Body Shops Resource Guide

Ways to Protect and Repair Auto Body and Paint

Appearances matter, and that’s why you want to keep your car’s paint and bodywork in top condition. Good auto body shops, like those listed on the DexKnows body shops listings site, offer services such as paintless dent repair and car painting. Here are some tips to consider.

Washing matters

After painting a car, the best way to keep the work looking sharp is by regular washing. Most people like to use a carwash, but some believe that hand washing gives better results. If that’s you, note that Consumer Reports advises against using regular dish soap. A dedicated carwash product will be kinder to your paint and do a better job of removing road grime.

Undercoating

New cars undergo rustproofing as part of the painting process, but rust can still find a way in, eating away at the sheet metal and your car’s value. Hosing out the underside is a good start, but you may want to consider aftermarket car rustproofing to keep your vehicle looking sharp for years to come. For used cars you may need to visit a body or repair shop for rust removing.

Dealing with chips and scratches

Modern auto paint is a complex, multi-layer product. While it is possible to repair small chips and scratches, this takes time and skill, so you’re better off going to a professional body shop. They’ll advise on the size of the task, which could be less expensive than you think.

Bigger damage

Sadly, small dents are a fact of life. Someone carelessly opening a door or pushing a shopping cart against your vehicle can send you looking for a car dent repair specialist, while a nasty hailstorm can ding every panel. Fortunately, provided the paint isn’t cracked, such damage can often be fixed with a process known as paintless dent repair, or PDR for short. In PDR, to quote website MSN, “Skilled technicians remove dents without repainting.” This saves customers and their insurers time and money, so it might be a repair technique to consider.

Damage prevention

Not every scratch or dent is avoidable, but it is possible to reduce how often they occur. Specialist body shops will fit a paint protection film over especially vulnerable areas. Details are available on the 3M Scotchgard website.

Whether you want to prevent paint damage or improve the appearance of your car, a good body shop will know how to protect and repair your auto paint and bodywork.