Coastal Collision Care: 7 Summer Driving Tips for Oceano, Grover Beach & Arroyo Grande

crcautobody805
Jun 5
2 min read

The sun is out, Highway 1 is calling, and weekend trips to Pismo Beach or Avila Pier are back on the calendar. Before you pack the cooler, make sure your vehicle—and your collision plan—are ready for the season. CRC Auto Body serves drivers across Oceano, Grover Beach, Arroyo Grande, Nipomo, and Shell Beach. Below are seven quick tips to keep you safe and dent-free, plus guidance if the unexpected happens.

1. Inspect Your Tire Tread & Pressure

Under-inflated or worn tires are a leading cause of blowouts on the steep grades of the 101. Check tread depth with the penny test and set PSI to your owner’s-manual spec—heat expands air, so re-check at the next fuel stop.

2. Top Off Fluids Before the Heat Wave

Engine coolant, transmission fluid, and windshield-washer solution all work harder in 90 °F weather. A quick top-off now can help you avoid an overheated radiator on Tefft Street or a bug-splattered windshield heading into Pismo Preserve.

3. Pack a Road-Trip Safety Kit

Include flares, a portable phone charger, and a printed list of emergency numbers (yes, your smartphone battery dies). Save (805) 540-4823—CRC Auto Body’s direct line—so you’re never scrambling after a fender-bender.

4. Mind the Sand & Salt

Parking on the beach at Oceano Dunes is fun, but salt spray accelerates rust. Rinse your undercarriage afterward and book a professional detail if the car sat in salty sand for more than a day.

5. Use Sunshades to Protect Interior Trim

UV damage cracks dashboards and fades door panels. A $20 reflective shade preserves resale value and reduces cabin temps, protecting sensors and airbags from extreme heat cycles.

6. Keep a Safe Following Distance on Highway 1

Locals know the tourist traffic between Shell Beach and Avila can stop without warning. Maintain at least three seconds of space; rear-end collisions are the #1 summer accident we repair.

7. Know Your Collision Game Plan

If an accident does occur:

Move to safety and call 911 if needed.
Exchange info & photograph damage (wide shot + close-ups).
Call CRC Auto Body at (805) 540-4823 for a free tow within 15 miles and a quick estimate.
Arrange free shuttle service—we’ll get you back to Grover Beach, Arroyo Grande, or anywhere along the Five Cities while we restore your vehicle.

Why Choose CRC Auto Body?

I-CAR Gold Class Technicians—fewer than 20% of shops nationwide earn this certification.
Color-Match Guarantee using PPG premium paint, proven to outlast cheaper blends in coastal climates.
Local, Family-Owned—serving the Central Coast for over a decade. When you support CRC, you keep dollars in the community.

Final Thoughts

Summer drives on California’s Central Coast should create memories—not repair bills. Follow the tips above, and if you do need collision repair in Oceano or the surrounding beach towns, reach out to CRC Auto Body. We’ll handle the paperwork, restore your vehicle to pre-accident condition, and even drop you back at the pier so vacation can continue.