Reynold's Collision Center Blog

The treacherous winter season is upon us here in Orange. Driving can be completely unpredictable during this time. It is best to be prepared for anything, so we here at Reynolds Collision Center wanted to give everyone a few tips on creating a winter survival kit.

Your survival kit needs basic items that can help get your car back on the road after an emergency situation. This includes a shovel, ice scraper, toolkit and tire traction mats. You should also always keep a flashlight and reflective road triangles in the car for extra visibility.

The right car seat can help keep your kid safe and secure in the event of an accident. Here are some things to consider when selecting a car seat for your child.

Size and Weight Requirements

Car seats come in different sizes, and that's why it's important to check the weight and height requirements before making your purchase. Some car seats accommodate children with a maximum weight of 40 pounds, while others can safely hold children up to 80 pounds or more. Make sure you read the instructions carefully, so you buy a car seat that fits your…

Choose the right seat for your child's age and size. There are different types of safety seats for infants, toddlers, and older children, so be sure to select one that is appropriate for your child's age and weight. Read the instructions. Each child safety seat comes with detailed instructions for installation, so be sure to read and follow them carefully.

Choose the right location for the seat. The safest place for a child safety seat is in the back seat, away from active airbags.

Secure the seat to the car. 

The first thing you should do is make sure the cars are not touching. If they are, then there's a chance that their batteries may drain and leave you stranded.

The next step is to make sure the cars aren't in gear or in reverse. This can be tricky if your car has a stick shift but generally speaking it shouldn't be too hard to figure out what gear your car is in.

The next step is connecting another red jumper cable between your car’s negative terminal and an unpainted metal on your flat battery-powered car…

If you must drive in the rain, reduce your speed and use extreme caution. Allow plenty of space between you and other cars on the road. Ensure your tires are inflated correctly and have enough treads for traction on wet surfaces.

Wear a seat belt, even if you are driving slowly. It will help protect you when a front-end collision occurs. Leave your headlights on, but use them sluggishly. When driving in wet conditions at night, the lights that illuminate the road may reflect off raindrops and create glare for other drivers.

If you have a passenger in the car…

Sliding on icy roads is a frightening experience that most drivers will have to deal with at some point. It is crucial that you remain calm if you find yourself starting to slide. Try to keep the following tips from Reynolds Collision Center in mind to regain control and continue on your way safely.

Many people instinctively want to hit the brakes when they feel their car starting to slide. Try to avoid doing this, however, because it can make the slide worse. Instead, release the accelerator and attempt to straighten out your steering. Make small motions so that you…

When it comes to a roadside emergency, you can have a few things on hand to make the situation more manageable. Here at Reynolds Collision Center, we also recommend some additional precautions.

Whether changing a flat tire or waiting for a tow truck, it is vital that you have some type of hazard signal on. If you can, pull off the road, and turn on your hazard lights. In many situations, the flashing lights will be enough to warn oncoming drivers. The lights also help the tow truck driver spot you.

Although a few small chips in your vehicle's windshield may seem like a minor issue, Reynolds Collision Center would like to remind Orange, VA motorists that ignoring those chips is quite hazardous. From decreasing visibility to eventually becoming larger cracks, windshield chips are far more problematic than many drivers realize.

We recommend only letting a qualified technician examine and repair the chips on your vehicle's windshield. The technician will first observe the size and nature of the windshield chip, in addition to any debris that might be around the affected area. 

For every person that enjoys driving in the rain, you’ll probably find one that finds it stressful and doesn’t like it at all. One of the scariest things that can result from driving on wet roads is hydroplaning. Hydroplaning is when the vehicle lifts up because the tires are gliding on the film of the water rather than on the road. Hydroplaning can be very dangerous and can even cause an accident. Here are some ways you can avoid hydroplaning.

• Make sure your tires are properly inflated and in good condition. Bad tires are the main factor contributing…

Tires can become misaligned from regular use or if you accidentally hit a pot hole or a curb. You may have heard that aligning your tires is important, but do you know why? There are a few potential problems that could arise when your tires aren't lined up properly.

Your tires could begin to wear down unevenly. This can lead to decreased fuel efficiency, and it can also cause a vibration in your steering wheel. In addition, tires that are worn down unevenly may make more road noise when traveling around Orange. Your safety is a concern, too.