The vast majority of vehicle owners understand the need to maintain the engine and other mechanical systems on their vehicles, but many overlook maintaining the bodies. According to Drive Safely, the makers of most vehicles recommend owners mechanically maintain their vehicles about every 5,000 miles. When it comes to the bodies, though, the maintenance intervals are shorter due to the effects of the various seasons and should be done two or three times per year. Let's take a closer look at why.

Four Seasons Affect Paint Differently

The four seasons have varying effects on auto paint and auto bodies that regular maintenance helps to counteract. An auto body shop can perform a variety of paint detailing and body inspection services that help to prevent rust and damage to your vehicle's exterior such as removing road tar, grime, and debris from cracks and crevices. A paint and body technician also can perform paintless dent removal for small dings, fix minor scratches, and touch up stone chips and other imperfections.

Hot Summer Sun Damages Paint

The sun's UV rays can be especially hard on auto paint during the summer when the sun is at its closest and daylight hours at their longest. Wind, dust, and other harmful substances can deteriorate paint and clear coat. An auto body shop technician can remove old wax, polish the paint, and apply new wax to make the exterior look new while protecting the paint against harmful UV rays.

Winter Triggers Fender-Benders

Winter is the hardest season on automobiles and especially for those whose owners are located in snowy climes. The potential for snow, slush, and ice buildup on roadways and longer nights adds up to lots of collisions. An auto body shop often sees increases in business due to wintertime accidents, even in locations where snow and ice are rare. Auto body repairs due to insured accidents require immediate attention. Other items often can wait until spring for auto body maintenance.

Spring and Fall Rains Penetrate Bodies

Spring and fall weather often come with lots of rainfall that leads to road grime and moisture penetration of vehicles. Fall also has the added disadvantage of falling leaves that can collect in small spaces and stay wet from road spray. A technician can remove road grime and other contaminants to protect the paint.

Our state-of-the-art auto body shop performs a variety of maintenance tasks that help to keep exteriors looking their best throughout the year. Give us a visit or call Vision Collision to learn more about our maintenance and repair services.