The Best Source For DIY Collision Repair In Red Deer?

As the leaves turn and the temperatures drop, it can only mean one thing- winter is coming. Winter driving conditions can be challenging for Alberta drivers, and there’s nothing more challenging than dealing with the “too small to take it to a body shop and file an insurance claim, too big just to ignore it” collision dings and dents that seem to happen on an annual basis.

Thankfully, Central Alberta Paint & Supplies and their bustling flagship Red Deer location are here to help Central Albertans with their minor winter collision repairs! With the unpredictable weather and icy roads we face here, it’s vital to be prepared for any situation. We’ve helped drivers with their collision repairs since the 1960s and have picked up a few tricks along the way- so benefit from our experience and stock up on these essential products this winter!

Common Replacement Parts Needed After a Collision

Certain car parts are more likely to need replacement than others regarding common collision damage that Central Albertans face. The most common replacement parts we sell here at CAPS include bumpers, fenders, body panels, side mirrors, and wheel rims.

• Bumpers are designed to absorb impacts kinetically, meaning they often take the brunt of any collision. Bumper damage can range from minor cracks, scrapes, and dents all the way to complete destruction or detachment of the bumper cover. Depending on how badly your bumper is affected, you might need some filler- or a whole new bumper.
• Fenders and body panels are often bent, scratched, or even cracked during collisions, affecting the look and safety of your vehicle. While minor damage to your fenders or body panels can be addressed with cosmetic fixes, serious impact can cause structural damage and require complete replacement to avoid compromised vehicle integrity.
• Side mirrors and light fixtures are crucial for visibility; they must be replaced promptly when damaged. Here in Alberta, driving without headlights or taillights is illegal, and you’ll get pulled over if you lack side mirrors. Thankfully, these are easy fixes that rarely cause structural damage, but you’ll need to get them done before you hit the road again.
• Wheel rims can become bent from hitting potholes or curbs as you skid out, wreaking havoc on your alignment and braking if not addressed. If your rim has been damaged enough to merit replacement, you’ll know it- look for sharp edges, buckling, and divots. It’s worth calling in an expert on this one (aka, taking your car to a tire shop once it’s road-stable) to ensure your steering alignment and brakes haven’t been compromised.

What to Look for When Buying Replacement Parts

When you’re in the market for replacement parts, choosing ones compatible with your specific vehicle’s make and model is important. Your vehicle’s year can sometimes factor into the parts you’ll need, but many large automotive manufacturers use similar (if not identical) exterior parts across many years of their popular models.

Start by checking your vehicle owner’s manual or contracting your local dealership for recommendations, and look for OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) or high-quality aftermarket options to ensure compatibility and reliability. Always confirm that the part you’re considering fits your vehicle’s specifications. Additionally, you can enter all of your car’s information into our parts finder database- or you can always ask for expert assistance from our Red Deer team members, who are happy to help you find the right parts and provide advice for installation!

Essential Tools and Supplies to Keep On Hand for DIY Collision Repairs

If you plan to tackle any DIY collision repairs this winter, having the right tools and supplies on hand is key. Besides replacement parts, consider stocking up on these essential products to make sure you’re always repair-ready! We’ve got everything you need right here in store:

• Body filler helps smooth out minor to moderate cracks and scratches and can be used to address most of the superficial damage you’ll sustain during a collision. If you’ve had a complete fracture or are missing pieces of a section of your vehicle, though, you might be looking at part replacement rather than cosmetic repair… body filler only goes so far.
• Dent pullers may not be ‘essential’ everywhere in Canada- but in the Prairies (where little ‘love taps’ and parking lot scrapes are a common occurrence), they’re a helpful tool that can restore the look of your car without a full bumper or panel replacement. A dent that won’t respond to pulling may be structural, though, so proceed with caution here.
• Having a sander on hand will make any cosmetic repair job easier, help products bond, and ensure a clean, smooth finish that’s resistant to future rust or corrosion at the site of impact. Any repairs that need product application (filler, glue, primer, paint, etc.) should go hand-in-hand with a degreaser for the best adhesion and sanding for sealed edges.
• Touch-up paint is perfect for fixing slight imperfections and protecting any metal exposed by the collision from rust. If you want a perfect match, check your car’s paint code (found inside the door frame typically) and ask the team at CAPS to help you match the finish and material to your vehicle’s make and model. This will help ensure a flawless fix!

Other than those body repair-specific products, any proficient DIYer can attest that basic tools like wrenches, screwdrivers, and pliers will make your repairs much more straightforward. At CAPS, we offer a wide range of supplies to support your repairs, so you’re never left in a bind.

Had a Collision in Red Deer? Never Fear; CAPS is Here!

Whether you’re local or coming in from out of town, CAPS Red Deer is your #1 source for the best selection and pricing on replacement car parts in the Prairies. With winter right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to ensure your vehicle is ready for whatever the road throws at you. Check out our website, chat with one of our team members, or visit one of our locations today to find everything you need for winter collision repairs and keep your car in peak performance all season long.