The products that you use to wash and wax your car will have a significant impact on how long the paint on your car looks nice. If you use products containing certain ingredients, the clear-coat can fail and leave your car looking terrible. So, what ingredients should you find by reading the labels on each product? What should you be looking for to protect the finish of your car and what should you avoid using at all times? These and many other questions about the care of your car's paint can be found right here on my auto body blog.
Viivi Kumpula
Maintaining your vehicle can be a time consuming and costly expense. While you most likely already understand the importance of these tasks, you should also place importance on maintaining the exterior of your vehicle's body. Unfortunately, most people feel repairing body damage is too expensive. Considering damage to your vehicle's body can lower its appeal and value, repairing dings, dents, and scratches is a wise investment. Use this guide to help you understand the importance of completing common repairs on your vehicle's body.
Dented Bumper
Your vehicle has bumpers for a reason. These parts act as protective layers between other objects and your vehicle's paint, body, and mechanical components. If you are involved in a minor or major accident, your bumpers are hopefully the first parts of your vehicle that become dented.
Of course, many owners forego repairing a dented bumper, since it may not be noticeable. In addition, the repair can be a bit overwhelming to some owners.
Repairing the dented bumper will require disconnecting and removing lights, air-bag systems, cameras, and trim work. Once the bumper is removed, minor dents can be pulled out. Replacing with a new bumper may be necessary if you have severe dents. Although labor intensive, repairing or replacing a dented bumper is a smart investment for your vehicle's appeal and future protection.
Cracked Windshield
A cracked windshield is one of the most common issues a vehicle owner will face. Cracks may stem from a variety of things, including road debris, hail, or even a branch that falls while your vehicle is parked.
While this issue is common, a cracked windshield can also be dangerous. Driving with a cracked windshield decreases your visibility, which will increase your risk of an accident.
You may be part of the large group of owners who do not want to pay or submit insurance claims for small chips in the windshield. Although these may seem like minor issues, small chips and dings in your glass windshield can quickly spread into larger, more unappealing, and very dangerous cracks.
Thankfully, you can repair small chips in your windshield, preventing the glass from cracking further. Visit your local auto-parts store and purchase a windshield-repair kit. This kit will come with a glass-filler gel and an applicator tool. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe away any dirt, dust, moisture, and excess glass particles from your windshield. Then, apply a small amount of the glass filler to the chipped area of your windshield. Be sure to spread the gel on evenly. Allow it to dry overnight before applying a second coat.
Damaged Underbody
If you drive on an interstate or highway, you are most likely traveling at speeds of 60 miles per hour or higher. When traveling at this speed and around other vehicles, you will be unable to maneuver your vehicle around large road debris. Running over a dead animal, a blown tire, or a bulky piece of lumbar can do enormous damage to your vehicle's underbody.
The cost to repair will depend not only on the damage location and severity but also the speed at which you were traveling. Unfortunately, damage to the underbody may be cosmetic only, but it could also include suspension issues or complete failure of your shock system.
Repairing a damaged underbody, a suspension system, or shock absorbers will require a good amount of time and can be expensive. If your auto policy contains collision coverage, contact your insurance provider for help filing a claim.
Owning a vehicle can be stressful, but it is an important investment for most people. With this guide, you will understand the importance of completing common repairs to your vehicle's body. Talk to a local repair shop for more information.