You’re driving away after an auto body repair. Maybe your vehicle just received service to fix a long-term issue or maybe you needed a car damage repair. Whatever the problem was, it’s over now. Everything’s great and you don’t have to worry about your vehicle anymore.
It’s a great feeling … but it doesn’t last. Nothing lasts forever and as vehicles get older, they’re likely to need more auto body repair. Vehicles are just like us: The older they are, the more maintenance and help they need. Although, just like us, with proper care and attention, they need fewer visits to the doctor’s office i.e. your preferred auto body shop.
Preparing your vehicle for the next collision repair
There’s a bit of a catch here: giving your vehicle proper maintenance and care can mean you avoid collision repair, but you still may have to go to the collision repair shop to get that maintenance and service. But, as they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Preparing your vehicle for long-term use will probably save you money in the long run, even if that means going to the collision repair shop more often.
How to take care of your vehicle after a collision repair
Long-term maintenance begins as soon as you get home after a car damage repair. There are things you can do directly after an auto body repair, as well as everyday maintenance, that can safeguard your vehicle against future problems.
Here are some steps you can take to maintain your vehicle after different collision repairs:
Windshield repair
After a windshield repair or replacement, you shouldn’t wash your vehicle for at least 24 hours to allow the adhesive to cure properly. This includes avoiding using windshield washer fluid. Also, don’t drive in the rain or on rough roads if you can avoid it.
It’s also wise to avoid slamming doors. The sudden air pressure changes can stress the newly repaired glass. In cases of a full windshield replacement, leave any retention tape in place for at least 24 hours. Check for signs of cracks or defects regularly and address them immediately.
Vehicle paint jobs
New vehicle paint requires special care to maintain its finish. Don’t wax or polish your vehicle for at least 30 days to allow the paint to cure properly. If you want to wash your vehicle during this month-long period, wash it by hand using mild soap and a soft sponge to prevent scratches.
Avoid harsh chemicals, automatic car washes, and, if possible, don’t drive in heavy rain, snow or hail. Also, keep in mind that excessive heat or freezing temperatures can hinder the curing process. That’s why it’s best to park in the shade or a garage to protect the paint from UV exposure. After the curing period, consider applying high-quality wax to preserve the paint and maintain a glossy finish.
Dent repair
Collision repair often involves dent repair, and dent repair often involves a paint touch-up. Therefore, much of the above advice applies here, too. Regularly inspect the repaired area for any signs of paint peeling, bubbling, or color mismatch. If you have a paintless dent repair (PDR), you can maintain your vehicle’s finish by keeping it clean and protected with a wax coating.
Wheel alignment
After a wheel alignment, drive carefully to maintain the corrected settings. This is good advice at all times, but you may want to drive especially slowly for a week or two. If your wheels were realigned as part of a collision repair, this may not apply, but many suspensions become gradually misaligned over time. This means drivers sometimes get used to driving a misaligned vehicle, so after the auto body repair, they have to get used to driving a properly aligned vehicle.
Avoid hitting curbs, potholes, or rough roads that could knock the alignment out of place. Check your tire pressure regularly to prevent unnecessary strain on your suspension. While driving, listen for unusual vibrations and be mindful of how your steering behaves to ensure it’s not pulling to one side. Rotate your tires as recommended by the manufacturer to maintain even tread wear. This isn’t just good tire maintenance; it’s good suspension maintenance. If you notice any steering issues or increasingly bumpy rides, visit an auto body repair shop.
Brake repair
New brakes typically need a bedding-in period to maximize performance and longevity. For the first 300 kilometers (km) or so, avoid sudden or aggressive braking if you can. This will allow the brake pads and rotors to establish even contact.
To facilitate this, drive at slower speeds than you’re used to. For example, you can make a point of staying five km/h below the speed limit. This enables you to brake gradually, allowing the components to seat properly. Listen to any unusual noises, such as squeaking or grinding, which could indicate improper installation or early wear. Check your brake fluid level periodically and ensure there are no leaks. If you experience spongy braking, vibrations, or a soft pedal, visit a collision repair shop for brake inspection as soon as you can.
New tires
After getting new tires, check the tire pressure regularly, as it may fluctuate in the first few weeks. Avoid hard acceleration, sudden braking, and sharp turns, as new tires need a break-in period of about 800 km to reach optimal traction.
Routine tire rotation is also helpful here. Check your tread depth now and then and look for any signs of uneven wear. Uneven wear could be indicating an alignment issue, and, at the least, it shows a tire rotation is necessary. Make sure you inflate your tires to the proper level. This improves fuel efficiency and longevity. Regular visual inspection for punctures, sidewall damage, or bulges also helps.
Hopefully, you’ll find these maintenance tips handy, and they’ll help you avoid having to visit the collision repair shop for anything more than routine maintenance.
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Discover some helpful tips for taking care of your vehicle after a collision repair and learn about some long-term automotive maintenance best practices.
