As winter settles in, Abra Auto Body Omaha in Nebraska, employee-owned by Jim Ryan, James Henderson, Kristi Fischer and James Zetterberg, is gearing up for the season's unique challenges. Since opening in March 1987, Abra Auto Body Omaha has been committed to providing the highest level of service to customers in Omaha and the surrounding areas.
With Nebraska's unpredictable winter weather, the shop has a range of strategies in place to ensure both its customers and its team are prepared for all conditions.
Winter Season Preparation
To ensure a smooth winter season, Abra Auto Body Omaha takes several proactive measures. The team is trained to handle a wide variety of winter accidents, from minor fender benders to major collisions. The shop prioritizes customers with the most urgent needs -- those with non-drivable vehicles or significant damage. Scheduling is handled thoughtfully to ensure the most impactful cases are addressed first.
"We take winter very seriously, especially with the unpredictable weather in Nebraska,” said Ryan. “We know that during harsh winters road conditions can change rapidly, so we train our staff to handle all types of winter-related accidents."
Impact of Winter on Business
Nebraska’s winter season can vary greatly from year to year. While harsh snowstorms can reduce traffic and keep people off the roads, ice storms are a more significant concern.
"Ice is the most dangerous element for us, particularly during rush hour," said Ryan. "It’s difficult to predict exactly how the weather will impact our business, but we always see a spike in winter accidents when ice is involved."
Common Winter Repairs
Winter weather can lead to a variety of accidents, but the most common types of repairs at Abra Auto Body Omaha include front-end collisions caused by vehicles sliding on ice and damage caused by snow equipment, such as scraped or bumped bumpers. With the risk of icy conditions, vehicles are more prone to accidents that result in suspension damage requiring specialized repairs and realignment.
Technological Advancements
As vehicle technology continues to evolve, Abra Auto Body Omaha has invested in specialized equipment to keep up with the changes. Electric vehicles (EVs) and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) are now a standard part of their repair process.
"We’ve invested heavily in training our team to repair electric vehicles and recalibrate sensors and cameras after an accident," said Ryan. "These vehicles are equipped with some of the highest-tech systems on the road today, and we want to ensure our team has the skills and tools to repair them properly."
Specialized Tools for Winter Damage
For winter specific damage, Abra Auto Body Omaha has invested in specialized tools to diagnose suspension damage, particularly from vehicles hitting curbs or sliding off icy roads. The tech team is also trained to check and diagnose alignment and steering wheel issues, ensuring each vehicle is restored to its pre-accident condition.
Safety Tips for Customers
Winter driving can be hazardous, so Abra Auto Body Omaha offers these important reminders for local drivers:
· Drive Cautiously: Winter conditions, especially ice and snow, create slippery roads. Always take extra care when driving in these conditions.
· Refreezing: Watch for areas where water may refreeze overnight, such as bridges and overpasses.
· Take Your Time: Allow yourself more time to reach your destination -- rushing can lead to accidents.
· Stay Aware: Winter driving conditions often mean reduced visibility, so always stay alert, especially in low-light or dark conditions.
"We always encourage customers to slow down and adjust their driving for the weather conditions," said Ryan. "Driving with caution is the best way to avoid accidents and ensure everyone gets home safely."
Under the leadership of its employee-owners, Abra Body Omaha has earned a reputation for providing high-quality auto body repair services. With a commitment to customer satisfaction and ongoing staff training, Abra Auto Body Omaha is ready to help drivers navigate the challenges of winter driving.
