identifying yourself to the other accident victim and contacting the police.
This is illegal in every state and city. Penalties for leaving the scene of an accident can be harsh.
Even if the accident is not your fault, leaving the scene of an accident can result in criminal charges, fines, jail time, and having your driver’s license suspended or revoked.
Related: Most common types of car accidents
Why does a hit and run driver leave the scene of the accident? Usually, the reason they leave is one of the following:
- They were driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
- They don’t have a valid driver’s license or were driving on a suspended license
- They are engaged in illegal activity, transporting illegal goods or drugs
- The vehicle is stolen
- The vehicle is being used without permission
- The driver is uninsured
- The driver has an outstanding warrant for their arrest
- The driver is in a work vehicle and don’t want their employee to know about the accident
What to do after a hit and run accident
First off, check on yourself and the health of your passengers. Call 911 immediately for emergency assistance if anyone is injured.
Request police assistance so that an accident investigation can begin and accident report is filed.
Related: What to do after a car accident
Do your best to determine the make, model and license plate number of the other vehicle involved in the accident. Write this down as soon as possible. If you have your wits about you, take a photo of the other vehicle if possible, even if it’s driving away and you can’t make out the license.
Do not attempt to follow the other vehicle. They are committing a crime by leaving the scene of the accident. Do not do the same.
Look to see if you can find any nearby witnesses.
After you have worked with the police and have an accident report, contact your insurance company.
Will my insurance cover an accident where the other driver has left the scene?
Your repairs will be paid for if you have collision coverage on your auto insurance policy. You may have to pay a deductible though.
Your repairs will also be covered if you have uninsured motorist coverage. In this case, you may also have to pay a deductible.
It is possible that the driver who hit you may never be caught. Many hit and run drivers are able to escape.
Related: Collision repair after an accident
Getting your car repaired from collision damage in New Lenox
A collision repair shop such as Probst Collision will work with your insurance company for you to make the collision repair process easier.
We understand that this can be a stressful process and being involved in a hit and run accident can be frightening.
Probst Collision wants to make your experience as smooth and efficient as possible.
Get collision repairs in New Lenox from the finest auto body shop in the region.
Call (815) 485-8411
Most of us end up driving a lot more during the summer.
Summer is the season of vacations and the season of road trips.
Before you go on a road trip, you definitely want to make sure that your car is ready for driving so you don’t get left stranded at the side of a row missing out on all your fun plans.
“With summer vacation upon us, a thorough vehicle inspection will give you peace of mind and make your journey safer,” says Rich White of the Car Care Council.
Below is a checklist of items to make sure your car is road trip ready.
Road Trip Car Maintenance Checklist
- Make sure you have fresh oil and a clean filter.
- Check your fluid levels: windshield washer, coolant, power steering, brake, transmission.
- Check your tire air pressure.
- Change your air filter.
- Have an extra set of car belts.
- Check your spark plugs.
- Check your lights, blinkers, and nighttime hi-beams.
- Make sure you have a spare tire, tire iron, and jack.
- Have a spare car key and keep it on your person.
- Make sure you have your car owner manual
- Start your trip with a clean car.
Besides making sure your car is ready, make sure you’re ready for the trip too.
Don’t stay up late packing the night before. Fatigue and lack of sleep can affect your driving.
Related: Summer Driving Tips
Don’t push yourself driving too far and for too long every day. If you’re feeling tired, pull over and have a rest or take a nap. Or take a hike to get your heart and blood moving again.
Having your favorite podcast, stand up comedy albums, audiobooks, or your favorite up-tempo diving music can help pass the time in the car.
If you’re a passenger, it will probably help your driver to engage them in some conversation at times, as long as it’s nothing too distracting.
As always, obey the speed limit and make sure that you are always driving sober.
It is also recommended that you check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to make sure your care does not have any active safety recalls such as the recent Tanaka airbag recall. Check here: http://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls
Please enjoy your trip and drive safe!
Need a reliable repair shop you can trust?
Probst Collision is the top auto body repair shop in New Lenox, IL. We provide collision repair, dent removal, mechanical repair, airbag replacement, and auto body painting in the local area to customers from New Lenox, Joliet, Mokena, Frankfort, Manhattan and other southwest Chicagoland cities. Contact us today.
Call Today: (815) 485-8411
In this post, we review what you should do to get your car ready for spring so it is running at it’s best and protect it from future damage.
When the ice and snow have finally melted (FINALLY!) then it is time to get your care ready for spring.
The weather is going to change, the long winter is over, and your car needs some special care to run at it’s best.
Spring cleaning is an important tradition for your home, but it’s also good for your car too. It’s part of an important process getting your car ready for spring and summer that can help keep your car running at it’s best later on.
Here is what we think you should know about getting your car ready for spring weather:
Getting your car ready for spring
Wash your car
You can start your spring cleaning by making sure your car gets a good wash to remove all that salt from the winter.
It’s always good for your car to stay clean but that winter salt and grime can really build up on the underside of your vehicle and contribute to rusting and damaging your car.
Here are the DMV’s recommendations to keep your car clean from salt.
Replace your wiper blades
We know that spring means plenty of rain. Are your car’s wiper blades ready to keep you safe?
When was the lasts time you changed your wiper blades? They should be changed every year, and sometimes even twice a year.
Make sure your wiper blades are ready to protect you during harsh rainy conditions in the spring and summer.
Check your brakes
Rough winter roads and weather can really take a toll on your car’s brakes. They have to deal with extreme cold, ice and salt all winter long. This can start to wear them out and make them less effective.
Take a close listen to see if your brakes are sounding a little noisier than they did last summer. If they’re starting to sound a little scratchy, it’s time to get them checked.
Related: Even in Spring There Can Be Dangerous Driving Conditions
Check your alignment
Checking your alignment is simple to do yourself. You can check alignment by carefully watching to see how your car veers to one side or the other. Center the alignment while your driving at a moderate speed, then watch to see if it veers out of the center and to one side. Hitting a pothole in the center can cause your alignment to become crooked.
Getting your alignment fixed can not only make your car safer but can keep your tires from wearing out sooner.
Check your tires
Make sure to check your tire pressure. The extreme temperatures of winter can deflate your tires and you may not realize that they are running low on air. Make sure they are inflated to the correct pressure so that you can drive safely and get the best possible gas mileage.
If you are someone who puts on snow tires for the winter, then it’s time to swap them out for your all-season tires. They will wear down more quickly if you drive them in the summer.
Check your tires for worn tread and make sure to replace your tires if it has become too worn.
Check your fluid levels
Making sure your car’s fluids are all topped off is an important part of getting your car ready for spring.
Make sure to check your engine coolant so it is at the right level and helps maintain your car’s engine temperature at the proper level.
Check your windshield wiper fluid, because it tends to get used up during the messy winter conditions.
And while everything is being checked, don’t forget to check your brake fluid and engine oil too. They need to be topped off so that your car isn’t damaged by being too low.
Related: Spring car maintenance checklist
Need a reliable repair shop you can trust?
Probst Collision is the top auto body repair shop in New Lenox, IL. We provide collision repair, dent removal, mechanical repair, airbag replacement, and auto body painting in the local area to customers from New Lenox, Joliet, Mokena, Frankfort, Manhattan and other southwest Chicagoland cities. Contact us today.
Call Today: (815) 485-8411
In this post, we discuss dangerous driving conditions in the spring and what you need to do to drive safely.
Driving can be dangerous in the winter sometimes, we all know that and hopefully we’re driving accordingly during harsh conditions, or even staying home during a blizzard or ice storm.
Once spring rolls around, we can start to roll down the windows in our car and breathing some fresh air again.
We can even stop worrying about the weather and driving conditions so much. Or can we?
The fact is, driving conditions in the spring can still be dangerous sometimes.
It might not be snowing but you will still have to drive carefully, otherwise, you might find yourself at the auto body repair shop getting auto dent removal service, or even worse, at the doctor.
Let’s review when you should be driving with extra caution in the spring:
Reasons Why Driving in Spring Can Be Dangerous
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- Wildlife activity
- Seasonal allergies
- Potholes and damage to roads
- Bikes and pedestrians
- Underinflated tires
- Motorcycles
- Hailstorms
- Speeding
- Heavy Rain
- Worn wiper blades
Wildlife activity
When winter is over, many animals start becoming much more active. For many animals, the mating season begins in March, and animals on the prowl for a partner can behave unpredictably. There will be more raccoons, skunks, opossums out that there has been in months, as well as the deer becoming more active. Drive cautiously, especially at dusk.
Related: Tips to Avoid Hitting a Deer with Your Car
Seasonal allergies
A lot of people will suffer from allergies at some point during the summer months, experiencing runny noses, itchy eyes, and scratchy throats. Because of this, they will take allergy medications, many of which can cause drowsiness as a side effect. Please make sure you take any medications according to the directions and if drowsiness is a side effect, don’t take it if you’re going to be driving.
Potholes and damage to roads
If you live in Chicagoland, you know that winter weather can cause a lot of damage to the roadways. Cold weather, ice, severe changes in temperature, melting and freezing cause cracks to turn into potholes, sometimes very quickly. Driving over a big pothole can sometimes cause serious damage to tires, steering, and suspension. Take care to avoid them when you can.
Bikes and pedestrians
Some people ride their bikes year round but many others put them away for the winter. When the weather gets nicer you will see a lot more bikes on the road again, as well as more pedestrians out and about. People on foot or bike can behave erratically sometimes and so you should be alert for them and give them plenty of space and right of way.
Underinflated tires
The extreme temperatures of winter can affect tire pressure, so every driver should check their tire pressure in the spring, or even before then. Underinflated tires can cause vehicle handling problems and speed up tire tread wear.
Motorcycles
Warmer weather brings vehicles back out onto the roads that may have been hiding all winter: motorcycles. Please watch for motorcycles when you are on the road, don’t follow them too closely and give them plenty of room when you pass them.
Hailstorms
Spring is the most common time of the year for hailstorms. Large hail has been known to crack windshields. A hailstorm can create some tense driving situation and really hurt your visibility. Drive carefully in this weather and pull over if you need to.
Speeding
When the warm weather comes, people just seem to drive faster. People can also drive less cautiously. Be careful not to drive too fast for conditions or to not have enough time to react to bikes and pedestrians. Rain can also create slippery roadways and a big puddle on the road can be quite dangerous when hit at high speed
Heavy Rain
Heavy rainfall is a part of spring in this region. This means wet pavement and sometimes large puddles of water. Pavement that has oil residue can be dangerous and cause your car to hydroplane. According to the Federal Highway Administration, almost half of all weather-related accidents occur while it’s raining. Rain can be more dangerous than we realize. Make sure your tires have good tread, drive with headlights on, and lower your speed.
Worn wiper blades
Winter ice and snow can damage your wiper blades over the course of a harsh winter. Wiper blades usually should be changed every year, and spring is a good time to do it. New blades can make a big difference when you find yourself driving through a spring downpour.
Please drive safe out there, no matter what season it is!
Need a reliable repair shop you can trust?
Probst Collision is the top auto body repair shop in New Lenox, IL. We provide collision repair, dent removal, mechanical repair, airbag replacement, and auto body painting in the local area to customers from New Lenox, Joliet, Mokena, Frankfort, Manhattan, and other southwest Chicagoland cities. Contact us today.
Call Today: (815) 485-8411
In this post, we answer a question that has become more common recently: Do I need to warm up my car in winter?
The answer may surprise you.
If you need auto body or engine repairs in New Lenox, CALL (815) 485-8411
For many people, warming up the car first before driving on a cold day is just common sense. It’s just what you do in winter.
It’s what your parents told you to do when you got your first car. It’s what you’ve always done.
However, it turns out that this “common sense” may not be so sensible after all.
Both the Car Care Council and the Environmental Protection Agency advise against warming up your car and say it is unnecessary.
“Unless you are trying to defrost the windshield or warm the interior of your car, idling is not required for today’s vehicles,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council.
From the EPA:
“When a car idles for more than 30 seconds, it has several negative effects, such as increasing air pollution unnecessarily, wasting fuel and money, and causing excessive wear or even damaging a car’s engine components, including cylinders, spark plugs and the exhaust system. Contrary to popular belief, idling isn’t an effective way to warm up most car engines.”
Warming up your car before driving may have been good advice at one time, but in today’s modern cars, it is no longer necessary.
Why warming up your car is no longer necessary
Almost all cars built before 1995 used a carburetor, which is the device in your vehicle that combines air and fuel.
Old cars with carburetors needed warming up on a cold day. If not, the carburetor might not be able to get the right mix of air and fuel in the engine, causing the engine to stall.
At the beginning of the 1980s, the auto industry started changing over to the electronic fuel injection method, and by the 1990s it was widely adopted, eliminating the need for a carburetor.
The change over to fuel injection made the problem of warming up the car before driving unnecessary because the fuel injection sensors monitor and adjust to temperature conditions.
This means warming up your car hasn’t actually been a necessity for your vehicle for over 30 years.
Still, this old practice still remains and is still even passed on as advice to people all the time, but it is no longer valid.
Conclusion
Low angle view to car tires.
If your car is not starting up on a cold day, it is likely because of a dad battery, frozen fuel line or a clogged injector.
Warming up your car in winter has no benefit to your car. Experts say that you should warm up the car no more than 30 seconds before you start driving in winter. “The engine will warm up faster being driven,” the EPA according to the EPA.
What does warming up your vehicle do? It wastes fuel, gives off greenhouse gas emissions and other pollution. It does nothing for your engine.
If your windshield needs defrosting, by all means, crank up the heat and defrost your windows before driving. But if you’re starting your car five minutes early because you think it’s good for your engine or car, you can stop.
Need a reliable repair shop you can trust?
Probst Collision is the top auto body repair shop in New Lenox, IL. We provide collision repair, dent removal, mechanical repair, airbag replacement, and auto body painting in the local area to customers from New Lenox, Joliet, Mokena, Frankfort, Manhattan, and other southwest Chicagoland cities. Contact us or get an online estimate.