Warm weather is here, and as auto enthusiasts across Central Alberta enjoy the benefits of sunny days and hit the road, it’s important to stay on top of repair and maintenance for your vehicle’s body panels all year round.
Increasingly fluctuating temperatures (extreme heat and cold), road salt, and other variables can take a toll on structural components like panels, leaving your car vulnerable to progressive damage caused by rust and corrosion. At CAPS (Central Alberta Paint & Supplies), we know just how important it is to take a preventative approach to car maintenance and autobody part replacement and just how much you can save down the line by being proactive.
Below, we’ll take a quick look at how you can best car for your car panels regardless of the season. Read on to learn more!
Regular Cleaning and Inspection
Regularly cleaning your vehicle’s exterior is crucial for caring for your body panels, paint job, and more. Over time, dirt and grime will accumulate on the surface of your panels, slowly eroding the protective coating offered by the paint job. Washing your vehicle frequently helps to remove build-up, lowering your chance of progressive damage, especially during the winter months when salt and other chemicals are routinely applied to the roads to handle ice.
When washing, use a high-quality car shampoo and soft sponges to avoid scratching the paint. Once you’re done, carefully inspect all body panels for telltale signs of damage, such as rust, scratches, dents, etc. Early detection of these issues can prevent more significant problems down the road.
Protecting Against Rust and Corrosion
Rust is a common problem in Alberta due to road salt and high moisture levels during the winter months. Corrosion is one of the biggest dangers to your car frame’s structural integrity and can lead to extremely expensive repairs if left untreated for long periods of time. To prevent this, apply a high-quality wax sealant every 3-4 months to enhance your car’s protective barrier and to make cleaning even easier. Promptly address any chips or scratches with touch-up paint to prevent rust from forming, and for those who spend a lot of time on the road, you may want to consider investing in dedicated rust-prevention treatments for your undercarriage, etc.
Addressing Seasonal Concerns
Alberta’s changing seasons require different care strategies for your vehicle’s body panels; adapting your care accordingly is one of the best ways to stay on track with preventative maintenance. Consider the following for each season:
Winter: The primary concerns during winter are road salt and moisture. Routinely wash your vehicle, paying special attention to the undercarriage, and ensure the wax you use is suitable for harsher conditions.
Spring: Spring gives you the opportunity to deep clean and examine any damage that may have occurred during the winter, when it’s much harder to spot. Give your car a good wash and apply a fresh coat of wax to get ready for the warmer months.
Summer: Hotter weather and longer days of sun can fade paint over time. To avoid accelerated wear and tear, park in the shade whenever possible and use a UV protectant spray to safeguard the paint. Regular washing to remove bug splatter and tree sap is also important.
Fall: Get your car winter-ready with another deep clean and wax. Consider applying a paint sealant for added protection against the upcoming harsh weather.
Professional Maintenance and Repairs
While there’s a lot you can do to care for your vehicle directly to maximize the lifespan of your body panels, it’s crucial to invest in professional maintenance and repair where necessary. Consider getting an annual professional detailing, and be prompt when it comes to any significant body repair, as this will help prevent issues from spreading.
CAPS can recommend trusted local body shops that provide high-quality repairs to keep your vehicle looking its best.
Using Quality Products
Finally, your car is a sizeable investment; using high-quality products to treat and protect your panels makes a difference where performance and durability is concerned.
The effectiveness of your vehicle maintenance largely depends on the quality of the products you use. Whether you need clear coating, fibreglass resin for repairs, touch-up paint, or anything else, Central Alberta Paint & Supplies has everything you need to succeed. View our inventory here, and visit us in-store in Edmonton or Red Deer to learn more!