Winter Car Checks: How to Keep Your Bodywork and Paint Protected

Winter is one of the toughest times of year for your car. Between freezing temperatures, grit on the roads, and constant weather changes, your vehicle's bodywork takes a big hit. But with a few simple winter car checks, you can protect your car from the unpredictable British weather to avoid damaged paintwork, avoid rust, and keep your car looking spotless throughout winter.

Why Winter Car Checks Matter

A tiny scratch or stone chip might not seem like a big deal, but in winter this can quickly get worse. With salt and grit being spread on roads this can cling to your car and act like sandpaper. Combine this with moisture from rain and frost this is the perfect recipe for rust to develop.

Catching problems early by giving your car a little extra care before the winter months is far cheaper in the long run compared to a bigger repair needed later down the road.

Bodywork Winter Car Checks

A good way to start is by giving your car a quick inspection, look along each panel for scratches, chips, or dents where the paint might be damaged. We recommend paying extra attention to the wheel arches and lower doors since they get hit the hardest when it comes to grit and water being sprayed up from the road.

It can be easy to forget the underbody of your car when carrying out these checks but if you notice any bubbling paint or rust patches, it's best to have them treated quickly before they spread further.

Paint Protection in Winter

Once you’ve checked the bodywork of your car, it's now time to think about protection. Regulating washing your car in winter might feel like a chore, but it’s actually one of the best ways to remove salt before it can do long-lasting damage to your vehicle.

Adding a layer of wax or ceramic coating to your car works as a protective barrier against the elements. If you use a car wash, it is best to avoid the harsh rotating brushes as they can cause scratches. We suggest going for touchless washes or hand washing if possible, as these are less likely to cause damage to the paintwork.

Other Useful Winter Car Checks

While this blog post focuses on bodywork and paint, a few extra checks will also keep you safe on the road: 

• Tyres - make sure they have enough tread and are properly inflated for icy roads
• Windscreen & Wipers - Check for any cracks or chips and make sure to replace any worn wiper blades.
• Lights - Cleaning bulbs regularly and checking they are working properly is essential due to the shorter days this means you rely more on them.

When to Call in the Experts

When carrying out your checks, if you spot rust or more serious damage, then it’s time to get professional help. A trusted body shop like Dinks Auto Body Repair can stop damage spreading, repaint affected areas, and make your car look as good as new. It’s always easier to fix small problems before they turn into major repairs.

Final Thoughts

Winter car checks don’t have to take long, but they can save you a lot of money and stress in the long run. Therefore, keep an eye on your bodywork, wash away salt regularly, and protect your paint with good wax. If you do notice damage, don’t wait til it’s too late to get it sorted before winter makes it worse. 

At Dinks Auto Body Repair, we’re here to help keep your car looking its best, whatever the season. Contact us today by calling us on 01733 687101 or filling out our online contact form.